USA · BIG ISLAND OF HAWAII TOURS

13 Big Island of Hawaii Tours to Build a Day Around

13 tours  ·  from $25 a head

The 13 best big island of hawaii tours you can book today, with what each costs, how long it runs and who it suits. Number one is top for a reason; start there.

Big Island in a Day: Volcanoes Waterfalls Sightseeing and History - Waipiʻo Valley and the Hamakua Coast
Big Island of Hawaii Tours, Historical Tours, Tour Reviews

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

Tour the Big Island in one long, scenic day, with volcanoes, waterfalls, black sand, coffee, history, lunch, and hotel pickup.

“Kamika was an amazing tour guide. Highly recommend to anyone visiting the big island. We took the tour the first day and now able able to see all the things we wanted more time at.”

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Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel - Getting into the water after dark
Big Island of Hawaii Tours, Evening Experiences, Manta Ray Snorkeling, Tour Reviews

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

Snorkel beneath Kona’s sunset with wild manta rays on a guided night boat trip, with gear, snacks, safety support, and a free return if needed.

“It was perfect and beautiful! a manta ray brushed my stomach! It was a beautiful experience! Our guide was incredible! Bring towels and a coat for after!”

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Big Island: Kona Manta Ray Snorkel Tour in Keauhou Harbor - Floating Beside the Light Board
Big Island of Hawaii Tours, Manta Ray Snorkeling, Tour Reviews, Tours

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

Watch wild manta rays feed after dark on a short Kona boat trip with in-water guides, small groups, warm water, and a free return guarantee.

“I had a great experience from start to finish. They guide you step by step and give very clear instructions. We did the 6:20 and saw many Manta-rays. I was a bit anxious but we were in the best hands and the captain and two guide members were incredible. Im so glad I did it!”

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Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcanoes National Park & Black Sand Beach - Macadamia nuts, chocolate, and a practical snack stop
Big Island of Hawaii Tours, National Park Tours, National Parks, Shore Excursions, Tour Reviews, 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

Explore Kilauea, steam vents, a lava tube, Richardson Black Sand Beach, and macadamia treats on this six-hour Hilo shore tour.

“We booked this excursion because it was coordinated with our Norwegian Pride of America's schedule. Viator sent us detailed information about where and how to meet our driver, from C Big Island Tours, in advance, which was very helpful. On this excursion, we first drove to Richardson Park, a beautiful black sand beach park. From there, we went to see the beautiful Rainbow Falls (but no rainbow!). Next we stopped at the Mauna Loa macadamia nut farm, where we were able to shop and eat lunch (for purchase). (The sandwiches are "so-so".) Macadamia nut merchandise was priced below what we saw in other retail outlets on the islands, so buy…”

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Big Island: Captain Cook Snorkel On A Power Catamaran With Lunch - Kealakekua Bay and its difficult history
Big Island of Hawaii Tours, Boat Tours in the Big Island, Cruises & Boat Tours, Lunch Experiences, Sailing, Tour Reviews

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

Snorkel Kealakekua Bay from Kona on a power catamaran with lunch, reef fish, dolphins, volcanic coast views, and a friendly crew.

“We had a great time, everything ran very smooth. Guides are funny and knowledgeable about the island. Saw dolphins, humpbacks and plenty of different reef fish and coral. Boat is very comfortable and lunch was delicious. Highly recommend doing this experience. Friendly for all ages.”

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KONA Manta Ray Night Snorkel - FREE re-ride if no Sightings - The 23-foot RHIB ride keeps the evening short
Big Island of Hawaii Tours, Evening Experiences, Manta Ray Snorkeling, Tour Reviews

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

Swim with wild manta rays off Kona on a small nighttime boat tour, with expert guides, 25 minutes in the water, and a free re-ride if none appear.

“Boat leaves directly from the little dock next to Outrgger Resort. There were 11 of us and 3 staff … The captain, the guide Peyton and another life guard. I wore a wet suit top( $10) my husband went without. As soon as we entered the water we were greeted by these gentle giants as if they had been waiting for us. They were so big and came so close , probably 10 feet at least… you stay in the water for about 25 minutes which was just right…. Boat ride is only about 3 minutes which was great … Highly recommended”

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Manta Ray Night Snorkel at Kona, Big Island - The first step is an easy-to-miss check-in
Big Island of Hawaii Tours, Evening Experiences, Manta Ray Snorkeling, Tour Reviews

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

See Kona’s manta rays feed under lights on a short night snorkel with gear, wetsuit top, safety guidance, and a wild-ocean adventure.

“Had a great time - check in was very easy (check in at their store front then drive to the harbor; instructions very clear). You get a wet suit top and a snorkel. The guides were awesome, both informative and fun. Boat ride is 3-5 minutes and then you jump in for about 30 minutes. You’re holding onto a lighted board that does take some upper arm strength. Our day was calm but I did get a bit seasick towards the end. You can always go back early (onto the boat) if needed and the guides will help. We only saw one ray but she put on quite the show…”

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Big Island GOAT Experience: Mauna Kea Summit, Sunset & Stars - The 4x4 ride from Hilo, Kona, or Waikoloa
Big Island of Hawaii Tours, Evening Experiences, Tour Reviews

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

Review of Mauna Kea’s sunset and stargazing tour, with summit views, astronomy, Hawaiian culture, warm gear, photos, and practical tips.

“Most of this experience is either riding in the van or sitting in the van. This was a $300 (GROAT--greatest ripoff of all time) adventure to look into a telescope for about 5 seconds. The guides are friendly and nice, but the experience is hit and miss depending upon mother nature--ours was mostly a miss. Of the dozens of tours that we have done in Hawaii and throughout the world, this unfortunately ranks near the bottom.”

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Big Island Historical Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay - Boarding at Kailua Pier at 4:00 p.m.
Big Island of Hawaii Tours, Boat Tours in the Big Island, Cruises & Boat Tours, Dining Experiences, Dinner Cruises, Dinner Experiences, Historical Tours, Tour Reviews

Big Island Historical Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay

9.Big Island Historical Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay

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

Cruise Kona’s coast to Kealakekua Bay for Hawaiian history, sunset views, live music, a local-style dinner, and one complimentary cocktail.

“The historical dinner cruise was a wonderful excursion. The captain was upbeat and fun, the crew were very attentive and great at what they do, the historical narrator was so interesting and the musician was very entertaining. The dinner it”

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Deluxe Snorkel & Dolphin Watch Aboard a Luxury Catamaran from Kailua-Kona - Breakfast first, then the open Kona water
Big Island of Hawaii Tours, Boat Tours in the Big Island, Cruises & Boat Tours, Sailing, Tour Reviews, VIP

Deluxe Snorkel & Dolphin Watch Aboard a Luxury Catamaran from Kailua-Kona

10.Deluxe Snorkel & Dolphin Watch Aboard a Luxury Catamaran from Kailua-Kona

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 797 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $183

Cruise Kona’s Gold Coast by catamaran for dolphin watching, two hours of snorkeling, island meals, a waterslide, and a high jump.

“There were many snorkeling companies, but I never regret choosing this.The staff were super kind and the breakfast and lunch they provided were so delicious with fresh ingredients. On the way to the snorkeling spot, we could see a group of dolphins. Besides snorkeling, they provided various swimming equipment for children to enjoy. It was a very satisfying experience and I want to do it again!!”

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Afternoon Sail & Snorkel to the Captain Cook Monument - A comfortable ride along the Kona coast
Big Island of Hawaii Tours, Boat Tours in the Big Island, Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews

Afternoon Sail & Snorkel to the Captain Cook Monument

Big Island: Night Swim with Manta Ray with Hot Chocolate - Meeting at Keauhou Bay and preparing on shore
Big Island of Hawaii Tours, Dessert Tours, Evening Experiences, Manta Ray Snorkeling, Tour Reviews

Big Island: Night Swim with Manta Ray with Hot Chocolate

12.Night Swim with Manta Ray with Hot Chocolate

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 420 reviews · 1h 15m · from $146

Swim beside giant manta rays off Kona after sunset, then warm up with hot chocolate and cookies on this 75-minute Sea Quest tour.

“Most unreal experience of my life ! I didn’t realise the Manta’s we’re going to come to close to you. The guides we’re so professional and really added a lot of enjoyment to the tour. Definitely recommend and will be doing again :)”

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Big Island: Volcanoes, Waterfalls, & Coffee Farm Day-Trip - Bay View Farm and a taste of Kona coffee
Big Island of Hawaii Tours, Coffee Experiences, Farms, Tour Reviews

Big Island: Volcanoes, Waterfalls, & Coffee Farm Day-Trip

13.Volcanoes, Waterfalls, & Coffee Farm Day-Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 414 reviews · 11 hours · from $264

See Big Island volcanoes, waterfalls, black-sand beaches, sea turtles, and Kona coffee on an 11-hour guided island tour.

“We enjoyed the fact that our Guide Scott was a native and very knowledgeable about every aspect of the tour. He drove sensible, was safety conscious, and very accomodating to his guests. The trip was a gift for our 50th and our Daughter & Son by marriage 25th Wedding Anniversary. Thank you and we highly recommend this tour. Stacey and Lorrayne”

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