Big Island Highlights: Coffee, Volcano, Black Sands & Waterfall

The Big Island of Hawaii offers a captivating blend of natural wonders, from the iconic black sand beaches to the awe-inspiring Volcanoes National Park. Visitors can enjoy the island’s rich coffee culture, explore its cascading waterfalls, and witness the raw power of an active volcano. This comprehensive tour promises to deliver an unforgettable experience, seamlessly combining the island’s diverse landscapes and cultural highlights. With a meticulously planned itinerary and knowledgeable guides, travelers can expect a seamless and enriching journey through this remarkable Hawaiian paradise.

Key Points

• The tour showcases the natural wonders of Hawaii’s Big Island, including Punalu’u Black Sands Beach, Volcanoes National Park, and Rainbow Falls.
• Guests can experience the Kona coffee culture with a visit to Greenwell Coffee Farm.
• The all-inclusive experience includes lunch, snacks, and beverages, ensuring a comfortable and convenient exploration of the island.
• The tour offers a seamless transportation solution with hotel pickup and drop-off, allowing guests to relax and enjoy the sights.
• The tour is highly recommended by travelers, with a 4.9/5 rating and positive feedback on knowledgeable guides and engaging narratives.

Tour Overview

The Big Island Highlights tour offers a full-day exploration of Hawaii’s largest island, showcasing its diverse natural wonders.

Visitors will discover cascading waterfalls, black sand beaches, lush tropical valleys, and breathtaking viewpoints. The tour includes a Kona coffee culture experience at the renowned Greenwell Coffee Farm.

Explore the Big Island’s natural wonders, from cascading waterfalls to black sand beaches, and immerse in Kona’s renowned coffee culture.

Highlights comprise Punalu’u Black Sands Beach, Volcanoes National Park, and Rainbow Falls.

With 99% of travelers recommending this tour and a 4.9 rating from 997 reviews, it’s an exceptional way to experience the best of the Big Island.

Itinerary and Inclusions

The Big Island Highlights tour is an all-inclusive experience, providing visitors with lunch, snacks, and beverages throughout the day.

The tour includes stops at Punalu’u Black Sands Beach, Rainbow Falls, and Volcanoes National Park.

Lunch features Plantation Style Hawaii Bentos with protein options like Kalua pork, teriyaki chicken, grilled mahi-mahi, and tofu stir-fry.

Along With the meal, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional guide, binoculars, umbrellas, and cold/hot beverages, including alcohol.

With a focus on convenience and comfort, this tour allows visitors to fully enjoy the natural wonders of the Big Island.

Transportation and Logistics

Roundtrip transportation from hotel is provided for this tour, with centralized pickup locations at Foodland Farms, Starbucks, Target, and Longs Drugstore.

Convenient roundtrip transportation with pickup locations at popular island spots makes exploring the Big Island a breeze.

Pickup times are 30-60 minutes prior to the 8 AM start. Confirmation of your pickup location and time is required 48 hours in advance.

The tour covers the island’s highlights, from the black sand beaches to the volcanic landscapes, so you can sit back, relax, and let the experts handle the driving.

Whether you’re visiting from a cruise ship or your hotel, this seamless transportation makes exploring the Big Island a breeze.

Accessibility and Dietary Options

Although the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, service animals are permitted.

Meal options cater to a variety of dietary needs, including regular, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-intolerant.

Children under 5 aren’t permitted on the tour but must be accompanied by an adult.

Private, custom, and group tours are available, including cruise ship shore excursions, providing flexibility for travelers.

The free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience and the reserve now, pay later option make booking the tour convenient and risk-free.

Guest Experiences and Recommendations

Positive feedback from travelers highlights the knowledgeable guides and engaging narratives that enhance the overall enjoyment of the tour.

Families find the experience comfortable and convenient, without the hassle of driving. Highlights include spotting sea turtles at the black sand beach and sampling local Hawaiian cuisine.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours before and a pay later option, it’s easy to book this highly-rated excursion. Travelers consistently rate the tour 4.9/5 stars, praising the seamless logistics and fulfilling itinerary.

Exploring Punalu’u Black Sands Beach

As the tour winds through the lush tropical landscape, travelers eagerly anticipate their first glimpse of the renowned Punalu’u Black Sands Beach.

This unique volcanic beach is a highlight of the Big Island, offering a stark contrast to the typical white sand beaches.

Visitors can:

1. Observe the rare Hawaiian green sea turtles basking on the black sand.
2. Stroll along the shoreline, taking in the striking volcanic scenery.
3. Dip their toes in the refreshing Pacific waters.
4. Capture stunning photographs of the dramatic black sand and azure ocean.

The surreal beauty of Punalu’u Beach leaves a lasting impression on all who visit.

Discovering Volcanoes National Park

After exploring the unique black sand beach, the tour continues its journey to the renowned Volcanoes National Park.

Visitors are captivated by the park’s otherworldly landscapes, including the Kilauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes. The guide leads the group on a scenic drive through the park, stopping at key viewpoints and trails.

Highlights include the Thurston Lava Tube, a dormant cave formed by flowing lava, and the Jaggar Museum, which offers stunning views of the Kilauea caldera.

Throughout the experience, the guide shares insights into the park’s geological history and the cultural significance of these volcanic wonders.

Enjoying the Beauty of Rainbow Falls

Although the Volcanoes National Park offers a glimpse into the raw power of nature, the tour’s next stop at Rainbow Falls provides a moment of serene beauty.

The 80-foot waterfall cascades over a lush, verdant cliff, creating a stunning natural spectacle.

Visitors can:

1. Admire the cascade’s vibrant rainbow hues, formed by the sun’s refraction through the falling water.
2. Explore the surrounding tropical forest, home to diverse flora and fauna.
3. Photograph the waterfall from various vantage points for the perfect shot.
4. Enjoy a peaceful picnic or simply bask in the tranquility of the falls.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Gratuity for the Guide Included in the Tour Price?

The tour price doesn’t include gratuity for the guide. However, it’s customary to tip the guide for their excellent service and expertise in providing an enjoyable and informative experience.

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

No, the tour does not allow guests to bring their own food and drinks. All-inclusive meals, snacks, and beverages are provided as part of the tour package. Guests should plan to enjoy the provided catering on the Big Island sightseeing excursion.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for the Tour?

The cancellation policy allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience. Guests can also choose the reserve now, pay later option for added flexibility.

Can We Stop at Additional Locations Not Listed in the Itinerary?

Unfortunately, the tour itinerary is set and does not allow for additional stops not listed. The all-inclusive package provides a comprehensive experience of the Big Island’s highlights without the flexibility to visit other locations during the day.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for Children on the Tour?

The tour has an age restriction – children under 5 are not permitted, and those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Meal options are available to accommodate various dietary needs.

The Sum Up

This comprehensive tour offers a captivating glimpse into the Big Island’s diverse natural wonders. From the rich coffee culture at Greenwell Farms to the awe-inspiring landscapes of Volcanoes National Park, Punalu’u Black Sands Beach, and Rainbow Falls, this immersive experience showcases the island’s unparalleled beauty. With seamless transportation and knowledgeable guides, it’s the perfect way for travelers to explore the Big Island’s stunning highlights.