Best of Big Island: Volcanoes, Waterfall, Blacksand Beach & Lunch

Discover the Best of Big Island in a Day

If you’re short on time but eager to experience some of Hawaii’s most iconic sights, this “Best of Big Island” tour seems like a solid option. While I haven’t personally been on it, reviews and the itinerary paint a pretty appealing picture. It packs a good amount of sightseeing into roughly 6 to 7 hours, making it an efficient way to get a taste of Big Island’s natural wonders and cultural highlights.

What really caught my eye are the stunning vistas of Rainbow Falls and the chance to see Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, including the world’s most active volcano, Kilauea. Plus, the visit to Punaluu Black Sand Beach offers a unique landscape shaped by volcanic activity, often visited by sea turtles. The inclusion of a local, island-inspired lunch also adds a nice touch of flavor to the day.

On the flip side, a few considerations are worth noting. The tour involves about 2.5 hours of driving between stops, which could be tiring for some. Also, it’s not wheelchair accessible and has moderate walking, including climbing stairs—something to keep in mind if mobility is a concern. Lastly, it’s limited to the Hilo area for pickup and drop-off, so if you’re elsewhere on the island, this might not be the best fit.

This tour seems best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive snapshot of Big Island’s highlights without spending too much time planning. It’s a good pick for those looking to balance scenic beauty, cultural insights, and a comfortable, small-group setting.

Key Points

• Efficient full-day experience covering major sights
• Highlights include Rainbow Falls, Volcanoes National Park, and Black Sand Beach
• Includes a local, island-inspired lunch with dietary options
• Moderate walking and stairs involved; not wheelchair accessible
• Pickup and drop-off are only in Hilo area
• Great for travelers wanting a guided, all-in-one tour

A Deep Dive into the Big Island Adventure

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

This tour is designed for those who want a well-rounded glimpse of Big Island’s natural and cultural landscape in a single day. The 6-7 hour timeframe might seem tight, but the itinerary is packed with significant sights, offering a manageable yet immersive experience.

The fact that it’s curated by Shaka Braddah Tours, a locally operated company, adds a layer of authenticity. Plus, the small group size (max 13 travelers) promises a more personal vibe, making it easier to ask questions and soak in the scenery without feeling lost in a crowd.

Highlights of the Itinerary

Rainbow Falls

We love the way Rainbow Falls gets its name from the rainbows that appear in the spray on sunny days. The viewing area is straightforward but offers a compelling photo opportunity and a chance to learn a bit about local legends and history. It’s only about 20 minutes here, so don’t expect a deep dive, but it’s a lovely starter to your day.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

This is the star of many visits to the Big Island, and for good reason. The tour spends about three hours here, giving you ample time to explore the visitor center, see the Kilauea caldera, and walk past volcanic steam vents and sulfur banks. The highlight is walking inside an ancient lava tube, which provides a tangible sense of the volcano’s power and the island’s geological activity.

The reviews highlight that the guides are knowledgeable and friendly, making the experience more engaging. One reviewer mentioned feeling particularly well-treated, like part of a family, which speaks to the guide’s customer care. Expect breathtaking views and a chance to learn about the island’s fiery heart.

Punalu’u Black Sand Beach

This spot offers a landscape unlike most beaches, shaped by volcanic eruptions. Its black sands, fed by underground springs, are striking, and the frequent visits from green sea turtles are an added bonus. It’s a quick stop—about 30 minutes—but enough time to appreciate the landscape and maybe snap some memorable pictures.

Liliuokalani Gardens

Although not initially highlighted in the summary, the drive through this Edo-style garden adds a peaceful break to the day. The gardens are full of towering Banyan trees, bridges, and pagodas—a tranquil spot for photos and a short walk.

Food and Cultural Artifacts

The tour includes an island-inspired lunch with options for vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free diets. This is a nice touch, especially since dining options on some tours can be limited or generic. The inclusion of fresh fruit samples and cultural artifacts further enriches the experience, offering a taste of local flavor and traditions.

Transport and Convenience

With about 2.5 hours of driving between stops, this isn’t a tour for those who dislike long bus rides. But it’s understandable given the distances involved. The pickup and drop-off services are limited to the Hilo area, which means if you’re staying elsewhere, you’ll need to arrange transportation to the meeting point. The tour operates with a small group, which tends to be more comfortable and allows for better interaction.

What the Reviews Say

The glowing reviews are promising. One reviewer, Christina, praised the guides Anthony and Desmond for their kindness and knowledge, highlighting how treated they felt like family. Such personal touches can really elevate a tour from good to memorable.

Price and Value

At $187 per person, this tour offers a fairly comprehensive itinerary. Considering the inclusion of transportation, cultural insights, and a meal, it probably ranks as good value for a guided experience. You’re not just paying for the sights but for the convenience of a curated day and the expertise of local guides.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re someone who prefers a structured day where most logistics are handled, this one fits the bill. It’s great for travelers who want a balanced mix of nature, geology, and local culture, especially if you don’t want to spend hours planning or driving. It’s also suitable for those who enjoy moderate walking and are comfortable with stairs, but not for wheelchair users or those with mobility challenges.

While it’s not a dedicated family tour, the pace and sights could appeal to families with older children interested in volcanoes and landscapes. However, if your group includes very young kids or mobility is a concern, you might want to weigh the stairs and walking involved.

FAQs

Is transportation included in this tour?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off within the Hilo area, making it convenient to start your day without worrying about transportation.

How long is the driving between stops?
Expect about 2.5 hours of drive time throughout the day, which helps cover the island’s key sights efficiently.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Absolutely. The lunch options include vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free choices, so you can dine comfortably regardless of dietary needs.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
The tour involves moderate walking and climbing roughly 15 stairs during the lava tube visit. It’s not wheelchair accessible, so those with mobility challenges should consider this.

What’s included in the tour?
The experience features a guide, entrance fees, cultural artifacts, fresh fruit samples, and a local lunch. Alcoholic beverages are not included.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start. If weather cancels the tour, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What’s the best time to join this tour?
The tour starts at 9:00 am, which is ideal for catching the best light and avoiding the afternoon crowds at some sites. It’s a full day but leaves plenty of time for enjoying each stop.

To sum it up, this “Best of Big Island” tour offers a well-paced, insightful, and scenic way to see some of the island’s most iconic sights. It’s best suited for travelers who want a guided experience with minimal fuss, enjoy natural landscapes and volcanic wonders, and don’t mind the travel time between stops. If you’re after a balance of adventure, culture, and comfort, this tour could be a great way to make vivid memories of Hawaii’s volcanic heart.