HAWAIʻI ISLAND’S GRAND LAND TOUR
- Big Island, Hawaii
Looking to see more of the Big Island? Hop aboard with us! This Grand Circle-island narrated tour of Hawaiʻi’s biggest consecutive land mass ensures you will not miss a thing! The day begins with an easy morning pickup at hotels and resorts along the Kona coast.
As we begin our drive along the beautiful coastline, sit back and enjoy the scenery as spectacular views pass by your window. We will make our way to the Big Island's many cultural, historic, scenic, and memorable sites.
Grand Circle Tour Of Big Island Features
South Kona Farms, Bakeries, and Coffee
No trip to the Big Island is complete without a stop for some Kona coffee! Learn the history behind the bean-growing and roasting process that goes into every cup. Get your caffeine fix on-site, then take a bag of beans home for a taste of the islands in your own kitchen.
Indulge your senses with flavors of world-famous Kona coffee and crunch into Hawai'i’s famous, locally grown macadamia nuts. We will experience all the flavors of the island throughout the day.
Punalu'u Black Sand Beach
Sea turtles and visitors alike are drawn to the magic appeal of this black-sand beach. A standout from the typical white sands of Hawaiian beaches, the dark, sandy grains of lava-turned-sand have brought fame to this small stretch of coastline. The stark black looks beautiful against the blue of the ocean and sky, so don't miss the chance to see this unique coastline.
While you're there, you may be lucky enough to see some resident sea turtles (honu). If you do, please help to protect them by staying at least 10 feet away and refrain from touching them.
Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
See the volcano in its entirety from the educational reaches of the visitors’ center where you are invited to take an in-depth look at the geology of the volcano and the hot steam arising from the vents where groundwater and the volcano’s hot temperature converge. Visit the Volcano House with its prominent crater views and delicious dining options. This exploration of the volcano leaves no (lava) stone unturned.
Hilo Town, King Kamehameha Statue, and Memorials
Located in Hilo Town in Wailoa State Park is a 14-foot statue, an ode to the great unifier of the islands, King Kamehameha. This symbol of Hawaiian history and culture is a must-see for any visitor to the islands.
Shinmachi Tsunami Memorial commemorates those who have lost their lives in tidal waves that have struck the shores of Hilo. Expert narration by your guide will help you to appreciate and understand the significance and history of these areas.
Rainbow Falls State Park
Named for the rainbows that dance in its mist, this 80-foot waterfall flows steadily throughout the year. Fresh mountain water tumbles over the cliffside, past a lava cave, and into the shimmering pools below. The vibrant green of the surrounding jungle adds to the breathtaking scene, which is easily enjoyed from two spacious overlooks that provide stunning perspectives of the waterfall and its lush surroundings.
Grand Circle Tour Of Big Island Details
Elements
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See Volcanoes, Craters And Old Lava Flows Too!
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Explore Volcano National Park
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View Halemaʻumaʻu Crater
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Experience The Steam Vents
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Rainbow Falls State Park
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Punalu'u Black Sand Beach
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Stop For Snacks, Treats & Souvenirs (stop depends on day)
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King Kamehameha Statue
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Stops For Meals Purchased On Your Own
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Drive Along The Hamakua Coast
Insight
Experience the ultimate circle-island narrated tour of Hawaiʻi's largest landmass. Start your adventure with a convenient morning pickup and enjoy stunning island views as you explore the Big Island's cultural, historic, scenic, and gourmet highlights. This comprehensive, day-long tour ensures you won't miss any of the must-see attractions.
View breathtaking waterfalls, walk across rugged lava fields, spot turtles basking on the black sand of a pristine tropical beach, and savor the world-famous flavors of Kona coffee and buttery macadamia nuts. Historical stops include Hilo Town's tsunami memorial and a statue commemorating the legendary Hawaiian leader King Kamehameha.
A key highlight is Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, featuring stops at the Jagger Museum Overlook, Volcano House, Thurston Lava Tube, and Steam Vents. You'll be amazed by the dramatic volcanic crater viewpoints.
Additional stops include the stunning Rainbow Falls, located conveniently near Hilo, and the awe-inspiring 'Akaka Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls on the island's coast.
Opportunities for snacks, gifts, and restroom breaks are available at several stops, and the tour strikes a perfect balance between light walking and relaxing in the comfort of the bus. With spectacular views throughout the journey, hassle-free pickup, and drop-off, this tour is the ultimate way to immerse yourself in the Big Island experience.
Cost & Schedule
12-Hour Grand Circle Big Island Tour From Kona Resorts
AdultsAges 12 yrs+ | $259.00 |
ChildrenAges 2-11 yrs | $249.00 |
Program
- 7:00 AM: Pickup at Kona Resorts
- 8:00 AM: Pickup at Waikoloa Resorts
- 8:30 AM: Arrival at Waimea Country Area
- 9:00 AM: Scenic drive along Honoka'a Coast
- 10:00 AM: Visit to 'Akaka Falls State Park
- 11:30 AM: Exploration of Scenic Rainforest & Waterfalls
- 12:15 PM: Lunch stop (on your own)
- 1:00 PM: Hilo & Rainbow Falls visit
- 1:30 PM: Exploring Volcanoes National Park, including:
- Jagger Museum Overlook
- Steam Vents
- Thurston Lava Tube
- Volcano House Gift Shop
- 3:30 PM: Punalu'u Black Sand Beach visit
- 4:00 PM: Snack & early dinner stop at Punalu'u Bakery (on your own)
- 4:50 PM: Paradise Meadows visit
- 7:00 PM: Return to Kona Hotels
- 8:00 PM: Arrival back at Waikoloa Resorts
*The itinerary is subject to change based on group preferences, timing, road conditions, weather, or to accommodate viewing of significant lava flows.
Provided
- Pickup from resorts in Kona & Waikoloa
- Narrated tour by a local expert guide
- Visits to Volcanoes National Park and 'Akaka Falls State Park
- Engaging short hikes with a knowledgeable guide
- Opportunities for lunch & dinner at your expense
- Umbrellas and a cooler with non-alcoholic drinks & water refills (bring your own refillable bottles)
- Multiple stops at points of interest
- Comfortable transportation in a small group setting
- Provision of sanitary, motion sickness, and first-aid supplies for enhanced safety
Meals
To help our communities we encourage our guests to purchase food, drinks, and other items directly from the local family farms, bakeries, and restaurants we visit. They are places you would want to come back and visit again on your own!
Our vehicles contain coolers with cold canned, non-alcoholic drinks for our guests. We don't provide plastic water bottles but we do have clean, great-tasting water for refilling your own water bottle.
Depending on the group, we may make stops at Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Plantation, a honey farm, Hilo's Farmer's Market, food truck lots, or other locations. Your guide will choose the best spots for that day.
Punalu'u Bake Shop - $5-$15 / per person
Located in the southernmost town, is a bakery that makes Hawaiian sweet bread from a traditional family recipe. All sweetbreads are made without preservatives and wrapped in bright, tapa-print packaging. Try at least a sample and you will be hooked. The settings and outdoor cafe make for a wonderful stopping point to enjoy a lunch meal.
- Deli & Hot Sandwiches On Sweet Bread
- Soups & Salads
- Plate Lunches With Rice & Mac Salad
- Baked Goods
- Teas
- Espresso Bar
- Ice Cream
- Pies & Cakes
- Fruit Smoothies
Kūhiō Grille - $10-$30 / per person
The family history starts in the 1900s when Japanese immigrants moved to Hawai'i to work in the sugar plantations. They soon began farming and selling taro as well as the leaves. Grandma would make laulau to feed the family and friends, fresh meat wrapped and cooked in taro leaves. It became so popular they opened a restaurant to feed everyone, that was over 25 years ago.
- Laulau & Combo Plates
- Fried Rice, Saimin & Locos
- Seafood & Steak Entrees
- Tempura, Udon, & Katsu
- Burgers & More
- All-Day Breakfast
Booking
- Reservations may be canceled and refunded prior to 72 hours of your tour departure
- No-shows and cancellations less than 72 hours in advance are non-refundable