Welcome to the Hawaii Island Tour (Big Island Hawaii)
Take an unforgettable drive around Hawaii’s largest island. The Island of Hawaii tour (nicknamed Big Island) boasts volcanoes, jungle hikes, and more beautiful beaches than you’ll know what to do with. Witness Hawaii’s beauty at its most vibrant, all on your terms.
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Preview the Tour
Your Hawaii Island tour is split into two halves, as there’s just so much on the island to see! The first half begins outside the quaint town of Kailua-Kona, where you’ll see the historic Hulihe’e Palace, once the vacation home of the island’s royalty. You’ll then continue south to Magic Beach, where the sand sometimes simply disappears.
After that is Kahalu’u Beach, a perfect place for snorkelers, followed by the sacred Lekeleke Burial Grounds. Next, you’ll pass the remnants of Hikiau Heiau, an important religious site in ancient Hawaii. Past that is the Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park for those looking to learn more about the island’s history.
Then you’ll see the Honaunau Rodeo Arena and learn all about Hawaii’s cowboys. Next up is Pebble Beach, where you’ll get to know the Hawaiian volcano goddess Pele. You’ll also have the option to check out the Kula Kai Caverns, left by ancient volcanic activity.
Continuing on, you’ll reach the startling Punalu’u Beach, which features totally black sand! The route then passes an old sugar plantation, followed by the huge volcanoes Kilauea and Mauna Loa. This half of the tour concludes by Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where you can explore the island’s volcanoes up close.
The second half of the tour picks up farther to the east, in the picturesque town of Hilo. Then, cruise through the almost impossibly scenic Liliuokalani Park and Gardens.
Looking for surfers? You’ll find them catching waves next at Honoli’i Beach. After that is Onomea Bay, featuring a spectacular hiking trail with views that can’t be beaten. Then, admire the astonishing flora at the Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Garden. Continuing on, you’ll arrive at the surprising sight of the Honohina Hongwanji Mission, a historic Buddhist temple.
You’ll then pass the Laupahoehoe Train Museum before reaching Laupahoehoe Point, a spectacular ocean vista. Don’t forget to snap some photos! Anyone hankering for a snack will definitely want to stop at the Hamakua Harvest Farmers Market before continuing on to the cowboy town of Waimea.
Up next on the Hawaii Island tour are a pair of great beaches: Hapuna Beach is the largest white sand beach on the island and Beach 69 is beloved by locals, so take your pick! Then you’ll arrive at the Kings Highway Foot Trail, where you’ll have the chance to see the ancient Waikoloa Petroglyphs. After that are another few scenic overlooks, followed by the beautiful Kekaha Kai State Park. Your tour concludes here, just north of where the first half began.
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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: 1030 Kanoelehua Ave, Hilo, Hawai’i
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 there are multiple versions or entrances for your tour, be sure to download all audio guides.
- 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.
What You'll See
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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.
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 by GPS. Hands-free. Get HELP all day: 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: Full itinerary, travel tips, professionally narrated videos, text, and hidden gems.
Transportation, parking fees, food, and drinks.
Entry tickets or reservations to any attractions along the route.
Car Rental: Please arrange a rental car at the closest airport or train station.
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