Big Island: Volcanoes, Waterfalls & Black Sand Day Trip

Summary

Walk lava tubes taste Kona coffee and see wild waterfalls with a local guide

You’ll walk black sand beaches looking for sea turtles, sip fresh Kona coffee at a local farm, feel mist from towering waterfalls like Akaka and Rainbow Falls, and explore ancient lava tubes inside Volcanoes National Park—all with a local guide and picnic lunch included. Expect moments that stick with you long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll never forget stepping out of the van near Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach—the sand really is that dark, almost blue-black, and I actually laughed when I saw my shoes disappear into it. Our guide, Kaleo, told us to keep an eye out for honu (green sea turtles). Sure enough, there was one just lounging like he owned the place. The air smelled salty and a little sweet from the nearby palms. It’s weird how you can feel so far from home but instantly at ease here.

The drive across Big Island is its own kind of show—one minute you’re rolling through Parker Ranch’s green pastures (I didn’t expect cowboys in Hawaii, but there they are), and then suddenly everything goes lush and dense as we got closer to Akaka Falls. The rain had just let up when we walked to the lookout; the path was slippery and full of birdsong. I leaned over the railing and got hit by this cool mist from the waterfall—my shirt stayed damp for hours after, but I didn’t mind. Rainbow Falls was next, smaller but with this wild rainbow arcing right through the spray. Someone behind me gasped—honestly, same.

Lunch was picnic style—nothing fancy but somehow perfect after all that walking. We’d already sampled Kona coffee earlier at a small farm (the owner made us laugh trying to explain “peaberry” beans), so I was buzzing in more ways than one by the time we reached Volcanoes National Park. The steam vents hissed in the distance and you could smell sulfur faintly on the wind. Walking through Thurston Lava Tube felt surreal—like being inside a giant’s secret tunnel, cool and echoey underfoot. Kaleo pointed out old flow marks on the walls; I tried to imagine what it sounded like when lava rushed through here centuries ago.

The last stop was Waipio Valley lookout—the cliffs drop so sharply into this green bowl it almost doesn’t look real. Everyone went quiet for a second except for one kid who kept asking if there were wild horses down there (apparently yes). On the way back through Hilo, I watched rain streak down the window while someone passed around pineapple candy from a gas station stop—sticky sweet, oddly comforting. Even now, I still think about that view over Waipio and how small we all felt standing there together.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Big Island volcanoes and waterfalls tour

• Pick up guests from Kohala Coast resorts
• Drive through historic Downtown Kona
• Tour Kona Coffee Farm and sample coffee
• Visit Punalu’u Black Sand Beach for turtles
• Explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
• Walk to Thurston Lava Tube cave
• Drive through Downtown Hilo
• See Rainbow Falls and rainbows
• Walk to Akaka Falls viewpoint
• Stop at Waipio Valley lookout
• Drive through Parker Ranch pastures

Top questions

How long is the Big Island volcanoes & waterfalls day trip?

The tour lasts about 12 hours including pickup and drop-off.

Is hotel pickup included for this Big Island day trip?

Yes, pickup is included from hotels along Kailua Kona or Waikoloa areas.

What do you see on this Big Island sightseeing tour?

You visit Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach, Volcanoes National Park, Akaka Falls, Rainbow Falls, Waipio Valley lookout, Parker Ranch and more.

Are meals or snacks provided during the tour?

Yes—a picnic-style lunch plus snacks and bottled water are included.

Can vegetarians or gluten-free travelers join?

Vegetarian or gluten-free meals are available if requested at booking.

Is this Big Island tour suitable for children?

The tour is family-friendly but not open to children under 4 years old.

Does this tour run in bad weather?

Yes—it operates rain or shine; dress appropriately for changing conditions.

Do you get to walk inside a lava tube?

Yes—you’ll walk through Thurston Lava Tube (Nāhuku) during the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Kailua Kona or Waikoloa resorts in a comfortable Mercedes Sprinter van with a small group led by a local guide; all entry fees to sites like Volcanoes National Park; bottled water, Hawaiian juice, snacks throughout; plus a picnic-style lunch before returning in the evening.