Big Island ATV Tour: Southpoint Lava Flows & Green Sea Turtles

Ride across the Big Island's untouched southernmost lava fields to hidden bays and sea turtle cliffs

You ride a top-of-the-line CF MOTO quad through lava tubes, Kiawe forest, and coastal cliffs over three hours, with lunch at Paakea Bay and a hike to see green sea turtles at Pulehua Island. Helmets, gloves, goggles, and dust masks are provided. The route covers roughly two and a half hours in direct sun, so sun protection matters.

Step-by-step itinerary

ATV tour of Southside Big Island

• Ride rugged trail to lava tube
• Learn history at lava tube
• Drive 4WD lava flow to lookout
• Enjoy photo ops and history
• Drive through ancient Kiawe forest
• Travel lava flow to Paakea Bay
• Lunch/snack under shade tree
• Visit Ka'alualu Bay green sand
• Drive cliffside to Pulehua Island
• Hike to see turtles and fish
• Return ride and clean up

The experience

The tour starts early on the southern edge of the Big Island, where the landscape shifts from anything you've seen on the main roads. You'll be on a CF MOTO Cforce quad (automatic shifting, power steering, the kind of machine that handles the terrain without fighting you), and the first stop is a Hawaiian lava tube about 15 minutes into the ride. The trail gets bumpy and dusty. You're out in direct sun for roughly two and a half hours of the three-hour tour, so long sleeves or pants matter if you burn easily. The guide walks you through the history of the lava tube and the area around it, then you head back on the quads to a scenic overlook where the view opens up and the photo ops are real.

After that lookout, the route drops into an ancient Kiawe forest on a dirt trail, then across a massive lava flow toward Paakea Bay. You'll stop there for 20 to 30 minutes in the shade to eat lunch and snacks. This is where you actually sit still and let the dust settle. Then it's a quick 10-minute stop at Ka'alualu Bay to see the green sand, another photo moment, before the ride heads up onto the ocean cliffs. This is the part people talk about: a cliff drive along the water that ends at Pulehua Island, where you hike out onto a peninsula to see green sea turtles and tropical fish in the water below. If you're lucky, you might spot Mr. Blue, a resident parrot fish that shows up regularly. Spend about 15 minutes there, then it's the ride back up the trail and a hose-down at the end.

The Big Island ATV tour works because it takes you to places that don't show up on the main tourist loop: the Southpoint area where Hawaiians originally landed, the rugged coastline with crashing waves, and those sea turtle cliffs. Winter tours sometimes bring whale sightings from the water. You need a driver's license to verify you're 16 or older to drive the quad, and closed-toed shoes are non-negotiable.

What’s included

Your tour includes a top-of-the-line CF MOTO Cforce quad (single or double seating), helmet, gloves, goggles, and dust mask. Lunch and snacks are provided at Paakea Bay, and a hose-down is included at the end of the ride to rinse off the dust.

Options for this experience

2 options

2 seater/double riderGuide in English · 12:00Lasts 3 hours, touring on a 2-seater ATV: each vehicle carries two people, priced at $250 per person, Monday to Friday

Single riderGuide in English · 12:00Lasts 3 hours, running from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM, single rider

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 12:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (8 to 90 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupUp to 17

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Big Island Southside Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see the Big Island's untouched southern coastline and don't want to navigate the terrain yourself. The guide handles the route and the history, and the quads do the work on the lava and forest trails.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What kind of ATV do I ride?

CF MOTO Cforce quads with automatic shifting and power steering. Single or double seating available.

How long is the tour and how much time is spent riding versus stopped?

Three hours total. You ride for about two and a half hours in the sun, with stops at the lava tube (15 min), scenic overlook (15 min), Paakea Bay for lunch (20–30 min), Ka'alualu Bay (10 min), and Pulehua Island (15 min).

Do I need a driver's license?

Yes, to verify you're 16 or older to drive the ATV.

What's included in the tour?

The ATV, helmet, gloves, goggles, dust mask, lunch and snacks at Paakea Bay, and a hose-down at the end.

Can children ride?

Children aged 8–15 can join if accompanied by an adult. Children under 8 are not permitted.

Is this tour suitable if I have a bad back or spinal issues?

The trail is bumpy and dusty, and the ride lasts three hours. The tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries. Check with the operator if you have concerns about your fitness for the terrain.

What should I wear?

Closed-toed shoes are required. Long sleeves or pants are strongly suggested to prevent sunburn, as you're exposed for about two and a half hours.

Will I see wildlife?

You'll see green sea turtles and tropical fish from the cliffs at Pulehua Island. Winter tours may include whale sightings from the water.

What if I'm not confident riding an ATV?

The quads have automatic shifting and power steering, which makes them easier to handle. The trail is rugged but the machines are designed for this terrain. If you're unsure, contact the operator before booking.

Can I ride as a passenger instead of driving?

Double ATVs are available, so you can ride as a passenger with another driver.