# Big Island Things To Do: full text for AI assistants > The local's guide to the best things to do on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi: the Kona manta ray night snorkel, Kealakekua Bay and the Captain Cook Monument, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, the Maunakea summit at sunset, Hilo waterfalls, Kohala ziplines, Kona coffee farms, whale watching and more. Honest breakdowns, real prices, what to expect, and where to book. Website: https://bigislandthingstodo.com This file holds the complete text of every tour page and planning guide on https://bigislandthingstodo.com, so AI assistants and answer engines can read the whole site in one request. Each section starts with the page URL; please cite and link that URL. Prices are "from" rates before tax and booking fees, checked every few weeks. The "Book" link on each tour goes to live availability. Short overview and page index: https://bigislandthingstodo.com/llms.txt # Tours and activities (ranked) --- ## Kona Manta Ray Night Snorkel: Three Minutes From Keauhou Bay URL: https://bigislandthingstodo.com/kona-manta-ray-night-snorkel/ Rank on our list: #1 Where: Keauhou, Kona Price: from $99 Duration: About 1.5 hours Season: Year round, nightly Best time: The later departure, any month of the year Ages: 4 to 80 Group size: 17 guests max Check-in: The check-in van by the Outrigger resort at Keauhou; the boat leaves from Keauhou Bay Guest rating: 4.8 out of 5 from 3324 reviews Book: https://hawaiimantaray.com/moonlight-manta-snorkel The manta ray night snorkel off Keauhou, three minutes by boat from the bay, with 17 guests max and guides in the water the whole time. You float on a lighted board while mantas feed a few feet below your mask. Highlights: - The manta site off Keauhou is a 3-minute boat ride from Keauhou Bay, while much of the manta fleet runs about 30 minutes each way - Capped at 17 guests, so the light board never feels crowded - 300,000 lumens of dive light under the board to draw the plankton, and the mantas that feed on it - About 30 minutes in the water on a lighted board with a flotation belt, and guides in the water with you the whole time - Manta Guarantee: if no mantas show up, you ride again free - 100% refund up to 72 hours before your trip; 4.8 stars across thousands of reviews The Kona manta ray night snorkel is the one thing on the Big Island that people still describe in detail years later. After dark, lights go into the water off Keauhou, the light pulls in plankton, and the plankton pulls in manta rays. They loop and barrel-roll a few feet under your mask with their mouths wide open, feeding, while you float on the surface and watch. This page covers the manta tour we book, what it costs, who should skip it, and the one detail that matters more than anything else on a night ocean trip: how far your boat has to go to reach the mantas. ## Why this made our list Distance is the first reason. The manta site off Keauhou is a 3-minute boat ride from Keauhou Bay. Much of the manta fleet runs about 30 minutes each way to get to a feeding site, at night, in a boat that rolls. Three minutes means less time bobbing in the dark, fewer queasy stomachs, and more of your evening spent in the water with the mantas instead of on the way to them. Group size is the second. The boat takes 17 guests at most. On a crowded night at the manta site, the size of your group decides whether you get a clear view down the light or a face full of someone else’s fins. The third is the setup in the water. You float on a lighted board with a flotation belt for about 30 minutes, with 300,000 lumens of dive light shining down into the water to draw the plankton. Guides are in the water with you the whole time, not watching from the deck. For a first-timer who is nervous about dark water, that last part is the difference between enjoying it and counting the minutes. ### Why this operator Hawaii Manta Ray runs the tour we send friends and family on. We compared the Kona manta boats on three things: how long the ride is, how many people share the light, and how the crew handles nervous swimmers. The big boats out of Honokōhau Harbor carry more people on a longer ride. The dive boats are for certified divers who want to watch from the bottom; we cover the best of those on our Kona scuba diving page. For snorkelers who want the shortest ride, a small group and guides in the water, this is the one. It also comes with the Manta Guarantee: no mantas, and you ride again free. ## What the Kona manta ray night snorkel is like The whole trip runs about an hour and a half from check-in. Here is how the night goes. - Check in at the van. The check-in van sits by the Outrigger resort at Keauhou. Arrive in your swimsuit. This is where you pick up a wetsuit, life jacket or GoPro if you want to rent one. - Gear up. Your mask, snorkel and flotation are included. The crew gets you sorted before you head to the boat. - Three minutes to the mantas. The boat leaves Keauhou Bay and reaches the manta site almost as soon as you sit down. - Into the water. You slip in, put on your flotation belt and take hold of the lighted board. Face down, legs floating behind you at the surface, and you are in position. - The mantas arrive. The lights draw the plankton up into the beam and the mantas come up to feed, sometimes passing within inches of the board. You get about 30 minutes in the water with guides beside you. - Short ride home. Three minutes back to the bay, still dripping and still talking about it. ## Prices and what you get The manta snorkel costs $118 per adult and $99 per child, plus tax and booking fees. That covers the boat ride, mask, snorkel, flotation, the lighted board and the in-water guides. Wetsuit, life jacket and GoPro rentals are extra at check-in. If you want the full math, including the rentals and tip, Hawaii Manta Ray has a breakdown of what a manta night snorkel costs. Two policies make this an easy booking to commit to. If no mantas show up, the Manta Guarantee gets you a free second trip. And you get a 100% refund if you cancel up to 72 hours before departure. ## Who it’s for (and who should skip it) It suits anyone from age 4 to 80 who is a confident swimmer and comfortable with their face in the water at night. You do not have to swim far or fast; you float on a belt and hold a board. Families do this all the time, and there is a good guide to snorkeling with manta rays with kids if you are deciding whether yours are ready. Skip it if dark open water makes you panic, even with a flotation belt and a guide beside you. Skip it if you cannot put your face in the water. If you are certified and would rather sit on the bottom and look up, the night manta dive is the better fit. And if you are staying in Hilo, know that Keauhou is roughly a two-hour drive each way; our Kona vs Hilo guide explains why most people do the manta night from a Kona-side base. ## Where to check in and how to get there Check-in is at the van by the Outrigger resort at Keauhou, and the boat leaves from Keauhou Bay. Keauhou is south of Kailua-Kona, about 25 minutes from the Kona airport (KOA). Hawaii Manta Ray has directions for getting to Keauhou Bay. Current departure times are on the booking page. ## Best time to go Time of year. Any month. The mantas feed off Keauhou year round, and sightings are very reliable, though they are wild animals and nothing about wildlife is certain. That is what the Manta Guarantee is for. Time of night. Take a later departure if you can. Later trips tend to see more mantas and quieter water. For more on timing, read Hawaii Manta Ray’s guide to the best time to see manta rays in Kona, and for the island as a whole, our best time to visit the Big Island. ## Local tips before you book - Book it early in your trip. If the mantas skip your night, you want spare nights left to use the guarantee. - Choose a later departure. More mantas and calmer water, on average. - Rent the wetsuit if you run cold. Thirty minutes of floating still at night chills most people, even in Hawaiʻi. - Keep your legs up. Float flat with your feet at the surface. Kicking down blocks the light and the mantas’ path. - Do not reach out. The mantas will come within inches. Let them; do not touch them. - Make a day of Keauhou. The Kealakekua Bay Zodiac snorkel checks in by the same bay, so a morning on the reef and a night with the mantas fit neatly into one day. ## The verdict If you do one thing on the Big Island, make it the Kona manta ray night snorkel, and do it with the shortest ride on the coast. Three minutes from Keauhou Bay, 17 guests at most, guides in the water the whole time and a free second trip if the mantas do not show. Book a later departure, wear your swimsuit, and keep your legs up. Our manta ray night snorkel guide has more if you want to read up before you go. Included: - The short boat ride from Keauhou Bay to the manta site and back - Mask, snorkel and flotation - The lighted board and in-water guides for your whole swim - A free re-ride under the Manta Guarantee if the mantas do not show Not included: - Tax and booking fees - Wetsuit, life jacket and GoPro rentals (available at check-in) - Gratuity for the crew Restrictions: - Ages 4 to 80 - You must be a confident swimmer, comfortable with your face in the water at night - Not suitable for anyone who cannot put their face in the water or is uneasy in dark open water - 100% refund if you cancel at least 72 hours before departure Frequently asked questions: Q: How much is the Kona manta ray night snorkel? A: $118 per adult and $99 per child, plus tax and booking fees. Mask, snorkel and flotation are included; wetsuit, life jacket and GoPro rentals are extra at check-in. Q: Is the manta ray night snorkel worth it? A: Yes. It is the most memorable thing most visitors do on the Big Island, the mantas feed off Keauhou year round, and the Manta Guarantee gives you a free second trip if they do not show. Q: How far is the manta snorkel from Kona? A: Check-in is at Keauhou, about 25 minutes from the Kona airport (KOA). From Keauhou Bay the boat ride to the manta site takes about 3 minutes. Q: Are manta rays dangerous? A: No. Manta rays have no stinger and feed on plankton, so they are no threat to snorkelers. Keep your hands to yourself and your legs floating at the surface and they will swim right under you. Q: Can kids do the manta ray night snorkel? A: Yes, from age 4, as long as they are comfortable with their face in the water in the dark. Children float on the same lighted board with a flotation belt and a guide nearby, and the child rate is $99. Q: Do I need to be a strong swimmer? A: You need to be a confident swimmer who is comfortable with your face in the water at night. You do not swim laps; you float on a flotation belt holding a lighted board, and guides are in the water the whole time. Q: What should I wear for the manta night snorkel? A: Arrive in your swimsuit. Rent a wetsuit at check-in if you get cold easily, and bring a towel and a dry, warm layer for the ride back. Q: What is the best time to see manta rays in Kona? A: Any night of the year; the mantas feed off Keauhou year round. Within a night, the later departures tend to see more mantas and quieter water. Q: What happens if we do not see any mantas? A: Under the Manta Guarantee, if no mantas show up you can ride again for free. Book early in your trip so there are nights left to use it. Q: Should I snorkel or scuba dive with the mantas? A: Snorkel unless you are a certified diver who wants to watch from the bottom. Snorkelers float at the surface and look straight down on the feeding mantas, which is the view most people picture. --- ## Volcanoes National Park Tour From Kona: The Twilight Day Trip URL: https://bigislandthingstodo.com/volcanoes-national-park-tour/ Rank on our list: #2 Where: Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Volcano Price: from $249 Duration: 12 hours Season: Year round Best time: Any time of year; the twilight timing puts you in the park as it gets dark, when any glow from Kīlauea shows best Ages: 5 to 89 Group size: Shared guided tour; check the booking page for group size Check-in: Hotel pickup in Kona and Waikoloa Guest rating: 4.9 out of 5 from 6899 reviews Book: https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/wasabi/items/22900/?asn=fhdn&asn-ref=fathom1k&ref=bigislandthingstodo&bookable-only=yes&full-items=yes&marketplace=yes&flow=no&branding=no A full day from your Kona or Waikoloa hotel to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and back, with a coffee farm and a black sand beach on the way. You reach the park toward dusk and stop for stars on the drive home. Highlights: - Hotel pickup in Kona and Waikoloa, so nobody has to drive the 2.5 hours each way to the volcano and back in the dark - A Kona coffee farm stop on the way south through the coffee belt - Punaluʻu black sand beach, where green sea turtles often haul out on the sand - Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park in depth, timed for twilight when any glow from Kīlauea stands out - A stargazing stop on the way home, away from town lights - 4.9 stars across nearly 7,000 reviews Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is the reason a lot of people choose the Big Island, and it is on the opposite side of the island from where most of them stay. A Volcanoes National Park tour from Kona solves that problem: someone else drives the 2.5 hours each way, and you spend the day looking out the window instead of at the road. This page covers the twilight tour we recommend, what it costs, who should skip it, and the honest answer to the question everyone asks first: will you see lava? ## Why this made our list The drive is the first reason. Kona to the park is about 2.5 hours on the southern route, and the best time to be there is as it gets dark. Doing that yourself means a long drive home at night after a full day on your feet. On this tour you are picked up at your hotel in Kona or Waikoloa and dropped back there, and the day is built around the drive instead of fighting it. The route is the second. The tour stops at a Kona coffee farm on the way south, then at Punaluʻu, the black sand beach where green sea turtles often rest on the sand. By the time you reach the park, you have seen three different sides of the island. The third is the timing. You reach the park later in the day and stay into twilight. If Kīlauea is erupting, glow from the crater shows up best as the light fades. On the way home, the tour stops to look at the stars, which on the Big Island are something else once you are away from town lights. ### Why this operator We compared the volcano tours that pick up on the Kona side on three things: how much time they actually spend in the park, how they handle the long drive, and what guests say afterward. Volcano tours from Kona vary a lot in how much of the day goes to the park and what time you are there. This one spends the first part of the day getting there with good stops on the way and gives the park the dusk hours, and it holds a 4.9 rating across nearly 7,000 reviews. If you would rather see the volcano from the air in a fraction of the time, our helicopter tour page covers that. ## What the Volcanoes National Park tour from Kona is like The day runs about 12 hours, hotel to hotel. Pickup times vary by hotel, so check your confirmation. Here is the shape of it. - Hotel pickup. Your guide collects you from your hotel in Kona or Waikoloa. - Coffee country. The first stop is a Kona coffee farm in the coffee belt on the slopes above the coast. If coffee is your thing, our Kona coffee tour is a deeper dive on another day. - The drive south. The road crosses wide lava flows of different ages into Kaʻū, the quiet southern district. - Punaluʻu black sand beach. Black sand, palm trees, and often green sea turtles sleeping on the beach. Look, do not touch, and give them space. - Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Time in the park in depth. Exact stops depend on what Kīlauea is doing and which areas are open that day: crater overlooks, steam vents, lava fields and rainforest are all part of the park. - Twilight at the crater. As the light goes, you are in the park. When an eruption is active, this is when the glow is easiest to see. - Stars on the way home. A stop under a dark sky before the drive back to your hotel. ## Prices and what you get The twilight tour is from $249 per person, plus tax and booking fees. That covers hotel pickup and drop-off, a guide for the whole day, and the stops above. The national park entrance fee may or may not be included, so check the booking page. Gratuity is extra. If you would rather see more of the island and less of the volcano after dark, the same company’s 11-hour Grand Circle Island Tour is from $219. ## Who it’s for (and who should skip it) Anyone from age 5 to 89 who wants to see the volcano without the drive. First-time visitors staying in Kona or Waikoloa, couples who want a long day out, and families with kids who travel well. Skip it if you use a wheelchair, scooter or walker; the tour cannot accommodate them. Skip it if a 12-hour day in a vehicle sounds like too much for your group, especially with young kids. And if you are staying in Hilo, you are 45 minutes from the park and do not need a Kona pickup; drive yourself or look at the volcano e-bike tour instead. ## Where to check in and how to get there There is no meeting point to find. The tour picks up at hotels in Kona and Waikoloa. Your pickup time and exact spot are in your confirmation; check the booking page for the current list of hotels. If you are staying farther north or in Hilo, read our Kona vs Hilo guide before you book anything on the volcano side of the island. Where you sleep changes which tours make sense. ## Best time to go Time of year. Any month. The park is open year round, and the weather up there changes by the hour no matter the season. Lava. Kīlauea’s eruptions are episodic. Lava or glow can be visible for weeks and then stop. No tour can guarantee it, and you should not book this only for lava. Check the national park’s current eruption updates in the days before your tour so your expectations match what the volcano is doing. Where it fits in your trip. Put it on a day with nothing else planned, since the day is long and you get back late. Our 7-day Big Island itinerary shows where it fits around the other big days. ## Local tips before you book - Pack for two climates. Shorts for Punaluʻu, a rain jacket and a warm layer for the park after dark. - Wear real shoes. Lava rock is sharp and trails can be wet. - Bring water and snacks. Twelve hours is a long time between hotel meals. - Charge your phone. Night shots of the glow and the stars eat battery. - Leave the turtles alone. Stay well back from turtles on the sand at Punaluʻu. - Do not book it the night before an early boat. You get back late. ## The verdict If you are staying in Kona or Waikoloa and want to see Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park once, properly, this is the Volcanoes National Park tour from Kona we would book. Hotel pickup, a coffee farm and a black sand beach on the way, the park at twilight, and stars on the drive home. Go in hoping for glow but not counting on it, and bring a warm jacket. Included: - Round-trip pickup and drop-off at hotels in Kona and Waikoloa - A guide for the whole day - Stops at a Kona coffee farm, Punaluʻu black sand beach and the national park - A stargazing stop on the drive back Not included: - Tax and booking fees - Gratuity for your guide - Possibly the national park entrance fee; check the booking page - Any guarantee of seeing lava or glow; that depends on Kīlauea Restrictions: - Ages 5 to 89 - No wheelchairs, scooters or walkers - Cancellation: 24 hours notice for groups of 1 to 5, 48 hours for groups of 6 or more - Lava visibility is never guaranteed; eruptions at Kīlauea come and go Frequently asked questions: Q: How much is a Volcanoes National Park tour from Kona? A: This twilight tour is from $249 per person plus tax and booking fees, with hotel pickup in Kona and Waikoloa. Check the booking page to see whether the park entrance fee is included on your date. Q: How far is Volcanoes National Park from Kona? A: About 2.5 hours each way by the southern route, so a day trip means at least five hours of driving. From Hilo it is about 45 minutes. Q: Will we see lava? A: Maybe. Kīlauea erupts in episodes, so lava or glow can be visible one week and gone the next, and no tour can promise it. The park is still worth the trip for the craters, steam vents, lava fields and rainforest. Q: Is a Volcanoes National Park tour worth it from Kona? A: Yes, if you would otherwise drive it yourself. Five hours behind the wheel on a 12-hour day is a lot, and a guide who knows which areas are open and active makes the time in the park count. Q: Can kids do the volcano tour? A: Yes, from age 5. It is a long day, so it suits kids who travel well in a vehicle and can manage short walks on uneven ground. Q: What should I wear to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park? A: Layers. Kona is warm, but the park sits high on Kīlauea and is often cool, wet and windy, especially after dark. Bring a rain jacket, a warm top and closed-toe shoes. Q: Is the park entrance fee included? A: It may or may not be, so check the booking page before you go. If it is not included, budget for the park fee on top of the tour price. Q: Is the tour wheelchair accessible? A: No. Wheelchairs, scooters and walkers cannot be accommodated on this tour. Q: What is the cancellation policy? A: For groups of 1 to 5, cancel at least 24 hours ahead. For groups of 6 or more, cancel at least 48 hours ahead. Q: Is there a shorter or different option? A: The same company runs an 11-hour Grand Circle Island Tour from $219 that loops the whole island. Choose the twilight tour if the volcano after dark and the stars matter most to you. --- ## Kealakekua Bay Snorkel Tour: Zodiac to the Captain Cook Monument URL: https://bigislandthingstodo.com/kealakekua-bay-snorkel-tour/ Rank on our list: #3 Where: Keauhou, South Kona Price: from $95 Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours Season: Year round; humpback whales December through April Best time: The 8:00 am departure for the calmest water, January through March if you want whales too Ages: 5 to 80 Group size: Small group on a rigid-hull inflatable (14 to 18 guests; check the booking page) Check-in: 78-7138 Kaleiopapa St, by the Keauhou Bay boat launch ramp Guest rating: 4.8 out of 5 from 3223 reviews Book: https://hawaiimantaray.com/whales-sea-caves-captain-cook-reef Two and a half to three hours on a Navy-SEAL-style Zodiac from Keauhou Bay to the Captain Cook Monument reef in Kealakekua Bay. Sea caves and lava tubes on the way, spinner dolphins most days, and whales in winter. Highlights: - Snorkel the reef at the Captain Cook Monument in Kealakekua Bay, a protected marine sanctuary with 100-plus feet of visibility on calm days - A fast Navy-SEAL-style Zodiac from Keauhou Bay, with sea caves and lava tubes along the coast on the way - Spinner dolphins are often in the area, and humpback whales from December through April - Three departures a day: 8:00 am, 10:45 am and 1:30 pm - Checks in at Keauhou Bay, the same bay as the manta night snorkel, so you can pair them in one day - 100% refund up to 72 hours before departure; 4.8 stars across more than 3,000 reviews Kealakekua Bay is the best snorkeling on the Big Island, and the best part of it, the reef in front of the Captain Cook Monument, has no road. A Kealakekua Bay snorkel tour by boat is how most people get there, and the boat you choose decides how much of your morning is reef and how much is ride. This page covers the Zodiac tour we book from Keauhou Bay, what it costs, who should skip it, and why a small fast boat beats a big slow one for this stretch of coast. ## Why this made our list The water is the first reason. Kealakekua Bay is a protected marine sanctuary, and on calm days the visibility at the Captain Cook Monument runs past 100 feet. The reef drops away from the shore under you, and the fish are thick because they are protected. It is the snorkel spot locals send their own visitors to. The white obelisk on the shore marks the place where Captain James Cook was killed in 1779, and the reef right in front of it is the one everyone comes for. The boat is the second. This tour runs on a Navy-SEAL-style Zodiac, a rigid-hull inflatable that is fast, low to the water and small enough to get close to the coastline. It leaves from Keauhou Bay, just up the coast from Kealakekua, so you reach the bay quickly and spend more of the trip in the water. The third is everything on the way. The coast between Keauhou and Kealakekua is lined with sea caves and lava tubes, and the Zodiac noses in for a look when the ocean allows. Spinner dolphins are often along this stretch, and from December through April humpback whales are too. ### Why this operator Hawaii Manta Ray runs this Zodiac as well as the manta night snorkel we rank first on our list. We compared the Kealakekua boats on three things: how long the ride takes, how many people are on board, and how much of the coast you see. The big catamarans out of the harbors farther north carry many more people on a longer ride. Kayaking the bay yourself is possible, but it is a paddle across open water and you see none of the coast. A small Zodiac from Keauhou gives you the reef, the caves and the dolphins in under three hours. Full details are on the Kealakekua Bay Zodiac snorkel tour page. ## What the Kealakekua Bay snorkel tour is like The trip runs 2.5 to 3 hours. Here is how it goes. - Check in at Keauhou Bay. The meeting spot is 78-7138 Kaleiopapa St, by the Keauhou Bay boat launch ramp. Arrive with your swimsuit on under your clothes. - Board the Zodiac. Find a seat, hold on, and the boat heads south out of the bay. - Sea caves and lava tubes. The coast is old lava cliffs, cut with caves and tubes. When the swell is down, the captain brings the boat in close so you can look up into them. - Dolphins and whales. Spinner dolphins often show up along this coast, and in winter you may see humpbacks. Federal rules keep boats and swimmers at least 50 yards from spinner dolphins in Hawaiʻi, so you watch them from the boat as they leap and spin. - Kealakekua Bay. The boat pulls up off the Captain Cook Monument, inside the marine sanctuary, and you slip into the water. - Snorkel the reef. Clear water, coral and reef fish below you. On calm days the visibility runs past 100 feet. - Run home. Back up the coast to Keauhou Bay. ## Prices and what you get The Kealakekua Bay Zodiac is from $95 per person plus tax and booking fees. Pricing is seasonal, so the rate on your date may be higher; the booking page shows it. You get 2.5 to 3 hours on the water, the snorkel stop at the monument and the coastline run. Gratuity is extra. Cancellation is simple: you get a 100% refund if you cancel at least 72 hours before departure. ## Who it’s for (and who should skip it) Anyone from age 5 to 80 who is comfortable snorkeling in open ocean water. It suits families with kids who like speed, couples, and anyone who wants the best reef on the island without paddling to it. Skip it if you want a smooth, shaded ride; a Zodiac is fast, open and can be bumpy. Ask before booking if you are pregnant or have back or neck problems. If whales are the main goal, look at our dedicated whale watching tour instead. And if you are a certified diver, our Kona scuba diving page covers the reefs from below. ## Where to check in and how to get there Check-in is at 78-7138 Kaleiopapa St, by the Keauhou Bay boat launch ramp, south of Kailua-Kona and about 25 minutes from the Kona airport (KOA). Hawaii Manta Ray has directions in its guide to getting to Keauhou Bay. ## Best time to go Time of day. Morning. The Kona coast is usually calmest early, which means clearer water at the reef and more chances to get into the caves. Departures are 8:00 am, 10:45 am and 1:30 pm; take the 8:00 if you can. Time of year. Any month for the reef and the dolphins. December through April for humpback whales, with the peak from January through March. ## Local tips before you book - Book the 8:00 am departure. The calmest water of the day, on most days. - Put on sunscreen before you leave. Reef-safe, and give it time to soak in before you swim. - Wear a sun shirt. A Zodiac is an open boat with little shade, and floating face down over a reef burns your back fast. - Hold on to your hat. Or leave it in the car. - Look, do not touch. The bay is a marine sanctuary. Keep your fins off the coral and your hands to yourself, and the fish will come close on their own. - New to snorkeling? Ask the crew for a flotation aid and practice breathing through the snorkel with your face in the water before you swim off. The water is calm and clear inside the bay on most days, which makes it a good place to learn. - Make it a Keauhou day. The Kona manta ray night snorkel checks in at the same bay. Reef in the morning, mantas after dark. - See the rest of the island. For everything else worth doing, read our things to do on the Big Island guide. ## The verdict If you snorkel one reef on the Big Island, make it Kealakekua, and get there on a small, fast boat from the closest harbor. This Kealakekua Bay snorkel tour gives you the Captain Cook Monument, sea caves, lava tubes and a good shot at dolphins in under three hours, from $95. Take the 8:00 am boat and pair it with the mantas that night. Included: - 2.5 to 3 hours on the Zodiac with a captain and crew - The snorkel stop at the Captain Cook Monument reef - A run along the coast past sea caves and lava tubes - Snorkel gear (check the booking page for the full list) Not included: - Tax and booking fees - Gratuity for the crew - Guaranteed dolphin or whale sightings; they are wild animals Restrictions: - Ages 5 to 80 - A rigid-hull inflatable rides harder than a big catamaran; ask before booking if you are pregnant or have back or neck problems - You should be comfortable swimming in open ocean water - 100% refund if you cancel at least 72 hours before departure Frequently asked questions: Q: How much is the Kealakekua Bay snorkel tour? A: From $95 per person plus tax and booking fees. Pricing is seasonal, so check the booking page for your date. Q: What is the best Kealakekua Bay snorkel tour? A: For most people, a small, fast boat from Keauhou Bay, just up the coast from Kealakekua. This Zodiac reaches the Captain Cook Monument quickly, adds sea caves and lava tubes on the way, and keeps the group small. Q: Can you drive to the Captain Cook Monument? A: No. There is no road to the monument. You reach it by boat, by kayak, or on a long, steep trail, which is why most people snorkel it on a boat tour. Q: Is Kealakekua Bay snorkeling worth it? A: Yes. It is a protected marine sanctuary with some of the clearest water in Hawaiʻi, often more than 100 feet of visibility on calm days, and the reef at the monument is full of fish. Q: Will we see dolphins? A: Often. Spinner dolphins are common along this coast, and the crew will slow down to watch them when they are around, but they are wild and never guaranteed. Q: Can kids do the Zodiac snorkel tour? A: Yes, from age 5. Kids who like a fast ride love the Zodiac; they should be comfortable in the ocean with a mask and snorkel. Q: How far is Kealakekua Bay from Kona? A: The tour checks in at Keauhou Bay, about 25 minutes from the Kona airport (KOA). From there the Zodiac runs south along the coast to Kealakekua Bay. Q: What is the best time to snorkel Kealakekua Bay? A: Morning, when the Kona coast is usually calmest, so book the 8:00 am departure if you can. January through March adds the best odds of humpback whales on the way. Q: What should I wear on a Zodiac snorkel tour? A: Your swimsuit under clothes you do not mind getting wet, a sun shirt or rash guard, and reef-safe sunscreen. Leave loose hats behind; the Zodiac is fast. Q: Can I do this and the manta night snorkel on the same day? A: Yes. Both leave from Keauhou Bay, so a morning Zodiac to Kealakekua and an evening manta snorkel make an easy full day on the water. --- ## Maunakea Summit Tour: Sunset at 13,803 Feet, Then Stargazing URL: https://bigislandthingstodo.com/maunakea-summit-stargazing-tour/ Rank on our list: #4 Where: Hilo, Maunakea Price: from $269 Duration: 7 to 8 hours Season: Year round, weather permitting Best time: A clear night near the new moon; winter storms can close the summit road Ages: 13 and up (summit rules) Group size: Small group; check the booking page (the Kona-side tour caps at 12) Check-in: Pickup in Hilo Guest rating: 4.8 out of 5 from 603 reviews Book: https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/hawaiiislandholidays/items/285627/?asn=fhdn&asn-ref=fathom1k&ref=bigislandthingstodo&bookable-only=yes&full-items=yes&marketplace=yes&flow=no&branding=no Sunset from the 13,803-foot summit of Maunakea, above the clouds and among the world's largest collection of research telescopes. Then hot drinks and a private star show through a professional telescope on the way down. Highlights: - Sunset from the 13,803-foot summit of Maunakea, usually high above the clouds - The world's largest collection of research telescopes, including two of the eight that took the first photo of a black hole - Hot drinks after sunset, when the summit is near freezing - A private star show through a professional telescope, weather permitting - Your guide takes your photo at the summit and emails it to you - Pickup in Hilo, the closest big town to the mountain; a Kona-side version is available The Maunakea summit tour is the strangest and most beautiful evening you can spend in Hawaiʻi. You leave the warm, green Hilo side in shorts weather and a few hours later you are standing at 13,803 feet in a heavy jacket, above the clouds, watching the sun go down behind a row of the biggest telescopes on Earth. Then the stars come out, and there are more of them than you have ever seen. This page covers the summit tour we book from Hilo, what it costs, who cannot go, and the two things that catch people out: the cold and the altitude. ## Why this made our list The summit is the first reason. Maunakea is the highest point in Hawaiʻi at 13,803 feet, and on most evenings the clouds sit well below you. Sunset from up there, with the shadow of the mountain stretching out over the cloud layer, is one of the great views on the planet. The telescopes are the second. The summit holds the world’s largest collection of research telescopes, including two of the eight that took the first photo of a black hole. You are not going inside them, but standing among the domes at sunset is something you will remember. There is also the change in scenery on the way up. In a few hours you go from the rain forest outside Hilo, across the high lava plains of the saddle between Maunakea and Mauna Loa, to a summit of red and black cinder cones that looks more like Mars than Hawaiʻi. The third is what happens after dark. After sunset the guide serves hot drinks and runs a private star show through a professional telescope, weather permitting. Your guide also takes your photo at the summit and emails it to you, so you are not fumbling with a phone in gloves. ### Why this operator We compared the summit tours on three things: where they pick up, how they handle the altitude and the cold, and what happens after sunset. Some tours stop at the visitor station and never go to the summit. This one gives you sunset at the top and a telescope session afterward, and it picks up in Hilo, the closest big town to the mountain, which keeps the drive short. If you are staying in Kona or Waikoloa, book the Kona-side version from the second button. ## What the Maunakea summit tour is like The tour runs 7 to 8 hours from pickup. Pickup times shift with the sunset through the year, so check your confirmation. Here is how the evening goes. - Pickup in Hilo. Your guide collects you in town in the afternoon. - Up Saddle Road. The highway climbs between Maunakea and Mauna Loa, out of the rain forest and into open lava country. - The altitude stop. Summit tours typically pause at the visitor station level, around 9,200 feet, so your body can adjust before the final climb. Drink water and move slowly. - The summit road. The last stretch climbs steeply past the cinder cones to the telescopes at the top. - Sunset at 13,803 feet. You step out among the domes, the air thin and cold, and watch the sun sink into the clouds. Your guide takes your photo. - Hot drinks and stars. After sunset you head back down the mountain, warm up with hot drinks and look through a professional telescope at whatever the sky is offering: planets, star clusters, the moon. - Back to Hilo. A quiet ride down to town. ## Prices and what you get The Hilo tour is from $269 per person plus tax and booking fees. That covers transport up the summit road and back, a guide, sunset at the summit, hot drinks, the telescope star show (weather permitting) and an emailed summit photo. Check the booking page for whether parkas and food are included. Gratuity is extra. The Kona-side summit tour is from $299, runs 7 to 8 hours, caps the group at 12, and offers a 24-hour cancellation window. ## Who it’s for (and who should skip it) Anyone 13 or older in good health who wants the most dramatic sunset in Hawaiʻi. Couples, photographers, anyone with an interest in astronomy, and families with teenagers. Skip it if anyone in your group is under 13; commercial tours cannot take them above the visitor station. Skip it if you are pregnant or have a heart or lung condition, for the same reason. If your group cannot do the summit, the Volcanoes National Park twilight tour also ends with stargazing and has no altitude limit. ## Where to check in and how to get there The tour picks up in Hilo. Your exact pickup point and time are in your booking confirmation. If you are staying on the Kona side, Hilo is about 2 hours away by Saddle Road, which is why the Kona-side tour exists. Pickups for that one are at the King Kamehameha Marriott, the Four Seasons, Queens’ Marketplace, Waikoloa Plaza and the Onizuka Visitor Center. Our Kona vs Hilo guide explains how to split your stay if you want to do the east side properly. ## Best time to go Time of month. The nights around the new moon are the darkest and the best for faint stars and the Milky Way. A full moon washes out the faint stuff, though the moon itself is a fine telescope target. Time of year. The tour runs year round. Winter brings the most snow and the most storms, and weather can close the summit road on any day of the year. Build some slack into your trip so you can rebook. Our best time to visit the Big Island guide covers the seasons in more detail. ## Local tips before you book - Dress for winter. It is near freezing at sunset. Hat, gloves, warm jacket, long pants, real shoes. - Book it early in your trip. If weather closes the road, you have time to try again. - Do not scuba dive in the 24 hours before. Going to altitude soon after diving is a well-known risk; leave a gap. - Drink water all day. The air at the summit is thin and dry. - Know the signs of altitude sickness. Headache, dizziness, nausea or unusual shortness of breath mean you should tell your guide right away. The fix is going down, and the guide will know what to do. - Respect the mountain. Maunakea is sacred in Hawaiian tradition. Stay on the paths, do not stack or take rocks, and keep your voice down at the top. - Pair it with a Hilo day. Do the Hilo waterfall hike in the morning, then get picked up for the summit in the afternoon. ## The verdict If everyone in your group is 13 or older and healthy, book the Maunakea summit tour. Sunset at 13,803 feet above the clouds, the world’s great telescopes around you, then hot drinks and a telescope under one of the darkest skies on Earth. Dress for winter, go near the new moon if you can, and give yourself a spare night in case the mountain says no. Included: - Round-trip transport from Hilo up the summit road and back - Sunset at the summit with a guide - Hot drinks - Stargazing with a professional telescope, weather permitting - A summit photo taken by your guide and emailed to you Not included: - Tax and booking fees - Gratuity for your guide - A guaranteed sunset or star show; summit weather decides - Cold-weather gear unless the booking page says it is provided Restrictions: - Ages 13 and up; under-13s are not allowed above the visitor station on commercial tours - No one who is pregnant or has heart or lung conditions may go above the visitor station - Weather can close the summit road; the tour may change or cancel - Check the booking page for the cancellation window on the Hilo tour; the Kona-side tour allows 24 hours Frequently asked questions: Q: How much is a Maunakea summit tour? A: From $269 per person from Hilo, plus tax and booking fees. The Kona-side summit tour is from $299 with pickups at Kona and Waikoloa locations. Q: Is the Maunakea summit tour worth it? A: Yes, if you can handle the altitude and the cold. Watching the sun go down above the clouds at 13,803 feet, then looking through a real telescope, is unlike anything else in Hawaiʻi. Q: How cold is the Maunakea summit at sunset? A: Near freezing, often colder with the wind. Dress as you would for a winter evening on the mainland: a heavy jacket, hat, gloves, long pants and closed-toe shoes. Q: Can kids go to the Maunakea summit? A: Not on a commercial tour if they are under 13. Children under 13 are not allowed above the visitor station, so book this only if everyone in your group is 13 or older. Q: Who should not go to the summit? A: Anyone who is pregnant or has a heart or lung condition. The air at 13,803 feet has much less oxygen, and commercial tours will not take you above the visitor station. Q: How far is Maunakea from Hilo and Kona? A: The mountain sits between the two towns, reached by Saddle Road (the Daniel K. Inouye Highway). This tour picks up in Hilo; the Kona-side version picks up at hotels and shopping centers in Kona and Waikoloa. Q: What is the best time to stargaze on Maunakea? A: A clear night near the new moon, when the sky is darkest. A bright moon washes out faint stars but makes a great telescope target in its own right. Q: Can I drive to the Maunakea summit myself? A: The summit road is steep and partly unpaved, and weather can close it. A tour handles the vehicle, the altitude stop and the cold-weather planning for you. Q: What if the weather is bad? A: Summit weather changes fast and the road can close. The star show is weather permitting, so check the booking page for how weather changes and cancellations are handled. Q: What is the difference between the Hilo and Kona tours? A: The Hilo tour is from $269 and picks up in Hilo. The Kona-side tour is from $299, caps the group at 12, and picks up at the King Kamehameha Marriott, the Four Seasons, Queens' Marketplace, Waikoloa Plaza or the Onizuka Visitor Center. --- ## Hilo Waterfall Hike: Guided Falls on Private Land Near ʻAkaka Falls URL: https://bigislandthingstodo.com/hilo-waterfall-hike/ Rank on our list: #5 Where: Honomū, Hāmākua Coast Price: from $140 Duration: 2.5 hours Season: Year round Best time: A morning tour, any time of year; the falls run strongest after rain Ages: 4 and up Group size: Guided group; check the booking page for size Check-in: 28-1692 Old Mamalahoa Hwy, Honomū (about 20 minutes north of Hilo) Guest rating: 4.9 out of 5 from 2639 reviews Book: https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/ziplinetourshawaii/items/372871/?asn=fhdn&asn-ref=fathom1k&ref=bigislandthingstodo&bookable-only=yes&full-items=yes&marketplace=yes&flow=no&branding=no A 2.5-hour guided hike to waterfalls on private land in Honomū, 20 minutes north of Hilo and a few minutes from ʻAkaka Falls. Rainforest, waterfall views without the crowds, and ages 4 and up. Highlights: - Guided waterfall hike on private land, so you are not sharing the view with tour buses - Meets in Honomū on the Hāmākua Coast, about 20 minutes north of Hilo and a few minutes from ʻAkaka Falls State Park - 2.5 hours through rainforest, banana groves and open country to the falls - Ages 4 and up, one of the most family-friendly guided hikes on the island - Add the 2.5-hour zipline, voted #1 in Hawaiʻi by Hawaii Magazine, from $210 - Free cancellation up to 24 hours before; 4.9 stars across more than 2,600 reviews The Hilo side of the Big Island is where the waterfalls are. All that rain has to go somewhere, and on the Hāmākua Coast north of town it pours off the mountain through gulches full of ferns and banana trees. A guided Hilo waterfall hike gets you off the paved lookouts and into that country, with someone who knows the land leading the way. This page covers the hike we recommend in Honomū, what it costs, who should skip it, and how it fits with ʻAkaka Falls, the famous waterfall just up the road. ## Why this made our list The land is the first reason. This hike runs on private land near Honomū, so you are walking trails that are not open to the public. The waterfalls are the same kind of tall, rain-fed falls that make ʻAkaka famous, without the parking lot and the crowd at the railing. The age range is the second. This hike takes kids from age 4, which makes it one of the easiest family outings to plan on the east side. The third is the guide. A local who knows this land turns a walk in the rainforest into a lesson in plants, history and place, and the hike holds a 4.9 rating across more than 2,600 reviews. ### Why this operator We compared the waterfall options around Hilo on three things: whether you see anything you could not see on your own, how kid-friendly they are, and how they handle the rain. You can see ʻAkaka Falls and Rainbow Falls on your own from paved paths, and you should. The waterfall cruises show you the falls pouring off the sea cliffs from the water, and we cover the best of those on our Hilo waterfall cruise page. For getting on foot into the rainforest to falls the public cannot reach, this guided hike is the one. The same company also runs a zipline voted #1 in Hawaiʻi by Hawaii Magazine, if you want to add some speed. ## What the Hilo waterfall hike is like The hike runs about 2.5 hours. Every group is a little different, but here is the general shape of it. - Meet in Honomū. The meeting point is 28-1692 Old Mamalahoa Hwy, in the old sugar town of Honomū, about 20 minutes north of Hilo. - Into the land. Your guide leads the group out across open grassland and onto the trail. - Through the groves. The path winds through banana groves and thick green rainforest. Expect your guide to stop and point out plants and talk about the land. - Down to the water. Trails lead between ferns down to the streams that feed the falls. - The waterfalls. You reach the falls on the property for views and photos. Check the booking page for whether swimming is part of your tour. - Back to Honomū. The walk out, usually a little muddier than the walk in. ## Prices and what you get The waterfall hike is from $140 per person plus tax and booking fees. That covers about 2.5 hours with a guide on private land. Check the booking page for any gear or snacks included. Gratuity is extra. If you want more, add the 2.5-hour zipline from $210. It was voted #1 in Hawaiʻi by Hawaii Magazine; riders must weigh between 40 and 260 lb. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the tour. Is it worth paying for when ʻAkaka Falls is right there? We think so, and we tell friends to do both. ʻAkaka is a short paved loop to a viewpoint. The guided hike is the rainforest itself: walking through it, learning what grows there, and reaching water you would never find on your own. ## Who it’s for (and who should skip it) Anyone from age 4 who can walk for a couple of hours on uneven, sometimes muddy ground. Families with young kids, couples, and anyone who wants to see the green side of the Big Island up close. It is also a good first activity on the Hilo side if you have just driven over from Kona and want to stretch your legs somewhere that looks nothing like the lava fields you crossed to get here. Skip it if you need a paved, level path; this is a real trail in a rainforest. Skip it if you hate getting muddy. And if your knees or your schedule only allow a short stop, the paved loop at ʻAkaka Falls State Park is a few minutes up the road. ## Where to check in and how to get there The meeting point is 28-1692 Old Mamalahoa Hwy, Honomū. From Hilo it is about 20 minutes north on the Hāmākua Coast. From Kona, plan on about 2 hours 20 minutes: around 2 hours to Hilo by Saddle Road (the Daniel K. Inouye Highway), then 20 minutes north. That is a long day from the Kona side, which is why we suggest spending a night or two in Hilo. Our Kona vs Hilo guide explains how to split your stay. ## Best time to go Time of year. Any month. Hilo gets more than 125 inches of rain a year, so the falls run all year and the trails are often wet. After a few rainy days the waterfalls are at their biggest. Time of day. Morning is usually the driest part of the day on the Hilo side, and it leaves your afternoon free for ʻAkaka Falls, Hilo town or the drive to the volcano, about 45 minutes from Hilo. If it rains. It probably will at some point. Rain is part of what makes this side of the island so green, and the hike runs in normal Hilo weather. Wear clothes that dry quickly and keep your phone in a dry bag. ## Local tips before you book - Wear shoes you can get muddy. Not your new white sneakers. - Pack a rain jacket. Even on a sunny morning. - Bring bug spray. The rainforest has mosquitoes. - See ʻAkaka Falls too. It is a few minutes up the road from Honomū and takes under an hour. - Stay in Hilo. Pair this with the Maunakea summit tour in the afternoon and you have one of the best days on the island. - Continue up the coast. The Hāmākua Coast keeps going to the Waipiʻo Valley lookout, about an hour from Hilo; our Waipiʻo Valley tour page explains what is open. ## The verdict If you want waterfalls on the Big Island, base yourself in Hilo and book this Hilo waterfall hike. A guide, private land, rainforest and falls the public cannot reach, 20 minutes from town and close to ʻAkaka Falls, for ages 4 and up. Bring muddy shoes and a rain jacket, and add the zipline if you want the full day. Included: - A 2.5-hour guided hike with a local guide - Access to waterfalls on private land - Stories about the plants, the land and the area along the way - Check the booking page for any gear or snacks provided Not included: - Tax and booking fees - Gratuity for your guide - Transport to Honomū; you drive yourself to the meeting point Restrictions: - Ages 4 and up - Uneven, sometimes muddy ground; you should be comfortable walking for 2.5 hours - Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour - Zipline add-on: weight between 40 and 260 lb Frequently asked questions: Q: How much is the Hilo waterfall hike? A: From $140 per person plus tax and booking fees for the 2.5-hour guided hike. Adding the 2.5-hour zipline is from $210. Q: Is the Hilo waterfall hike worth it? A: Yes, if you want waterfalls without the crowds and with a guide who knows the land. ʻAkaka Falls is an easy paved walk on your own, but this hike gets you onto private land and into the rainforest. Q: How far is the waterfall hike from Hilo? A: About 20 minutes. The meeting point is 28-1692 Old Mamalahoa Hwy in Honomū, on the Hāmākua Coast north of Hilo. Q: How far is it from Kona? A: Plan on about 2 hours 20 minutes: roughly 2 hours to Hilo by Saddle Road, then 20 minutes north to Honomū. It is an easier day if you are staying in Hilo. Q: Can kids do the Hilo waterfall hike? A: Yes, from age 4. It is one of the few guided waterfall hikes on the Big Island that takes kids that young, as long as they can walk for a couple of hours on uneven ground. Q: What should I wear on a Hilo waterfall hike? A: Shoes with grip that you do not mind getting muddy, quick-dry clothes and a light rain jacket. Hilo gets more than 125 inches of rain a year, so expect wet ground. Q: Is it near ʻAkaka Falls? A: Yes. The meeting point is in Honomū, the small town just below ʻAkaka Falls State Park, so you can see ʻAkaka Falls before or after the hike. Q: What is the best time for the waterfall hike? A: Any time of year. The falls run fullest after rain, which on the Hilo side is often, and mornings tend to be the driest part of the day. Q: Can I combine it with the zipline? A: Yes. The same company runs a 2.5-hour zipline from $210, voted #1 in Hawaiʻi by Hawaii Magazine. Riders must weigh between 40 and 260 lb. Q: What is the cancellation policy? A: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour. --- ## Waipiʻo Valley Tour From Kona: The Lookout and a Private Waterfall Swim URL: https://bigislandthingstodo.com/waipio-valley-waterfall-tour/ Rank on our list: #6 Where: Waipiʻo Valley, Hāmākua Coast Price: from $249 Duration: 10 hours Season: Year round Best time: Any time of year; clear mornings give the best view down the valley Ages: 5 to 89 Group size: Shared guided tour; check the booking page for group size Check-in: Pickup at major hotels in Kona and Waikoloa Guest rating: 4.9 out of 5 from 6610 reviews Book: https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/wasabi/items/22901/?asn=fhdn&asn-ref=fathom1k&ref=bigislandthingstodo&bookable-only=yes&full-items=yes&marketplace=yes&flow=no&branding=no A 10-hour day from your Kona or Waikoloa hotel to the Waipiʻo Valley lookout, a swim at a private waterfall and a tropical garden. The easy way to see the Hāmākua Coast while the valley road stays restricted. Highlights: - The Waipiʻo Valley lookout at the end of Highway 240, the classic view of the valley's sea cliffs and black sand beach - A swim at a private waterfall, away from the public trails - A walk through a tropical garden on the green side of the island - Hotel pickup in Kona and Waikoloa, so you skip close to two hours of driving each way - Ages 5 to 89 - 4.9 stars across more than 6,600 reviews Waipiʻo Valley is the most dramatic view on the Big Island: a wide green valley between sheer cliffs, a black sand beach at the bottom, and waterfalls spilling down the back walls. A Waipiʻo Valley tour from Kona gets you to the lookout and back without the long drive, and this one adds a swim at a private waterfall on the way. This page covers the tour we recommend, what it costs, who should skip it, and the thing every visitor needs to know first: you cannot drive down into the valley right now. ## Why this made our list The lookout is the first reason. The Waipiʻo Valley lookout at the end of Highway 240, past Kukuihaele, is open, and it is how most visitors see the valley. Standing at the rail and looking down the length of the valley to the surf and the far cliffs is worth the trip on its own. The waterfall is the second. This tour adds a swim at a private waterfall, away from the crowds at the public falls, and a walk through a tropical garden. It turns a lookout stop into a full day on the wet, green Hāmākua side. The third is the drive. From Kona the lookout is about 1 hour 45 minutes each way. With hotel pickup in Kona and Waikoloa, you get to watch the coast go by instead of watching the road. ### Why this operator We compared the Waipiʻo options on three things: whether they are honest about the valley access rules, what else you get for the day, and what guests say afterward. This tour is clear that you see Waipiʻo from the lookout, and then fills the day with a private waterfall swim and a garden. It holds a 4.9 rating across more than 6,600 reviews. ## What the Waipiʻo Valley tour is like The day runs about 10 hours, hotel to hotel, and a good share of it is the drive, which is part of the show: ranch country, green gulches and the ocean below the Hāmākua cliffs. Check the booking page for pickup times and the full itinerary. Here are the main parts of the day. - Hotel pickup. Your guide collects you from a major hotel in Kona or Waikoloa. - The drive north and east. The road leaves the dry Kona side and crosses into the green, rainy Hāmākua Coast. - The Waipiʻo Valley lookout. At the end of Highway 240, past Kukuihaele. The valley floor, the black sand beach and the sea cliffs open up below you. - The private waterfall. Time to swim in the pool below a waterfall on private land. - The tropical garden. A walk among the plants and flowers that grow so well on the wet side of the island. - The ride home. Back across the island to your hotel. ## Prices and what you get The tour is from $249 per person plus tax and booking fees. That covers hotel pickup and drop-off in Kona and Waikoloa, a guide for the day, the Waipiʻo Valley lookout, the private waterfall swim and the tropical garden. Check the booking page for meals. Gratuity is extra. Cancellation needs 24 hours notice for groups of 1 to 5 and 48 hours for groups of 6 or more. Could you do it yourself? You could drive to the lookout, and it is free to stand at the rail. But that is about three and a half hours of round-trip driving from Kona for one view, and you will not get to swim at a private waterfall. The tour makes the long drive into a full day. ## Who it’s for (and who should skip it) Anyone from age 5 to 89 staying on the Kona side who wants to see the Hāmākua Coast without a long day of driving. Families with swimmers, couples, and first-time visitors who want the green side of the island in one go. It also makes a good rest day for your legs between ocean trips, since most of the effort is the swim. Skip it if your heart is set on standing on the valley floor; this tour does not go down, and most visitors cannot right now. Skip it if you are staying in Hilo, an hour from the lookout; drive up yourself and pair it with the Hilo waterfall hike. If you want waterfalls with more adrenaline, the Kohala zipline has a Zip & Dip version with a waterfall swim. ## Where to check in and how to get there The tour picks up at major hotels in Kona and Waikoloa. Your pickup time and spot are in your confirmation. About the valley road. The steep road down into Waipiʻo Valley has been closed to independent visitors under a Hawaiʻi County emergency rule, renewed through at least November 1, 2026, with guided or permitted access only. The lookout at the end of Highway 240 is open. Rules change, so check the county’s current status before your trip. Our Waipiʻo Valley guide explains the access rules and what you can still do. ## Best time to go Time of year. Any month. The Hāmākua Coast is green year round because it rains often. Waterfalls run strongest after wet spells. Whales. From December through April, humpback whales are in Hawaiian waters. Scan the ocean off the lookout and you may catch a spout. Time of day. Clear mornings usually give the best view down the valley before clouds build. The tour sets the timing, so pack for sun and rain either way. For a broader look at seasons, see our best time to visit the Big Island. ## Local tips before you book - Wear your swimsuit. It saves changing at the waterfall. - Bring water shoes. Rocks around waterfall pools are slick. - Pack a dry change. You will ride home in it. - Bring binoculars if you have them. The beach and the back of the valley are a long way below the lookout. - Plan a quiet evening. Ten hours is a full day, so do not book a sunset sail or a night snorkel for the same night. - Respect the road closure. Do not try to walk or drive down; it is closed to independent visitors. - Look at the map first. Our Big Island areas map shows how far the Hāmākua Coast is from Kona, and why a pickup tour makes sense. ## The verdict If you are staying in Kona or Waikoloa and want to see Waipiʻo, book this Waipiʻo Valley tour. It is honest about the lookout, adds a private waterfall swim and a tropical garden, and spares you about three and a half hours of driving. Wear your swimsuit, bring a rain jacket, and enjoy the view from the top. Included: - Round-trip pickup at major hotels in Kona and Waikoloa - A guide for the whole day - The Waipiʻo Valley lookout - The private waterfall swim and the tropical garden visit Not included: - Tax and booking fees - Gratuity for your guide - A trip down into Waipiʻo Valley; the access road is restricted and this tour views it from the lookout - Meals, unless the booking page says otherwise Restrictions: - Ages 5 to 89 - You should be comfortable swimming in fresh water if you plan to get in at the waterfall - Cancellation: 24 hours notice for groups of 1 to 5, 48 hours for groups of 6 or more - The tour does not go down into Waipiʻo Valley; access is limited to guided and permitted trips under a county rule Frequently asked questions: Q: How much is the Waipiʻo Valley tour? A: From $249 per person plus tax and booking fees, with hotel pickup in Kona and Waikoloa. The day runs about 10 hours. Q: Can you go down into Waipiʻo Valley? A: Not on your own right now. A Hawaiʻi County emergency rule has closed the steep access road to independent visitors, renewed through at least November 1, 2026, with guided or permitted access only. Check the county's current status before you go. Q: Does this tour go into Waipiʻo Valley? A: No. It visits the Waipiʻo Valley lookout, which is open and is how most visitors see the valley, and adds a private waterfall swim and a tropical garden. Q: How far is Waipiʻo Valley from Kona? A: About 1 hour 45 minutes each way to the lookout. From Hilo it is about an hour. Q: Is the Waipiʻo Valley tour worth it? A: Yes, if you are staying on the Kona side and want a full day on the green Hāmākua Coast without the long drive. The lookout alone is worth seeing, and the private waterfall swim makes it a day out rather than a photo stop. Q: Can kids do the Waipiʻo Valley tour? A: Yes, from age 5. It is a long day, so it suits kids who are fine with time in a vehicle and like swimming. Q: What should I wear for the waterfall swim? A: Your swimsuit under your clothes, water shoes or sandals with grip, and a towel. Bring a light rain jacket and a dry change of clothes for the ride back. Q: Where is the Waipiʻo Valley lookout? A: At the end of Highway 240, past the village of Kukuihaele on the Hāmākua Coast. It looks down the length of the valley to the black sand beach and the sea cliffs beyond. Q: What is the cancellation policy? A: For groups of 1 to 5, cancel at least 24 hours ahead. For groups of 6 or more, cancel at least 48 hours ahead. --- ## Big Island Helicopter Tour over Kīlauea: A Private Two-Hour Flight From Kona URL: https://bigislandthingstodo.com/big-island-helicopter-tour/ Rank on our list: #7 Where: Kona Airport, Kona Price: from $1,680 Duration: 120 minutes Season: Year round, daytime flights Best time: A clear morning, booked early in your trip so there is room to reschedule if weather moves in Ages: Private flight for 1 to 4 people; check the booking page for child policies Group size: Private: your party of 1 to 4 only Check-in: 73-310 Uu St at the Kona airport (KOA), between Kailua-Kona and the Waikoloa resorts Guest rating: 4.9 out of 5 from 160 reviews Book: https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/maunaloahelicoptertoursbigisland/items/23564/?asn=fhdn&asn-ref=fathom1k&ref=bigislandthingstodo&bookable-only=yes&full-items=yes&marketplace=yes&flow=no&branding=no Two private hours in the air from the Kona airport: Kīlauea's summit crater, Hilo, the waterfall-streaked Hāmākua Coast and the deep valleys of Kohala. Just your party aboard, and everyone gets a window seat. Highlights: - Private flight: no strangers, just your party of 1 to 4, and a guaranteed window seat for everyone - Two full hours, long enough to circle the island from Kona instead of picking one side - Kīlauea's summit crater from the air, the most active volcano on Earth - The Hāmākua Coast, where hundreds of waterfalls pour off the sea cliffs - The deep Kohala valleys, where the listing promises waterfalls of 2,000 feet and more that only a helicopter can reach - 4.9 stars on FareHarbor, with a shorter 30-minute Kona Coast flight if two hours is more than you need The Big Island is bigger than all the other Hawaiian islands put together, and you cannot drive it in a day. A Big Island helicopter tour over Kīlauea is the one way to see the volcano, the waterfall coast and the hidden valleys of Kohala in a single morning. This flight leaves from the Kona airport, runs two private hours, and takes nobody but your own party. This page covers what the flight sees, what it costs, who should pick the shorter flight instead, and how to get the most out of two hours in the air. ## Why this made our list Most helicopter tours on this island make you choose a side. Flights from Hilo are built around the volcano, and short flights from Kona stay on the dry west coast. This one does both. As listed, the route crosses to Kīlauea, swings past Hilo, follows the Hāmākua Coast with its hundreds of waterfalls, then turns into the deep valleys of North Kohala before crossing Kohala Mountain and running home along the resort coast. That is the whole island in one flight, without a two-hour drive to Hilo first. The second reason is privacy. It is your party of one to four, nobody else, and every passenger has a window seat. You are not squeezed into a middle seat next to strangers, and you can ask the pilot to circle back over the waterfall you missed. The third is the reviews. A 4.9 rating on FareHarbor over 160 reviews, from a small operator flying out of Kona, matches what we hear from friends who have flown with them. ### Why this operator We looked at three kinds of helicopter tours. The Hilo-side volcano flights are good value if you are staying in Hilo or Volcano, but most visitors stay in Kona and Waikoloa, two hours away. The big tour companies fly larger aircraft with more seats, and someone always ends up in the middle. This is a small crew flying private charters from the Kona airport, which puts the whole island within reach of the resorts and keeps the windows for your party. If two hours and a private charter is more than you need, the same operator runs a 30-minute flight over the Kona Coast from $229, which you can book with the second button on this page. ## What the Big Island helicopter tour is like The flight runs about 120 minutes in the air. Here is the route as the operator lists it; the pilot adjusts it to the day’s weather. - Check in at the Kona airport base. The base is at 73-310 Uu St. Expect a safety briefing and seat assignments based on weight and balance. - Cross to Kīlauea. The first leg heads for the volcano. From above, Kīlauea’s summit caldera is a vast crater of black lava rimmed with red ash. When the volcano is erupting you may see glowing lava; when it is quiet you see steam and fresh rock. - Past Hilo. On the east side you get views of Hilo, the island’s largest town, and the wet green country around it. - The Hāmākua Coast. The route runs north along wave-swept cliffs and rainforest, where hundreds of waterfalls drop straight to the ocean. - The Kohala valleys. Past Waipiʻo, the coast breaks into steep, sacred valleys that are hard or impossible to reach on foot. Deep inside, the listing describes waterfalls of more than 2,000 feet that the helicopter can hover right beside. - Over Kohala Mountain and home. The flight crosses the mountain and runs back down the sunny South Kohala resort coast to the airport. ## Prices and what you get The private flight is priced per helicopter, not per seat: $1,680 for up to three people or $2,240 for up to four, plus tax and booking fees. With a party of three that is about $560 each, which is in line with shared volcano flights that put strangers in the middle seat. That covers the full 120 minutes, a window seat for everyone, and the full-island route when the weather allows. A tip for the pilot is extra. If you want a taste rather than the whole island, the 30-minute Kona Coast flight starts from $229 for up to three people and holds a 5.0 rating over 157 reviews. ## Who it’s for (and who should skip it) This is for first-time visitors who want the whole island in one look, photographers, couples marking a big occasion, and families of up to four who want the aircraft to themselves. It is also the best way to see the Waipiʻo and Kohala valleys now that the road into Waipiʻo is restricted; our Waipiʻo Valley guide explains the closure. Skip it if you are staying in Hilo or Volcano; a shorter flight from the east side makes more sense there. Skip it if your only goal is the volcano and you would rather walk the crater rim; our Volcanoes National Park tour puts you on the ground for the day. And if two hours of flying sounds like a lot, take the 30-minute Kona Coast flight instead. ## Where to check in and how to get there The base is at 73-310 Uu St at the Kona airport (KOA), on the highway between Kailua-Kona and the Waikoloa resorts. From Keauhou it is about 25 minutes. From Waikoloa it is a little under 30 minutes. Your confirmation lists the exact check-in time; arrive a little early so the briefing does not eat into your flight. Not sure which side of the island to base yourself on? Our Kona vs Hilo guide lays out the trade-offs. ## Best time to go Time of day. Morning. Clouds tend to build over the mountains and the windward valleys as the day goes on, and an early flight gives the best chance of clear views into the waterfall valleys. Time of year. The flight runs year round. Winter brings more rain to the Hāmākua side, which means fuller waterfalls but more cloud. Whatever the season, book your flight early in the trip so you can reschedule if the weather turns. ## Local tips before you book - Wear dark clothes. A white shirt shows up as a reflection in every photo you take through the window. - Turn off your flash and get close to the glass. Shooting with the lens near the window cuts the glare. - Book early in your stay. If weather closes the valleys on your date, you want spare days to try again. - Ask about the volcano that morning. Kīlauea’s activity changes week to week, and the pilot will know what is showing. - Put the phone down at least once. Two hours is long enough to watch a waterfall without a screen in front of it. - Build a day around it. A morning flight leaves the afternoon free for the beach or a Kona sunset sail. ## The verdict If you have one splurge on the Big Island and you are staying on the Kona side, make it this flight. Two private hours, a window for everyone, and the whole island from Kīlauea to the Kohala valleys without the long drive. Fly early in your trip, wear something dark, and keep your expectations about lava flexible. The valleys alone are worth it. Included: - A 120-minute private helicopter flight for your party of 1 to 4 - A guaranteed window seat for every passenger - The full-island route as listed: Kīlauea, Hilo, the Hāmākua Coast, the Kohala valleys and the Kohala resort coast, weather permitting - Check-in at the operator's base at the Kona airport Not included: - Tax and booking fees - Gratuity for your pilot - Transport to the airport base; plan to drive yourself - Guaranteed lava. Kīlauea's eruptions are episodic, and glowing lava may or may not be visible on your day Restrictions: - Private flight for 1 to 4 people; rates differ by party size, so check the booking page - Helicopters are balanced seat by seat; expect to give passenger weights when you book - Weather sets the route. The pilot may shorten a leg or reschedule if clouds close the valleys or the volcano - Free cancellation up to 48 hours before your flight Frequently asked questions: Q: How much is a Big Island helicopter tour? A: This private two-hour flight is $1,680 per flight for up to three people, or $2,240 for up to four, plus tax. With three aboard that works out to about $560 each. The shorter 30-minute Kona Coast flight starts from $229. Q: Is a Big Island helicopter tour worth it? A: Yes, if you want to see the whole island in one go. The Big Island is too large to drive in a day, and two hours in the air covers Kīlauea, the Hāmākua waterfalls and the Kohala valleys, several of which no road reaches. Q: Will I see lava from the helicopter? A: Maybe. Kīlauea's eruptions are episodic, so some days there is glowing lava in the crater and some days there is only steam and fresh black rock. No operator can promise lava; the crater is impressive either way. Q: Where does the helicopter tour leave from? A: The operator's base at 73-310 Uu St, at the Kona airport. It sits between Kailua-Kona and the Waikoloa resorts, about 25 minutes from Keauhou and a little under 30 minutes from Waikoloa. Q: Should I fly from Kona or Hilo? A: If you are staying on the Kona side, fly from Kona and take the long flight, which reaches both sides of the island. Flights from Hilo reach the volcano faster and can be shorter, which makes them a better fit if you are based in Hilo or Volcano. Q: What is the best time of day for a helicopter tour? A: A clear morning. Book early in your trip so there is time to reschedule if clouds sit on the windward valleys or the volcano. Q: What should I wear on a helicopter tour? A: Dark clothes, so your shirt does not reflect in the window in your photos, plus sunglasses and comfortable shoes. Leave hats and loose items in the car. Q: Can kids go on the helicopter tour? A: Because the flight is private, it works well for a family of up to four. Check the booking page for the operator's child and seating policies before you book. Q: What is the cancellation policy? A: Free cancellation up to 48 hours before the flight. If weather grounds the aircraft, the operator will work with you to reschedule. --- ## Big Island Zipline: The Full Kohala Canopy Tour Above Hāwī URL: https://bigislandthingstodo.com/kohala-zipline-tour/ Rank on our list: #8 Where: Hāwī, North Kohala Price: from $210 Duration: About 2 hours Season: Year round, rain or shine Best time: A morning tour, paired with lunch in Hāwī and an afternoon at the Pololū Valley lookout Ages: 8 and up (70 to 270 lb) Group size: Up to 9 guests with 2 certified canopy guides Check-in: 55-515 Hāwī Road, Hāwī, in the historic yellow sugar company building Guest rating: 4.9 out of 5 from 784 reviews Book: https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/kohalazipline/items/18203/?asn=fhdn&asn-ref=fathom1k&ref=bigislandthingstodo&bookable-only=yes&full-items=yes&marketplace=yes&flow=no&branding=no About two hours zipping tree to tree through a towering private forest above Hāwī, with sky bridges, a rappel and views to the Kohala Coast. Two certified guides, nine guests at most, and no long walks between lines. Highlights: - Billed as the only full canopy tour on Hawaiʻi Island: zip from tree to tree with no climbing down to the ground between lines - Sky bridges and a rappel, including a bridge right beside a waterfall - Speeds up to about 45 mph through a towering forest on a private nature reserve - Views over the Kohala Coast, across the channel to Maui, and over old Hawaiian farming terraces - Two certified guides on every tour and no more than nine guests - 4.9 stars over 784 FareHarbor reviews The Kohala zipline is the Big Island zipline done properly, a true canopy tour: you clip in at the first tree and stay up in the forest, zipping from platform to platform, crossing sky bridges and finishing with a rappel to the ground. It sits in a towering forest on private land above Hāwī, in the green, quiet north end of the island that most visitors only see on the way to the Pololū lookout. This page covers what the course is like, what it costs, the weight and age rules that catch people out, and when the full-day Zip & Dip is the better buy. ## Why this made our list There are a handful of ziplines on the Big Island, and most of them are long lines strung across a gulch, with walks or stair climbs between each ride. That is fun, but it is not a canopy tour. The Kohala course is built tree to tree, so once you are up you stay up. The operator bills it as the only full canopy tour on Hawaiʻi Island, and from what we have seen that description holds. The setting is the second reason. North Kohala is wetter and cooler than the resort coast, and the forest here is tall and green, with views out to the Kohala Coast, across the channel to Maui on a clear day, and down over the terraces of old Hawaiian farmland. Parts of the course run beside waterfalls. The third is the way it is run. Two certified guides go with every group, groups are capped at nine, and the course follows the safety standards of the Association for Challenge Course Technology, the industry’s international standards body. Guests come back talking about the guides, which is why it holds a 4.9 rating over 784 reviews. ### Why this operator We weighed this against the Hāmākua-side ziplines near Hilo, which are built around big waterfall views, and against the line-and-stairs courses elsewhere on the island. If you are staying in Hilo, the Honomū side makes more sense, and our Hilo waterfall hike page covers that area. If you are staying in Kona or Waikoloa and want a true canopy course rather than a few big rides, this is the one we book. It pairs well with a day in Hāwī. ## What the Kohala zipline is like Plan on about two hours from check-in to the last line. Here is how it goes. - Check in at the Hāwī headquarters. Arrive 30 minutes early at 55-515 Hāwī Road, in the historic yellow sugar company building. Everyone is weighed and fitted with a harness, helmet and gloves. - Safety briefing. The guides walk you through the gear and how the course works before anyone leaves the ground. - Up into the canopy. A spiral staircase built around a tree trunk takes you to the first platform. From here you move tree to tree without coming back to the ground. - Zip lines. The lines run through the forest canopy at up to about 45 mph. The longer ones have views out over the Kohala Coast. - Sky bridges. Between lines you cross cable suspension bridges, including one right beside a waterfall. - The rappel. The course includes a controlled rappel back down toward the forest floor, with a guide managing the rope. A note on the course layout: the operator’s description lists eight lines, six sky bridges and a rappel, and its newer listings also advertise five lines and two sky bridges with a zip and bridge to a waterfall. Check the booking page to see which version runs on your date. ## Prices and what you get The canopy tour is from $210 per person plus tax and booking fees. That includes about two hours on the course, two guides, all safety gear, rain gear and water. GoPro rentals and a guide photo package are available at extra cost, and a tip for the guides is customary. A portion of each ticket supports ʻIole, a North Kohala nonprofit working to restore a traditional ahupuaʻa land division. The Zip & Dip is the full-day version, from $325. It adds an off-road drive across private land, a walk to secluded waterfalls, a swim under a private waterfall and a picnic lunch with coastline views, and it runs 8 to 9 hours with pickups at the Four Seasons, Queens’ Marketplace and the Shops at Mauna Lani. If you do not want to drive to Hāwī yourself, it is the easy answer. ## Who it’s for (and who should skip it) Families with kids 8 and older, couples, groups of friends and first-time zipliners. You do not need to be fit; you need to be able to walk over uneven ground and climb a short set of stairs. Skip it if you are pregnant, have a neck or back injury or recent surgery, or weigh under 70 lb or over 270 lb. The weight check happens at the counter, and there are no refunds for guests outside the range, so be honest when you book. If you are nervous about heights, tell the guides at check-in; the tour is rated easy to moderate and they set the pace. ## Where to check in and how to get there Headquarters is at 55-515 Hāwī Road, in Hāwī town. From Kailua-Kona, take Highway 19 north past the airport and the resorts, turn left onto Highway 270 toward Kawaihae, and continue about 21 miles to Hāwī; turn right on Hāwī Road and look for the yellow building on the left. Allow about an hour and 15 minutes from Kona and about 45 minutes from Waikoloa. Hāwī has cafés and small shops, so you can eat before or after. See our Big Island areas map for how North Kohala fits with the rest of the island. ## Best time to go Time of day. Morning, so you have the afternoon for lunch in Hāwī and the drive out to the Pololū Valley lookout at the end of the road. Time of year. It runs year round, rain or shine. Winter is wetter in North Kohala, which means fuller waterfalls and a slicker forest; rain gear is provided. Our best time to visit the Big Island guide covers the seasons in more detail. ## Local tips before you book - Check your weight honestly. The 70 to 270 lb range is enforced at check-in with no refunds. - Wear pants or capris. Short shorts and a harness do not mix. - Bring a layer. It is often noticeably cooler, and sometimes raining, in Hāwī when the resorts are sunny. - Book the GoPro or the photos. You will want both hands free on the lines. - Make a day of North Kohala. Zip in the morning, eat in Hāwī, and drive to the Pololū lookout in the afternoon. - Short on time? Take the Zip & Dip with resort pickup and skip the drive altogether. ## The verdict If you want a zipline on the Kona side of the Big Island, make it this one. It is a true canopy course, tree to tree in a tall forest, with sky bridges, a rappel, two guides and no more than nine guests. Book the morning tour, wear closed-toe shoes and long shorts, and turn the rest of the day into a North Kohala road trip. Or book the Zip & Dip and let someone else drive. Included: - About 2 hours on the canopy course with two certified guides - Harness, helmet, gloves and all safety gear - Rain gear and water - Natural and cultural history of North Kohala from your guides Not included: - Tax and booking fees - Gratuity for your guides - GoPro rental or the guide photo package - Transportation to Hāwī (included only on the Zip & Dip day) Restrictions: - Ages 8 and up - Weight 70 to 270 lb; everyone is weighed at check-in and there are no refunds for guests outside the range - Not suitable during pregnancy or with neck or back injuries or recent surgery; you must be able to walk over uneven ground - Arrive 30 minutes early. Free cancellation with 24 hours' notice; private tours need 72 hours Frequently asked questions: Q: How much is the Kohala zipline? A: The canopy tour starts from $210 per person before tax and booking fees. The full-day Zip & Dip, which adds a waterfall swim and lunch, starts from $325. Q: Is the Kohala zipline worth it? A: Yes, if you want a real canopy tour rather than a few long lines with stair climbs in between. You zip tree to tree through a tall forest, cross sky bridges and finish with a rappel, with two guides for no more than nine guests. Q: How many lines are on the Kohala zipline? A: The operator describes the full canopy course as eight lines, six sky bridges and a rappel. Newer listings also advertise a five-line, two-bridge version that includes a zip and bridge to a waterfall, so check the booking page for the course you are booking. Q: How far is the Kohala zipline from Kona? A: Hāwī is about an hour and 15 minutes from Kailua-Kona and about 45 minutes from the Waikoloa resorts. Take Highway 19 north, then Highway 270 through Kawaihae to Hāwī. Q: Can kids do the Kohala zipline? A: Yes, from age 8, as long as they weigh at least 70 lb. Two certified guides stay with the group for the whole course, and the tour is rated easy to moderate. Q: What should I wear ziplining? A: Closed-toe shoes are required. Wear pants, capris or knee-length shorts, a T-shirt you can move in, and bring a light layer; it can be cool and rainy in the Kohala forest. Q: What is the weight limit? A: Guests must weigh between 70 and 270 lb. Everyone is weighed at check-in, and guests outside the range cannot zip and are not refunded. Q: Does it run in the rain? A: Yes. Rain gear is provided, so a passing shower does not cancel the tour. If the weather turns unsafe, the operator will contact you. Q: What is the Zip & Dip? A: An 8 to 9 hour day that adds an off-road drive across private land, a walk to secluded waterfalls, a swim under a private waterfall and a picnic lunch to the canopy course, with pickups at the Four Seasons, Queens' Marketplace and the Shops at Mauna Lani. --- ## Kona Coffee Tour: A Hands-On Brewing Workshop on a Hōlualoa Farm URL: https://bigislandthingstodo.com/kona-coffee-tour/ Rank on our list: #9 Where: Hōlualoa, Kona Price: from $65 Duration: About 75 minutes Season: Year round, Monday to Saturday at 9:00 and 11:30 am Best time: The 9:00 am class, early in your trip, so you can buy beans and brew them for the rest of your stay Ages: 6 and up Group size: Up to 6 guests Check-in: 78-1136 Bishop Rd, Hōlualoa, about 15 minutes upslope from Kailua-Kona Guest rating: 4.9 out of 5 from 3109 reviews Book: https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/heavenlyhawaiian/items/266963/?asn=fhdn&asn-ref=fathom1k&ref=bigislandthingstodo&bookable-only=yes&full-items=yes&marketplace=yes&flow=no&branding=no A small-group brewing class on a working coffee farm in Hōlualoa, high in the Kona coffee belt. You brew with French press and pour-over, cup four coffees side by side, and leave knowing how to make a better cup at home. Highlights: - A hands-on brewing class on a working Kona coffee farm, not a gift-shop walk-through - Unlimited samples of four of the farm's coffees - Brew and taste the same coffee two ways: French press and pour-over - A guided cupping session to learn how pros judge aroma, acidity, body and flavor - Small groups of six at most, so you get real time with the brew master - 4.9 stars across more than 3,100 reviews, and a free brewing journal to take home Kona coffee grows on a narrow belt of farms on the slopes above Kailua-Kona, and nearly every one of them offers a tasting. This Kona coffee tour is different: it is a hands-on brewing workshop on a Hōlualoa farm where you brew, taste and cup the coffee yourself, in a group of six at most. You leave knowing why your coffee at home tastes the way it does, and how to fix it. This page covers what happens in the class, what it costs, who will love it, and how to fit it into a Kona morning. ## Why this made our list Many coffee farm visits on the Kona side are free or nearly free: a short walk past the trees, a look at the drying racks, and a tasting counter next to the shop. They are pleasant, but you learn little and you leave with a bag of beans. This workshop goes further. It is built around the science of brewing, and you do the work: grind, steep, pour and taste, with a brew master correcting you as you go. The second reason is the format. Classes are capped at six guests, so it feels like a lesson rather than a tour. You compare four of the farm’s coffees with unlimited refills, brew them two ways, and then run a proper cupping, the side-by-side tasting roasters use to judge a coffee. The third is the farm itself. Hōlualoa sits in the heart of the Kona coffee belt, about 15 minutes upslope from town, and this is a working farm, not a storefront. With a 4.9 rating across more than 3,100 reviews, it is one of the best-reviewed experiences on the island. ### Why this operator We compared the coffee experiences along the belt on one question: will you learn something you can use at home? The big roadside farms do a fine free tasting and are worth a stop if you are driving past. A few farms run longer walking tours of the orchard and mill. This one runs a dedicated brewing class with small groups, and that is the one we send friends to. If you only have time for one coffee stop, make it this one. ## What the Kona coffee tour is like The class runs about 75 minutes. Here is how it goes. - Arrive and settle in. Get there 5 to 10 minutes early. The class starts promptly, and there is coffee waiting while you settle in at the brewing bar. - Where coffee comes from. The brew master starts with coffee origins: the world’s great growing regions and how each one shapes what ends up in your cup. - French press. You learn grind size, infusion and steeping time, then press and taste. This is the earthy, full-bodied cup. - Pour-over. The hands-on part. Grind size, water temperature, the speed of your pour and the order of your pours are all in your control, and you taste how each one changes the result. - Cupping. You compare the coffees and the two brewing methods side by side and learn the language of aroma, acidity, body and flavor. - Questions. The brew master answers anything you bring, from sourcing beans to storing them. You go home with a complimentary brewing journal. ## Prices and what you get The workshop is from $65 per person plus tax and booking fees. That covers about 75 minutes of instruction, unlimited samples of four coffees, both brewing methods, the cupping session and your brewing journal. Beans to take home are sold separately at the farm, and a tip for the brew master is appreciated. The farm runs other tours as well; check the booking page if you want to see more of the farm. ## Who it’s for (and who should skip it) Coffee drinkers of every level. If you own a French press or a pour-over cone, you will get the most out of it. Couples, friends and teens who already drink coffee all enjoy it; children 6 and up are allowed, but younger kids may get restless. Skip it if you do not drink coffee, or if you only want a quick sip and a photo with the trees; a free roadside tasting will do. If you have a whole day, pair it with a cloud forest walk higher up the mountain. ## Where to check in and how to get there The farm is at 78-1136 Bishop Rd in Hōlualoa. From Kailua-Kona, head upslope toward Hōlualoa; the drive takes about 15 minutes. Allow more time from Keauhou, the airport or Waikoloa. The roads above town are narrow and winding, so give yourself a little extra time and plan to arrive 5 to 10 minutes before class. Hōlualoa village, a few minutes away, is a small strip of art galleries and cafés along the old upcountry road, and it is worth a wander after class. ## Best time to go Time of day. The 9:00 am class. Upcountry Kona often clouds over in the afternoon, and a morning class leaves the rest of the day for the beach. The 11:30 am class works if you want to sleep in. Time of year. The class runs year round, Monday to Saturday. The coffee harvest runs roughly from late summer into winter, when the trees are heavy with red cherries and the farms are busiest. Book early in your trip so you can use what you learn every morning after. For more ideas around Kona, see our things to do on the Big Island guide. ## Local tips before you book - Eat a light breakfast first. Unlimited samples of four coffees on an empty stomach is a lot. - Take the 9:00 am slot. Better light, cooler air, and the whole day ahead of you. - Bring your home setup questions. Tell the brew master what you brew with; the advice is the best part. - Buy beans after class, not before. You will know which roast you actually like. - Leave room in your bag. Most people leave with more coffee than they planned. - Make a morning of it. Wander Hōlualoa village, then head down to the coast for lunch. Our 7-day Big Island itinerary shows how to fit it in. ## The verdict If you book one Kona coffee tour, book this one. It is a real class on a real farm, small enough to ask every question you have, and it costs less than most of the island’s other tours. Take the 9:00 am slot early in your trip, skip the big breakfast, and leave room in your suitcase for beans. Included: - About 75 minutes of hands-on instruction with a brew master - Unlimited samples of four coffees - French press and pour-over brewing, plus a guided cupping session - A complimentary personal brewing journal - Personal advice on beans, grinding and storage for your home setup Not included: - Tax and booking fees - Coffee to take home; beans are sold separately at the farm - Gratuity for your brew master - Transportation to Hōlualoa Restrictions: - Ages 6 and up - Classes run Monday to Saturday at 9:00 and 11:30 am only - The class starts promptly; arrive 5 to 10 minutes early - Free cancellation up to 48 hours before your class Frequently asked questions: Q: How much is the Kona coffee tour? A: The brewing workshop is from $65 per person before tax and booking fees. That includes unlimited samples of four coffees, both brewing methods, the cupping session and a brewing journal. Q: Is a Kona coffee tour worth it? A: This one is, because you do more than taste. You learn to brew with a French press and a pour-over and to cup coffee like a roaster, which changes how you make coffee at home long after the trip. Q: How long is the Kona coffee tour? A: About 75 minutes. Classes run Monday to Saturday at 9:00 and 11:30 am, and they start on time. Q: How far is the coffee farm from Kona? A: The farm is at 78-1136 Bishop Rd in Hōlualoa, about 15 minutes upslope from Kailua-Kona. Allow a little longer from Keauhou or the Waikoloa resorts. Q: Is the Kona coffee tour good for kids? A: Children 6 and up can join. It is a coffee class, so it suits teens who already drink coffee better than young kids. Q: What is a coffee cupping? A: Cupping is how roasters and buyers compare coffees side by side. You smell and slurp small samples and learn to name the aroma, acidity, body and flavor of each one. Q: Do I need to know anything about coffee? A: No. The class works for first-time Kona coffee drinkers and long-time enthusiasts alike, and the brew masters will answer questions about your own equipment. Q: What is the cancellation policy? A: Free cancellation up to 48 hours before your class. Q: What is the best time to take the coffee class? A: The 9:00 am class, early in your trip. Upcountry Kona tends to cloud over later in the day, and taking the class early means you can brew better coffee for the rest of your stay. --- ## Big Island Whale Watching: A Small Raft Into the Humpback Nursery off Kawaihae URL: https://bigislandthingstodo.com/big-island-whale-watching/ Rank on our list: #10 Where: Kawaihae, Kohala Coast Price: from $95 Duration: 2 hours Season: Humpback season, roughly mid-November through April (peak January to March) Best time: January through mid-March, on the earliest departure available, when the Kohala Coast is usually calmest Ages: 3 and up Group size: Up to 20 guests on a raft-style boat (6-guest minimum to run) Check-in: Kawaihae South Boat Ramp (Kawaihae Small Boat Harbor), minutes from the Waikoloa, Mauna Lani and Mauna Kea resorts Guest rating: 4.9 out of 5 from 634 reviews Book: https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/adventurex/items/1078/?asn=fhdn&asn-ref=fathom1k&ref=bigislandthingstodo&bookable-only=yes&full-items=yes&marketplace=yes&flow=no&branding=no Two hours on a small raft-style boat from Kawaihae, straight into the humpback nursery off the Kohala Coast. Low to the water, a hydrophone to hear the whales sing, and the harbor is minutes from the Waikoloa resorts. Highlights: - A small raft-style boat that sits low to the water, so the whales are at eye level - Leaves Kawaihae and is in the humpback nursery grounds within minutes - A hydrophone lowered over the side so you can hear the humpbacks sing live - Captains and crew who know whale behavior: mothers and calves, competition pods, breaches - Snacks and drinks on board, and at most 20 guests - 4.9 stars over 634 FareHarbor reviews Every winter thousands of humpback whales swim down from Alaska to give birth and mate in warm Hawaiian water, and the calm Kohala Coast is one of their favorite nurseries. Big Island whale watching from Kawaihae puts you right in it within minutes of leaving the harbor. This trip runs two hours on a small raft-style boat that sits low to the water, with a hydrophone to hear the whales sing. This page covers when to go, what the trip is like, what it costs, and how to get the best odds of a breach. ## Why this made our list The harbor is the first reason. Kawaihae sits at the north end of the Kohala resort coast, minutes from Waikoloa, Mauna Lani and Mauna Kea, and the boat is in the humpback nursery grounds within minutes of leaving the dock. You spend your two hours with whales rather than motoring to find them. The boat is the second. It is a high-performance raft, similar to a Zodiac, that holds at most 20 guests. Sitting close to the water puts the whales at eye level, keeps motion low, and lets the captain reposition quickly when a whale surfaces somewhere else. When things go quiet, the crew drops a hydrophone over the side, and you hear the males singing under the boat. The third is the crew. The captains know whale behavior well, and they explain what you are seeing as it happens: a mother resting with her calf, a curious calf inspecting the boat, or a competition pod of males charging after a female. That is why the trip holds a 4.9 rating across 634 reviews. ### Why this operator Whale watching runs out of Kona, Kawaihae and Hilo, on everything from big catamarans to small rafts. The big catamarans from Kona and Waikoloa are comfortable, often have a bar, and suit anyone who wants shade and a restroom. The raft is for people who want to be close to the water and close to the whales. Out of Kawaihae, it is the trip we book. If you would rather pair whales with snorkeling on the Kona side, the Kealakekua Bay Zodiac tour sees whales in season too. ## What Big Island whale watching is like The trip runs about two hours dock to dock. Here is how it goes. - Check in at the Kawaihae South Boat Ramp. Arrive 30 minutes early. It is a barefoot boat, so your shoes are collected before you board. - Into the nursery. The raft leaves the harbor and enters the nursery grounds quickly, where mothers and calves rest and play in the shallower water. - Find the action. The captain watches for blows, tail slaps and breaches and moves the boat to where the whales are most active, always at a respectful distance. - Listen. The hydrophone goes over the side and you hear the humpback song live. - Watch behavior. With luck you see a competition pod, a breach, or a calf curious enough to check out the boat. The crew explains it all as you go. - Run home. Snacks and drinks come out on the ride back to the harbor. ## Prices and what you get The whale watch is from $95 per person plus tax and booking fees; adult and child rates are on the booking page. That covers two hours on the water, the hydrophone, a narrated trip from captains who know whale behavior, snacks and drinks, and dry storage for your gear. A tip for the crew is customary. Trips need at least six guests to run. If the minimum is not met, the operator contacts you the day before to discuss options. ## Who it’s for (and who should skip it) Anyone visiting between December and April who wants to see humpbacks up close: families with kids 3 and older, couples, photographers and anyone staying on the Kohala Coast. It is a short trip, so it fits easily into a beach day. Skip it if you are more than six months pregnant or have a neck or back injury; a raft moves in a way a big catamaran does not. Skip it if you want shade, a restroom and a cocktail; a larger boat suits you better. Outside whale season, put the time toward the Kona sunset sail instead. ## Where to check in and how to get there The boat leaves from the Kawaihae South Boat Ramp, also called the Kawaihae Small Boat Harbor south basin. From Waikoloa or Mauna Lani, drive about 12 miles north on Highway 19, turn left onto Kawaihae Road, and take the first harbor entrance; your confirmation has the gate-by-gate directions to the ramp and the bathroom building. Look for the yellow boat at the dock. From Kailua-Kona, allow about 45 minutes to an hour. Park in the marked stalls or gravel areas, away from the trucks with trailers. ## Best time to go Time of year. Humpbacks are in Hawaiʻi from about December through April, with the peak from January through March. This operator runs from mid-November through April and advertises guaranteed sightings from January 1 to March 15. Our best time to visit the Big Island guide covers how whale season fits with the rest of the year. Time of day. The Kohala Coast is usually calmest early, before the afternoon wind picks up, so take the earliest departure on your date. That said, the crew notes that some of the best whale activity happens in less than perfect weather, and the trip runs rain or shine. ## Local tips before you book - Book January to mid-March. That is the peak of the season and the guaranteed-sighting window. - Wear slip-on sandals. Shoes come off at the dock. - Bring a windbreaker. It is an open boat, and the spray is part of the deal. - Take seasickness medicine early. The crew recommends the night before and the morning of, not right before boarding. - Use mineral sunscreen. Hawaiʻi law bans oxybenzone and similar chemicals that harm reefs. - Pair it with the beach. A morning whale watch leaves the afternoon for the Kohala Coast beaches; see our things to do on the Big Island guide for ideas. ## The verdict If you are on the Big Island between January and March, go whale watching, and if you are staying on the Kohala Coast, do it from Kawaihae on this raft. Minutes to the nursery, low to the water, a hydrophone to hear them sing, and a crew that knows what the whales are doing. Wear sandals, bring a jacket, and book early in your trip in case the weather moves you to another day. Included: - A 2-hour whale watch with a licensed captain and crew - Live hydrophone listening when the whales are singing - Whale behavior commentary throughout the trip - Complimentary snacks and drinks - Dry storage on board for your belongings Not included: - Tax and booking fees - Gratuity for the crew - Hotel transfers; you drive to Kawaihae Harbor Restrictions: - Ages 3 and up (younger only on private charters) - No one more than 6 months pregnant, and no guests with neck or back injuries - Check in 30 minutes before departure; late arrivals may miss the boat - Cancel at least 48 hours ahead for a refund; tours cancelled by the operator for weather or low bookings are refunded in full Frequently asked questions: Q: How much is whale watching on the Big Island? A: This 2-hour raft trip from Kawaihae is from $95 per person before tax and booking fees. Adult and child rates are listed on the booking page. Q: When is whale season on the Big Island? A: Humpbacks are in Hawaiian waters from about December through April, with the most whales from January through March. This operator starts trips in mid-November when the first whales arrive. Q: Is Big Island whale watching worth it? A: In peak season, yes. The Kohala Coast is a humpback nursery, and on a small raft you are low to the water, close to the action and able to hear the whales sing on the hydrophone. Q: Are whale sightings guaranteed? A: The operator advertises guaranteed sightings in peak season, January 1 to March 15. Check the booking page for how the guarantee works on your date. Q: How far is Kawaihae from Kona and Waikoloa? A: The harbor is about 12 miles north of the Waikoloa and Mauna Lani resorts on Highway 19, roughly 15 to 20 minutes. From Kailua-Kona, allow about 45 minutes to an hour. Q: Can kids go whale watching? A: Yes, from age 3. Kids love the hydrophone, and the snacks help; bring a jacket because the spray can make little ones cold. Q: Will I get seasick? A: The Kohala Coast is on the sheltered side of the island and is usually calm, and a raft close to the water moves less than people expect. If you are prone to seasickness, take medicine the night before and the morning of, eat light and skip alcohol beforehand. Q: What should I wear on a whale watch? A: Dress like you are going to the beach and bring a light jacket for spray and wind. It is a barefoot boat, so wear sandals you can slip off. Q: What happens if the weather is bad? A: Trips run rain or shine. If the captain cancels for unsafe conditions, you get a full refund, and the operator contacts you by phone, text or email. --- ## Hilo Boat Tour: The Waterfall Cruise Along the Onomea Sea Cliffs URL: https://bigislandthingstodo.com/hilo-waterfall-cruise/ Rank on our list: #11 Where: Hilo, Hilo Price: from $159 Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours Season: Year round, afternoon cruises Best time: A calm afternoon after a few days of rain, when the waterfalls are full Ages: 8 and up; under 18 with an adult Group size: Small group; see the booking page for capacity Check-in: Wailoa Small Boat Harbor, Hilo, slip #4 (the slip closest to the bridge) Guest rating: 4.7 out of 5 from 842 reviews Book: https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/hilooceanadventures/items/425708/?asn=fhdn&asn-ref=fathom1k&ref=bigislandthingstodo&bookable-only=yes&full-items=yes&marketplace=yes&flow=no&branding=no A relaxed afternoon cruise from Hilo along the Onomea sea cliffs, where waterfalls pour straight into the ocean. Small group, stories of old Hawaiʻi and the sugar era, and dolphins on many trips. Highlights: - Waterfalls pouring off the sea cliffs of the Onomea and Hāmākua coast, seen from the water - A small, unhurried afternoon cruise with stories of old Hawaiʻi and East Hawaiʻi history - The ruins of early-1900s sugar mills and the story of the plantation towns - Spinner and bottlenose dolphins, often seen beside the boat - Views back to Maunakea and Mauna Loa from offshore - Light refreshments and bottled water on board Hilo gets more than 125 inches of rain a year, and much of it ends up pouring off the sea cliffs north of town. This Hilo boat tour is a relaxed afternoon waterfall cruise along the Onomea cliffs, where streams drop straight into the ocean, with stories of old Hawaiʻi and the sugar era along the way. It is small, unhurried and one of the few ways to see this coast from the water. This page covers what the cruise sees, what it costs, who should pick the kayak tour instead, and how to avoid the one mistake the crew says guests make most. ## Why this made our list East Hawaiʻi is the wet, green side of the island, and most visitors only see it from the highway and the ʻAkaka Falls trail. From the water it looks completely different. The Onomea and Hāmākua coast is a wall of jungle-covered cliffs cut by streams, and after rain the waterfalls run straight off the edge into the sea. This cruise runs along that coast, into the coves, close enough for good photos. The second reason is the storytelling. This is a history cruise as much as a scenic one. The guide talks about the ancient Hawaiian villages along this coast, the cultural landmarks, and the sugar plantations that once ran the whole east side, with the ruins of early-1900s mills still visible from the water. The third is the pace. It is a small, intimate group on a leisurely afternoon trip, not a crowded party boat. Spinner and bottlenose dolphins are often seen, and on a clear day you look back over Hilo to Maunakea and Mauna Loa. ### Why this operator Hilo has far fewer boat tours than Kona, because the windward ocean is rougher. Most Big Island boat tours run on the calm Kona side, and none of them show you this coast. This small local crew runs a cruise built around the Hilo coastline and its history, along with kayak, snorkel and dive trips out of the same shop. For a Hilo-side boat day, this is the one we book. If the ocean worries you, their guided kayak tour on calm Hilo Bay is the gentler option. ## What the Hilo boat tour is like The cruise runs 1.5 to 2 hours. Here is how it goes. - Check in at Wailoa Small Boat Harbor. Meet at slip #4, the slip closest to the bridge, 15 minutes before departure. You step aboard from the dock. - Out through Hilo Bay. The boat runs out of the bay with views back over the town to Maunakea and Mauna Loa. - North along the coast. The shoreline turns to cliffs and jungle. The guide starts the story of old Hawaiʻi and the communities of the Hāmākua Coast. - Waterfalls and coves. The boat slows along the Onomea cliffs, where waterfalls pour off the edge into the ocean, and noses toward hidden coves when conditions allow. - Sugar-era ruins. The guide points out the remains of early-1900s sugar mills and explains how the plantations shaped Hilo. - Dolphins and the ride home. Keep watch for spinner and bottlenose dolphins on the run back, with light refreshments on board. ## Prices and what you get The cruise is from $159 per person plus tax and booking fees. That covers 1.5 to 2 hours on the water, a professional captain and crew, narration on the history and culture of East Hawaiʻi, light refreshments and bottled water. A tip for the crew is appreciated. The second option on this page is the guided kayak tour of Hilo Bay, from $119. It runs about 2 hours from the shop at 1717 Kamehameha Ave, ages 8 and up, with no more than six guests. You paddle the calm, protected bay past Queen Liliʻuokalani Gardens to Coconut Island (Moku Ola), with kayak, paddle, life jacket, water and snacks included. It is a better pick for anyone worried about open-ocean swell. ## Who it’s for (and who should skip it) Families with kids 8 and older, couples, photographers and anyone who likes history with their scenery. It is a good half-day for visitors staying in Hilo, and a fine way to break up a volcano trip. Skip it if you get seasick easily and do not want to take medicine; Hilo’s windward coast can get rough, and if you feel ill and the boat heads back early, that is not grounds for a refund. Skip it if you cannot step aboard a boat unassisted. In either case, take the kayak tour on the calm bay, or see waterfalls on land with our Hilo waterfall hike. ## Where to check in and how to get there The boat leaves from Wailoa Small Boat Harbor in Hilo, slip #4, the one closest to the bridge. Your confirmation includes a map of the slip and a photo of the boat. Arrive 15 minutes early. From Kona, Hilo is about 2 hours each way via Saddle Road (the Daniel K. Inouye Highway), so most Kona-side visitors combine the cruise with a night in Hilo or a volcano day. From Volcano it is about 45 minutes. Our Kona vs Hilo guide helps you decide where to stay. ## Best time to go Time of year. The cruise runs year round. The waterfalls are fullest after rain, and Hilo gets rain in every season, with winter usually the wettest. Conditions. The captain makes the final call each day based on the ocean. A morning of rain followed by a calm afternoon is the ideal setup: full waterfalls and a smoother ride. Pack a rain jacket either way. ## Local tips before you book - Take the motion-sickness pill. The crew says skipping it is the biggest mistake guests make. - Book after a wet spell if you can. The more rain in the past few days, the bigger the waterfalls. - Bring binoculars. They help with dolphins and with details on the cliffs. - Wear non-spray sunscreen. Tinted or lotion, reef-safe, applied before you board. - Make a Hilo day of it. Visit ʻAkaka Falls in Honomū, about 20 minutes north of Hilo, in the morning and take the cruise in the afternoon. - Prefer calm water? The Hilo Bay kayak tour sees Coconut Island and Maunakea without the swell. ## The verdict If you are spending a day in Hilo, this is the boat to book. A small, unhurried afternoon cruise along a coast few visitors ever see, with waterfalls dropping into the sea, sugar-era ruins and good stories. Take the motion-sickness pill, bring a rain jacket, and hope for a wet morning and a calm afternoon. Included: - A 1.5 to 2 hour narrated cruise with a professional captain and crew - Historical and cultural storytelling throughout - Light refreshments and bottled water - Small-group seating with open views from the bow Not included: - Tax and booking fees - Gratuity for the crew - Transportation to the harbor - A refund if seasickness means the boat heads back early Restrictions: - Ages 8 and up; anyone under 18 must be with an adult - You must step aboard unassisted and keep your balance on a moving deck - The captain decides each day whether the cruise runs, based on ocean conditions - Arrive 15 minutes early. Cancel at least 24 hours ahead; confirm the terms on the booking page Frequently asked questions: Q: How much is the Hilo waterfall cruise? A: From $159 per person before tax and booking fees. If you would rather paddle, the guided kayak tour across Hilo Bay to Coconut Island starts from $119. Q: Is the Hilo boat tour worth it? A: Yes, especially after rain. The Onomea and Hāmākua sea cliffs are lined with waterfalls that drop straight into the ocean, and you cannot see most of them from the road. Q: Where does the Hilo waterfall cruise leave from? A: Wailoa Small Boat Harbor in Hilo, at slip #4, the slip closest to the bridge. Arrive 15 minutes before departure. Q: How far is Hilo from Kona? A: About 2 hours each way via Saddle Road (the Daniel K. Inouye Highway). From Volcano it is about 45 minutes, so the cruise fits well on a Hilo or volcano day. Q: Can kids go on the Hilo boat tour? A: Kids 8 and up can join with an adult. It is a calm, scenic cruise rather than a thrill ride, so it suits families who like history and wildlife. Q: Will I get seasick? A: Possibly. Hilo's windward coast is open ocean and can get rough, and the crew says the biggest mistake guests make is skipping motion-sickness medicine. Take it before you board. Q: Will we see dolphins? A: Spinner and bottlenose dolphins are often seen along this coast and sometimes leap beside the boat. They are wild animals, so sightings are never guaranteed. Q: What should I wear? A: Layers and a light rain jacket, sunglasses, a hat and non-spray reef-safe sunscreen. Hilo can go from sun to shower and back in an hour. Q: What is the best time for the Hilo waterfall cruise? A: After a few days of rain, when the waterfalls are running hard, and on a day with light wind and small swell for a smoother ride. --- ## Kona Sunset Cruise: A 90-Minute Sunset Sail From Honokōhau Harbor URL: https://bigislandthingstodo.com/kona-sunset-sail/ Rank on our list: #12 Where: Honokōhau Harbor, Kona Price: from $139 Duration: 1.5 hours Season: Year round, evening sails timed to sunset Best time: A clear evening early in your trip; in winter, humpback season adds the chance of whales Ages: All ages; under 4 sail free Group size: Shared sail; see the booking page for capacity Check-in: Honokōhau Harbor, slip 38 in the outer basin, just north of Kailua-Kona; check in at 4:40 pm in winter or 5:10 pm in summer Guest rating: 4.9 out of 5 from 965 reviews Book: https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/hawaiinautical-kona/items/263051/?asn=fhdn&asn-ref=fathom1k&ref=bigislandthingstodo&bookable-only=yes&full-items=yes&marketplace=yes&flow=no&branding=no Ninety easy minutes on the water off Kona as the sun goes down, with a full bar and light bites. It leaves from Honokōhau Harbor just north of town, and there is a beach departure from Waikoloa too. Highlights: - A relaxed 90-minute sail timed to the sunset, with the Kona coast on one side and open Pacific on the other - Full bar and light bites served on board - Leaves from Honokōhau Harbor, a few minutes north of Kailua-Kona - Family friendly: kids 4 to 12 sail at half price and under-4s sail free - Covered, dry space for bags and layers - 4.9 stars over 965 FareHarbor reviews, with a second departure from the beach at Waikoloa The Kona side is the dry, sunny side of the island, and on most evenings the sun sets straight into open ocean. A Kona sunset cruise is the easiest way to enjoy it: no snorkel gear, no early alarm, just ninety minutes on the water with a drink as the sky changes color. This sunset sail leaves from Honokōhau Harbor, a few minutes north of town, with a full bar and light bites on board. This page covers what the sail is like, what it costs, when to check in, and when the Waikoloa beach departure makes more sense. ## Why this made our list Sunset cruises are everywhere in Kona, and plenty of them are fine. We picked this one for the length and the feel. Ninety minutes is the right amount of time: long enough to get out on the water, settle in and watch the whole sunset, short enough that dinner is still on the table afterward. It is a relaxed sail, not a party boat. The second reason is the harbor. Honokōhau sits just north of Kailua-Kona, off the main highway on the way to the airport, so it is easy to reach from town, Keauhou and the hotels along Aliʻi Drive. Check-in is in the late afternoon, which fits around a beach day. The third is the value for families. Kids 4 to 12 are half price, under-4s sail free, and the trip holds a 4.9 rating over 965 reviews. ### Why this operator We compared the big dinner cruises, the small six-passenger charters and the sunset sails in between. The dinner cruises usually run longer and cost more, and you can spend part of the sunset in a buffet line. The small charters are lovely but priced by the boat. This crew sits in the middle: a proper sail with a bar and light bites at a fair per-person price, from both Kona and Waikoloa. If you are staying on the Kohala Coast, their beach departure from ʻAnaehoʻomalu Bay saves you the drive to Kona. ## What the Kona sunset cruise is like The sail runs about 1.5 hours. Here is how it goes. - Sign your waiver. You get an email with an online waiver; every guest signs it within a day of the sail, and parents sign for anyone 17 and under. - Check in at Honokōhau Harbor. Go to slip 38 in the outer basin and check in at the boat 20 minutes before departure: 4:40 pm in winter, 5:10 pm in summer. - Out of the harbor. The boat heads out along the Kona coast. Stow your bag in the covered area and find your spot. - Drinks and bites. The bar opens and light bites come around as the light turns gold. - Sunset. The sun drops into the Pacific. On a clear night with a flat horizon, watch the last sliver for the green flash. - Back after dark. The boat returns to the harbor after the sun is down. Your return time depends on the season’s sunset, so check the sunset time for your date. ## Prices and what you get Adults 13 and up are $139, children 4 to 12 are $69.50, and children under 4 sail free, all before tax and booking fees. That covers the 1.5-hour sail, a full bar and light bites on board, and covered space to keep your things dry. A tip for the crew is appreciated. Staying in Waikoloa? The second option on this page is the same crew’s sunset sail from the beach at ʻAnaehoʻomalu Bay, also 1.5 hours, on a catamaran with shaded seating, front nets for anyone who wants the spray and restrooms on board. Beach check-in is at 4:15 pm, and it holds a 4.9 rating over 864 reviews. ## Who it’s for (and who should skip it) Couples, honeymooners, families with kids of any age, friends celebrating, and anyone who wants an easy evening on the water without getting wet. It is also a good gentle first boat trip for nervous sailors. Because it is short and timed to the evening, it fits around almost any day: a morning on the Kohala beaches, an afternoon at a Kona coffee farm, then the sail. Families like that the kids are back at the harbor not long after dark, and couples like that dinner in town is still an option afterward. Skip it if you want to snorkel or see wildlife up close; a morning trip like the Kealakekua Bay Zodiac tour or, at night, the manta ray night snorkel is the better pick. Skip it if you want a sit-down dinner on the water; this is light bites, not a meal. ## Where to check in and how to get there Honokōhau Harbor is just north of Kailua-Kona, off the main highway on the way to the Kona airport. Turn onto Kealakehe Parkway into the harbor and follow the directions in your confirmation to the outer basin and slip 38. Check in at the boat 20 minutes before departure. If you are staying at Waikoloa, about 30 minutes north of Kona, book the ʻAnaehoʻomalu Bay departure instead and walk onto the beach. Our Big Island areas map shows where each harbor sits. ## Best time to go Time of day. It is a sunset sail, so the time is set for you: check in at 4:40 pm in winter or 5:10 pm in summer. Time of year. It runs year round, and Kona sunsets are good in every season. From December through April, humpback whales are in Hawaiian waters, and you may spot blows or a breach on the way out. Book it early in your trip; if the weather turns, you have time to rebook. For how the seasons compare, see our best time to visit the Big Island guide. ## Local tips before you book - Sign the waiver the day you get it. It is required for every guest, and it is easy to forget. - Bring a layer. The ride back after dark is cooler than you expect. - Leave the spray sunscreen at home. Lotion only on board. - Wear slip-off shoes. Easy on, easy off, and nothing you mind getting sandy. - Book dinner for after. You are back at the harbor shortly after sunset, with time to eat in Kailua-Kona. - Stay up north? The Waikoloa beach departure skips the drive and the harbor parking. ## The verdict For an easy, beautiful evening on the Kona side, book this sunset sail. Ninety minutes, a full bar and light bites, a crew with a 4.9 rating, and the sun going down over open ocean. Sign the waiver, bring a jacket for the ride home, and book dinner for afterward. If you are staying in Waikoloa, take the beach departure from ʻAnaehoʻomalu Bay instead. Included: - A 1.5-hour sunset sail with a licensed captain and crew - A full bar and light bites on board - Covered space to keep bags and clothing dry - Sunset over the Pacific, weather permitting Not included: - Tax and booking fees - Gratuity for the crew - Transportation to Honokōhau Harbor Restrictions: - Every guest must sign the online waiver within a day of the sail; parents or guardians sign for anyone 17 and under - No spray sunscreen on board - Check in at the boat 20 minutes before departure: 4:40 pm in winter, 5:10 pm in summer - Return time varies with the season's sunset; see the booking page for the cancellation policy Frequently asked questions: Q: How much is the Kona sunset cruise? A: Adults 13 and up are $139, children 4 to 12 are $69.50, and children under 4 sail free, before tax and booking fees. Q: Is a Kona sunset cruise worth it? A: Yes, if you want an easy, beautiful evening with no swimming and no early alarm. Ninety minutes on the water with a drink in hand as the sun drops into the Pacific is one of the simplest pleasures on the island. Q: What time does the sunset sail leave? A: Check-in is 4:40 pm in winter and 5:10 pm in summer at Honokōhau Harbor. The sail ends after sunset, so your return time changes with the season. Q: Where does the Kona sunset sail leave from? A: Slip 38 in the outer basin at Honokōhau Harbor, off Kealakehe Parkway, a few minutes north of Kailua-Kona on the way to the airport. Your confirmation has turn-by-turn directions to the dock. Q: Is there a sunset sail from Waikoloa? A: Yes. The same crew runs a 90-minute sunset sail from the beach at ʻAnaehoʻomalu Bay, at the Waikoloa Beach Resort, with beach check-in at 4:15 pm. Book it with the second button on this page. Q: Can kids go on the sunset cruise? A: Yes. Kids 4 to 12 are half price and under-4s are free. A parent or guardian signs the waiver for anyone 17 and under. Q: Are drinks included on the sunset sail? A: The sail is listed with a full bar and light bites served on board. Check the booking page for exactly what is included in the fare. Q: What should I wear on a sunset sail? A: Casual clothes, slip-off shoes you do not mind getting sandy, and a light layer for the ride back after dark. Bring lotion sunscreen; sprays are not allowed. Q: Will we see whales on the sunset cruise? A: Possibly, from December through April, when humpbacks are in Hawaiian waters. It is a sunset sail rather than a whale watch, so sightings are a bonus, not a promise. --- ## Kona Scuba Diving: The Two-Tank Morning Dive From Honokōhau Harbor URL: https://bigislandthingstodo.com/kona-scuba-diving/ Rank on our list: #13 Where: Honokōhau Harbor, Kona Price: from $99 Duration: 5 hours (7:45 am to 12:45 pm) Season: Year round, morning departures Best time: Any month; mornings are the calmest. Winter adds humpback song underwater, summer often brings the flattest seas Ages: 10 and up Group size: Shared dive boat; see the booking page for capacity Check-in: Honokōhau Harbor, just north of Kailua-Kona on the way to the airport Guest rating: 5 out of 5 from 7703 reviews Book: https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/konahonudivers/items/1470/?asn=fhdn&asn-ref=fathom1k&ref=bigislandthingstodo&bookable-only=yes&full-items=yes&marketplace=yes&flow=no&branding=no A two-tank morning dive out of Honokōhau Harbor along the Kona coast, with lava tubes, arches, turtles and some of the clearest water in Hawaiʻi. The crew holds a perfect 5.0 rating across more than 7,700 reviews. Highlights: - Two tanks in one morning along the Kona coast, the calm, clear lee side of the Big Island - Volcanic dive sites: lava tubes, arches and ledges built by old flows and grown over with reef - Endemic reef fish found only in Hawaiʻi, plus green sea turtles, octopus and moray eels - Valet-style service, so the crew handles the heavy lifting with your gear - Leaves from Honokōhau Harbor, minutes from Kailua-Kona and the Kona airport - A perfect 5.0 rating across more than 7,700 reviews Kona scuba diving is the best on the Big Island for a simple reason. The Kona coast sits in the lee of the island’s big volcanoes, so the ocean is calm most mornings and clear most of the year. Under the surface, the same lava that built the island has left tubes, arches and ledges, and the reef that has grown over them is full of fish you will not see anywhere else. This page covers the two-tank morning dive we recommend out of Honokōhau Harbor: what it costs, who it suits, and the night manta dive that certified divers should add if they have one more evening. ## Why this made our list The first reason is the coast itself. Most of the Big Island’s shoreline is young lava, and on the Kona side it drops into the ocean in shelves, caves and archways instead of sand. That gives you swim-throughs and overhangs on a normal recreational dive, with turtles resting under ledges and whitetip reef sharks tucked into caves. A large share of the reef fish in Hawaiʻi live nowhere else on earth, so even common fish here are new to divers who have logged their dives in the Caribbean or Southeast Asia. The second reason is the water. The trade winds blow across the other side of the island, and Kona sits behind the mountains. Morning visibility is often excellent, and the boat ride to the sites is short because good diving starts right outside the harbor. The third is the schedule. Two tanks between 7:45 am and 12:45 pm means you are back at the dock by lunch with your afternoon free, and you have not lost a whole day of a short trip. ### Why this operator Kona has dozens of dive operators, from six-passenger charters to large boats. We compared them on how they treat divers on the boat, how well they brief and guide, and what people say afterward. This crew runs a valet-style operation, which means you are not hauling tanks around a moving deck, and it holds a perfect 5.0 rating across more than 7,700 reviews. Keeping a perfect score at that volume is rare in any industry, and it is the main reason we send friends here. ## What the Kona scuba diving trip is like The morning runs about five hours dock to dock. Here is how it goes. - Check in at Honokōhau Harbor. Departure is set for 7:45 am, so arrive early enough to park, sign in and hand over your gear. Bring your certification card. - Gear and briefing. The crew sets up your equipment and runs through the boat, the safety rules and the plan for the day. - Run to the first site. The captain picks sites based on that morning’s swell and current, so you get the best water available on the day. - First tank. Usually the deeper dive, along lava formations, arches and ledges. The guide points out turtles, eels, octopus and the endemic fish. - Surface interval. Time on the boat to warm up, rehydrate and log the dive. Keep an eye out for spinner dolphins, and from December through April for humpback whales. - Second tank. Usually shallower, over reef where turtles feed and octopus hide in plain sight. - Back to the harbor. You are at the dock around 12:45 pm. ## Prices and what you get Rates on this dive start at $99, before tax and booking fees. The certified diver rate and gear rental prices are listed on the booking page, so check there for your exact total. Gratuity for the crew is extra. If you are certified and have a spare evening, the other trip to look at is the two-tank night manta dive, from $199. You descend at dusk, settle on the bottom, and watch manta rays feed in the dive lights overhead. It is a different animal from the morning dive and many divers rate it the best night dive they have done. Book it for a different day if you want both. ## Who it’s for (and who should skip it) Certified divers of any experience level from age 10 up. Kona’s calm mornings make it a good place for divers who have not been in the water for a while, and the lava topography keeps experienced divers interested. If you are not certified, check the booking page for what is available before you plan around it. Non-divers in your group who want to see mantas should look at the manta ray night snorkel instead, which takes children from age 4. For a daytime snorkel, the Kealakekua Bay snorkel tour is the best in Kona. Skip it if you are flying home, going up Maunakea, or driving to Hilo over Saddle Road within 24 hours. Skip it if you have an ear or sinus infection. And if you get seasick, take the pill; a dive boat sitting still between dives is harder on the stomach than one under way. ## Where to check in and how to get there Honokōhau Harbor is just off the Queen Kaʻahumanu Highway a few minutes north of Kailua-Kona, between town and the Kona airport. From Keauhou allow about 20 to 25 minutes in morning traffic. From the Waikoloa resorts it is about 30 minutes south. From Hilo it is a two-hour-plus drive, so if you are staying on the Hilo side, plan a night in Kona first. Arrive with time to spare. The meeting spot and any last details are on your booking confirmation. If you are unsure which side of the island to base yourself on, our Kona vs Hilo guide lays it out. ## Best time to go Time of day. Mornings. The wind and chop on the Kona coast usually build after midday, and the morning dive gets the flattest water and the best visibility. Time of year. Any month. Summer often brings the calmest seas. From December through April humpback whales are in Hawaiian waters, peaking January through March, and on winter dives you can often hear them singing through the water. Winter swells sometimes push the captain to more sheltered sites, which is why site choice is left to the day. ## Local tips before you book - Dive early in your trip. You need 24 hours before you fly, go to the Maunakea summit, or cross Saddle Road. Put the dive in the first half of your stay and the mountain in the second. - Bring your card and log. Have proof of certification with you, not back at the hotel. - Use reef-safe sunscreen. Hawaiʻi bans the sale of sunscreens with oxybenzone and octinoxate, and the reef you are diving on is the reason. - Pack a layer. Even in Kona, sitting wet on a moving boat between dives gets cool. - Add the mantas. If you are certified, the night manta dive is the reason many divers come to Kona. Our manta ray night snorkel guide explains how the manta sites work. - Eat a light breakfast. A full stomach and a rolling boat are a bad pair. ## The verdict If you dive, dive Kona. The water is calm and clear, the lava makes the sites interesting, and the fish are found nowhere else. This two-tank morning trip from Honokōhau gets you two good dives and has you back by lunch, with a crew rated a perfect 5.0. Certified divers should add the night manta dive on another evening, and everyone should leave 24 hours before flying or heading up the mountain. Included: - Two guided dives along the Kona coast with a professional crew - Tanks for both dives - Site briefings before each dive - Valet-style gear handling by the crew Not included: - Tax and booking fees - Rental gear if you do not bring your own (rates on the booking page) - Gratuity for the crew - Guaranteed sightings of any particular animal Restrictions: - Ages 10 and up - Built for certified divers; check the booking page for the options open to you if you are not certified - Do not fly, drive over Saddle Road or go up Maunakea within 24 hours of diving - Cancel at least 72 hours before departure Frequently asked questions: Q: How much does Kona scuba diving cost? A: Rates on this two-tank morning dive start at $99, before tax and booking fees. The certified diver rate and gear rental prices are on the booking page. The two-tank night manta dive for certified divers is from $199. Q: Is Kona good for scuba diving? A: Kona is one of the best places to dive in Hawaiʻi. The coast sits in the lee of the island's big volcanoes, so mornings are usually calm and the water is clear, and the lava has left tubes, arches and ledges full of reef life. Q: Do I need to be certified to dive in Kona? A: The two-tank morning dive is built for certified divers, so bring your card. If you are not certified, check the booking page for what is available on your dates before you plan around it. Q: What will I see scuba diving in Kona? A: Green sea turtles, octopus, moray eels and reef fish that live only in Hawaiʻi, swimming through lava tubes and arches. Manta rays, dolphins and reef sharks turn up on some dives, and in winter you can often hear humpback whales singing underwater. Q: What is the best time of year to scuba dive in Kona? A: Kona diving is good all year. Summer often has the flattest seas, and from December through April humpback whales are off the coast. Morning dives are calmer than afternoon ones in any month. Q: Can kids go scuba diving in Kona? A: Yes, from age 10 on this trip. Younger kids can see mantas at night on a snorkel instead, which takes children from age 4. Q: How far is Honokōhau Harbor from Kona? A: Honokōhau Harbor is a few minutes north of Kailua-Kona, between town and the Kona airport. From Keauhou allow about 20 to 25 minutes, and from the Waikoloa resorts about 30. Q: Can I go up Maunakea or fly after diving? A: Not the same day. Wait at least 24 hours after diving before you fly, go up Maunakea or drive Saddle Road, which climbs past 6,000 feet. Plan your dive early in the trip and your summit tour later. Q: Is the night manta dive worth it? A: If you are certified, yes. Watching mantas loop over the lights from the seafloor is one of the great night dives in the world. Book it from $199 on a separate evening from your morning dive. Q: What is the cancellation policy? A: Cancel at least 72 hours before departure. Check the booking page for the full terms. --- ## Hilo ATV Tour: Muddy Trails on a Working Family Ranch in Mountain View URL: https://bigislandthingstodo.com/hilo-atv-tour/ Rank on our list: #14 Where: Mountain View, Puna Price: from $119 Duration: 2 hours Season: Year round, rain or shine Best time: Any day you are on the Hilo side; pair it with Volcano, about 35 minutes up the road Ages: 3 and up Group size: Up to 20 riders Check-in: 17 N Kulani Rd, Mountain View (about 25 minutes from Hilo, 35 from Volcano) Guest rating: 4.9 out of 5 from 945 reviews Book: https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/ohanaranch/items/631170/?asn=fhdn&asn-ref=fathom1k&ref=bigislandthingstodo&bookable-only=yes&full-items=yes&marketplace=yes&flow=no&branding=no Two hours on ATVs across a working family ranch in Mountain View, between Hilo and Volcano. Green pasture, rainforest edges and plenty of mud, with free cancellation and ages from 3 up. Highlights: - A working family ranch, not a purpose-built track - Two hours of riding through pasture and rainforest edges in upper Puna - Mud is part of the deal: Hilo-side rain keeps the trails wet and fun - About 25 minutes from Hilo and 35 from Volcano, so it fits a Volcano day - Open to ages 3 and up, so families can come together - Free cancellation and a 4.9 rating across more than 900 reviews The Hilo ATV tour is the muddiest two hours you can book on the Big Island, and that is a compliment. It runs on a working family ranch in Mountain View, in the wet green country between Hilo and Volcano, where the rain that makes the east side so lush also keeps the trails full of puddles. This page covers what the ride is like, what it costs, how to fit it into a Volcano day, and why it is one of the few ATV tours in Hawaiʻi that a family with young kids can do together. ## Why this made our list Most ATV tours on the islands run on dusty tracks through dry ranch land. This one is different because of where it is. Mountain View sits in upper Puna, a few miles upslope from Hilo, in country that gets rain most days of the year. The ranch trails wind through tall grass, pasture and the edges of the forest, and they stay wet. If you want a dry, scenic ride, look elsewhere. If you want to come back splattered head to toe and laughing, this is it. The second reason is that it is a working ranch run by a family, not a theme-park attraction, and the ride feels like a tour of their land rather than laps of a track. Tours are capped at 20 riders, and the rating sits at 4.9 across more than 900 reviews. The third is the location. It is about 25 minutes from Hilo and 35 minutes from Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, which makes it an easy add to a Volcano day. Ride in the morning, eat lunch in Volcano village, and spend the afternoon and evening in the park. ### Why this operator We looked at the ATV rides on the island for location, who can come, and what guests say afterward. We picked this ranch because it is close to Hilo and Volcano, it takes riders as young as 3, it offers free cancellation, and the guest reviews talk about the people as much as the ride. For a family staying in Hilo or Volcano, nothing else is as close or as easy. ## What the Hilo ATV tour is like The tour runs about two hours. Here is how it usually goes. - Arrive at the ranch in Mountain View. The address is 17 N Kulani Rd. Come dressed to get muddy and leave a towel and a change of clothes in the car. - Gear up. Helmets on, a look at the machines, and a safety briefing on how to ride and how to follow the guide. - Follow the guide. Riders head out in a line behind the guide, who sets a pace the group can handle. - Ride the ranch. The trails run through pasture and tall grass and along the edge of the forest, with plenty of puddles. - The mud. This is what people remember. Hit a puddle with some speed and the rider beside you gets a wave of red-brown water. - Back to the barn. You return to the start, take photos of how dirty you are, and change before the drive back. ## Prices and what you get The Hilo ATV tour is from $119 per person before tax and booking fees. Check the booking page for current rates for your group. That price covers about two hours of guided riding, the ATV and a helmet, and the safety briefing. You drive yourself to the ranch. Gratuity for your guide is extra. ## Who it’s for (and who should skip it) Families, couples and groups of friends who want something active and a little ridiculous on the Hilo side. Because the tour starts at age 3, it is one of the rare motor tours where young kids can come along; check the booking page for how younger children ride and what age drivers must be. Skip it if you hate being dirty, because there is no clean version of this ride. Skip it if you are pregnant or have back or neck problems; the trails are rough and the machines bounce. And if you want sweeping ocean views, this is a ranch-and-forest ride, not a scenic coastal drive; the Hilo waterfall cruise or the Hilo waterfall hike are better picks for scenery. ## Where to check in and how to get there The ranch is at 17 N Kulani Rd in Mountain View, just off Highway 11, the road between Hilo and Volcano. From downtown Hilo it is about 25 minutes. From Volcano village and the national park it is about 35 minutes. From Kona, plan on about two and a half hours each way, which is why we suggest folding it into a night on the east side rather than driving over and back in one day. Our Kona vs Hilo guide helps you decide where to stay. Mountain View is a small rural community, so fill up and grab snacks in Hilo or Volcano. ## Best time to go Time of day. It rains on the Hilo side at any hour, so pick the slot that fits your day. A morning ride leaves the afternoon and evening free for Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, where the crater glow shows best after dark when the volcano is active. Time of year. Any month. Hilo gets more than 125 inches of rain a year, so the trails are muddy year round. Winter can be a little wetter and cooler, which only adds to the mud. ## Local tips before you book - Dress for ruin. Old shorts or pants, an old shirt and closed-toe shoes you can throw away if you have to. - Pack the car first. Towel on the seat, a full change of clothes, and a plastic bag for the muddy ones. - Wear glasses. Sunglasses or clear glasses keep the spray out of your eyes when the rider in front hits a puddle. - Pair it with Volcano. Ride in the morning, then head up the hill to the park. Our volcano e-bike tour is another way to see the park the same weekend. - Bring a rain jacket. You will still get wet, but you will be warmer. - Book the whole family on one tour. With up to 20 riders, groups can usually ride together if you book early. ## The verdict If you are spending time on the Hilo side and want something with a bit of adrenaline, book this ride. It is a real working ranch, it is rated 4.9, it takes kids from age 3, and it is muddier than anything on the Kona side. Pack a change of clothes, ride in the morning and spend the evening at the volcano. Included: - About 2 hours of guided riding on the ranch - ATV and helmet - Safety briefing before you ride - A local guide who knows the ranch Not included: - Tax and booking fees - Gratuity for the guide - Transport to the ranch; you drive yourself Restrictions: - Ages 3 and up; check the booking page for who drives and who rides as a passenger - Up to 20 riders per tour - Not a good fit if you are pregnant or have back or neck problems; the trails are bumpy - Free cancellation; check the booking page for the cutoff Frequently asked questions: Q: How much is the Hilo ATV tour? A: From $119 before tax and booking fees. Current rates for drivers and passengers are on the booking page. Q: Is the Hilo-side ATV tour worth it? A: Yes, if you like getting dirty. It is two hours of real trail riding on a working ranch, with more mud and green than any ride on the dry Kona side, and it is rated 4.9 across more than 900 reviews. Q: How far is the ATV ranch from Hilo? A: About 25 minutes. The ranch is in Mountain View on the way up to Volcano, about 35 minutes from Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Q: How far is it from Kona? A: Plan on about two and a half hours each way from Kona. It works best as part of a night on the Hilo side or a Volcano trip rather than a day trip from the Kona resorts. Q: Can kids do the ATV tour? A: Yes. The tour is open to ages 3 and up, which is unusually young for an ATV ride. Check the booking page for the age and license rules for drivers. Q: What should I wear on the ATV tour? A: Old clothes and closed-toe shoes you do not mind ruining, plus a rain jacket. Bring a full change of clothes and a towel for the car, because you will leave muddy. Q: Will I get muddy? A: Almost certainly. Mountain View sits in the wet upslope country above Hilo, and the trails hold puddles most of the year. For most riders the mud is the best part. Q: Does it run in the rain? A: Hilo-side rain is part of life here and the tour is built for wet trails. For weather cancellations, check the booking page for the policy. Q: What is the cancellation policy? A: Cancellation is free. Check the booking page for the exact cutoff before your ride. --- ## Hilo Chocolate Farm Tour: Tree to Bar on a Working Cacao Farm URL: https://bigislandthingstodo.com/hilo-chocolate-farm-tour/ Rank on our list: #15 Where: Hilo, Hilo Price: from $16 Duration: About 1 to 1.5 hours Season: Year round; tour times on the booking page Best time: A clear morning for the view over Hilo Bay, or a rainy afternoon when you need a dry-ish plan Ages: Families welcome; age-based rates on the booking page Group size: Shared tour on an open-air electric bus Check-in: The farm's Visitor Center in the hills above Hilo (directions on the booking page) Guest rating: 4.9 out of 5 from 2567 reviews Book: https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/lavaloha/items/68558/?asn=fhdn&asn-ref=fathom1k&ref=bigislandthingstodo&bookable-only=yes&full-items=yes&marketplace=yes&flow=no&branding=no An electric bus ride through the cacao orchards in the hills above Hilo, with fresh cacao fruit straight from the tree and a look at how beans become chocolate. Short, easy and rated 4.9 by more than 2,500 guests. Highlights: - A working cacao farm in the hills above Hilo, with views down to Hilo Bay - About an hour on an open-air electric bus through the cacao orchards - Taste fresh cacao fruit straight from the pod, in the orchard where it grew - See the processing areas and learn how a pod becomes a bar - Short and easy: about 1 to 1.5 hours, no hiking - From $16 and rated 4.9 across more than 2,500 reviews The Hilo chocolate farm tour is the easiest good afternoon on the east side of the Big Island. You ride an open-air electric bus through cacao orchards in the hills above Hilo, crack open a pod and taste the fruit inside, and see how those beans become chocolate. Along the way, the farm road gives you one of the best views of Hilo Bay on the island. This page covers what the tour includes, what it costs, who it suits, and how to fit it into a day on the Hilo side. ## Why this made our list Most people have eaten chocolate their whole lives without ever seeing a cacao tree. The pods grow straight off the trunk and branches, in yellow, green and deep red, and the fruit inside is white, sweet and nothing like the bar it becomes. Standing in an orchard with a pod in your hand is the kind of small surprise that sticks with you, and on the Big Island you can do it a short drive from downtown Hilo. The second reason is how easy it is. There is no hiking. The electric bus carries you through the farm for about an hour, the whole visit takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, and it works for grandparents, toddlers and anyone who has already done a big hike or a long drive that day. The third is the setting. The farm sits high enough above town that, on a clear day, the bus rolls past tall palms with Hilo and the bay spread out below. On a misty day, the orchards feel like rainforest. ### Why this operator Hawaiʻi is the only state in the country where cacao grows commercially, and several farms on the Big Island offer tours. We chose this one for three reasons: it covers the whole tree-to-bar story on the farm rather than in a shop, the electric bus makes it work for every age and fitness level, and it holds a 4.9 rating across more than 2,500 reviews. The entry price is also among the lowest of any tour we list. ## What the Hilo chocolate farm tour is like The visit runs about 1 to 1.5 hours. Here is how it goes. - Check in at the Visitor Center. The tour starts here. Arrive a few minutes before your tour time. - Board the electric bus. It is open-air with bench seats, so you get the breeze and the views as you go. - Ride through the orchards. Roughly an hour on the farm roads and between the rows of cacao, with the guide explaining how the trees grow and why Hawaiian cacao has a reputation among chocolate makers. - Taste fresh cacao fruit. In the orchard, the guide opens a ripe pod and you taste the sweet pulp around the beans. Most people are surprised that it tastes fruity, not chocolatey. - See the processing areas. You see where the beans go after harvest, and how fermenting and drying turn them into the beans that get made into chocolate. - Back to the Visitor Center. Time for last questions before you head back down the hill. ## Prices and what you get The Hilo chocolate farm tour is from $16 per person before tax and booking fees. That starting rate is not the adult price; adult rates and any other ticket types are on the booking page. Your ticket covers the guided tour from the Visitor Center, about an hour on the electric bus through the orchards, fresh cacao fruit in the orchard and the walk-through of the processing areas. Anything you buy afterward is extra. ## Who it’s for (and who should skip it) Families with kids, food lovers, anyone curious about how chocolate is made, and travelers who want something relaxed on a Hilo day. It is especially good for grandparents and anyone who cannot do much walking, because the bus does the work. It also works well as the gentle half of a bigger day. If you drove over from Kona via Saddle Road or came down from Volcano, an hour on a bus in the orchards is a good way to stretch your legs without wearing anyone out, and it gives kids something hands-on after a long car ride. Skip it if you want an adventure; this is a gentle farm tour, not a hike. For something wetter and wilder on the same day, pair it with the Hilo waterfall hike near ʻAkaka Falls or the Hilo waterfall cruise. ## Where to check in and how to get there The tour starts at the farm’s Visitor Center in the hills above Hilo. Directions and the exact address are on the booking page and your confirmation. From downtown Hilo it is a short drive uphill. From Kona, allow about two hours or a little more to Hilo via Saddle Road (the Daniel K. Inouye Highway), plus the drive up to the farm. From Volcano, Hilo is about 45 minutes. We suggest doing the farm on a day or night you are already on the east side; our Kona vs Hilo guide explains why many visitors split their stay. ## Best time to go Time of day. On clear days, earlier is often better for the view over Hilo Bay, before clouds build over the slopes. On rainy days, the tour is a good plan B, because the bus keeps you moving and the orchards look their greenest in the wet. Time of year. Any month. Hilo is wet year round, with more than 125 inches of rain a year, so do not wait for a perfect forecast. Bring a light jacket and go. ## Local tips before you book - Check the adult rate. The from-$16 price is the starting ticket. Look up the adult rate on the booking page so the total is not a surprise. - Bring a rain jacket. Even on a sunny morning, a shower can roll through the orchards. - Try the fruit, not just the bar. Fresh cacao pulp is the highlight for a lot of people, and you will not find it in a shop at home. - Pair it with Kona coffee. Staying on the west side for part of your trip? The Kona coffee tour makes a good match: one farm for coffee, one for chocolate. - Make a Hilo day of it. Chocolate farm in the morning, lunch in town, then a waterfall in the afternoon. - Keep your camera handy on the bus. On a clear day the view over Hilo and the bay opens up along the farm road, so be ready when the trees part. ## The verdict If you are spending a day on the Hilo side, the chocolate farm is the easy yes. It is short, inexpensive, and works for every age. You ride through the orchards, taste cacao fruit off the tree and see the whole tree-to-bar story, with Hilo Bay below you. Bring a rain jacket, check the adult rate, and leave room in your bag for chocolate. Included: - Guided tour starting at the farm's Visitor Center - About an hour on the electric bus through the orchards - Fresh cacao fruit to taste in the orchard - A look at the processing areas and the tree-to-bar story Not included: - Tax and booking fees - Anything you choose to buy after the tour - Transport to the farm; you drive yourself Restrictions: - Age-based rates; check the booking page for adult and child prices - Arrive at the Visitor Center before your tour time - Tours run in light rain; bring a layer - Check the booking page for the cancellation policy Frequently asked questions: Q: How much is the Hilo chocolate farm tour? A: Tickets start from $16 before tax and booking fees. Adult rates are higher; check the booking page for the price for each person in your group. Q: Is the Hilo chocolate farm tour worth it? A: Yes, especially for families and anyone curious about where chocolate comes from. In about an hour you ride through the orchards, taste fresh cacao fruit and see how beans are processed, and it is rated 4.9 by more than 2,500 guests. Q: How long is the chocolate farm tour? A: Plan on about 1 to 1.5 hours in total, including roughly an hour riding through the farm on the electric bus. Q: Do you get to taste chocolate? A: You taste fresh cacao fruit straight from the pod in the orchard, which most people have never tried. For what chocolate tastings are part of your ticket, check the booking page. Q: Is it good for kids? A: Yes. There is no hiking, the bus does the work, and kids love cracking into a cacao pod. Child rates are on the booking page. Q: How far is the chocolate farm from Kona? A: The farm is in the hills above Hilo, so allow about two hours or a bit more from Kona via Saddle Road. It fits best on a day or a night you are already spending on the Hilo side. Q: What should I wear? A: Casual clothes, comfortable shoes and a light rain jacket. Hilo weather changes fast, and you will step off the bus into the orchard. Q: Does it run in the rain? A: Hilo gets rain most days, so plan on going in drizzle and bring a layer. For weather cancellations, check the booking page. Q: Can you grow chocolate in Hawaiʻi? A: Yes. Hawaiʻi is the only US state where cacao is grown commercially, and Hawaiian cacao has earned a strong reputation among chocolate makers. The warm, wet slopes above Hilo suit the trees well. --- ## Kona Cloud Forest Tour: A Guided Walk Through the Misty Jungle on Hualālai URL: https://bigislandthingstodo.com/kona-cloud-forest-tour/ Rank on our list: #16 Where: Kaloko Mauka (above Kona), Kona Price: from $60 Duration: 2.5 hours Season: Year round Best time: Any day you want a break from the beach; bring a layer, since it is much cooler than the coast Ages: Anyone able to walk 2.5 hours on uneven natural ground Group size: Up to 16 guests Check-in: Kaloko Mauka, high on Hualālai above Kailua-Kona (directions on the booking page) Guest rating: 4.9 out of 5 from 941 reviews Book: https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/konacloudforest/items/403334/?asn=fhdn&asn-ref=fathom1k&ref=bigislandthingstodo&bookable-only=yes&full-items=yes&marketplace=yes&flow=no&branding=no A 2.5-hour guided walk through misty montane jungle high on Hualālai, above Kona. Native birds and plants, cool air and a small group of no more than 16. Highlights: - Montane jungle high on the slopes of Hualālai, a world away from the dry Kona coast - Native Hawaiian birds and plants, with guides who know what you are looking at - A sanctuary built around connection, awareness, preservation and restoration of forest ecosystems - Small groups of no more than 16 - Cool, often misty air: the best escape from a hot day on the coast - From $60 and rated 4.9 across more than 900 reviews The Kona cloud forest tour takes you somewhere most visitors to the Kona coast never imagine is there. Half an hour ago you were in a dry, sunny resort town. Now you are walking a narrow trail through dripping montane jungle high on the slopes of Hualālai, with mist moving through the trees and native birds calling overhead. This page covers what the walk is like, what it costs, how hard it is, and why it is one of the best half-day breaks from the beach on the west side. ## Why this made our list Kona is famous for sun, lava and blue water. What people miss is that the land rises fast behind the coast. On the slopes of Hualālai, the afternoon clouds that build over the mountain feed a cool, wet forest that feels like another island. The cloud forest walk shows you that side of Kona in one easy morning or afternoon. The second reason is the purpose behind it. The sanctuary is built around connection, awareness, preservation and restoration of forest ecosystems. Your guide is not just pointing at pretty leaves; the walk is about which plants and birds belong here, what has been lost across Hawaiʻi, and how forest like this is being protected and brought back. The third is the size. Groups top out at 16, the trail is narrow and quiet, and you hear the forest instead of a crowd. It also fills a gap in most Kona itineraries. The west side is built around the ocean: snorkeling, diving, sunset sails and the manta rays. After three or four days of salt and sun, a cool morning in the trees resets everyone, and it costs less than most boat trips. It is also one of the few Kona-side outings that works just as well on a gray, drizzly day as on a clear one. ### Why this operator There are plenty of nature walks and garden tours on the Big Island. Most of the rainforest options are on the Hilo side, two hours from the Kona resorts. This sanctuary is on the Kona side, it is built around conservation and forest restoration, and it holds a 4.9 rating across more than 900 reviews. For a Kona-based visitor who wants to see real Hawaiian forest, it is the closest and the best. ## What the Kona cloud forest tour is like The walk runs about 2.5 hours. Here is how it goes. - Drive up the mountain. The sanctuary is in Kaloko Mauka, high above Kailua-Kona. The road climbs steeply, the temperature drops, and the trees close in. - Meet your guide. A short welcome and an introduction to the sanctuary and why it exists. Put on your layer now. - Enter the forest. The trail starts on wide paths, then narrows into montane jungle: tree trunks wrapped in moss, ferns, big leaves and drifting mist. - Native plants and birds. Your guide stops along the way to point out native Hawaiian plants and to listen for forest birds, and explains how the sanctuary works to restore the ecosystem. - The rough ground. Parts of the trail cross volcanic rock and roots, with about 200 feet of climbing and descending. Take your time and watch your footing; walking sticks help. - Loop back. You return to the start with a quieter head and wet shoes, then drive back down into the Kona sunshine. ## Prices and what you get The Kona cloud forest tour is from $60 per person before tax and booking fees. That covers a 2.5-hour guided walk through the sanctuary with a group of no more than 16, and a guide who knows the native birds, plants and restoration work. You drive yourself to the sanctuary. Check the booking page for current rates and tour times. ## Who it’s for (and who should skip it) Nature lovers, birders, gardeners, photographers and anyone who has had enough sun for a day. It is a great pick for a cloudy or rest day between bigger outings, and a natural match for a morning on a Hōlualoa coffee farm on the same slope. Skip it if you cannot walk for 2.5 hours on uneven ground with roots and loose rock. Skip it if you want a big summit view or a waterfall; this is an inside-the-forest experience. For waterfalls, look at the Hilo waterfall hike on the other side of the island. ## Where to check in and how to get there The sanctuary is in Kaloko Mauka, high on Hualālai above Kailua-Kona. Allow roughly half an hour from Kailua-Kona; the road is steep and winding, and the last stretch can be wet and foggy. Exact directions are on the booking page and your confirmation. From the Waikoloa resorts add about 30 minutes to reach Kona first. Fill up and buy snacks in town before you head up. If you are building a Kona-side plan, our 7-day Big Island itinerary shows how to fit this in with the ocean days. ## Best time to go Time of day. Clouds usually build over the Kona slopes as the day goes on. A morning walk often has clearer air and better light through the trees; an afternoon walk is mistier and more atmospheric, which is the whole point of a cloud forest. Either is good. Time of year. Any month. The forest is green year round, and it is always cooler than the coast. Winter can be chillier and damper up the mountain, so bring a real layer from December through March. ## Local tips before you book - Pack a warm layer. People show up in beach clothes and regret it. It is much cooler up here than in Kailua-Kona. - Wear real shoes. Wet roots and volcanic rock are slippery. Sneakers with grip or light hiking shoes are ideal; no flip-flops. - Bring repellent. It is a wet forest, and the mosquitoes know it. - Go slow on the rough parts. The roots and lava rock are where people slip. There is no prize for finishing first, and the guide will wait. - Pair it with coffee. Visit a farm in the Kona coffee belt on the way up or down. Our Kona coffee tour is in Hōlualoa, on the same mountain. - Watch the sunset after. Drive back down to the coast in time for a Kona sunset sail and you will have seen both worlds in one day. ## The verdict If you are staying in Kona and want to see something besides beaches and lava, book the cloud forest walk. It is cool, quiet and green, the group is small, and you learn why native Hawaiian forest matters. Bring a layer, wear real shoes and go in the morning if you want views or the afternoon if you want mist. Included: - A 2.5-hour guided walk through the sanctuary - A guide who explains the native birds, plants and forest restoration - Time on a montane jungle trail most visitors never see - A small group of up to 16 Not included: - Tax and booking fees - Transport to the sanctuary; you drive yourself - Gratuity for your guide Restrictions: - You must be able to walk for 2.5 hours on natural terrain - The trail crosses volcanic rock and roots, with about 200 feet of elevation change - Up to 16 guests per walk - Cancel at least 48 hours before your tour Frequently asked questions: Q: How much is the Kona cloud forest tour? A: From $60 per person before tax and booking fees. Check the booking page for current rates for your group. Q: Is the Kona cloud forest tour worth it? A: Yes, if you want to see a side of Kona most visitors miss. In 2.5 hours you walk through cool, misty montane jungle with native birds and plants and a guide who knows them, and it is rated 4.9 across more than 900 reviews. Q: How hard is the cloud forest walk? A: It is a moderate walk, not a strenuous hike. You are on your feet for about 2.5 hours on natural ground with volcanic rock and roots and about 200 feet of elevation change, so steady footing matters more than fitness. Q: How far is the cloud forest from Kona? A: The sanctuary is in Kaloko Mauka, high on the slopes of Hualālai above Kailua-Kona. Allow roughly half an hour of steep, winding uphill driving from town; directions are on the booking page. Q: What should I wear on the cloud forest tour? A: Closed-toe shoes with good grip, long pants or leggings, and a warm layer plus a rain jacket. It is far cooler and wetter up the mountain than on the beach. Q: Is the cloud forest tour good for kids? A: It suits kids who can happily walk for 2.5 hours on uneven trail and are curious about birds and plants. Check the booking page for any age rules before you book. Q: What will I see in the Kona cloud forest? A: Dense montane jungle, mossy trees, ferns and native Hawaiian plants, with a chance of native forest birds. Mist often drifts through the canopy, which is what makes it a cloud forest. Q: What is the best time to visit the cloud forest? A: Any time of year. Clouds usually build on the Kona slopes through the day, so a morning walk tends to be clearer and an afternoon walk mistier. Both are beautiful. Q: What is the cancellation policy? A: Cancel at least 48 hours before your tour. Check the booking page for the full terms. --- ## Volcano E-Bike Tour: Fat-Tire E-Bikes Through Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park URL: https://bigislandthingstodo.com/volcano-e-bike-tour/ Rank on our list: #17 Where: Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Volcano Price: from $189 Duration: 3 hours Season: Year round Best time: Any month; bring rain gear and a warm layer, and check eruption status the week you go Ages: 15 and up Group size: Minimum 2, up to 12 riders Check-in: Volcano area; the meeting point is on the booking page and your confirmation Guest rating: 4.8 out of 5 from 315 reviews Book: https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/volcanoohana/items/415523/?asn=fhdn&asn-ref=fathom1k&ref=bigislandthingstodo&bookable-only=yes&full-items=yes&marketplace=yes&flow=no&branding=no Three hours on fat-tire e-bikes through Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, covering many miles with little effort while a volcano-savvy guide explains the geology. Ages 15 and up, groups of up to 12. Highlights: - The only fat-tire e-bikes in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park - Cover many miles of the park's roads and trails with little effort - Easy to learn, even if you have not been on a bike in years - Guides who are volcano experts and explain the geology as you ride - Small groups: minimum 2, maximum 12 - A full-day option adds the Kalapana lava coast The volcano e-bike tour is the best way to see Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park if you want more than a parking-lot view. You ride a fat-tire electric bike along the park’s roads and trails, covering many miles with very little effort, while a guide who knows the volcano explains what you are looking at: craters, steam vents, old flows and the land Kīlauea is still building. This page covers how the 3-hour ride works, what it costs, who it suits, and when the full-day version is worth it. ## Why this made our list Most visitors see the national park through a windshield. They drive Crater Rim, park at a lookout, take a photo and move on. That works, but you miss the scale. On a bike you feel the land rise and drop, smell the sulfur, hear the wind across the caldera, and stop wherever something is worth a closer look. The e-bike is what makes it work for normal people. Volcano sits at around 4,000 feet, and the park’s roads roll up and down. On a regular bike that would be a workout. With electric assist, it is a ride almost anyone comfortable on a bicycle can do, and the bikes are easy to learn. The third reason is the guide. These guides are volcano experts. The difference between seeing a crater and understanding it is someone who can tell you how it formed, what changed in recent eruptions, and what to look for next time you visit. ### Why this operator There are many ways to see the park: driving yourself, big bus tours from Kona, and walking tours. This outfit runs the only fat-tire e-bikes in the national park. Small groups (2 to 12), geology-focused guides and a 4.8 rating across more than 300 reviews put it on our list. If you are coming from Kona and want a full-day guided trip by van instead, we cover the Volcanoes National Park twilight tour on its own page. ## What the volcano e-bike tour is like The ride takes about 3 hours. Here is how it typically goes. - Meet in the Volcano area. The meeting point is on your booking confirmation. Arrive with your layers and rain jacket. - Fit and lesson. You get a bike and a helmet fitted and a short lesson on how the electric assist works. It takes a few minutes; most people get it on the first try. - Ride into the park. The group heads out along the park’s roads and trails behind the guide, with the motor flattening the hills. - Geology stops. The guide stops at viewpoints and features along the way to explain the volcano: how the caldera formed, what the steam and cracks mean, and how lava builds new land. - Cover the miles. This is the big advantage of an e-bike: you see far more of the park in 3 hours than you would on foot. - Back to the start. You return to the meeting point with time left in the day to explore the park on your own or stay for the crater glow after dark if Kīlauea is active. ## Prices and what you get The volcano e-bike tour is from $189 per person before tax and booking fees. That covers about 3 hours of guided riding through the park on a fat-tire e-bike, with a guide who explains the geology. The park entrance fee may or may not be included, so check the booking page. Gratuity for your guide is extra. The full-day option runs about 8 hours and is from $450. It adds the Kalapana lava coast, where flows reached the sea and the shoreline is black rock, new land and palms. If you are a geology fan or want one big day on the east side, it is the more complete trip. ## Who it’s for (and who should skip it) Couples, friends, active families with teens 15 and over, and anyone who wants to see the park in more depth than a lookout-hopping drive. You do not need to be fit, but you need to be comfortable balancing and steering a bike. Skip it if you have kids under 15; the minimum age is 15. Skip it if you are not comfortable on a bicycle at all; in that case a guided van tour is a better fit. And skip it if seeing lava is the only reason you are going, because no tour can promise it. ## Where to check in and how to get there The tour meets in the Volcano area; the exact meeting point is on the booking page and your confirmation. Hilo to Volcano is about 45 minutes. Kona to Volcano is about 2.5 hours by the southern route, which makes a same-day round trip a long day. If you are staying in Kona, we strongly suggest a night in Volcano village or Hilo. Our 7-day Big Island itinerary shows how to build that into a week. ## Best time to go Time of day. Pick a slot that leaves time after the ride. Many visitors bike in the morning or midday and stay in the park into the evening, when the crater glow, if there is an eruption, shows best. Time of year. Any month. Volcano is cool and wet much of the year, with winter the chilliest; layers matter more than the date. Kīlauea’s eruptions are episodic, so check eruption status the week you go. For month-by-month weather across the island, see our best time to visit the Big Island guide. ## Local tips before you book - Dress for 4,000 feet. A warm layer and a rain jacket, even if it is sunny in Kona. - Check the eruption status. Lava is never guaranteed. Look up current activity a few days out and set your expectations. - Confirm the park fee. Check whether the entrance fee is covered so you are not surprised at the gate. - Book at least two. The minimum is 2 riders, so solo travelers need to check the booking page for open spots. - Make a Volcano weekend. Ride the park one day and add a muddy Hilo-side ATV ride in Mountain View, 35 minutes down the road, the next. ## The verdict If you want to really see Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and not just drive past it, book the 3-hour e-bike ride. It covers many miles with little effort, the guides know the volcano, and the groups stay small. Dress warm, check the eruption status and stay for the evening. If you have the time and the budget, the full day with the Kalapana lava coast is the bigger, better story. Included: - A 3-hour guided ride through the national park - Fat-tire electric bike - A guide who explains the volcano and its geology - A quick lesson before you set off Not included: - Tax and booking fees - Park entrance fee (check the booking page to see if it is covered) - Gratuity for your guide - Guaranteed lava viewing; eruptions come and go Restrictions: - Ages 15 and up - Minimum 2 riders per booking, maximum 12 per tour - You need to be comfortable balancing and steering a bicycle - Check the booking page for the cancellation policy Frequently asked questions: Q: How much is the volcano e-bike tour? A: The 3-hour volcano e-bike tour is from $189 per person before tax and booking fees. The full-day version, which adds the Kalapana lava coast, is from $450. Q: Is the volcano e-bike tour worth it? A: Yes, if you want to see more of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park than you would from a car. The e-bikes let you cover many miles with little effort, and the guide explains the geology along the way. It is rated 4.8 across more than 300 reviews. Q: Will we see lava on the e-bike tour? A: Maybe. Kīlauea erupts in episodes, and lava visibility is never guaranteed on any tour. Check the eruption status the week of your trip, and treat glowing lava as a bonus rather than the reason to go. Q: Do I need to be fit to ride an e-bike? A: No. The electric assist does most of the work on the climbs, and the bikes are easy to learn. You do need to be comfortable balancing and steering a bicycle. Q: How old do you have to be for the volcano e-bike tour? A: Riders must be 15 or older. Bookings need a minimum of 2 people, and tours take up to 12. Q: How far is the volcano e-bike tour from Kona? A: Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is about 2.5 hours from Kona by the southern route and about 45 minutes from Hilo. If you are staying in Kona, consider a night in Volcano or Hilo so the ride is not squeezed into a five-hour round trip. Q: What should I wear on the volcano e-bike tour? A: Closed-toe shoes, layers and a rain jacket. The park sits at around 4,000 feet and is often cool, windy and wet, even when the coast is hot and sunny. Q: Is the park entrance fee included? A: Check the booking page. Some park tours include the entrance fee and some do not, so confirm before you go. Q: What is the difference between the 3-hour and full-day tours? A: The 3-hour tour rides the park's roads and trails. The 8-hour full day, from $450, adds the Kalapana lava coast, where you see newer land and black lava shoreline. # Planning guides --- ## 7-Day Big Island Itinerary: Four Nights in Kona, Three on the Hilo Side URL: https://bigislandthingstodo.com/blog/7-day-big-island-itinerary/ Updated: 2026-10-28 A day-by-day 7-day Big Island itinerary from locals: manta rays and Kealakekua in Kona, then the volcano, Hilo waterfalls, Maunakea and the Waipiʻo lookout. A week is the right amount of time for the Big Island. It is enough to do the ocean on the Kona side and the volcano, waterfalls and Maunakea on the Hilo side without spending every day in the car, as long as you change beds halfway through. This is the week we lay out for friends. It is built around a split stay, four nights in Kona and three on the Hilo side, and it puts the tours on the days where they fit the driving. Swap pieces in and out to suit you. ## How this itinerary works - Nights 1 to 4: Kailua-Kona or Keauhou. Keauhou is closest to the manta snorkel and the Kealakekua Zodiac. - Night 5: Volcano village, just outside Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. - Nights 6 and 7: Hilo. - Fly into Kona (KOA). Fly out of Hilo (ITO), or drive back to Kona on the last day. Book the manta ray night snorkel for one of your first nights so there is room to reschedule if the ocean is rough. If you are unsure about the split, our Kona vs Hilo guide lays out the trade-offs, and our Big Island areas map shows where everything is. ## Day 1: Arrive in Kona Land at the Kona airport, pick up the car and keep the first day light. If you have the afternoon, stop at Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park just south of the airport, a free park with old Hawaiian fishponds and turtles resting on the rocks along the shore. Then check in (Keauhou is about 25 minutes from the airport), find dinner in Kailua-Kona and watch the sun go down over the ocean from Aliʻi Drive. Coming from the mainland, you will probably wake early tomorrow. That is the point of Day 2. ## Day 2: Kealakekua Bay by day, manta rays by night Morning: take the Kealakekua Bay snorkel by Zodiac from Keauhou Bay. The 8:00 departure usually has the calmest water. You run the coast past sea caves and lava tubes, often with spinner dolphins on the way and whales in season, and snorkel the marine sanctuary below the Captain Cook Monument. From $95, 2.5 to 3 hours. Afternoon: drive south to Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau, the Place of Refuge, a national historical park with a great stone wall, a temple platform and carved kiʻi on a lava point. Then rest; you have a late night. Night: the Kona manta ray night snorkel, from the same bay. A short boat ride, a lighted board, and reef manta rays feeding beneath you. $118 adults, $99 kids. Read our manta ray night snorkel guide before you go. ## Day 3: Coffee country and a sunset sail Morning: drive up to Hōlualoa, about 15 minutes upslope from Kailua-Kona, for the Kona coffee brewing workshop at 9:00 am (Monday to Saturday). Cupping, French press, pour-over and unlimited samples, in 75 minutes. From $65. Hōlualoa village has galleries worth a slow walk afterward. Midday: the Kona cloud forest walk, a 2.5-hour guided walk on the cool slopes of Hualālai, with native birds and plants. Check the booking page for start times. From $60. Bring a layer. Evening: the Kona sunset sail from Honokōhau Harbor, 1.5 hours with a full bar and light bites. Check-in is 4:40 pm in winter and 5:10 pm in summer. From $139 for adults. Instead: if one splurge is in the budget, swap the cloud forest for the helicopter tour over Kīlauea from the Kona airport, two hours private from $1,680 per private flight (up to three people), or the 30-minute Kona Coast flight from $229. ## Day 4: The Kohala Coast and North Kohala Morning: drive about 30 minutes north to Waikoloa and Kawaihae. From December to April, take the two-hour whale watching tour from Kawaihae, with a hydrophone to hear the whales sing. From $95. Outside whale season, spend the morning on the white sand at Hāpuna Beach instead. Afternoon: continue about 45 minutes to Hāwī for the Kohala zipline: eight lines, six sky bridges and a rappel through the forest, about two hours, ages 8 and up, from $210. Afterward, drive to the end of the road at the Pololū Valley Lookout for the view down to the black boulder beach. Evening: drive back to Kona, or have dinner in Hāwī or Waimea on the way. ## Day 5: The south route to the volcano Check out and take the south route around the island, about 2.5 hours from Kona to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park without stops. Stop at Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach in Kaʻū on the way, where green sea turtles often rest on the sand. Give them space. Afternoon: the Volcano e-bike tour covers far more of the park than you would on foot, on fat-tire e-bikes with guides who know the geology. Three hours, ages 15 and up, from $189. Or explore the park yourself: the visitor center, the crater overlooks and the steam vents. Evening: if Kīlauea is erupting, go back to the crater overlooks after dark; a glow is never guaranteed, but when it is there it is the most memorable sight on the island. Sleep in Volcano village. It is cool at night; bring a warm layer. ## Day 6: Hilo, chocolate and Maunakea at sunset Morning: drive about 45 minutes down to Hilo. Families with young kids can stop on the way at the Hilo ATV ranch tour in Mountain View, a two-hour ride on a working family ranch, ages 3 and up, from $119. Otherwise, go straight to Rainbow Falls, in town on the Wailuku River, in the morning light. Midday: the Hilo chocolate farm tour, an electric bus ride through the cacao orchards with fresh cacao fruit and the tree-to-bar story. About 1 to 1.5 hours, from $16. Afternoon and evening: the Maunakea summit stargazing tour picks up in Hilo for sunset from 13,803 feet, then hot drinks and a star show with a professional telescope. From $269, 7 to 8 hours. Ages 13 and up only, and not for anyone pregnant or with heart or lung conditions. It is near freezing at the top. Instead: with kids under 13, swap Maunakea for the Hilo waterfall cruise along the Onomea cliffs, from $159. ## Day 7: Hāmākua waterfalls and the Waipiʻo lookout Morning: drive about 20 minutes north to Honomū for the Hilo waterfall hike, 2.5 hours to waterfalls on private land, from $140. Then walk the short loop at ʻAkaka Falls State Park, a few minutes up the road. Afternoon: follow Highway 19 up the Hāmākua Coast to Honokaʻa for lunch, then out Highway 240 through Kukuihaele to the Waipiʻo Valley Lookout. The road into the valley is closed to independent visitors under a county emergency rule, so this is a lookout visit; our Waipiʻo Valley guide has the details and how to check the current status. Evening: fly out of Hilo (about an hour back from Waipiʻo), or drive to Kona through Waimea, about 1 hour 45 minutes from the lookout, for an evening flight from KOA. ## If you would rather keep one base Not everyone wants to pack twice. If you stay all seven nights in Kona, keep Days 1 to 4, then: - Day 5: the Volcanoes National Park twilight tour, a 12-hour day with pickup in Kona and Waikoloa, a coffee farm stop, Punaluʻu, the park and stargazing on the way home. From $249. - Day 6: the Waipiʻo lookout and private waterfall swim, a 10-hour day with hotel pickup. From $249. - Day 7: a beach morning at Hāpuna or a last swim near your hotel, then fly home. If you want to go Kona scuba diving, do it earlier in the week and allow at least 18 to 24 hours between your last dive and your flight. The Kona-side Maunakea summit tour (from $299) can replace a quieter evening. ## Tips for the week - Book the big four early: the manta snorkel, Maunakea, the helicopter and the volcano tour sell out first, especially from December to March. - Keep a spare evening in the Kona half for a manta reschedule, and one in the Hilo half for Maunakea weather. - Fill the tank before the south route and Saddle Road; stretches of both are long and empty. - Pack layers. You can be in a swimsuit at Kealakekua in the morning and need a warm jacket in Volcano that night. - Check the season. Whales are December to April. Our guide to the best time to visit the Big Island covers the rest. For everything we left out, see our full list of things to do on the Big Island. ## FAQ ### Is 7 days enough for the Big Island? Yes. A week lets you split your stay between Kona and the Hilo side and see the ocean, the volcano, the waterfalls and Maunakea without rushing. ### Should I stay in one place or split my stay? Split it if you can: four nights in Kona and three in Volcano or Hilo. Staying in one place means at least two long drive days, or guided tours with hotel pickup. ### What should I do first on the Big Island? Book the Kona manta ray night snorkel for one of your first nights. If the ocean cancels it, you still have time to go another night. ### Can I do the volcano and Maunakea on the same day? It is possible from Hilo, but it is a very long day. Spread them over two days, with a night in Volcano village, as this itinerary does. ### Do I need a rental car on the Big Island? For a split stay like this one, yes. If you base in Kona and use tours with hotel pickup for the volcano and Waipiʻo, you can get by with less driving. ### Can you fly into Kona and out of Hilo? Yes. Kona (KOA) has most of the mainland flights and Hilo (ITO) is mainly inter-island, so check routes. Rental companies may charge to drop the car at a different airport. --- ## Best Time to Visit the Big Island: Month by Month, From Locals URL: https://bigislandthingstodo.com/blog/best-time-to-visit-big-island/ Updated: 2026-10-28 When to visit the Big Island: whale season, year-round manta rays, Kona and Hilo weather, Maunakea snow, Merrie Monarch week, and the months with the best value. There is no bad month on the Big Island, but there are better months for different things. The manta rays feed off Kona every night of the year. The humpbacks are only here in winter. Hilo is wet in every season, Kona is dry in almost every season, and the top of Maunakea can have snow while you are swimming at the beach the same afternoon. We work on the water off Kona and on the trails on both sides of the island. Here is how the year actually goes. ## The short version - Best overall: April, May, September and October. Good weather, calm water, fewer people and lower prices. - Best for whales: January through March, inside a season that runs December to April. - Best for manta rays: any month. They feed year round at night off Keauhou and the Kona airport. - Best for Maunakea stargazing: any month, but winter brings the clearest, coldest nights and a chance of snow on the summit. - Most expensive and crowded: mid-December to early January, spring break, and June through August. - Book a year ahead for: Hilo during Merrie Monarch week, which starts on Easter Sunday. ## The weather on each side The trade winds come from the northeast and drop their rain on the Hilo side, leaving the Kona side in a rain shadow. That holds all year. | Kona side | Hilo side | Volcano and Maunakea | Winter (Dec to Mar) | Mostly sunny and warm, the occasional storm | Wet and green, often the rainiest stretch | Cool to cold; snow possible on Maunakea’s summit | Spring (Apr to May) | Sunny, dry, calm mornings | Showers, lush, waterfalls full | Cool, clear nights | Summer (Jun to Aug) | Hot and sunny on the coast, afternoon clouds upslope | Warm, showers, a little drier | Mild days, cold summit nights | Fall (Sep to Nov) | Warm, calm, the warmest water | Showers return | Cool; summit near freezing at sunset | The ocean off Kona runs from the mid-70s °F in late winter to around 80°F in late summer and fall. Hilo gets something like 125 inches of rain a year, and the coast north of it, the Hāmākua, is just as green. Volcano village, at nearly 4,000 feet, is cool and damp in every month. For more on choosing a base, see Kona vs Hilo. ## Whale season: December to April Humpback whales come to Hawaiian waters each winter to breed, give birth and raise their calves. On the Big Island the season runs from December to April, with the most whales from January through March. The calm, sheltered water off the Kohala and Kona coasts is prime nursery ground. You will see them from shore, from the lanai and from almost any boat in those months, but a dedicated trip is different. The Big Island whale watching tour leaves Kawaihae for two hours on a raft-style boat with a hydrophone, so you hear the whales sing as well as see them. From $95, ages 3 and up. Whales are also a regular bonus on the Kealakekua Bay Zodiac snorkel in season. ## Manta rays: every month The manta ray night snorkel off Keauhou does not have a season. The mantas feed on plankton at night year round, and sightings are very reliable, though they are wild animals and never guaranteed. The variable is the ocean, not the month: a big swell can cancel a night in any season, which is why we tell people to book the Kona manta ray night snorkel early in the trip. Later departures tend to see more mantas and quieter water. Our manta ray night snorkel guide goes deeper on timing. ## Maunakea in winter Maunakea’s summit is 13,803 feet, and it is near freezing at sunset in every month. In winter, storms can bring snow to the summit, and the road to the top can close for weather or ice, sometimes for days. In exchange, winter nights are often the clearest and most dramatic for stars. If you book the Maunakea summit stargazing tour in winter, keep a spare evening in your plans in case the summit closes. Remember the rules: no one under 13, no one pregnant and no one with heart or lung conditions goes above the visitor station on a commercial tour. ## Merrie Monarch week in Hilo The Merrie Monarch Festival is the most celebrated hula competition in Hawaiʻi, held in Hilo for a week starting on Easter Sunday. In 2027, Easter falls on March 28. The competition nights are famously hard to get tickets for, and Hilo’s rooms book up many months ahead, often a year. If you are coming for it, book your room as soon as you know your dates. If you are not, either avoid basing yourself in Hilo that week or book very early, and expect more traffic and fuller restaurants on the Hilo side. The free daytime events around town make it a special time to be there if you can find a bed. ## Crowds and prices - Peak: mid-December to early January is the most expensive and crowded stretch of the year. Tours sell out and rooms are at their highest. - Busy: Presidents’ Day week, spring break in March, Thanksgiving week, and June through August. - Shoulder: mid-April to May and September to early November, outside the holiday weeks. This is when you get the best mix of weather, calm water, open tours and lower prices. - Events to check: Merrie Monarch week in Hilo, and the world championship triathlon that fills Kailua-Kona in most Octobers. Hurricane season runs from June to November. Direct hits on the Big Island are rare, but buy travel insurance if you are booking for late summer. ## Month by month ### January and February Peak whale season and the coolest months. Kona is mostly sunny in the high 70s and low 80s °F, with the odd winter storm. Hilo is at its wettest and greenest. Maunakea may have snow on top. This is the best time of year for whale watching, and the manta snorkel runs as usual. Presidents’ Day week is busy. ### March Whales are still here in good numbers. Spring break brings families and fuller boats, so book the popular tours before you fly. Easter can fall in late March, which brings Merrie Monarch to Hilo. ### April and May Our favorite months. The whales thin out through April, the crowds drop after spring break, prices ease, and the island is green after winter rain. The waterfalls on the Hāmākua Coast are full, which makes this a great time for the Hilo waterfall hike and the Hilo waterfall cruise. ### June, July and August Summer: hot and sunny on the Kona coast, families everywhere, and the highest prices outside the holidays. Calm mornings make for great snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay. Upslope, Kona often clouds over in the afternoon, which keeps the cloud forest walk and the coffee farm cool. The sunset sail checks in later in summer, at 5:10 pm instead of 4:40 pm. ### September and October The locals’ summer. The ocean is at its warmest, the kids are back in school, and prices fall. It is a great time for scuba diving and the manta snorkel. If you want to stay in Kailua-Kona in October, check the triathlon date first. ### November A quiet shoulder month. Rain picks up on the Hilo side, and the first whales can arrive late in the month. Thanksgiving week is busy; the weeks around it are some of the best value of the year. ### December Whale season starts properly, the weather is pleasant, and the first half of the month is good value. From about December 20 to New Year, everything is full and expensive. If you are coming for the holidays, book the manta snorkel, the helicopter, Maunakea and the volcano tour when you book your flights. ## Which tours to book when - Any month: the manta ray night snorkel, Kealakekua Bay by Zodiac, the volcano twilight tour, the helicopter, the Kohala zipline, the Waipiʻo lookout tour, and the Hilo side tours. - December to April: whale watching from Kawaihae, with the peak January to March. - Any month, but plan a backup night: the Maunakea summit tour, especially in winter. - Rainy days on the Hilo side: the chocolate farm tour. For the full ranked list, start with our guide to things to do on the Big Island, and for a ready-made week, the 7-day Big Island itinerary. ## FAQ ### What is the best month to visit the Big Island? April, May, September and October offer the best mix of weather, calm water, lower prices and fewer crowds. Come January through March if whales are your priority. ### When is whale season on the Big Island? December to April, with the peak from January through March. The Kohala and Kona coasts are some of the best places in Hawaiʻi to see humpbacks. ### Can you see manta rays year round in Kona? Yes. Manta rays feed off Keauhou and the Kona airport at night all year. Sightings are very reliable but not guaranteed, and rough seas can cancel a trip in any month. ### Does it snow on the Big Island? Yes, on the summit of Maunakea, and sometimes Mauna Loa, in winter. Snow can close the Maunakea summit road. The beaches stay warm. ### What is the rainiest time of year in Hilo? Hilo is wet all year, with around 125 inches or more annually, and winter is often the wettest stretch. Kona stays mostly dry in every season. ### When is Merrie Monarch? The Merrie Monarch Festival runs for a week in Hilo starting on Easter Sunday. Hilo hotels book up many months ahead, so plan early if you are visiting that week. ### When is the cheapest time to visit the Big Island? Mid-April to May and September to early November, outside holiday weeks. Avoid mid-December to early January, which is the most expensive time of the year. --- ## Kona vs Hilo: Which Side of the Big Island Should You Stay On? URL: https://bigislandthingstodo.com/blog/kona-vs-hilo/ Updated: 2026-10-28 Kona vs Hilo, from locals: weather, beaches, drive times, which tours leave from each side, and why a split stay is the best way to see the Big Island. The most common question we get from people planning a Big Island trip is not which tour to book. It is where to sleep. The island is so big, and the two sides so different, that the answer shapes everything else: how much you drive, what the weather does to your plans, and which tours are an easy morning versus a long day. Here is the honest comparison, from people who work on both sides. ## The short answer - Stay in Kona if you want sun, beaches, snorkeling and the boat tours, and you only have four or five days. - Stay in Hilo or Volcano if the national park, waterfalls and Maunakea are the reason you came, and you don’t mind rain. - Split your stay if you have a week. Four nights in Kona and three on the Hilo side is the plan we give most friends. ## Kona vs Hilo at a glance | Kona side | Hilo side | Weather | Dry and sunny most days | Wet and green; Hilo gets around 125+ inches of rain a year | Airport | Kona (KOA), where most visitors fly in | Hilo (ITO), mainly inter-island flights | Beaches | White sand on the Kohala Coast, calm snorkeling coves | Few swimming beaches; black sand and rocky shoreline | Where people stay | Resorts, condos and vacation rentals in Kailua-Kona, Keauhou and Waikoloa | Smaller hotels and B&Bs in Hilo; cabins and inns in Volcano village | Volcanoes National Park | About 2.5 hours on the south route | About 45 minutes from Hilo | Maunakea | Kona-side summit tours available | Shorter drive; Hilo-side summit tours | Waterfalls | A drive away | Minutes away on the Hāmākua Coast | Evenings | Sunsets over the ocean, more restaurants and bars | Quiet, early nights, sunrise side | Best for | Ocean tours, first-timers, families who want a pool and a beach | The volcano, rainforest, waterfalls, travelers who like a real town | ## Drive times that matter These are typical times, not promises; traffic in Kailua-Kona and weather on the Hāmākua Coast can stretch them. Route | Typical drive | Kona to Hilo, over Saddle Road (Daniel K. Inouye Hwy) | About 2 hours | Kona to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, south route | About 2.5 hours | Hilo to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park | About 45 minutes | Kona to Waikoloa | About 30 minutes | Waikoloa to Hāwī | About 45 minutes | Kona to the Waipiʻo Valley lookout | About 1 hour 45 minutes | Hilo to the Waipiʻo Valley lookout | About 1 hour | Hilo to Honomū (ʻAkaka Falls) | About 20 minutes | Kona airport (KOA) to Keauhou | About 25 minutes | The lesson in that table: from Kona, the volcano is a five-hour round trip before you have seen anything. From Hilo, it is a half day. Our Big Island areas map shows the same distances on a map. ## Weather on each side The trade winds blow from the northeast and drop their rain on the Hilo side, so the Kona side sits in a rain shadow. That is the whole story of the island’s weather in one sentence. Kona gets steady sun, calm mornings and the occasional afternoon cloud build-up on the slopes above town. The ocean on this coast is sheltered from the trades, which is why the boat tours and the manta snorkel run so reliably here. Hilo gets rain on most days, often in the night and early morning, with plenty of clear spells in between. It is warm rain, and it is the reason for the waterfalls, the gardens and the green. Pack a light rain jacket and plan indoor or covered backups. Volcano village, at nearly 4,000 feet near the park, is cool and misty, and it can feel cold at night. Maunakea’s summit is near freezing at sunset all year, and snow is possible in winter. For the month-by-month detail, see our guide to the best time to visit the Big Island. ## Which tours suit each side ### Best from a Kona base - The Kona manta ray night snorkel, from Keauhou Bay - The Kealakekua Bay snorkel by Zodiac, also from Keauhou - The Kona sunset sail and Kona scuba diving from Honokōhau Harbor - The Kona coffee workshop in Hōlualoa and the Kona cloud forest walk - The helicopter tour from the Kona airport - Whale watching from Kawaihae and the Kohala zipline in Hāwī, both easiest from Waikoloa - The Volcanoes National Park twilight tour and the Waipiʻo lookout and waterfall tour, which pick up at Kona and Waikoloa hotels so you can see the far side without driving it ### Best from a Hilo or Volcano base - The Hilo waterfall hike in Honomū, 20 minutes away - The Hilo waterfall cruise along the Onomea cliffs - The Hilo chocolate farm tour, the best rainy-day plan - The Hilo ATV ranch tour in Mountain View, between Hilo and Volcano - The Volcano e-bike tour inside the national park - The Maunakea summit stargazing tour, which picks up in Hilo ## Kona side neighborhoods Kailua-Kona is the town: Aliʻi Drive along the water, restaurants, shops and the most rental choices at most price levels. You are close to Honokōhau Harbor and the airport. Keauhou, a few miles south, is quieter and is where the manta snorkel and the Kealakekua Zodiac leave from. If those two are your priorities, sleeping here puts both a short drive away. Waikoloa and the Kohala Coast, about 30 minutes north of Kona, are the big resorts and the best white sand beaches, including Hāpuna. It is the sunniest, driest stretch of the island, and the closest base for whale watching, the zipline and North Kohala. ## Hilo side neighborhoods Hilo is a real working town on a big bay, with old storefronts, a farmers market, Rainbow Falls a few minutes from downtown, and the best value rooms on the island. It is the base for the Hāmākua waterfalls and Maunakea. Volcano village sits in the rainforest just outside the national park. There are no big hotels, just cabins, inns and rentals. Stay a night here if you want to see the park at dawn or after dark without a long drive. ## Our recommendation: split the stay If you have six nights or more, split it. Spend the first four nights on the Kona side, doing the ocean while you are still waking up early on mainland time: the manta snorkel, Kealakekua Bay, the coffee farm and a sunset sail. Then drive the south route to the volcano, stopping at Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau and Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach, and spend two or three nights in Volcano or Hilo for the park, the waterfalls and Maunakea. You can fly out of Hilo, or drive back over Saddle Road in about two hours on your last morning. Some rental companies charge to drop a car at a different airport, so check before you book. If you only have four or five nights, stay in Kona and let the volcano twilight tour do the long drive for you. Our 7-day Big Island itinerary shows the split stay day by day, and our things to do on the Big Island guide has the full ranked list. ## FAQ ### Is Kona or Hilo better for first-time visitors? Kona, for most people. It has the sun, the beaches, the main airport and most of the tours. Add two or three nights in Hilo or Volcano if you have a week. ### How far is Kona from Hilo? About two hours by car over Saddle Road (Daniel K. Inouye Highway), which crosses the island between Maunakea and Mauna Loa. ### Does it rain all the time in Hilo? Not all the time, but often. Hilo gets around 125 inches or more of rain a year, much of it at night and in the early morning. Most days still have dry spells. ### Can I visit Volcanoes National Park from Kona? Yes. The park is about 2.5 hours from Kona on the south route. Many visitors take a guided day tour with hotel pickup instead of driving five hours round trip. ### Where should I stay to see the manta rays? Anywhere on the Kona side works. Keauhou is closest, since the manta snorkel leaves from Keauhou Bay, and Kailua-Kona is a short drive away. ### Is it worth staying in Volcano village? Yes, for one or two nights if the park is a priority. You can see the craters early or late without a long drive. Bring warm layers; it is cool and damp at nearly 4,000 feet. ### Should I fly into Kona or Hilo? Most visitors fly into Kona, which has more direct flights. If you are doing a split stay, flying into Kona and out of Hilo (or the reverse) saves a cross-island drive. --- ## Kona Manta Ray Night Snorkel: The Complete Guide URL: https://bigislandthingstodo.com/blog/manta-ray-night-snorkel-guide/ Updated: 2026-10-28 Everything about the Kona manta ray night snorkel: how it works, snorkel vs dive, what to bring, kids, seasickness, best times and the operator we recommend. The manta ray night snorkel off Kona is the thing people still talk about years after a Big Island trip. You float at the surface after dark, holding a lighted board, and reef manta rays rise out of the black water to feed in the light, looping and barrel-rolling so close below you that you could touch them (please don’t). It is not an aquarium and it is not a show. It is wild animals doing what they do every night, and you get a front-row seat. This guide covers how it works, how to choose between snorkeling and diving, what to bring, whether it suits kids, how to handle seasickness, and when to go. ## The short version - What: a guided night snorkel over a manta ray feeding site off the Kona coast. - Where: off Keauhou Bay, south of Kailua-Kona. There is a second site near the Kona airport. - When: year round, every night. Later departures tend to see more mantas and quieter water. - How long: about 1.5 hours door to door, with about 30 minutes in the water. - Who we recommend: Hawaii Manta Ray, from Keauhou Bay. $118 adults, $99 kids, ages 4 and up. - Book it: early in your trip, so you have spare nights if the ocean cancels one. Our Kona manta ray night snorkel page has the details and booking. ## Why the mantas come Reef manta rays are filter feeders. They eat plankton, the tiny animals that drift in the water, and plankton is drawn to light. Shine enough light into the ocean at night and the plankton gathers in a cloud, and the mantas come to feed on it, swimming open-mouthed through the light and somersaulting to stay in the thickest part. That is what the tours do: put lights in the water at the same spots every night. The mantas off Kona have learned where the food is, and sightings are very reliable, though never certain, because they are wild. Each manta can be told apart by the spot pattern on its underside, and some have been coming back to these sites for years. To read more about the animals themselves, see this guide to Kona’s manta rays. The first question most people ask is whether they are safe. They are. Mantas have no stinger, no teeth to bite with, and no interest in you; you are just the person holding the lamp. This piece on whether manta rays are dangerous answers the usual worries in more detail. ## How the night snorkel works - Check in at Keauhou. You arrive in your swimsuit, sign in, and pick up any rentals such as a wetsuit. - Boat ride to the site. From Keauhou Bay, the manta site is close. Boats coming from farther harbors can take around 30 minutes. - Briefing and gear. Your crew explains the rules, fits your mask and snorkel, and gives you a flotation belt. - Into the water. You slip in and hold onto a lighted board with a few other guests. You float face down, legs out behind you, and you do not need to swim. - The mantas arrive. The lights draw plankton, and the mantas come up to feed, sometimes inches below the board. Guides are in the water with you the whole time. - Back aboard. After about 30 minutes in the water you climb back on, warm up and head in. ## The operator we recommend: Hawaii Manta Ray There are a number of manta boats on the Kona coast. The one we recommend is Hawaii Manta Ray, which runs out of Keauhou Bay, and these are the reasons: - A 3-minute boat ride. Leaving from Keauhou Bay puts them minutes from the Keauhou manta site, which means less time bouncing in the dark and less chance of seasickness. - Small groups. A maximum of 17 guests, so the board is not crowded and the guides can keep an eye on everyone. - Serious light. About 300,000 lumens of dive light in the water to draw the plankton, and the mantas. - Guides in the water with you for the whole snorkel. - The Manta Guarantee. If no mantas show, you can ride again for free. - Flexible booking. A 100% refund up to 72 hours before your trip. - Reputation. 4.8 stars across about 3,265 Google reviews. Their trip is called the moonlight manta snorkel, and our manta ray night snorkel review goes through what you get, who it is for and where to check in. ## Snorkel vs dive There are two ways to see the mantas at night, and the right one depends on whether you are a certified diver. Snorkeling is the choice for almost everyone. You float at the surface on the lighted board, the mantas feed between you and the divers below, and you need no certification, just comfort in the water. Many people find the snorkel view better, since the mantas come up into the light right beneath your mask. Diving is for certified scuba divers. Divers kneel or settle on the sandy bottom, around a ring of lights pointing up, and the mantas swoop over their heads. It is a different angle and a longer bottom time, but it needs a certification and a night dive’s worth of comfort. If you are certified, the Kona scuba diving trip we list also runs a two-tank night manta dive from $199. For a deeper comparison, see this breakdown of the manta ray snorkel vs dive. ## Prices and what is included On Hawaii Manta Ray’s trip, rates are $118 for adults and $99 for children, before tax and booking fees. Your mask, snorkel and flotation are included. Wetsuits, life jackets and GoPro cameras are available to rent at check-in. Here is a full look at what a manta ray night snorkel costs and what changes the price from one boat to the next. ## What to bring - Your swimsuit, already on. You arrive ready to get in the water. - A towel and a warm layer for the ride back. Even in Hawaiʻi, you will be cool after 30 minutes in the water at night. - Dry clothes to change into afterward. - Seasickness medication, if you are prone to it, taken before you board. - A wetsuit, if you get cold easily. You can rent one at check-in. - Leave the sunscreen in the car. It is night, and you do not need it in the water. This manta ray snorkel packing list has a few more small tips. ## Manta snorkeling with kids The minimum age on the booking page is 4, and kids are some of the most excited people on the board. The deciding factor is not age but comfort: anyone on the trip needs to be a confident swimmer who is comfortable with their face in the water at night. Everyone floats with a flotation belt and holds onto the lighted board, and guides are in the water the whole time. Our advice for families: - Practice first. Get kids snorkeling in calm water during the day, earlier in the trip, so the mask and snorkel feel normal. - Talk it through. Explain that it will be dark, that the mantas are gentle, and that they may swim very close. - Rent a wetsuit for small kids, who get cold fastest. - Pick the right night. A well-rested kid is a happier snorkeler. For more, read this guide to manta ray snorkeling with kids. ## Seasickness Seasickness is the most common thing that spoils a manta night, and most of it is avoidable. - Choose a short ride. A 3-minute ride from Keauhou Bay gives the ocean far less time to work on you than a long run down the coast. - Take medication in advance if you are prone to it. Over-the-counter tablets work best taken before you board; follow the package directions or ask a pharmacist. - Eat light. A small meal a couple of hours before is better than an empty stomach or a big dinner. - Keep your face in the water. Once you are floating and watching the mantas, most people feel fine. Lifting your head and bobbing at the surface is what makes people queasy. - Tell the crew if you feel unwell. They see it every week. ## The best time to see manta rays in Kona There is no manta season. The mantas feed off Kona every night of the year, so any month is a good month. What changes from night to night is the ocean: a big swell can cancel a trip in any season. Within a night, later departures tend to see more mantas and quieter water. Book the snorkel early in your trip so there is time to go again if a night is cancelled. This guide to the best time to see manta rays in Kona goes into more detail, and our guide to the best time to visit the Big Island covers the rest of the year. ## Getting to Keauhou Bay Check-in for Hawaii Manta Ray is at their van by the Outrigger at Keauhou. Keauhou is a few miles south of Kailua-Kona and about 25 minutes from the Kona airport. If you are staying in Waikoloa, add about 30 minutes to Kona; our Big Island areas map shows the coast. Leave extra time on your first visit, and see these directions for getting to Keauhou Bay. Our Kona vs Hilo guide explains why the Kona side is the easiest base for the mantas. ## Manta etiquette - Don’t touch. Mantas have a protective coating on their skin, and touching it can harm them. - Stay at the surface. Don’t dive down toward the mantas; let them come to you. - Keep your legs up and floating behind you, so you don’t kick a manta passing below. - Follow your guides. They set the rules for the animals’ sake as well as yours. ## Make a day of it The same bay is the starting point for the Kealakekua Bay snorkel by Zodiac, a 2.5 to 3-hour morning trip to the Captain Cook Monument with sea caves and spinner dolphins on the way. Pair the two for a full Keauhou day, as we do in our 7-day Big Island itinerary. For everything else on the island, start with our ranked list of things to do on the Big Island. ## FAQ ### Is the Kona manta ray night snorkel worth it? Yes. It is our top-ranked activity on the Big Island. Mantas feed off Kona year round and sightings are very reliable, and floating above them at night is unlike anything else in Hawaiʻi. ### Are manta rays dangerous? No. Manta rays have no stinger and no teeth to bite with. They are filter feeders that eat plankton, and they show no interest in snorkelers. ### How much does the manta ray night snorkel cost? With Hawaii Manta Ray, it is $118 for adults and $99 for children, before tax and booking fees. Mask, snorkel and flotation are included. ### Do I need to be a good swimmer? You need to be a confident swimmer who is comfortable with your face in the water at night. You float with a flotation belt and hold a lighted board, so you do not have to swim much. ### What is the minimum age for the manta snorkel? Ages 4 and up, provided the child is comfortable snorkeling with their face in the water. Practice snorkeling in calm water during the day first. ### What happens if no mantas show up? With Hawaii Manta Ray, the Manta Guarantee lets you go again for free if no mantas appear. Mantas are wild, so no tour can promise them. ### Should I snorkel or dive with the mantas? Snorkel unless you are a certified diver. Snorkelers float at the surface with the mantas feeding just below; certified divers watch from the sandy bottom. ### How long is the manta ray night snorkel? About 1.5 hours in total, with around 30 minutes in the water. Check in early, in your swimsuit. ### What is the best time to see manta rays in Kona? Any night of the year. Later departures tend to see more mantas and calmer water. Book early in your trip in case the ocean cancels a night. --- ## 17 Best Things to Do on the Big Island (A Local's 2026 Guide) URL: https://bigislandthingstodo.com/blog/things-to-do-on-the-big-island/ Updated: 2026-10-28 The best things to do on the Big Island, ranked by locals: manta rays at night, Kīlauea, Maunakea at sunset, Hilo waterfalls, Waipiʻo, whales and free stops. The Big Island is bigger than all the other Hawaiian islands put together, and that is the first thing to plan around. You can float above manta rays at night, stand on the rim of an active volcano and watch the sun go down from the summit of Maunakea, but not all on the same day, and not from the same hotel without a lot of driving. We work on the water off Kona and on the trails on both sides of the island. This is the list we give friends: the 17 tours we would book, in order, plus the free stops, the honest difference between the Kona side and the Hilo side, and a table for people who just want the answer. ## How this list works We ranked these by what visitors talk about when they step off the boat or out of the van, weighed against price, reliability and how hard the trip is to do on your own. Each one has its own page with prices, ages, check-in details and the fine print, and the full set lives on our ranked list of Big Island adventures. Two things to know before you start. First, every price below is a “from” rate before tax and booking fees. Second, distances are real here: Kona to Hilo is about two hours over Saddle Road, and Kona to the volcano is about two and a half hours on the south route. Our Big Island areas map shows where each tour leaves from. ## The 17 best Big Island tours, ranked ### 1. The Kona manta ray night snorkel This is the one. After dark, a boat takes you a few minutes out of Keauhou Bay, you float on a lighted board, and reef manta rays come up out of the black to feed on the plankton in the light, sometimes inches below your mask. The mantas feed here year round and sightings are very reliable, though they are wild animals. The Kona manta ray night snorkel we rank first is run by Hawaii Manta Ray: about a 3-minute ride to the site, no more than 17 guests, $118 for adults and $99 for kids, ages 4 and up. Our manta ray night snorkel guide covers everything else. ### 2. Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park twilight tour If you are staying in Kona or Waikoloa and do not want to drive five hours round trip, this is how to see Kīlauea. The Volcanoes National Park twilight tour is a 12-hour day with hotel pickup, a Kona coffee farm stop, the black sand at Punaluʻu, time in the park, and stargazing on the way home. From $249, ages 5 to 89. Eruptions at Kīlauea come and go, so a lava glow is never guaranteed, but the craters, steam vents and lava fields are there every day. There is also an 11-hour Grand Circle Island version from $219. ### 3. Kealakekua Bay snorkel by Zodiac Kealakekua Bay is a marine sanctuary below the Captain Cook Monument, and on a calm morning the visibility runs past 100 feet. The Kealakekua Bay snorkel tour goes by fast inflatable Zodiac from Keauhou Bay, running the coast past sea caves and lava tubes, with spinner dolphins often on the way and whales in season. It is also run by Hawaii Manta Ray, takes 2.5 to 3 hours, and starts from $95 (pricing is seasonal). Ages 5 and up. Departures at 8:00, 10:45 and 1:30 make it easy to pair with the manta snorkel that night. ### 4. Maunakea summit at sunset, with stargazing The summit of Maunakea is 13,803 feet, above most of the weather, and home to the largest collection of research telescopes in the world. The Maunakea summit stargazing tour picks up in Hilo, watches sunset from the top, then drops lower for hot drinks and a star show with a professional telescope when the sky allows. From $269, 7 to 8 hours. Know the rules: no one under 13, no one pregnant and no one with heart or lung conditions goes above the visitor station on a commercial tour. It is near freezing at sunset, and weather can close the road. Staying in Kona? There is a Kona-side version from $299. ### 5. Hilo waterfall hike near ʻAkaka Falls The Hāmākua Coast north of Hilo is where the waterfalls are, and the best of them are on private land. The Hilo waterfall hike is a 2.5-hour guided walk from Honomū, about 20 minutes from Hilo, to falls you cannot reach on your own. From $140, ages 4 and up. You can add a 2.5-hour zipline from $210, and ʻAkaka Falls State Park is a few minutes up the road. ### 6. Waipiʻo Valley lookout and a private waterfall swim Waipiʻo is the valley on every Big Island poster. The Waipiʻo Valley waterfall tour is a 10-hour day from Kona and Waikoloa hotels that takes in the Waipiʻo Valley Lookout, a swim in a waterfall on private land, and a tropical garden. From $249, ages 5 to 89. Be clear on one thing: this tour sees Waipiʻo from the lookout. The steep road into the valley has been closed to independent visitors under a county emergency rule. Our Waipiʻo Valley guide explains the current access. ### 7. A helicopter over Kīlauea The Big Island is too large to see in a week by car. From the air you see the shape of it. The Big Island helicopter tour is a private two-hour flight from the Kona airport out to Kīlauea, for your group of 1 to 4 only, from $1,680 per private flight (up to three people). If that is too much time or money, a 30-minute flight over the Kona Coast starts at $229. ### 8. The Kohala zipline in Hāwī Up in North Kohala, about 45 minutes past Waikoloa, the Kohala zipline tour runs eight lines, six sky bridges and a rappel through a tall forest on private land. It is billed as the only full canopy tour on Hawaiʻi Island, and it feels more like moving through the trees than flying over a field. About two hours, ages 8 and up, groups of nine, from $210. The full-day Zip & Dip adds a waterfall swim from $325. ### 9. A Kona coffee brewing workshop in Hōlualoa Hōlualoa sits about 15 minutes upslope from Kailua-Kona in the coffee belt. The Kona coffee tour is a 75-minute brewing workshop on a working farm: a guided cupping, French press and pour-over you make yourself, and unlimited samples of four coffees. From $65, ages 6 and up, Monday to Saturday at 9:00 and 11:30 am. It is the best short morning on the Kona side. ### 10. Whale watching off the Kohala Coast From December to April, humpback whales come to Hawaiian waters to breed and raise calves, with the peak in January through March. The Big Island whale watching tour leaves from Kawaihae, minutes from the Waikoloa and Mauna Lani resorts, on a raft-style boat with a hydrophone so you can hear the whales sing. Two hours, ages 3 and up, from $95. ### 11. Hilo waterfall cruise along the Onomea cliffs The east coast north of Hilo is sea cliffs with waterfalls pouring straight into the ocean, and you only really see them from the water. The Hilo waterfall cruise is a relaxed 1.5 to 2 hours along that coast with stories of old Hawaiʻi on the way. From $159, ages 8 and up. On a calm day, the alternative is a two-hour kayak across Hilo Bay to Coconut Island, from $119. ### 12. A Kona sunset sail The Kona side faces west, so every evening is a sunset over open ocean. The Kona sunset sail leaves Honokōhau Harbor for 1.5 hours with a full bar and light bites. Adults from $139, kids 4 to 12 at $69.50, under 4 free. There is a Waikoloa version from ʻAnaehoʻomalu Bay if you are staying up the coast. ### 13. Kona scuba diving Kona has some of the clearest water in Hawaiʻi and a coastline made of lava, which means arches, tubes and ledges full of endemic fish, turtles and octopus. The Kona scuba diving trip is a two-tank morning dive out of Honokōhau Harbor, about five hours, ages 10 and up, with rates from $99 on the booking page. Certified divers can do a two-tank night manta dive from $199. ### 14. A ranch ATV ride on the Hilo side The Hilo ATV tour rides through a working family ranch in Mountain View, about 25 minutes from Hilo and 35 from Volcano. It is a sightseeing ride rather than a race, two hours, ages 3 and up, from $119, with free cancellation. It fits neatly on the drive between Hilo and the park. ### 15. A Hilo chocolate farm tour Hawaiʻi grows cacao, and the Hilo chocolate farm tour shows you the whole chain: an electric bus through the orchards, fresh cacao fruit picked in the field, the processing areas, and how a pod becomes a bar. About 1 to 1.5 hours, from $16, with adult rates on the booking page. It is our first pick for a rainy Hilo morning. ### 16. A Kona cloud forest walk Upslope from Kailua-Kona, on the slopes of Hualālai, the dry coast turns into a cool, mossy montane forest. The Kona cloud forest tour is a 2.5-hour guided walk on natural trail with about 200 feet of climbing, native birds and plants, and a sanctuary that works on forest restoration. From $60, up to 16 people. Bring a layer. ### 17. A fat-tire e-bike tour in the volcano park The Volcano e-bike tour covers far more of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park than you would on foot, on fat-tire e-bikes with guides who know the geology. Three hours, ages 15 and up, minimum of two riders, from $189. There is an 8-hour day that adds the Kalapana lava coast, from $450. ## Kona side vs Hilo side The island splits in two, and almost every plan comes down to which side you sleep on. The Kona side (Kailua-Kona, Keauhou, Waikoloa and the Kohala Coast) is dry and sunny, with the resorts, the white sand beaches, the calmest snorkeling and most of the boat tours. The manta snorkel, Kealakekua Bay, the sunset sail, scuba, whale watching, coffee, the cloud forest, the Kohala zipline and the helicopter all leave from this side. The Hilo side (Hilo, Honomū, the Hāmākua Coast, Puna and Volcano) is wet and green. Hilo gets something like 125 inches of rain a year, and that rain is why the waterfalls are there. Volcanoes National Park is about 45 minutes from Hilo, compared with two and a half hours from Kona. The waterfall hike, the waterfall cruise, the chocolate farm, the ATV ride, the e-bike tour and the Hilo-side Maunakea tour start here. Most first-timers do best with four or five nights in Kona and two or three in Hilo or Volcano. We go through it properly, with a comparison table and drive times, in Kona vs Hilo: which side to stay on. ## Free and low-cost things to do Not everything needs a booking. These are the stops we send people to on their own. A few charge a small entrance or parking fee for visitors; the rest cost nothing. ### Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach On the south route between Kona and the volcano, in Kaʻū, Punaluʻu is a beach of black volcanic sand where green sea turtles haul out to rest. Give the turtles plenty of room and never touch them, leave the sand where it is, and treat the water with respect; it is often rough. It is a natural stop on the way to the park. ### ʻAkaka Falls The short paved loop at ʻAkaka Falls State Park, above Honomū, passes through thick rainforest to a view of a 442-foot waterfall dropping into a gorge. Allow 30 to 45 minutes. Visitors pay a small entry and parking fee. Pair it with the Hilo waterfall hike next door. ### Pololū Valley Lookout Highway 270 ends at the Pololū lookout, past Hāwī and Kapaʻau in North Kohala, with a view down a green valley to a black boulder beach. The trail down is steep, rocky and slippery when wet, and parking is tight, so check the current trail and parking rules before you go. Combine it with the Kohala zipline. ### Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park Just south of the Kona airport, this free national park protects old Hawaiian fishponds, a stretch of coast where honu rest on the rocks, and trails across the lava. It is quiet, hot and easy to miss. Bring water and go early or late. ### Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau The Place of Refuge in South Kona, where people who broke kapu could find sanctuary. The great stone wall, the temple platform and the carved wooden kiʻi on the point make it one of the most important cultural sites on the island. There is a national park entrance fee. Plan an hour, and do not climb on the walls. ### Hāpuna Beach A long, wide crescent of white sand on the Kohala Coast, with room to spread out and good swimming on calm days. Visitors pay a parking fee. In winter the shorebreak can be heavy; watch the water before you go in, and swim near the lifeguard. ### Rainbow Falls In Hilo itself, on the Wailuku River, Rainbow Falls (Waiānuenue) is a short walk from the parking lot. Come in the morning, when the sun is behind you, for the best chance of the rainbow in the mist. It is free and takes 15 minutes, which makes it the easy first stop on a Hilo day. ## Quick picks If you want | Book this | From | One unforgettable night | Manta ray night snorkel | $99 | The volcano without the drive | Volcanoes National Park twilight tour | $249 | The best snorkeling | Kealakekua Bay by Zodiac | $95 | Sunset above the clouds | Maunakea summit tour | $269 | Waterfalls you can’t reach alone | Hilo waterfall hike | $140 | The Waipiʻo view plus a swim | Waipiʻo lookout and waterfall tour | $249 | The whole island in one go | Helicopter over Kīlauea | $1,680 per flight | Adrenaline | Kohala zipline | $210 | A slow morning | Kona coffee workshop | $65 | Winter visitors | Whale watching from Kawaihae | $95 | Couples | Kona sunset sail | $139 | A rainy day in Hilo | Chocolate farm tour | $16 | Families with small kids | Hilo ATV ranch tour | $119 | A budget day | Kona cloud forest walk | $60 | ## Putting it together Three days, all in Kona: the manta snorkel, Kealakekua Bay, the volcano twilight tour and a sunset sail. Five days: add the coffee workshop, the Kohala zipline or whale watching, and the free stops at Kaloko-Honokōhau and Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau. A week: move to the Hilo side for the last two or three nights, with the park, the waterfalls and Maunakea from Hilo. Our 7-day Big Island itinerary lays out that week day by day, and our guide to the best time to visit the Big Island covers whale season, Maunakea snow and the weeks to avoid. ## FAQ ### What is the number one thing to do on the Big Island? The Kona manta ray night snorkel. Mantas feed off Keauhou year round, sightings are very reliable, and nothing else in Hawaiʻi feels quite like it. Book it for one of your first nights so there is room to reschedule if the ocean is rough. ### Is it better to stay in Kona or Hilo? For most visitors, Kona: it is sunnier, has the beaches and most tours, and the main airport. Hilo is better for the volcano, waterfalls and Maunakea. With a week, split your stay between the two. ### How many days do you need on the Big Island? Five days covers the Kona side plus a volcano day. Seven days lets you split between Kona and Hilo without rushing. Fewer than four means choosing between the volcano and the ocean. ### Can you see lava on the Big Island? Sometimes. Kīlauea erupts in episodes, and lava visibility is never guaranteed. Even between eruptions, the craters, steam vents and fresh lava fields in the national park are worth the trip. Check the park’s current conditions before you go. ### Can you visit the volcano as a day trip from Kona? Yes. It is about 2.5 hours each way on the south route. A guided day like the twilight tour, with pickup in Kona and Waikoloa, saves you five hours behind the wheel. ### What are the best free things to do on the Big Island? Kaloko-Honokōhau, Rainbow Falls and Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach are free. ʻAkaka Falls, Hāpuna Beach and Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau charge small visitor fees. The Pololū and Waipiʻo lookouts cost nothing but time. ### When can you see whales on the Big Island? Humpback whale season runs from December to April, with the peak from January through March. The calm water off the Kohala and Kona coasts is one of the best places in Hawaiʻi to see them. ### Can kids go to the top of Maunakea? Not on a commercial tour. Children under 13, anyone pregnant and anyone with heart or lung conditions cannot go above the visitor station. Families with younger kids can still stargaze from lower elevations. --- ## Waipiʻo Valley Guide: Current Access, the Lookout and Nearby Waterfalls URL: https://bigislandthingstodo.com/blog/waipio-valley-guide/ Updated: 2026-10-28 Can you go into Waipiʻo Valley? Current road access, the lookout, how to get there via Honokaʻa, Hāmākua waterfalls nearby, and how to visit with respect. Waipiʻo is the valley on the postcards: a mile-wide green floor between cliffs that rise straight out of the sea, a river winding to a dark sand beach, and waterfalls in the back of the valley. It sits at the end of the road on the Hāmākua Coast, on the island’s northeast corner, and for generations it was the home of Hawaiʻi Island’s ruling chiefs. It is also a place where people live and farm, and access has changed in the last few years. Here is what you can do now, how to get there, and how to visit well. ## Can you go into Waipiʻo Valley right now? Not on your own. The steep road from the lookout down to the valley floor has been closed to independent visitors under a Hawaiʻi County emergency rule, which the county has renewed through at least November 1, 2026. Apart from residents, access is limited to guided or permitted visits. That means no driving down, and no walking down the road either. The rule is renewed periodically and could be changed, extended or lifted, so check Hawaiʻi County’s current status for the Waipiʻo Valley access road before you go. Do not rely on an old blog post, a map app, or a rental-car guidebook, and do not try to talk your way past the gate. The good news is that the view most visitors come for has never needed the road. The Waipiʻo Valley Lookout is open, and it is how almost everyone sees the valley. ## The Waipiʻo Valley Lookout Highway 240 ends at the lookout, a small park on the cliff edge past the village of Kukuihaele. From the stone wall you look down the length of the coast: the valley floor, the river meeting the ocean, the dark sand beach, the surf, and the sheer cliffs on the far side running off toward the next valleys you cannot see from here. A few practical notes: - Go early. Morning usually has the clearest air and the softest light, and parking is limited. - Plan 20 to 30 minutes. That is enough to take it in, take photos and read the signs. - Stay behind the wall. The cliff edge is unstable and the drop is serious. - Bring a rain jacket. This is the wet side of the island, and showers roll through without warning, then clear just as fast. ## How to get there From the Kona side, drive north and cross through Waimea, then follow Highway 19 down the Hāmākua Coast to Honokaʻa and turn onto Highway 240. Plan about 1 hour 45 minutes from Kona. From Hilo, it is about an hour north on Highway 19 along the coast. Highway 240 runs along the cliffs from Honokaʻa, through Kukuihaele, and ends at the lookout. There is no way to continue past it by car. If you are staying in Kona and don’t want to spend three and a half hours in the car, the Waipiʻo Valley waterfall tour picks up at Kona and Waikoloa hotels. Our Big Island areas map shows the Hāmākua Coast in relation to Kona, Waimea and Hilo, and our Kona vs Hilo guide has the drive times side by side. ## Honokaʻa and Kukuihaele Honokaʻa is the old plantation town on the bluff above the coast, one of the communities built around the Hāmākua sugar industry. The main street still has its wooden storefronts, with cafés, bakeries, antique shops and a historic theater. It is the natural place to stop for lunch, fuel and a restroom on the way to or from the lookout. Kukuihaele is the last village before the lookout, a handful of homes and small businesses on the rim. Drive slowly through it; people live here, kids walk this road, and the road is narrow. ## Waterfalls on the Hāmākua Coast The Hāmākua Coast between Waipiʻo and Hilo is cut by gulches and streams, and on a wet week it is waterfalls the whole way. These are the ones we send people to. ### ʻAkaka Falls In ʻAkaka Falls State Park above Honomū, about 20 minutes from Hilo, a short paved loop through the rainforest leads to a view of ʻAkaka, a 442-foot waterfall falling into a gorge, with Kahuna Falls along the way. There are stairs, and visitors pay a small entry and parking fee. Allow 30 to 45 minutes. ### The private falls near Honomū The best waterfalls on this coast are on private land, which means you need a guide. The Hilo waterfall hike is a 2.5-hour guided walk from Honomū to falls you cannot reach on your own, from $140, ages 4 and up. ### Rainbow Falls In Hilo itself, Rainbow Falls (Waiānuenue) on the Wailuku River is a short walk from the parking lot and free. Come in the morning with the sun behind you for the rainbow. ### The sea cliff waterfalls Some of the most striking falls on this coast pour straight off the cliffs into the ocean, and you only see them properly from the water. The Hilo waterfall cruise runs along the Onomea cliffs north of Hilo for 1.5 to 2 hours, from $159. ### Laupāhoehoe Point Not a waterfall, but worth the turn off Highway 19 about halfway between Hilo and Honokaʻa: a low lava point with surf crashing on black rock, and a memorial to the people, including schoolchildren, lost here in the 1946 tsunami. The ocean here is not for swimming. ## Why Waipiʻo matters Waipiʻo means curved or arching water, after the river that bends across the valley floor. It is often called the Valley of the Kings, because for generations it was the seat of Hawaiʻi Island’s ruling chiefs. The chief Līloa ruled from here, and the valley held heiau (temples) and a puʻuhonua, a place of refuge, along with the homes of a large farming population. What fed them was kalo, or taro. The valley’s water and soil made it one of the great taro-growing places in the islands, and families still farm loʻi kalo (wetland taro patches) on the valley floor today. The tsunami of 1946 swept through the lower valley, and many families left afterward, but Waipiʻo has never been empty. That is why respect matters here. The valley floor is mostly private land, and the people who live there depend on that one steep road. When you visit: - Stay on public land. The lookout is public; the valley floor mostly is not. - Don’t fly drones over the valley or people’s homes. - Don’t take rocks, sand or plants from the area. - Follow the current access rules even if you see someone else ignoring them. ## Seeing Waipiʻo with a guide If you are based in Kona or Waikoloa, the easiest way to see Waipiʻo and the waterfalls in one day is the Waipiʻo Valley lookout and private waterfall swim. It is a 10-hour guided day with pickup at major Kona and Waikoloa hotels, the Waipiʻo Valley Lookout, a swim in a waterfall on private land, and a tropical garden. From $249, ages 5 to 89. To be clear: this tour sees Waipiʻo from the lookout. It does not take you down into the valley. What it adds is the driving, the stories along the Hāmākua Coast, and a waterfall swim you could not get to on your own. If you are staying in Hilo, drive to the lookout yourself in about an hour, and spend the rest of the day on the waterfalls above. For more on fitting this coast into a week, see our 7-day Big Island itinerary, and for the rest of the island, our things to do on the Big Island guide. The Hāmākua Coast is at its greenest in the wetter months; our guide to the best time to visit the Big Island covers the seasons. ## FAQ ### Is Waipiʻo Valley open to visitors? The Waipiʻo Valley Lookout is open. The road down into the valley has been closed to independent visitors under a county emergency rule, renewed through at least November 1, 2026, with guided or permitted access only. Check Hawaiʻi County’s current status before you go. ### Can you walk down into Waipiʻo Valley? Not independently while the emergency rule is in place. The closure covers the road for walkers as well as drivers. Apart from residents, only guided or permitted visits may go down. ### How long does it take to get to Waipiʻo Valley from Kona? About 1 hour 45 minutes each way, via Waimea, Highway 19 and Honokaʻa. From Hilo, it is about an hour. ### Is the Waipiʻo lookout worth the drive? Yes, if you combine it with the Hāmākua Coast: Honokaʻa, ʻAkaka Falls and the waterfalls near Honomū. On its own, it is a long drive from Kona for a 30-minute stop. ### Why is Waipiʻo called the Valley of the Kings? Because for generations it was the home of Hawaiʻi Island’s ruling chiefs, including Līloa. It was a political, religious and farming center, and families still grow taro there today. ### Does the Waipiʻo waterfall tour go into the valley? No. It visits the Waipiʻo Valley Lookout, then swims at a private waterfall and visits a tropical garden elsewhere on the coast. It does not take guests down into the valley. ### When is the best time to visit the Waipiʻo lookout? Early morning, for the clearest views and easiest parking. Showers can roll through at any time of year, so give it a few minutes if the valley is clouded in.