Big Island ATV Tour

If you’re eyeing a day on the Big Island that combines a bit of adventure, culture, and nature, the Big Island ATV Tour offered by Ohana Ranch might just fit the bill. While we haven’t personally strapped into an ATV here, reviews and the tour details paint a picture of a relaxed, informative experience designed to introduce visitors to Hawaiian agriculture and scenery in a friendly, accessible way.

What we love about this tour is how much it emphasizes sustainable farming and cultural education. Plus, it’s marketed as beginner-friendly, making it appealing whether you’re new to ATV riding or just want a laid-back outing. On the flip side, the ride isn’t about adrenaline — some might find the slow pace a bit underwhelming if they’re expecting a thrill. But if your goal is learning, enjoying gentle scenery, and meeting farm animals, this could be a perfect fit. It’s especially suited for travelers who want a blend of outdoor fun with a cultural twist, and those who appreciate a well-organized, small-group setting.

Key Points

• Scenic and Educational: Combines riding scenic farm trails with learning about Hawaiian crops and farming practices.
• Beginner-Friendly: No prior ATV experience needed, with thorough instructions and a relaxed pace.
• Cultural Connection: Meets farm animals, picks seasonal fruit, and learns about local agriculture and sustainable living.
• Beautiful Setting: Located near Volcano National Park, offering lush views and tropical plants.
• Small Group Experience: Limited to 8 participants, fostering a more personal and relaxed atmosphere.
• Value for Money: At $120 for about 2 hours, it offers a mix of fun, education, and scenery that’s quite reasonable.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect on Your Big Island ATV Tour

The experience kicks off with a check-in and safety briefing, where your guide will fit you with a helmet and explain how everything works. Even if you’ve never ridden an ATV before, the instructions are straightforward, and the ride is designed to be accessible for all skill levels. The tour is ideal for those who want a gentle ride rather than high-speed thrills.

Once you’re ready, you’ll hop onto your own ATV — a highlight for many. As you cruise through scenic trails, you’ll pass open fields, tropical plants, and gentle hills. The trails are described as easy, with plenty of space, making it suitable for complete beginners and those who want a leisurely exploration.

The fruit picking stop is a charming part of the ride. You’ll have the chance to pick and taste seasonal fruits, often located along the trail. This hands-on activity offers a real taste of Hawaiian agriculture, and you’ll learn where crops like coffee, taro, and guava are grown.

Next, you’ll meet farm animals such as goats, sheep, chickens, and Hawaiian cattle. The reviews mention the hosts are friendly and welcoming, making interactions fun and authentic. Meeting animals and seeing how they fit into the farm’s ecosystem is a genuine highlight — especially if you’re traveling with family or just love animals.

Throughout the tour, your guide shares insights into local culture and sustainable farming practices. The focus is on education, with plenty of explanations about native plants, farm life, and Hawaiian traditions. Reviewers have appreciated how knowledgeable and passionate guides like Kanoe make the experience engaging and educational.

The Scenic and Cultural Value

The tour’s setting near Volcano National Park means you’ll be exploring a lush, tropical environment. As one reviewer noted, the pace is relaxed and perfect, so you never feel rushed, and you’ll have time to soak in the views and ask questions. The scenery is a mix of rolling hills, open fields, and tropical flora, offering plenty of photo opportunities.

Many travelers have expressed that the tour exceeded expectations in terms of value for money. For $120, you get an interactive experience that combines adventure, education, and cultural insight. The small group size means more personalized attention, and the inclusion of your own ATV ensures a private feel.

The guides are often praised for their passion and knowledge. As one review summed up, “Kanoe was an amazing instructor. She was thorough and taught me how to ride an ATV,” which speaks to the patient, approachable nature of the tour. This makes it especially appealing to first-timers who might be nervous about riding.

Practicalities: What You Need to Know

The tour lasts about 2 hours and runs rain or shine, unless conditions become unsafe. The meeting point is Ohana Ranch, accessible by a straightforward drive from Hilo. The gravel road leading to the farm is a bit bumpy and part of the fun—it’s an old sugar cane road from the 1800s, so expect some uneven spots. Travelers have been advised to drive slowly and carefully.

Children aged 3-11 must ride with an adult driver, but there’s no minimum age for participants 12 and up. No previous ATV experience is necessary, and the tour is designed to accommodate beginners.

Guests should be aware that people with back injuries are not recommended to participate, and it’s always wise to sign the safety waiver beforehand. Water isn’t included, so bringing your own hydration is a good idea, especially on warm days.

What Do the Reviews Say?

The feedback is largely positive. Many reviewers mention how knowledgeable and friendly the guides are, with specific praise for Kanoe who was described as “an amazing instructor.” The views and scenery are consistently highlighted as stunning and peaceful, perfect for unwinding and appreciating Hawaii’s landscape.

One traveler appreciated the educational aspect, saying it was “great to learn about sustainability and Hawaiian culture,” which shows how the tour offers more than just a ride — it’s a meaningful introduction to local traditions.

A few reviewers raised minor concerns, such as the drive to the farm being bumpy or the ride feeling slow. For example, one person from Italy felt the overall experience didn’t match the cost, citing the slow pace and limited route. But most found the value to be fair, especially when considering the small group size and personalized attention.

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Who Is This Tour Best For?

This ATV tour is ideal for families, couples, or solo travelers who want a relaxed, educational adventure. It’s perfect for those curious about Hawaiian farming, native plants, or seeking a gentle outdoor activity. If you’re after adrenaline or high-speed riding, you’ll need to look elsewhere. But if you’re after a taste of island life, with scenic views and meaningful interactions, this tour hits the right notes.

It’s especially suitable for travelers who prefer a small, intimate setting and enjoy learning about local culture while having fun in nature. The tour’s inclusiveness and beginner focus make it a solid choice for first-timers or those looking for a gentle, memorable Hawaiian experience.

Final Thoughts

For $120, the Big Island ATV Tour offers a charming blend of scenic beauty, cultural insight, and hands-on farm experiences. The emphasis on sustainable farming and native plants elevates it beyond just a ride, providing a meaningful connection to Hawaiian life. The small group size and friendly guides ensure you’ll feel welcomed and well-informed throughout.

While the pace is relaxed and the ride not adrenaline-intensive, that’s part of the charm — this is about enjoying the landscape and learning from the hosts. If you’re looking for a family-friendly, educational adventure near Volcano National Park, this tour could be a lovely addition to your Big Island itinerary.

Overall, it’s a well-reviewed, value-packed experience that many travelers have found both fun and enriching. Just be prepared for a bumpy but scenic drive to the farm, and you’ll likely leave with a few new insights (and possibly some fresh fruit) in hand.

FAQ

Is prior ATV experience needed? No, the tour is designed to be beginner-friendly, with instructions provided before the ride.

Can children participate? Children aged 3-11 need to ride with an adult driver, but there’s no minimum age for those 12 and older.

What should I bring? Since water isn’t included, bringing your own hydration is wise. Wear comfortable clothes suitable for outdoor activities and be prepared for potentially bumpy gravel roads.

Is the tour suitable in rain? Yes, the tour runs rain or shine unless weather conditions are unsafe.

How long is the tour? The ride lasts approximately 2 hours, including check-in, safety briefing, and the farm activities.

Where do I meet the tour? The meeting point is Ohana Ranch, accessible via GPS, with clear directions provided in the instructions.

If you’re looking to combine scenic views, local culture, and a relaxed outdoor activity, the Big Island ATV Tour really offers an experience worth considering. It’s a warm, educational, and fun way to see a different side of Hawaii.

You can check availability for your dates here: