Big Island Kona: Polynesian Cultural ATV & UTV Jungle Tour

Summary

ATV adventure through Polynesian traditions just outside Kona

You’ll jump straight into Big Island jungle near Kona on this Polynesian cultural ATV tour—riding muddy trails, stopping at island-style huts for hands-on activities with local guides, and sharing laughs over wood carving or coconut games. Expect real stories and plenty of dust in your shoes by the end.

What’s the experience like?

I barely had time to wipe the red dust off my shoes before our guide, Manu, handed me a helmet and grinned like he already knew I’d stall the ATV. (He was right.) The Big Island air smelled sharp with greenery—kind of sweet, kind of earthy—and you could hear birds going nuts somewhere in the trees. We were just ten minutes from Kailua-Kona but it felt like we’d landed on a different planet, or at least a much wilder part of Hawaii. Everyone in our group looked a little nervous about the ATVs at first, except this one kid who immediately started revving his engine like he was born for it.

We bumped along muddy trails that wound through thick jungle—my hands got sweaty inside the gloves, and every so often Manu would stop us by a cluster of huts. Each one was set up to “visit” another island: Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Hawaii. At the Tonga hut, Li (one of the guides) showed us how to carve wood tikis. I tried saying something in Tongan and totally butchered it; Li laughed so hard she almost dropped her chisel. There was this moment when I caught the smell of coconut drifting from somewhere—I still think about that. It’s funny what sticks with you.

The whole tour felt more like hanging out than being led around. We learned little bits about each island’s traditions—some games, some stories—nothing forced or lecture-y. Kids rode up front in the UTV with Manu if they weren’t old enough for their own ATV (which honestly looked just as fun). There were a couple times I thought I’d tip over on a root but nope—just more mud on my jeans. By the last stop I didn’t even care how dirty I was; everyone was grinning and swapping stories about who got stuck or who made the best attempt at Fijian dancing.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Polynesian Cultural ATV Adventure

• Arrive 30 minutes early
• Receive safety instructions
• Ride single-rider ATV or UTV
• Visit Samoa hut and do activities
• Visit Tonga hut and do activities
• Visit Fiji hut and do activities
• Visit Hawaii hut and do activities
• Enjoy Polynesian wood carving demonstration

Top questions

How old do you have to be to drive an ATV on this tour?

You must be at least 16 years old to drive a single-rider ATV.

Can kids join this Polynesian Cultural ATV tour?

Yes, children ages 3-15 can ride in the UTV with the guide driving; parent or guardian must be present.

Where does this Big Island ATV tour start?

The tour is located about 10 minutes from Kailua-Kona on Hawaii’s Big Island.

What should I wear for the Kona ATV tour?

Closed-toed shoes are required; long pants are recommended for comfort and safety.

Is lunch included on this Polynesian cultural tour?

No lunch is included; only safety goggles, helmet, and your choice of ATV or UTV are provided.

Are there any health restrictions for joining?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What happens if I arrive late for my ATV tour?

If you miss safety instructions by arriving late, you won’t be allowed to drive an ATV but can ride as a passenger in the UTV.

What’s included

Your day includes use of an ATV or riding as a passenger in a UTV driven by your guide (depending on age), plus all safety gear like helmets and goggles—the rest is up to you (and how much mud you’re willing to wear home).