Big Island Volcano Tour: Mauna Kea, Waterfalls, Coffee

Mauna Kea at sunrise, Rainbow Falls, the active volcano, Punaluʻu's green sea turtles, South Point, and Kaʻu coffee in one day

A private guided tour of Big Island covers the island's major landmarks in a single day: Mauna Kea visitor center, Rainbow Falls waterfall, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park with views of the active volcano, Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach where green sea turtles rest, South Point at the southernmost tip of the United States, and a Kaʻu coffee mill with tasting. Hotel pickup starts between 8 and 10 am, and the tour runs six to ten hours depending on which optional stops you choose. The guide is a local resident who drives an air-conditioned vehicle and handles all navigation.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Rainbow Falls1h
2. Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach1h
3. Kaʻu Coffee Mill1h

Explore Big Island's natural wonders

• Visit Mauna Kea visitor center
• See starry skies at Mauna Kea
• View Rainbow Falls waterfall
• Explore Volcano National Park Center
• Visit Volcano House
• Walk on Punalu'u black sand beach
• See Green Sea Turtles at Punalu'u
• Visit Ka'u coastline at South Point
• Optional: Off-road to Green Sands beach
• Optional: Outdoor hike or swim
• Tour Ka'u Coffee Mill
• Taste fresh Ka'u coffee
• Try fresh baked bread samples

The experience

The tour builds around the Big Island's volcanic landscape and the stops that show it best. You start with a morning visit to Mauna Kea visitor center, then move through the tropical waterfall at Rainbow Falls in Hilo before heading south to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where you see the active volcano and stop at the Volcano House. The route then carries you to Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach, where green sea turtles bask on the dark sand: a moment most visitors come to the island to witness.

The southern stretch adds the less-traveled stops. South Point, the southernmost tip of the United States, opens onto the Kaʻu coastline with optional add-ons: an off-road vehicle descent to Green Sands Beach, a hike, or a swim if the conditions suit. After that, the tour stops at Kaʻu Coffee Mill, where you see how the beans are grown and processed, then taste the finished coffee. A bakery stop with free samples rounds out the afternoon.

Your guide is a local resident who knows the island and drives the whole day, so you never navigate or worry about the route. The vehicle is air-conditioned, bottled water is provided, and all park fees and taxes are included in the price. The only meals not covered are lunch and dinner. You can ask the guide to detour to a restaurant at your own cost, or bring your own food. The tour length depends on which optional activities you choose at South Point and how long you spend at each stop.

What’s included

• Private air-conditioned vehicle with a local guide.
• hotel pickup between 8 and 10 am.
• bottled water throughout the day.
• all national park fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 7 pickup points.

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.

Paid on siteUS$ 15

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Big Island Hawaii Tour Guide

Is this one for you?Pick this if you're based in one hotel and want a driver handling navigation and logistics while you focus on the sights. The guide collects you each morning and manages the full day's route.

Traveler reviews

4.84★★★★★★★★★★

63 verified traveler reviews

5 ★57

4 ★3

3 ★2

2 ★1

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

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 is Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach like when we get there?

Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach is a stretch of dark volcanic sand where green sea turtles regularly rest and bask in the sun. The tour includes time to walk the beach and observe the turtles in their natural habitat.

Can we visit Green Sands Beach, or is that a separate tour?

Green Sands Beach is an optional add-on at South Point. You can choose to take an off-road vehicle down to the beach, go for a hike along the coastline, or swim instead: all optional and arranged during the tour stop itself.

What time does the tour start, and can I choose when?

Hotel pickup happens between 8 am and 10 am, and you choose the time that works for your schedule when you book.

How long does the whole tour take?

The tour runs six to ten hours depending on which optional stops you choose and how long you spend at each site. Your guide can adjust the pace to fit your interests.

Is lunch included in the tour price?

Lunch is not provided, but you can ask the guide to stop at a restaurant along the route at your own expense, or bring your own food to eat during the day.

What does the Kaʻu Coffee Mill stop include?

At Kaʻu Coffee Mill you see how the beans are grown, produced and brewed, then taste the finished coffee. The tour also stops at a bakery with free samples before heading back.