Big Island tour: Volcanoes, waterfalls & black sand beach

Walk through lava tubes and stand in front of a 442-foot waterfall in a single day.

This nine-hour Big Island sightseeing tour circles the entire island with a veteran owner-guide, stopping at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Akaka Falls, Rainbow Falls, Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach, and the Kona Coffee Living History Farm. The tour includes park entrance fees, bottled water, and snacks. You choose lunch at a local stop along the way. Hotel pickup is included, and the tour suits all fitness levels, with children welcome from age two.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Kona Coffee Living History Farm30m
2. Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach30m
3. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park1h 30m · entry included
4. Rainbow Falls30m
5. Akaka Falls30m · entry included

Circle Big Island and visit highlights

• Tour Kona Coffee Living History Farm
• Stop at Punaluʻu Bake Shop
• Visit Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach
• Explore Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
• See Rainbow Falls in Hilo
• Walk Akaka Falls trail
• Visit Big Island Candies in Hilo

The experience

The day starts with pickup from your hotel and heads straight to the Kona Coffee Living History Farm in Captain Cook, where costumed interpreters walk you through how Kona coffee is grown, harvested, and processed. From there the route swings south to Punaluʻu Bake Shop: the southernmost bakery in the U.S., then down to Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach, where you can spot Hawaiian green sea turtles resting on the volcanic sand and walk beneath coconut palms. The landscape shifts as you drive toward Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where you walk through ancient lava tubes and stand at the edge of steaming craters left by Kīlauea and Mauna Loa.

The second half of the loop heads north through Hilo, stopping at Rainbow Falls (an 80-foot waterfall where morning light catches the mist), and then at Akaka Falls, a 442-foot drop into a lush gorge that you reach by walking a paved loop trail lined with orchids and ferns. A final stop at Big Island Candies lets you watch artisans hand-dip cookies and chocolates before the drive back to your hotel. Your guide, one of the tour company's owners, shares the island's geology, history, and culture throughout the day. Bottled water and snacks keep you fueled. You'll have time to buy lunch at a local spot during the route.

What’s included

• Entrance fees to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and all other parks on the route.
• bottled water and snacks.
• hotel pickup and return.
• a guide who is an owner of the company.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to Saturday

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (2 to 12 years)

GroupUp to 13

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 32 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 or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Ohana Tours

Is this one for you?A nine-hour loop leaves room for hotel time in the morning and evening, but rules out a second full activity the same day. Book this if you want to see the Big Island's major natural landmarks (volcanoes, waterfalls, black sand) without building the route yourself or renting a car.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 12 years).

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's actually included in the Big Island tour price?

The tour includes entrance fees to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and all other parks you visit, bottled water, and snacks throughout the day. Lunch is not included, but the route stops at a local spot where you can purchase food.

How long does the Big Island tour take?

The tour runs nine hours total, including all stops, driving time, and the route around the entire island.

What's the Akaka Falls stop actually like?

Akaka Falls is a 442-foot waterfall in a tropical gorge near Hilo. You walk a paved loop trail surrounded by orchids, bamboo, and ferns to reach the viewpoint. It's accessible and doesn't require hiking boots or serious climbing.

Will I see sea turtles at Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach?

Hawaiian green sea turtles often rest on the black sand at Punaluʻu, especially in the morning and early afternoon. The beach sits where volcanic black sand meets blue water, and you'll have time to walk along the shore and look for them.

Who leads the tour?

Each tour is led by one of the company's owner-guides, all of them veterans and locals. Your guide speaks English and shares insights into the island's history, culture, and geology throughout the day.