“We are proud to be an official Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau member.”
Big Island breathes fire and magic, where active volcanoes rumble beneath black sand beaches and ancient kings once ruled from seaside palaces. Hawaii’s largest island packs raw power and paradise into one unforgettable drive, from Kilauea’s glowing craters to jungle waterfalls that seem pulled from legend.
This self-guided Hawaii Big Island tour delivers the island’s wild heart, perfect for beach lovers, volcano chasers and history seekers craving authentic aloha. Discover Punalu’u’s jet-black sands, snorkel Kahalu’u’s living reef, explore sacred heiau temples and Pu’uhonua O Honaunau’s place of refuge, all while chasing “things to do on Big Island” that blend Polynesian heritage with nature’s boldest strokes.
With Hawaii Big Island South Self-Guided Driving Tour, your phone unlocks both halves of this epic loop, delivering location-triggered audio stories so you explore at your pace from Kailua-Kona’s royal past to Hilo’s lush gardens.
Black sand wonders like Punalu’u Beach shimmer alongside Kahalu’u’s vibrant reefs and Magic Beach’s disappearing sands, while ancient sites including Hulihe’e Palace, sacred Lekeleke Burial Grounds, Hikiau Heiau and Pu’uhonua O Honaunau whisper Hawaii’s royal past. Volcano giants Kilauea and Mauna Loa tower over Pele-honoring Pebble Beach and mysterious Kula Kai Caverns, as Hilo charms with Liliuokalani Park’s splendor, Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve’s exotic blooms and Honohina Hongwanji Mission. Cowboy culture thrives at Honaunau Rodeo Arena and Waimea, pristine whites of Hapuna Beach contrast Beach 69’s local vibe, ancient Waikoloa Petroglyphs preserve history, and Kekaha Kai State Park plus Laupahoehoe Point vistas complete the island’s dramatic beauty.
Island Fever Alert
Warning: This Big Island tour may cause spontaneous luau cravings, uncontrollable urges to snorkel every turquoise bay, and plotting return trips before you unpack. Side effects include sandier toes than planned, a camera bursting with lava glows, and calling every beach “home” from now on.
We are proud to be an official Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau member.
Want all of our tours? Upgrade to Action+:
- An annual $99.99/year subscription offers access to over 200+ tours.
- Unlimited use throughout the year.
- Includes free access to new tours as they are released.
Big Island Hawaii Map
Where To Start?
Starting Point Addresses:
From Kailua-Kona Starting Point: Kaloko-Honok hau National Historical Park, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA.
To Tour the North-side, start here: 1637 Kanoelehua Ave, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
How Does It Work?
- Once you book a tour, you’ll get a text/email with instructions.
- Download the app (while in good wifi/signal) and use your unique password to access your tours. If multiple versions or entry points are available for your tour, be sure to download all the audio guides.
- Audio Setup: Connect your phone to the car stereo via Bluetooth, USB, or Aux, and bring headphones on walking tours. CarPlay and Android Auto are currently not supported; we’re working toward a solution with Apple.
- To begin touring, go to the starting point and launch the app.
- The audio starts automatically once you reach the starting point. Stick to the tour route and speed limit for the best experience.
- Please note that no one will meet you at the starting point.
Audio Story Highlights
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Welcome/Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park
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Kailua-Kona
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Hulihe’e Palace
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Magic Sands Beach
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Kahalu'u Beach / Snorkeling
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Lekeleke Burial Grounds/Kuamo’o Burials
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Captain Cook Monument
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Hikiau Heiau
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Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park
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Honaunau Rodeo Arena
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The Parker Ranch
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The Rodeo Arena
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Kona Coffee Belt
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The Hawaii Belt Road
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Pebble Beach
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Pele, the Hawaiian Goddess of Volcanoes
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Volcanoes Under the Sea
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Kula Kai Caverns
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Punalu'u Beach
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Pahala
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Altstop - Wood Valley Temple
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Kilauea
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Mauna Loa
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HI-SEAS
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Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
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The Four Kinds of Volcanoes
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Lava Lakes
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Lili'uokalani Park and Gardens
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The Singing Bridge
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Scenic Outlook Park
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Honoli'i Beach Park
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Original Hawaiian Chocolate Tours
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Truth in Chocolate Labeling
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Onomea Bay Trail
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Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Garden
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Small Waterfall
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Onomea Arch
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Kolekole Beach Park
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Botanical World Adventures
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Sugar Plantations
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Macadamia Nuts
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Honohina Hongwanji Mission
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Hawaiian Music
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Laupahoehoe Train Museum
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Laupahoehoe Point park
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Tsunami of 1946
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Big Island Marine Life
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Purvis and the Mongoose
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Hamakua Harvest Farmer's Market
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Big Island on the Big Screen
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Kohala
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Waimea's Cowboy History
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Parker Ranch Heritage
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Paniolos
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Anna Ranch Heritage Center
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Flora of the Big Island
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Fauna of the Big Island
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Macadamia Stores in Hawaii
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Hapuna Beach Bliss
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Beach 69
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Waikoloa Petroglyphs:
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Buddha Point
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Waikoloa Beach / Anaeho'omalu Bay
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Kiholo Bay/Queen's Bath
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Kekaha Kai State Park
Preview The Tour
Tour FAQs
The Hawaii Island Tour offers stunning volcanoes, jungle hikes, beautiful beaches, and historic sites across the Big Island.
Highlights include Magic Beach, Kahalu’u Beach for snorkeling, sacred Lekeleke Burial Grounds, Honaunau Rodeo Arena, and black sand Punalu’u Beach.
The tour is split into two halves, starting outside Kailua-Kona in the south and then picking up in Hilo on the east side of the island.
The preference for either side of the Big Island depends on individual interests and activities desired. Both sides offer unique experiences.
The ancient Waikoloa Petroglyphs can be seen on the Kings Highway Foot Trail.
Having a car on the Big Island is highly recommended, as it provides the flexibility to explore the island’s various attractions and landscapes.
The temperatures on the Big Island remain generally warm throughout the year, with cooler temperatures experienced at higher elevations.
The choice of where to stay on the Big Island depends on personal preferences, such as being close to natural wonders, resorts, or historic sites. Read more here.
Yes, the self-guided tour allows you to explore the attractions at your own pace and choose which stops interest you the most.
The eastern side of the Big Island, including Hilo, tends to be rainier compared to the western side.
Explore 200+ Tours
Inclusions and Exclusions
App on your phone: A link to download the Action Tour Guide App and Password for your tours.
Easy to use: Stories play automatically via GPS, hands‑free. Assistance available all day via call, chat, or email.
Flexible schedule: Use any day, any time. Valid for multiple visits up to 1 year after purchase.
Interactive audio stories: Experience local history and culture through clear, concise narratives from experienced narrators.
At your own pace: No group. Take breaks for photos, snacks, hikes. Go at your own pace.
Offline use: No cell signal or wifi required. Offline GPS Map & route. Stop-to-stop direction.
Don’t miss a thing: Enjoy a full itinerary, travel tips, narrated videos, text guides, and hidden gems.
Transportation, parking fees, food, and drinks.
Entry tickets or reservations for any attractions along the route.
Car Rental: Please arrange a rental car at the closest airport or train station.
