Hawaii · TOURS IN THE BIG ISLAND

The 15 Best Big Island Tours

120 tours  ·  from $25 a head

Lava country, a summit above the cloud and the manta bay south of Kona. These 15 cover the whole island, priced, timed and clear about the drive each one involves.

Big Island in a Day: Volcanoes Waterfalls Sightseeing and History - Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in a tight 80 minutes
Historical Tours, Island Highlights Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in the Big Island, Volcanoes National Park Tours, Waterfall Tours, Waterfall Tours in the Big Island

Big Island in a Day: Volcanoes Waterfalls Sightseeing and History

1.Big Island in a Day: Volcanoes Waterfalls Sightseeing and History

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6,569 reviews · 11 hours (approx.) · from $264Our pick

This 11-hour small-group tour circles the Big Island from Kona or Waikoloa, pairing Kona coffee, Punaluʻu Beach, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, lava tubes, waterfalls, and Waipio Valley. A guide such as Chris, Drew, or Kevin adds island history and cultural context while you ride in a Mercedes Sprinter with lunch included.

“Prepare yourself for a full day of walking and climbing. Do some research and be prepared to interact with the tour guide. Our guide, Henry was absolutely amazing.”

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Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel - Getting into the water after dark
Manta Ray Night Snorkels, Snorkeling, Snorkeling in the Big Island, Tour Reviews, Tours in the Big Island

Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel

2.Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5,656 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $84

Meet Hang Loose Boat Tours at Keauhou Bay for a short sunset cruise, then enter the water with a guide, flotation gear, and a wetsuit top. You hold a lighted viewing board while manta rays glide below and sometimes pass within inches. Crews may include Bryce, Noah, Vince, Aden, Jordan, or Bruno. Non-swimmers can ask about the ride-along option.

“The best! Crew was incredible, made it fun, but safe, lots of options for all abilities- far exceeded our expectations! If you do a Manta tour - you need to go with this company hands down! Big boat, snacks, attentive crew, and all around nice guys :)”

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Big Island: Kona Manta Ray Snorkel Tour in Keauhou Harbor - The light board brings the rays close
Manta Ray Night Snorkels, Snorkeling, Snorkeling in the Big Island, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in the Big Island

Big Island: Kona Manta Ray Snorkel Tour in Keauhou Harbor

3.Kona Manta Ray Snorkel Tour in Keauhou Harbor

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,465 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $25Best value

Meet at Keauhou Harbor, collect your mask and snorkel, then take a three-minute night boat ride to a manta feeding site. An in-water guide such as Greg, Mahina, or Eric helps you float safely beside the rays for up to 30 minutes. Groups can reach 17 people, wetsuits cost $10, and the tour returns to the same harbor.

“What a great way to spend New Year's Eve with my boys. It was a great experience and I would for sure do it again. We saw 3 rays up close. Crew did a great job at making us feel comfortable. You cannot bring anything on the boat, but can bring a towel and small bag to leave at van. Highly recommend.”

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Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcanoes National Park & Black Sand Beach - Rainbow Falls and the early photo stop
National Parks, Shore Excursions, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in the Big Island, Volcanoes National Park Tours

Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcanoes National Park & Black Sand Beach

4.Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcanoes National Park & Black Sand Beach

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,338 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $159

From Hilo Pier, you’ll visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, walk through Thurston Lava Tube, search for turtles at Richardson Black Sand Beach, and stop for macadamia treats. Guides such as Robert, Jess, Donna, and Hannibal are praised for clear stories and local insight. The route can change with weather, volcanic activity, and park closures.

“This was a good tour. Boarding for the tour was unorganized and resulted in delays in beginning the tour.”

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Big Island: Captain Cook Snorkel On A Power Catamaran With Lunch - What the power catamaran adds
Cruises & Boat Tours, Sailing, Sailing in the Big Island, Snorkeling, Snorkeling in the Big Island, Tour Reviews, Tours in the Big Island

Big Island: Captain Cook Snorkel On A Power Catamaran With Lunch

5.Captain Cook Snorkel On A Power Catamaran With Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,232 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $85

Join Hang Loose Boat Tours for a four-hour catamaran trip from Kona to historic Kealakekua Bay. Captain Aiden, Captain Bryce, Jordan, and the crew guide you to clear water filled with reef fish and coral, with dolphins or winter humpback whales possible along the way. Gear, lunch, drinks, and a boat slide are included.

“Jordan went far beyond in helping my wife and I He is the best Perk and Judy would say he is the best back hand you have”

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KONA Manta Ray Night Snorkel - FREE re-ride if no Sightings - Why Kona’s night manta encounter is so special
Manta Ray Night Snorkels, Snorkeling, Snorkeling in the Big Island, Tour Reviews, Tours in the Big Island

KONA Manta Ray Night Snorkel – FREE re-ride if no Sightings

6.KONA Manta Ray Night Snorkel – FREE re-ride if no Sightings

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,212 reviews · 1 hour 20 minutes (approx.) · from $49

From a small 23-foot RHIB near the Outrigger Resort, you’ll cruise a few minutes to Kona’s manta viewing area, then spend about 25 to 30 minutes in the water. Guides such as Taco, Peyton, and Mike explain manta behavior while you float above these gentle giants. Strong swimming and basic snorkel skills are required.

“Wonderful adventure! Capt Mike did great job and Taco told us all about the mantas. He was great and very informative. Keiki helped with everything else. Water was not too cold, boat ride short and amazing time in the water. Such beautiful majestic creatures.”

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Manta Ray Night Snorkel at Kona, Big Island - The short boat ride to Keauhou Bay
Manta Ray Night Snorkels, Snorkeling, Snorkeling in the Big Island, Tour Reviews, Tours in the Big Island

Manta Ray Night Snorkel at Kona, Big Island

7.Manta Ray Night Snorkel at Kona, Big Island

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,758 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $44

Meet Dolphin Discoveries in Kailua-Kona, check in, collect your mask, snorkel, and short-sleeve wetsuit top, then head to Keauhou Bay by boat. You will hold a lighted float while manta rays feed below and may pass within inches. Guides such as Bryce, Vinny, and Brianna have helped first-timers feel at ease, but you must swim confidently in dark, open water.

“I had manta rays millimeters from me! Totally safe for all ages and does not require much muscle. Guides are very communicative. One of my favorite memories from big island is this manta snorkel trip”

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Big Island GOAT Experience: Mauna Kea Summit, Sunset & Stars - The long ride up in a 4x4 van
Stargazing & Mauna Kea Tours, Sunset Cruises, Sunset Cruises in the Big Island, Tour Reviews, Tours in the Big Island

Big Island GOAT Experience: Mauna Kea Summit, Sunset & Stars

8.Big Island GOAT Experience: Mauna Kea Summit, Sunset & Stars

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,706 reviews · 7 to 8 hours (approx.) · from $289

Ride a 4x4 van from Hilo, Waikoloa, or Kona to Mauna Kea’s 13,796-foot summit for sunset, then stargaze at lower elevation. Your small group gets warm jackets, gloves, snacks, hot drinks, guide-led astronomy, a telescope viewing, and a professional night photo. Guides such as Tay, Kella, John, and Chris share Hawaiian stories and sky lore.

“It's an amazing experience being at that height! Once in a lifetime for me. We got some great photos that have impressed are friends and family. Our guide, Tay, was great. The stargazing portion was really cool. The best view of the stars I have ever had.”

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Small Group Big Island Twilight Volcano and Stargazing Tour - Sweet bread and malasadas at Punaluʻu Bake Shop
Stargazing & Mauna Kea Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in the Big Island, Volcanoes National Park Tours

Small Group Big Island Twilight Volcano and Stargazing Tour

9.Small Group Big Island Twilight Volcano and Stargazing Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,619 reviews · 12 hours (approx.) · from $297

Spend about 12 hours crossing Hawaii’s Big Island from Kona or the Kohala Coast. Sample Kona coffee, visit Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach, explore Volcanoes National Park, and finish with guided stargazing on Saddle Road. Guides such as Felix, Derek, Todd, and Dreu are known for strong island knowledge and warm, lively commentary.

“Fantastic full day! Starting with the timely pickup from our resort, each stop along the way, the tour made the most of all things on the itinerary. What helped make it so amazing? Derek! The best of the best! Humor, knowledge, professionalism, and going the extra mile. Always offering waters, snacks between meals, so extra! Be prepared for a lot of time driving though… it’s a big island and getting to Volcanoes takes a minute. But so worth it!”

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Big Island: Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small-Group Adventure Tour - Dinner and Hawaiian star navigation at about 9,000 feet
Stargazing & Mauna Kea Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in the Big Island

Big Island: Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small-Group Adventure Tour

10.Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small-Group Adventure Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,545 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $329

Ride a 4x4 luxury van from Kona to Mauna Kea’s summit for a sunset above the clouds, then stargaze at about 9,000 feet through an 11-inch Celestron and digital astro-photography telescope. Guides such as Jeff, Jason, Wilson, and Eugene add lessons on astronomy, volcanoes, Hawaiian culture, and ecology. Dinner, parkas, gloves, cocoa, and cookies are included.

“This was an amazing and incredible experience for everyone who participated in the trip. Our tour guide Jeff was informative, friendly and very knowledgeable about Mauna Kea and the sky above. The food and the stops were well-executed and our van Ohana had a great time overall. And, I was able to get some incredible pictures thanks to our guide. Be prepared for a long and sometimes bumpy journey, which is not meant as a negative comment, just a heads-up.”

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Big Island: Mauna Kea Summit Tour with Free Night Star Photo - Meeting in Kona, Waikoloa, or Waimea
Stargazing & Mauna Kea Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in the Big Island

Big Island: Mauna Kea Summit Tour with Free Night Star Photo

11.Mauna Kea Summit Tour with Free Night Star Photo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,449 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $280

Ride a 4x4 van to Mauna Kea’s 13,796-foot summit with guides such as Wes, Chris, or James. You’ll eat, acclimatize, watch sunset above the clouds, then use a telescope and laser pointer to study the night sky. Warm clothing, hot drinks, dinner, and DSLR photos are included.

“Great experience. Beautiful sunset and stargazing. The weather can be unpredictable so I would book it earlier in your stay in case you have to re-schedule for another try. James did a great job. Very informative, fun and thoughtful about our needs for eating and for bathroom breaks. Definitely would recommend.”

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Kona Snorkel Tour: Captain Cook Reef Snorkel, Dolphin & Sea Caves - Sea caves, lava tubes, and the slower ride home
Dolphin Watching, Snorkeling, Snorkeling in the Big Island, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in the Big Island

Kona Snorkel Tour: Captain Cook Reef Snorkel, Dolphin & Sea Caves

12.Kona Snorkel Tour: Captain Cook Reef Snorkel, Dolphin & Sea Caves

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,411 reviews · 2 hours 45 minutes (approx.) · from $71

You’ll ride a fast Navy-style Zodiac from Kailua-Kona to Kealakekua Bay, stopping at sea caves and lava tubes before snorkeling near Captain Cook Monument. Crews led by guides such as David, Chip, Sage, and Danielle share island history, provide gear, water, and pineapple, and keep the group to no more than 18 people.

“David and Chip were the perfect guides. They shared local knowledge, island history, and answered all of our questions. We even had a bonus whale sighting. The only confusing thing was where to meet for the tour. We ended up in the correct area but there wasn’t a sign or anything on the boat assuring that we were in the right spot. Once the deckhand came over to the group and did the check in everything was smooth sailing and amazing.”

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Big Island Historical Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay - Following the Kona Coast to Kealakekua Bay
Cruises & Boat Tours, Dining Experiences, Dinner Cruises, Dinner Experiences, Historical Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in the Big Island

Big Island Historical Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay

13.Big Island Historical Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,279 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $189

Board Body Glove’s catamaran at Kailua Pier for a three-hour sunset cruise to Kealakekua Bay. A local historian explains Kona’s landmarks, legends, and culture while you enjoy pupus, dinner, live Hawaiian-style music, and one complimentary cocktail. Bring a light wrap, since the boat can get windy and cool.

“Un unforgettable experience. Everything was perfect: music, food, and the detailed history of the island:”

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Glow of the Deep: Night Snorkeling with Manta Rays - Pick the departure that fits your evening
Manta Ray Night Snorkels, Snorkeling, Snorkeling in the Big Island, Tour Reviews, Tours in the Big Island

Glow of the Deep: Night Snorkeling with Manta Rays

14.Glow of the Deep: Night Snorkeling with Manta Rays

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,254 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $80

From Honokohau Harbor, you’ll cruise offshore at sunset, suit up, and spend about 45 minutes floating above giant manta rays in 30 to 35 feet of water. Guides provide wetsuits, snorkel gear, flotation, lights, snacks, and safety support. You may also ride along without entering the water.

“It’s awesome , we had an all girl team and they were great, they were very helpful , well experienced”

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Kailua Kona: Night Manta Ray Adventure on the Big Island - Holding the Light Board Beneath the Mantas
Manta Ray Night Snorkels, Tour Reviews, Tours in the Big Island

Kailua Kona: Night Manta Ray Adventure on the Big Island

15.Night Manta Ray Adventure on the Big Island

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,199 reviews · 2h 30m · from $121

Cruise from Kailua Kona to a nighttime manta site, then hold a light board while plankton draws giant rays within inches of your mask. Hang Loose Boat Tours provides snorkel gear, wetsuit tops, floats, snacks, and drinks. Expect about 20 to 30 minutes each way and roughly 45 minutes in the water, with a ride-along option for non-snorkelers.

“My husband and I booked this adventure for our honeymoon and are SO glad we did! It ended up being one of the best highlights of our trip. And this is coming from two people who can’t swim 😂 Our guides Aidan, Gary and Noah were hilarious and SO accommodating. We were initially fit with some snorkeling gear and quickly got on the boat to ride out about 20 min to the manta rays. We were given some life vests and noodle floats (to stay flat in the water). Even though I was panicked the first portion of getting in the water, our guides were always nearby & ready to…”

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New in Tours in the Big Island

★ 4.9Kona: Big Island Morning Snorkeling Tour with LunchFrom $1407 reviews
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★ 5.0Full Day Adventure Tour of the Kohala WaterfallsFrom $26141 reviews
★ 4.8Full-Day Kohala Zipline and Waterfall AdventureFrom $36136 reviews
★ 5.0Off the Beaten Path Volcano Crater HikeFrom $19815 reviews
★ 4.7Evening Volcano Explorer from HiloFrom $16931 reviews
★ 4.8Kona: Captain Cook Reef Catamaran Day Trip with LunchFrom $80189 reviews
★ 5.0Native Bird Watching & Hiking TourFrom $2875 reviews
★ 4.8Waikoloa Catamaran Snorkel & Sail Adventure with LunchFrom $18939 reviews
★ 5.0Abalone Farm Guided Tour with TastingFrom $314 reviews
★ 4.9Captain Cook Sightseeing & Snorkel ExpeditionFrom $124105 reviews
★ 4.93-Hour Kohala Canopy Zipline AdventureFrom $25637 reviews
★ 4.8Catamaran Sunset Sail with CocktailsFrom $15968 reviews

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