Big Island Grand Circle Island Day Tour from Kona
Departure City End City
Duration
Language
Tour Themes
Guide Type
Group Size
Activity LevelHighlights
• Experience the diverse range of ecosystems and climate zones of the island
• Take a tour of a Kona Coffee Farm to learn about the harvesting and milling process while sampling Kona Coffee
• Visit the most dramatic waterfalls and scenic valleys on the island, Akaka and Rainbow Falls, and Waipio Valley
• Explore active volcanic craters, steam vents, crater rim trails, and the lava tube in Volcanoes National Park
• Frequent stops for photos to take in the lush scenery, and spot green sea turtles at Punalu’u Black Sand Beach
• Professional guide sharing knowledge of the history, cultures, and geology of the island
Itinerary
This full-day nature tour offers an in-depth look at Hawaii’s youngest and largest island. From desert to rainforest, pasture to dry forest, discover diverse landscapes and 8 out of 13 climate zones in the world as you traverse the island, walk through rainforests to soaring waterfalls, and stroll black-sand beaches as you scan the horizon for green sea turtles.
You will first stop at a Kona Coffee Farm in the morning. Walk through the orchards with your guide learning about the harvesting and milling process while sampling a warm cup of Kona-grown coffee. On the leisure drive, you’ll see views of South Point, the southernmost point of the United States, and the historic Kealakekua Bay from a distance.
From there, you will have time to relax and take it all in at Punalu’u Black Sand Beach, a great place to spot marine life from the black-sand shore. Your adventure continues with exploring the wonders of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, including steam vents, past lava flow sites, the Halema’uma’u and Kilauea Iki crater lookouts, and take a short hike through the 600-foot-long Thurston Lava Tube formed hundreds of years ago.
The afternoon is filled with visits to some of the most majestic waterfalls on the Big Island. First, Akaka Falls. This towering 442-foot (135-meter) waterfall plummets into a lush ravine at the center of a state park. You’ll enjoy a short walk through the vegetation for an up-close view and plenty of photo opportunities. The next stop is a waterfall that’s small by comparison, but not by beauty: Rainbow Falls, a beautiful 80-foot (24-meter) waterfall with a giant banyan tree beside it. Continuing on the drive along the Hamakua Coast, more postcard-worthy views will pass by your window, ushering you to the next destination, the sunset views will stop you in your tracks at the Waipio Valley lookout, where a dramatic backdrop of verdant cliffs drops into the sparkling blue ocean.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Rainbow Falls
Punaluu Black Sand Beach
Meeting & Transfer Info
What’s Included
- Local style picnic lunch consists of teriyaki chicken, fish, vegetables, and steamed rice with assorted juices, snacks and bottled water
- All park entrance fees
- Jackets, and rain gear
- Airfares or related transportation between your home and departure locations
- All personal expenses, additional hotel services and meals, unless otherwise stated
Special Notes
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Cancellation Policy: Full price will be charged for cancellations, tour date changes, and "no shows" unless we receive advance notice as follows:
- Minimum 24 hours notice for groups of 1-5 pax to receive a full refund;
- 48 hours notice for groups of 6 pax or more to receive a full refund;
- 72 hour notice for private groups to receive a full refund. - Please be advised that we do require a minimum number of four participants on all of our tours. Although your booking has been created, the tour may be canceled due to low participation in the rare event. We will attempt to contact you and give advance notice of any possible tour changes or cancellations.
- All tours canceled due to low participation are eligible for a full refund at the time of cancellation. In the event a tour must be canceled, we are happy to offer different times or dates that will confirm the excursion will take place.
- What to bring and wear: Wear comfortable clothing in layers as temperatures vary from warm to cool. Covered walking shoes are required.
- Group Size: Tours are limited to a maximum of 13 guests per vehicle.
- Tour difficulty: Easy hiking over short distance. Ages 4 and older are required.
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FAQs
How much hiking do we do?
- We will have a couple easy hikes over a short distance on this tour. Total hike distance is about a mile.
How long do we stop at Volcanoes National Park?
- We stop at multiple attractions within the park for a total time of about 2 hours
Do we get to swim at the black sand beach or waterfalls on this tour?
- You won’t be able to swim on this tour due to time constraints.
The time we mentioned in the itinerary is for reference only. Please refer to your guide on tour for the actual arrangement. The visiting order and duration might be changed according to actual and practical situation for better service.
This tour/activity is overseen by a select local operator in the region. Upon booking your tour or activity and after receiving confirmation, you will be issued an e-ticket detailing the local operator's name and contact information. If you require assistance finding a specific tour, please contact us for more information.
Yellow Fever Vaccination Requirement: If you have traveled to or transited through yellow fever-endemic regions including East African countries (excluding Tanzania) or South American countries, either before or after your trip, you may be required to present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. This requirement can apply not only for joining tours but also for certain flights or entry into specific countries. For more details, please refer to the official site: : Yellow Fever Risk Areas - Fit for Travel
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