Big Island Southside ATV Tour

If you’re eyeing an adventure that gets you off the beaten path and into the raw, rugged beauty of Hawaii’s Big Island, a tour like this might just be what you’re looking for. This Big Island Southside ATV Tour has racked up a perfect 5-star rating from hundreds of reviews, and with good reason. It offers an authentic look at the island’s wild side—driving over lava fields, exploring ancient forests, and catching jaw-dropping coastal views that are difficult to access by foot or car.

What we love about this experience is its small group size, which means you get a more personalized ride, and the knowledgeable guides who don’t just lead you but share stories and insights along the way. Plus, the scenic stops—like lava tubes, green sand beaches, and turtle sightings—really do elevate the whole adventure.

One consideration to keep in mind is that the terrain can be rough and dusty, which means it’s not suited for anyone looking for a gentle ride or with limited mobility. Also, the tour is quite physical—you’ll be on your ATV for most of the 3 hours, so moderate fitness helps.

This tour is ideal for those who crave a thrilling, scenic, and educational experience. Whether you’re a seasoned ATV rider or a first-timer with some adventurous spirit, you’ll find plenty to love here. It’s particularly well-suited for travelers eager to see parts of the island that are inaccessible by regular vehicle, adding an authentic touch to your Hawaiian trip.

Key Points

• Highly rated with 354 reviews and a 5.0/5 score, showing consistent satisfaction.
• Small group sizes ensure more personalized attention and a better experience.
• Includes all safety gear: helmets, goggles, gloves, and dust masks, emphasizing safety.
• Diverse stops: lava tubes, scenic lookouts, green sand beach, and turtle sightings.
• Rugged terrain: expect bumpy, dusty trails that challenge even experienced riders.
• Value for money: at $250 per person, it offers around 3 hours of off-road adventure with guides who share local insights.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Itinerary

Starting Point and First Stop: Lava Tube Adventure

The tour kicks off on Kaalualu Waiohinu Road around noon, with an introductory briefing and safety gear distribution. Once geared up, you’ll head into the island’s backcountry, where the terrain quickly turns rugged. The first major stop is a Hawaiian lava tube—a fascinating natural formation carved out by ancient lava flows.

Travelers mention that the trail can be very bumpy and dusty, but that’s part of the charm. As one reviewer pointed out, “you will get dirty from dust,” but towels, wipes, and hoses are provided for cleanup afterward. The guide shares some history of the area, enhancing the experience and giving you a deeper appreciation for the island’s volcanic past.

Scenic Lookout and Lava Flows

Next, you’ll cruise along a 4WD lava flow to a panoramic viewpoint. Here, you’ll get a chance to snap photos of the coastline and listen to more stories about the island’s geological features and history. The trail winds through craggy lava fields—a landscape that feels almost otherworldly. Several guests have raved about the breathtaking scenery, with one calling the views “simply stunning.”

Ancient Forests and Paakea Bay

From the lava fields, the trail descends into an ancient Kiawe forest, a type of mesquite tree that’s typical of the area. The ride through this dried, spindly forest offers a different kind of natural beauty. Following that, the tour heads to Paakea Bay, where you’ll enjoy a relaxing break under a shade tree while eating lunch or snacks. The bay’s calm waters and quiet setting make for a nice pause in the adventure.

Green Sand Beach and Ocean Cliff Drive

One of the more unique sights is the green sand beach—a rare geological feature created from olivine crystals embedded in the sand. The stop lasts about 10 minutes, giving you enough time to soak in the scenery and take photos. Many reviews highlight this as a highlight, with one mentioning, “such a cool place to see—definitely a photo-worthy spot.”

Following that, the tour takes you on a cliff drive along the ocean, leading to Pulehua Island. Here, you’ll hike out onto a peninsula to observe green sea turtles and tropical fish. This stretch is often called the “best photo shot” of the tour, with guests excited to see marine life and capture stunning shots of the turtles basking on the rocks.

Turtle Spotting and Final Ride Back

The final stop is at Pulehua Island, where guides often point out sea turtles and tropical fish, and sometimes even the resident parrot fish, affectionately called Mr. Blue. After this, it’s back on the ATVs for the ride to the starting point, with a quick clean-up process including hoses and towels.

What the Reviews Say

The reviews consistently praise the knowledgeable guides—many mention guides like Anna and Vicky, who “share valuable information” and make the trip truly memorable. Guests love the off-road thrill of navigating lava trails, with one reviewer noting, “the terrain can be very rough at times,” but that it’s “extremely fun.”

Scenery is another standout—multiple reviewers describe the views as “incredible,” “beautiful,” and “terrific,” especially at lookout points and near the coastline. Several mention how the stops aren’t just photo ops but also educational moments, with guides explaining the local geology and history.

The safety and equipment are also well-reviewed, with many appreciating that helmets, goggles, gloves, and masks are provided, ensuring a comfortable ride despite the dust and dirt. The small group experience—generally around 7-17 people—receives high marks for making the ride more engaging and allowing guides to tailor their commentary.

That said, a few reviews note that the terrain can be challenging if you’re a complete novice, so some experience or confidence on ATVs is recommended. If you’re looking for a gentle, scenic ride, this might feel a bit rough, but if you’re after excitement and adventure, it fits the bill.

Pricing and Value

At $250 per person for around three hours of guided off-road fun, this tour is priced on the higher side compared to some other activities, but considering the top-quality equipment, knowledgeable guides, and diverse stops, many guests find it a good value. The fact that it includes safety gear, and the small group size enhances the overall experience, justifying the cost.

The tour’s flexible cancellation policy—full refunds if canceled 24 hours in advance—adds peace of mind. Plus, since it’s booked on average 38 days ahead, it’s advisable to reserve early, especially during peak seasons.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This ATV adventure suits travelers who enjoy outdoor activities and are comfortable on rugged terrain. It’s perfect for those wanting to see parts of the Big Island that are difficult to access otherwise, with an interest in geology, history, or scenic coastal vistas. It’s an excellent choice for experienced riders, but beginners with some confidence in ATV riding will also find it manageable. Keep in mind, it’s dusty and bumpy—so if you’re prone to sunburn or have mobility concerns, prepare accordingly.

Families with older children (8+) who are comfortable with ATV riding could consider this, but always check if your kids meet the minimum age and physical requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I need a driver’s license to participate?
Yes, a valid driver’s license is required to verify the age of 16+ for driving the ATV.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children aged 8-15 should be accompanied by an adult, and while the reviews don’t specify other restrictions, the terrain can be rough, so some discretion is advised.

What should I wear?
Closed-toed shoes are a must. Because you’ll be out in the sun for most of the ride, long sleeves or pants are recommended to avoid sunburn.

What’s included in the price?
The tour provides top-of-the-line single or double ATVs, helmets, gloves, goggles, and dust masks—no hidden extras.

Will I get dirty?
Yes. Dusty trails mean you’ll likely get dirty, but towels, wipes, and hoses are provided for cleaning up afterward.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts around 3 hours, with approximately 2.5 hours on the trail and time for stops and breaks.

Is there a cancellation policy?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.

Final Thoughts

This Big Island Southside ATV Tour offers a genuinely adventurous and scenic way to explore Hawaii’s less accessible areas. With its high ratings, knowledgeable guides, and stunning stops, it’s a strong choice for travelers craving a bit of dirt, history, and jaw-dropping views all in one go.

If you’re comfortable on ATVs and eager to see volcanic landscapes, ancient forests, and the shoreline from a new perspective, this tour will likely leave you with great memories—and maybe a few dusty clothes. It’s best suited for those who want an active, authentic experience and are prepared for a bit of a rough ride.

For anyone looking for an exciting, educational, and photo-worthy adventure that gets you into Hawaii’s wildest spots, this tour is worth considering. Just be sure to book early and come prepared for an off-road thrill.