Hawaii · BIG ISLAND TOURS

The 15 Best Big Island Tours & Day Trips

196 tours  ·  from $15

It is bigger than all the others put together and the drive from Kona to the volcano is real. The 15 below cover Kīlauea, the Mauna Kea summit, the Kona reefs and the manta ray night boats, priced and timed honestly.

Big Island in a Day: Volcanoes Waterfalls Sightseeing and History - Leaving Kona through ranch country
Big Island Tours, Historical Tours, Tour Reviews, Volcano Tours, Waterfall Tours, Waterfall Tours in 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

Spend about 11 hours touring the Big Island in a small Mercedes Sprinter van. Visit Punalu’u Beach, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Thurston Lava Tube, Rainbow and Akaka Falls, Waipio Valley, and a Kona coffee farm. Guides such as Chris, Drew, Dave, and Kavika are known for lively history and culture talks.

“It is a FULL day! It is absolutely THE way to see everything amazing on Hawai’i in one shot. Everything we wanted to see was on this tour! Kona Chris was amazing! A font of knowledge about the whole island and answered every question we threw at him! I am leaving the island actually knowing what this beautiful place is about. Do it! You won’t be disappointed.”

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Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel - Leaving Keauhou Bay and watching the Kona sunset
Big Island Tours, Evening Experiences, Manta Ray Night Snorkels, Snorkeling, Snorkeling Tours in Big Island, 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

Meet Hang Loose Boat Tours at Keauhou Bay for a roughly two-and-a-half-hour manta ray outing. You’ll cruise along the Kona coast, watch the sunset, then use provided snorkel gear, a wetsuit top, and flotation support while mantas circle beneath lighted viewing boards. Guides including Bryce, Jordan, Aden, and Vince have been praised for calm, careful help in the water.

“Fabulous! The crew was amazing and seeing the mantas was incredible! Highly recommend and would definitely do tour again!”

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Big Island: Kona Manta Ray Snorkel Tour in Keauhou Harbor - The Keauhou manta site and the light board
Big Island Tours, Manta Ray Night Snorkels, Snorkeling, Snorkeling Tours in Big Island, 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

Meet at Keauhou Harbor, collect your mask and snorkel, then take a three-minute boat ride to a manta feeding site. You will float for up to 30 minutes beside an illuminated board that draws plankton and manta rays. Guides such as Greg, Eric, and Mahina may assist in the water. Wetsuits cost $10 extra.

“Had a wonderful time seeing the manta rays dance in the waters on this excursion. Crew was great and knowledgeable. Believe the names were mahina, Greg, and ash? (the captain). Loved it and would 100% recommended.”

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Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcanoes National Park & Black Sand Beach - Macadamia nuts, chocolate, and an easy shopping stop
Big Island Tours, Black Sand Beach Tours, National Parks, Shore Excursions, Tour Reviews, Tours, Volcano 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

Spend about six hours touring Hilo, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Kilauea, Thurston Lava Tube, a macadamia nut farm, and Richardson Black Sand Beach. Guides such as Jess, Robert, Donna, Geo, and Hannibal are known for lively local stories. Port pickup, park fees, water, and return transport are included.

“We enjoyed this tour very much. Shevon, our guide provided abundant informative narration and treated us with lots of Aloha. Plenty of photo ops along the tour but no photo could do justice to the actual views we enjoyed at the volcano national park. We felt there was a lot of added value taking the organized tour vs. going on our own due to the details pointed out and insights our guide offered, being a local resident of the island.”

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Big Island: Captain Cook Snorkel On A Power Catamaran With Lunch - Leaving Honokohau Marina for the Kona coast
Big Island Tours, Catamaran Cruises in Big Island, Cruises & Boat Tours, Kealakekua Bay Snorkel Tours, Lunch Experiences, Sailing, Snorkeling, Snorkeling Tours in Big Island, 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

Meet Hang Loose Boat Tours at Honokohau Marina for a four-hour catamaran trip to Kealakekua Bay. You will cruise the volcanic Kona coast, hear about Captain Cook and Hawaiian royalty, snorkel with provided gear, and enjoy lunch aboard. Captains Aiden or Bryce and crew members such as Jordan and Kiwami may lead the trip, depending on availability.

“Great excursion. Would highly recommend it. it was a nice lunch.. Great crew. Very patient waiting for the dolphins and whales.”

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KONA Manta Ray Night Snorkel - FREE re-ride if no Sightings - What happens once you enter the water
Big Island Tours, Evening Experiences, Manta Ray Night Snorkels, Snorkeling, Snorkeling Tours in Big Island, 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

Meet near the Outrigger Resort in Kona for a short RHIB boat ride to a manta viewing site. Guides such as Taco, Peyton, and Mike explain manta behavior before you spend 25 to 30 minutes in the water. You get snorkel gear, optional wetsuits, surface lighting, and an 11-person boat. Strong swimming skills are required.

“Fun and well organized experience. Crew was great and very knowledgeable. They found 3 manata rays right away which lead to a very memorable experience for us.”

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Manta Ray Night Snorkel at Kona, Big Island - Equipment, clothing, and the short boat ride
Big Island Tours, Evening Experiences, Manta Ray Night Snorkels, Snorkeling, Snorkeling Tours in Big Island, 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

Meet Dolphin Discoveries in Kailua-Kona, collect your mask, snorkel, and short-sleeve wetsuit top, then travel to Keauhou Bay for about 30 minutes beside manta rays feeding under the lights. You must swim, tread water, and climb a metal ladder. Ride-along tickets are available for non-swimmers.

“Team was on time and the guides in the water were very helpful and provided reassurance and support the entire time you were in the water. Awesome crew on deck as well. Great experience. Definitely recommend!”

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Big Island GOAT Experience: Mauna Kea Summit, Sunset & Stars - Pickup from Hilo, Waikoloa, or Kailua-Kona
Big Island Tours, Evening Experiences, Mauna Kea Stargazing, 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

Spend 7 to 8 hours traveling from Hilo, Waikoloa, or Kona to Mauna Kea’s 13,796-foot summit. Guides such as Kella, Tay, John, Chris, and Val combine Hawaiian stories, volcano facts, sunset views, and telescope stargazing. Jackets, gloves, snacks, hot drinks, round-trip 4x4 transport, and a professional night photo are included.

“Hard walking uphill at 14000 feet. Spectacular views but chilly and breezy. Lots of good star gazing info.”

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Small Group Big Island Twilight Volcano and Stargazing Tour - Punalu’u Bake Shop and black sand
Big Island Tours, Mauna Kea Stargazing, Tour Reviews, Tours, Volcano 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 a long day crossing Hawaii’s Big Island with Wasabi Tours Hawaii. You’ll visit a Kona coffee farm, Punalu’u Black Sand Beach, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, Thurston Lava Tube, and a secluded Saddle Road stargazing site. Guides such as Felix, Derek, Todd, and Dreu are known for lively island and cultural insight, but expect plenty of driving and short stops.

“It was absolutely phenomenal. Our tour guide, Derek, was very knowledgeable, friendly and funny. The tour is a must-do. It was more than anything I had imagined.”

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Big Island: Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small-Group Adventure Tour - A warm meal and time to adjust at the visitor station
Big Island Tours, Mauna Kea Stargazing, Tour Reviews, Tours

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 to Mauna Kea with a small group of up to 12. You’ll eat a warm picnic dinner, watch sunset above the clouds, then stargaze near 9,000 feet through an 11-inch Celestron and digital telescope. Guides such as Jeff, Jason, Wilson, and Eugene add astronomy, Hawaiian culture, and safety advice throughout the evening.

“Wilson did a great job. His demeanor, promptness attention to safety and knowledge made the tour a great experience. The views at the top were amazing 👏”

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Big Island: Mauna Kea Summit Tour with Free Night Star Photo - The 9,000-foot stop at Onizuka
Big Island Tours, Evening Experiences, Mauna Kea Stargazing, Tour Reviews, Tours

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 a light dinner, borrow snow gear, watch sunset above the clouds, and stargaze with a telescope before receiving free photos, weather permitting.

“Once in a lifetime bucket list experience! Got to see the stars above Mauna Kea and the observatories. It was crazy cold but so amazing!”

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Kona Snorkel Tour: Captain Cook Reef Snorkel, Dolphin & Sea Caves - The speedy ride to Kealakekua Bay
Big Island Tours, Dolphin Watching, Dolphin Watching in Big Island, Kealakekua Bay Snorkel Tours, Snorkeling, Snorkeling Tours in Big Island, Tour Reviews, Tours

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 Navy-style Zodiac with a small group from Kailua-Kona to Kealakekua Bay, stopping at Captain Cook Monument for reef snorkeling. Guides such as David, Chip, Sage, and Danielle share island history and point out sea caves, lava tubes, dolphins, and whales when nature cooperates. Bring sunscreen, a towel, and motion-sickness medicine if needed.

“The tour was amazing. Our family was well taken care of. The boat ride was exciting and the stories along the way were captivating. Captain Cook bay was beautiful. The weather started to pour right after we left which was a blessing. The coral and fishes were beautiful and we learned it’s an ancient burial and hide out ground for Hawaiian royalties. Highly recommend this tour to others.”

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Big Island Historical Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay - Boarding at Kailua Pier
Big Island Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Dining Experiences, Dinner Cruises, Dinner Experiences, Historical Tours, Kealakekua Bay Snorkel Tours, Tour Reviews

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

Sail 24 miles round trip from Kailua Pier to Kealakekua Bay aboard a catamaran with a local historian, live Hawaiian music, sunset views, and dinner. Captain Erika and the crew are known for warm service, while the narrator points out coastline landmarks hidden from land. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals require 48 hours’ notice.

“Food was good, crew were amazing and attentive with bringing drinks and offering to take photos. We spotted whales and two manta ray which was an added bonus. There was live music, but it was a hodge podge blend of music that didn’t fit well together and didn’t match the vibe of the boat. A soundtrack would’ve been more enjoyable. It was very overcast and cloudy so we didn’t really witness the sunset at all, but still had a lovely time and enjoyed the ride tremendously. My tip is to not cancel your trip based on weather, as it was still very enjoyable.”

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Glow of the Deep: Night Snorkeling with Manta Rays - The 45-minute light-board viewing session
Big Island Tours, Evening Experiences, Manta Ray Night Snorkels, Snorkeling, Snorkeling Tours in Big Island, Tour Reviews

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 ride offshore for a Kona sunset and about 45 minutes beside giant manta rays feeding under bright lights. Wetsuits, snorkel gear, flotation, snacks, and water are included. You must know how to swim, but a ride-along option lets non-swimmers stay aboard.

“This is a must do activity! When I say life changing it’s almost not enough! The captain counted 14 different manta rays. They performed as if on cue! A ballet is a. Good term!”

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Kailua Kona: Night Manta Ray Adventure on the Big Island - Holding onto the light board
Big Island Tours, Evening Experiences, Manta Ray Night Snorkels, Tour Reviews

Kailua Kona: Night Manta Ray Adventure on the Big Island

15.Kailua Kona: Night Manta Ray Adventure on the Big Island

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

Join Hang Loose Boat Tours for a 150-minute evening cruise from Kailua Kona, then hold a light board while manta rays feed on plankton below. Snorkel gear, wetsuit tops, snacks, and drinks are included. Guides such as Aidan, Jordan, Gary, Noah, and Ula have been praised for calm, hands-on help. A ride-along option is available.

“It was perfect in every way. I scheduled another five later in the week.”

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New in Big Island Tours

★ 4.3Kalaoa: Big Island and Kona Midday Whale Watching TourFrom $9929 reviews
★ 5.0Kailua-Kona: Pacific Humpback Whale Watch ExcursionFrom $1304 reviews
★ 4.6Kailua-Kona: Night Manta Snorkel or DiveFrom $1297 reviews
★ 5.0Kona Hi, Sunset Manta Ray Tour 10 passengers maximumFrom $14114 reviews
★ 4.5Kailua Kona: Humpback Whale Watching Adventure CruiseFrom $15133 reviews
★ 4.1Kailua-Kona: Haunted History Ghost Walking TourFrom $648 reviews
★ 5.0Kona Half-Day Boat Tour with Snorkeling & LunchFrom $16334 reviews
★ 4.7Kona Tradewind Catamaran Sail with CocktailsFrom $895 reviews
★ 4.5Kailua Kona: Dolphin, Sea Cave and Captain Cook Snorkel TourFrom $11514 reviews
★ 4.7Hilo: Walking Ghost TourFrom $648 reviews
★ 4.9Hilo: Waterfall Hike and Swim with Native HawaiianFrom $1508 reviews
★ 4.7Hilo: Kilauea Fissure 8 Hiking, Volcanoes and WaterfallsFrom $2393 reviews
★ 4.5Hilo: Wailoa River to King Kamehameha Guided Kayaking TourFrom $12518 reviews
★ 4.1Hilo: Humpback Whale-Watching Cruise with Snacks and DrinksFrom $1755 reviews
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