The Big Island Full Circle Tour

Are you interested in seeing all the major highlights on the Big Island in just one day? This Circle the Island tour takes you and your group on a private adventure to some of the most spectacular and unique locations on the Big Island of Hawai’i. From incredible waterfalls to rugged coastline, tropical rainforests to active volcanoes, sub-alpine dry forest to black sand beaches; experience one of the most ecologically diverse islands on planet Earth—all in a single day!

We offer two versions of our Circle the Island tour. Our 10-hour tour is meticulously timed for travelers who want to witness the island’s most iconic landmarks while returning to their lodging early in the evening—perfect for those who prefer a relaxing night in. For the most comprehensive adventure, our 12-hour tour provides the definitive island experience. This option includes a sit-down dinner in the historic town of Waimea. Savor authentic Hawaiian flavors in the heart of Hawaiian cowboy country before returning to your place of lodging.

On this in-depth, Circle the Island tour of the Big Island, you’ll experience the island’s main attractions:

• Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
• An Authentic Kona Coffee Farm
• The southernmost bakery in the United States (famous for their delicious Malasadas)
• Breathtaking Punalu‘u black sand beach
• Rainbow Falls & Akaka Falls
• The rugged and beautiful Hamakua coast
• Views from Waipio Valley Scenic Overlook
• Waimea and Paniolo culture

** Please note route map is for reference purposes only. Guests will be picked up at their place of lodging so actual tour routes may vary. **

• South Kona Coffee Farm: After convenient pickup from your place of lodging, enjoy the breathtaking views of the stunning coastline as you begin your Big Island circle tour traveling south along the Kona coast. Your naturalist guide will describe the cultural history of the area as well as the local flora and fauna. Our first stop will be at Greenwell Coffee Farm. The Greenwells are the original purveyors of Kona coffee, starting the Farm back in 1850, and still operating it today. Your guide will lead you on a personal tour of the Farm showing you the process it takes to go from seed to cup. Kona coffee farms exist only in the Kona Coffee Belt on the Big Island. The unique climate and rich soil volcanic conditions gives 100% Kona coffee a rich flavor.
• Punalu‘u Bakery: Visit the southernmost bakery in the United States. It’s world renowned for its sweet breads, malasadas (Portuguese fried dough aka “donut”), and other delicious treats. Here, you can enjoy an included coffee or tea and malasadas. We will also pick up an included lunch from the bakery’s deli, which includes many local favorites dishes, before heading on to explore the island’s most beautiful black sand beach.
• Punalu‘u Black Sand Beach: Stop at one of the prettiest black sand beaches in all the Hawaiian Islands. The jet-black volcanic glass sand here was formed from the rapid cooling of basaltic lava hitting the ocean water then shattering into tiny fragments. Feel the black sand under your toes and hear the wind as it whistles through the palms and across the water. Your guide will keep a look out for green sea turtles and endangered hawksbill sea turtles, which are frequent visitors to the Big Island Hawaii black sand beaches.
• Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and an International Biosphere Reserve, this iconic park encompasses the summit of two of the world’s most active volcanoes and extends from sea level up to the summit of Mauna Loa at 13,677 feet. Here, you’ll find critically endangered wildlife as well as some of the most unique geological, biological, and cultural landscapes on Earth. Your tour will explore the main attractions in the park including: the Thurston Lava Tube, Wahinekapu Steaming Bluffs, and a nature walk along the rim of Halema‘uma‘u Crater for unique views of Kīlauea’s caldera. We’ll enjoy a picnic lunch in the beauty of the park before embarking on your next leg of this incredible Big Island circle tour. – Note: Volcanic activity is a natural phenomenon and varies daily. Our guides monitor the latest National Park Service updates to lead you to the safest and most spectacular viewing locations available at the time of your tour.
• Hilo Waterfalls: After leaving Volcanoes National Park, we will venture up to Hilo and visit the picturesque Rainbow Falls and Akaka Falls State Park. Rainbow Falls is located on the Wailuku River, the island’s longest rivers, and cascades 80 feet over a lava cave. When conditions are right, we able to be able to catch a glimpse of a rainbow in the waterfall’s mist. Akaka Falls plunges 442 feet down surrounded by lush vegetation, and many people consider this majestic waterfall their favorite on the Big Island. Both waterfalls are a sight to behold.
  
• Hamakua Coast: Travel this 50-mile stretch of breathtaking coastline with its hidden waterfalls, tropical rainforest, and lush green valleys. Described as one of the most beautiful locations in the state, it’s well worth the scenic drive.
• Waipio Valley Lookout: Arrive at Waipio Valley in the late afternoon. Enjoy the incredible views as your guide explains the rich history of the area. As you look over the breathtaking valley, ponder the history of this site and all that you’ve enjoyed so far on your journey. This Big Island circle tour is an adventure that delivers an unparalleled experience.
• Waimea: Enjoy the sunset views of Waimea as you travel through Paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) country and take in this historic area with its rolling, green pastures home to cattle, cowboys and one of the largest cattle ranches in the United States: the Parker Ranch.

Conclude your comprehensive journey across the Big Island in the cool, rolling hills of Historic Waimea. As the golden hour settles over the island’s legendary Paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) country, we’ll stop for an included, authentic dinner at a celebrated local eatery.

Waimea is the heart of the island’s farm-to-table culinary scene, and your meal will reflect the rich bounty of the region. Indulge in a menu where fresh Big Island surf and turf—featuring locally raised beef and Pacific-caught seafood—is a signature staple. Savor these island flavors while soaking in the unique atmosphere of this high-country town.

After a satisfying meal, you can simply lean back and relax as we provide a comfortable, scenic return to your place of lodging. You’ll end your adventure full, inspired, and filled with the kind of authentic Hawaiian memories that truly last a lifetime.

• Admission into all venues and parks
• Pick up and drop off at your place of lodging 
• Fully guided naturalist tour with educational materials and commentary provided by our top of the line tour guides
• Complementary Photo package: 20-25 professional, edited photos shared via Adobe Cloud for easy accessibility while traveling.

• Punalu‘u Bake Shop – Coffee, tea and malasadas
• Lunch: picnic style lunch surrounded by the beauty of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
• Snacks: trail mix, fruit snacks, granola bars, beef jerky, chips, chocolate
• All non-alcoholic beverages: water, juice, soda, hot tea, coffee and hot chocolate
• Dinner: Local and delicious dining venue in Waimea (12 Hour Tour)

• Patagonia rain jacket and Nano puff
• Nikon ProStaff 7s binoculars
• Black Diamond Hiking Poles
• Flashlights
• Umbrellas

Upon booking your tour, one of our guides will contact you to discuss custom options we have available for your tour. Whether you’d like to spend more time star gazing, enjoy more time at our private waterfall location, or enjoy an extended guided hike, we’re here to make this experience memorable and most importantly – ALL ABOUT YOU!

We look forward to taking you on an amazing adventure!