Packing list
- Sunscreen (reef-safe) and a hat
- Comfortable walking shoes
- A light jacket or rain shell for Volcanoes National Park and Hilo
- Phone or camera, plus a charger
- Money for lunch in Hilo, plus a little for snacks or gifts at the farms and Big Island Candies
- Any medication you need during a 10 to 11 hour day
- Your own infant car seat if traveling with a baby on the shared tour (required)
We provide bottled water and Hawaiian snacks, sometimes fresh malasadas or Kona coffee.
Where you eat
- Breakfast: eat before pickup. Waikoloa pickups start at 6:30am and Kona at 8:00am.
- Morning tastings: Kona coffee at Bay View Kona Coffee Farm (8:30am) and macadamia nuts at Paradise Meadows (10:00am).
- Lunch: around 1:15pm at a local Hilo restaurant. Lunch is not included. You order and pay on your own.
- Afternoon: Big Island Candies (2:15pm) has samples and shortbread to buy.
- Dinner: you are back around 5:15pm in Waikoloa or 6:00pm in Kona.
What to expect on the day
- Your guide confirms pickup time the night before.
- Up to 14 guests in an air-conditioned Mercedes-Benz Sprinter with captain's chairs.
- A full loop around the island, about 10 hours from Kona and 11 from Waikoloa.
- Weather changes across the island. Kona is usually sunny. Hilo and Akaka Falls are often wet. The volcano summit is cooler.
- Restrooms at every scheduled stop.
- Light rain does not cancel the tour. Severe weather means a reroute, reschedule or full refund.
- Vans are not fully wheelchair accessible. Call (808) 646-5028 to talk through mobility needs.
The day, stop by stop
6:30am Waikoloa pickups. 8:00am Kona pickups. 8:30am Bay View Kona Coffee Farm. 10:00am Paradise Meadows Macadamia Nut Farm. 10:45am Punaluu Black Sand Beach. 11:45am Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. 1:15pm Hilo lunch stop (lunch not included). 2:15pm Big Island Candies. 2:45pm Rainbow Falls. 3:30pm Akaka Falls. 4:30pm historic Waimea town. 5:15pm Waikoloa drop-offs. 6:00pm Kona drop-offs.
Frequently asked
What should I wear on the Big Island circle island tour?
Layers. Kona is warm and the volcano summit (about 4,000 feet) is much cooler. Wear walking shoes and bring a light rain jacket for Hilo and Akaka Falls.
Where do you eat on the Big Island in a Day tour?
At a local restaurant in Hilo around 1:15pm. Lunch is not included. Water and Hawaiian snacks are on the van all day.
How much walking is there?
Moderate. Most stops are short walks on paved paths. Akaka Falls has a paved loop trail with stairs.
Can you accommodate dietary needs?
Yes. Tell us when you book. We handle van snacks directly and can pre-coordinate the Hilo lunch stop for vegan, celiac or severe allergies.
Should I tip the guide?
Gratuity is not included. Tipping is appreciated if you enjoyed the day.