Big Island of Hawaii , United States

Private Custom Big Island Volcano Tours

Active

8h - 10h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

For those looking for a more personalized experience, Aloha Aina Tours offers personalized custom tours. Creating a custom Big Island custom and private tour can be an exciting way to explore the diverse beauty and unique attractions of Hawaii’s largest island. For private/custom tours we offer Hilo and Kona Port pick ups as well as airport.

As a locally owned and operated tour company based on Hawaiʻi Island, we offer immersive, guided experiences while sharing not just the breathtaking beauty of volcanoes, waterfalls, and valleys – but the stories, language, and spirit that make these places sacred. The expertly guided tours highlight the island’s natural beauty, rich history, and volcanic landscapes. We offer various languages including Taiwanese, Mandarin and Japanese.

Available options

Kona Side Pick Up and Stops

Pickup included

Hilo Pick Up - No Kona Stops

Pickup included

What's included

Food is included. We have a variety of Hawaiian style juices and water. There will also be grab-n-go snacks. For lunch you may choose from an available list of options.

Detailed itinerary

Choose from multiple Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and other lava flow/field stops. Drive through Chain of Craters Road and Crater Rim Drive, scenic stops, as well as a self guided visit to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park:
- Kīlauea Visitor Center
- Halemaʻumaʻu Crater (Uēkahuna Look Out)
- Steamy Haʻakulamanu (Sulphur Banks)
- Kīlauea Iki Overlook
- Thurston Lava Tube
- Lava Tree Park
- Petroglyphs
- Volcano steam vents
- Uēkahuna Lookout
- Fissure 8 (2018 Leilani Estates Eruption)
- Ka‘ūmana Caves
- Pit Craters
- Devastation Trail

Choose from Hilo stops such as:
- Richardson’s Black Sand Beach
- Pana’ewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens
- ‘Akaka Falls
- Rainbow Falls
- Boiling Pots
- King Kamehameha Statue
- Queen Liliuokalani Gardens
- ʻImiloa Astronomy Center
- Banyan Tree Drive
- Downtown Hilo Bayfront
- Ho’olei Sea Arch
- Isaac Hale ‘Pohoiki’ Beach Park
- Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden
- Big Island Candies
- Maku’u Farmers market (Sundays 730a-2p)
- Honoli’i Beach Park
- Carlsmith Beach Park
- Naha Stone

North Side locations:
- Waipi’o Valley Lookout
- Pololū Valley
- Parker Ranch
- TEX Drive In (Malasadas)

South Side:
- Ka’lae (South Point)
- Punalu’u Black Sand Beach
- Punalu’u Bakery
- Nāʻālehu

Stop 3

You can choose to visit ʻAkaka Falls State Park, where the Island’s tropical splendor is on full display. Nestled within a dense rainforest just north of Hilo, this scenic wonder is home to one of the most iconic waterfalls in all of Hawai‘i – ‘Akaka Falls.

Stop 4

You can choose to visit Punalu'u Black Sand Beach

Discover one of Hawaiʻi’s most unique and visually striking natural wonders on this unforgettable visit to Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach. Located on the Big Island’s southeastern coast, and known for its jet-black shoreline formed by cooled lava fragments, Punaluʻu offers a rare and captivating sight that perfectly blends natural beauty with cultural significance.

As you arrive, you’ll be greeted by the dramatic contrast of black sand against the vivid blue Pacific Ocean and lush greenery. Stroll along the shoreline where endangered Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu) often bask in the sun. Dip your toes in the cool waters, explore tide pools teeming with marine life, or simply relax and take in the serene, beautiful landscape. This Big Island Adventure is an all-inclusive tour that also combines the amazing Volcanoes National Park and Historic Hilo Town tours.

Stop 5

For Kona Pick Ups and locations, you may choose from the following stops:

Kona Side:
- Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Farm
- Papakōlea Green Sand Beach
- Hapuna Beach
- St. Benedict’s Painted Church
- Kua Bay (Manini’owali Beach)
- Pu’uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historic Park (The Place Of Refuge)
- Magic Sands Beach Park
- Kona Salt Farm
- Kahalu’u Bay Park
- Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site - Anaeho’omalu Bay (A-Bay Beach)
- Hulihe’e Palace
- Mokuaikaua Church
- Kaloko-Honokohau Historic Park
- Abalone Aquaculture Farm
- Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm
- Kokoleka Lani Farms (Chocolate Farm)
- Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary

Coffee Farms:
- Kona Joe’s
- Greenwell Coffee Farm
- Royal Kona Coffee
- Bayview Coffee
- Kona Living History Coffee Farm

What's not included

Alcohol – Consumption and possession of alcohol on the van is strictly prohibited on the tour.

Available languages

Guide guide

CMN JA EN ZH-CN

Important information

Specialized infant seats are available

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

About Big Island of Hawaii

The Big Island of Hawaii is the largest and youngest of the Hawaiian Islands, known for its diverse landscapes, including snow-capped mountains, active volcanoes, and lush rainforests. It offers a unique blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences.

Top Attractions

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

This national park is home to two active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa. It offers hiking trails, scenic drives, and the opportunity to witness volcanic activity up close.

Nature/Adventure Full day Moderate ($30 per vehicle)

Mauna Kea Summit

Mauna Kea is the highest point in Hawaii and offers stunning views, stargazing opportunities, and a unique alpine environment.

Nature/Adventure Half day to full day Free (but requires acclimatization)

Waipio Valley

Waipio Valley is a lush, scenic valley known for its taro farms, waterfalls, and black sand beach. It is also a significant cultural site for Native Hawaiians.

Nature/Cultural Half day Free (but parking fee applies)

Hapuna Beach State Park

Hapuna Beach is one of the largest white sand beaches on the Big Island, offering swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing opportunities.

Beach Half day Free (but parking fee applies)

Akaka Falls State Park

Akaka Falls is a stunning 442-foot waterfall surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. The park offers a scenic loop trail leading to the falls.

Nature 1-2 hours Moderate ($5 per person)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Poke

A raw fish salad marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions, often served with rice.

Appetizer Contains fish, can be made with various types of seafood

Loco Moco

A hearty dish consisting of white rice topped with a hamburger patty, a fried egg, and brown gravy.

Main Course Contains beef, eggs, and gluten (from the gravy)

Shave Ice

Finely shaved ice flavored with syrups and often topped with sweetened condensed milk or ice cream.

Dessert Vegetarian, can be made with various toppings

Kona Coffee

A premium coffee grown in the Kona region, known for its rich and smooth flavor.

Drink Caffeinated, can be decaffeinated

Popular Activities

Hiking Volcano exploration Water sports Beach lounging Spa treatments Scenic drives Traditional Hawaiian luaus Local markets

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

This is the best time to visit the Big Island, with pleasant weather and fewer tourists. The ocean is warm, and the weather is generally dry and sunny.

21-30°C 70-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Hawaiian, Japanese, Tagalog
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time (HST, GMT-10:00)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

The Big Island is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, visitors should be aware of natural hazards such as volcanic activity and ocean conditions.

Important Precautions:

• Rent a car with full insurance coverage
• Be cautious when purchasing souvenirs and tours, and research options in advance
• Be aware of ocean conditions and currents when swimming and snorkeling

Getting there

By air

Kona International Airport • 20 km from Kona
Hilo International Airport • 10 km from Hilo

By bus

Hilo, Kona

Getting around

Public transport

The Hele-On Bus is the public bus system on the Big Island. It is affordable but has limited routes and schedules.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Kona Hilo Waimea

Day trips

Mauna Kea Summit

30 km from Waimea • Half day to full day

Mauna Kea is the highest point in Hawaii and offers stunning views, stargazing opportunities, and a unique alpine environment.

Waipio Valley

60 km from Hilo • Half day

Waipio Valley is a lush, scenic valley known for its taro farms, waterfalls, and black sand beach. It is also a significant cultural site for Native Hawaiians.

Hapuna Beach State Park

30 km from Waimea • Half day

Hapuna Beach is one of the largest white sand beaches on the Big Island, offering swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing opportunities.

Festivals

Merrie Monarch Festival • April Kona Coffee Cultural Festival • November Ironman World Championship • October

Pro tips

Rent a car to explore the island at your own pace and access remote areas
Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park early in the day to avoid crowds and see the best views
Pack layers, as temperatures can vary significantly depending on the elevation and location
Try local dishes like poke, loco moco, and shave ice for an authentic taste of the Big Island
Respect the environment and local culture, and follow guidelines for visiting protected areas and sacred sites