Big Island Full Circle with Volcanoes and Akaka Falls Tour

Exploring the Big Island: A Detailed Look at the Full Circle Tour

If you’re planning a trip to Hawaii and want an experience that covers the island’s most iconic sights in one day, the Big Island Full Circle with Volcanoes and Akaka Falls Tour might just be what you need. While I haven’t taken this tour myself, the rave reviews and detailed itinerary make it clear that this is a well-thought-out way to soak up the island’s natural beauty. You can expect a full day of breathtaking scenery, cultural insights, and memorable moments—all in a comfortable, guided setting.

What really appeals to me about this tour are two things in particular: first, the comprehensive itinerary that hits everything from volcanic parks to lush waterfalls, and second, the small group size, which ensures a more personalized experience. That said, a possible consideration is the long day—nine hours of touring can be a lot if you’re not used to full-day excursions. This tour seems best suited for travelers who want a detailed, hassle-free way to see the island’s highlights without renting a car or planning every detail themselves.

Key Points

• All-Inclusive Experience: Entrance fees, snacks, bottled water, and a lunch stop make for a seamless day.
• Diverse Sights: From volcanic craters to lush waterfalls and black sand beaches, you’ll see the island’s varied landscapes.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides enrich your understanding of Hawaii’s geology, history, and culture.
• Comfort and Convenience: Travel in a luxury Mercedes Sprinter van with a small, intimate group of up to 13 travelers.
• Flexible and Well-Organized: The itinerary is thoughtfully designed to maximize your time and experience.
• Great for Photography: Stunning vistas provide plenty of photo opportunities, especially at Volcanoes National Park and Rainbow Falls.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

The Big Island Full Circle Tour covers roughly nine hours, giving you a substantial taste of the island. We love how this itinerary balances popular highlights with authentic local stops, making it ideal for travelers who want a well-rounded view of Hawaii’s natural wonders.

Starting Point: Kona Coffee Living History Farm

The day begins at the Kona Coffee Living History Farm in Captain Cook, where you’ll step back in time. This farm isn’t just about tasting coffee; it’s about understanding the traditional methods used by Hawaiian farmers. Costumed interpreters demonstrate historic farming techniques, and you get a glimpse into the island’s agricultural roots. Though the visit lasts only around 30 minutes, it sets the tone for appreciating Hawaii’s rich farming traditions. Travelers have expressed appreciation for this stop, noting it’s a great way to kick off the day with some local flavor.

Punalu’u Bake Shop and Black Sand Beach

Next, you’ll make a sweet stop at Punalu’u Bake Shop—the southernmost bakery in the U.S. Here, the aroma of malasadas and tropical pastries will make your mouth water. It’s not included in the tour price, but most visitors find it worth grabbing a snack or sweet treat here.

From there, a quick 30-minute visit to Punalu’u Black Sand Beach is a must. The volcanic black sand is visually striking, and you’ll have the chance to see Hawaiian green sea turtles basking and sunbathing. The beach’s otherworldly look makes it one of the most photographed spots on the island. Visitors often comment on how surreal it feels to walk on such dark sands against the bright blue ocean.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

The highlight for many is the stop at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park—home to the active Kilauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes. You’ll spend about 1.5 hours exploring craters, lava tubes, and steaming vents. This part of the tour is included in your ticket, adding immense value. Given the park’s significance, a guide’s insights help you understand the volcanic activity and geological forces shaping the island. Many travelers mention that this stop is the most awe-inspiring, with some saying it’s the “best part of the trip.”

Rainbow Falls and Akaka Falls

After the park, the tour moves to Hilo, where you’ll visit Rainbow Falls. This 80-foot waterfall is famous for creating rainbows in its mist—hence the name. It’s a quick stop, but you’ll love the lush rainforest backdrop and the chance to snap some stunning photos.

Later, the journey continues to Akaka Falls State Park. Here, a well-maintained loop trail takes you past orchids, bamboo, and other tropical plants—culminating in the jaw-dropping sight of a 442-foot waterfall. This stop is highly praised, with many reviews emphasizing how majestic the falls are up close. The guide’s commentary enhances the experience, giving context about the rainforest ecosystem.

Big Island Candies

The day ends with a visit to Big Island Candies, where you can watch artisans hand-dip cookies and chocolates. It’s a sweet way to wrap up the tour, and most visitors enjoy sampling the shortbread and browsing the beautifully packaged treats. The brief stop (about 15 minutes) is appreciated for its relaxed, lighthearted vibe.

Practical Details and What to Expect

Transportation: Traveling in a luxury Mercedes Sprinter ensures comfort over the long day. The small group size means fewer crowds and more personalized attention, which many travelers find makes the experience more intimate and enjoyable.

Duration: At approximately nine hours, this is a full day out. Be prepared for early starts and a packed schedule, but also for the payoff of seeing many key sights without the hassle of planning each stop yourself.

Price Point: At $210 per person, this tour offers a lot in terms of inclusions—entrance fees, snacks, bottled water, and a meal stop. When you factor in the cost of independently visiting all these sites, the convenience, guided insights, and transportation make it a solid value.

Reviews: Travelers consistently rate this tour a perfect 5 out of 5, citing the seamless experience, stunning scenery, and engaging guides. One reviewer notes that the stargazing with hot cocoa at the end was “easily the best part of our whole trip,” highlighting that the tour’s thoughtful touches extend beyond just sightseeing.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re someone who wants to see the Big Island’s highlights without the stress of self-driving or coordinating multiple stops, this tour is an excellent choice. It’s especially suitable for those who appreciate guided insights, want a hassle-free day, and love a variety of landscapes—from volcanic craters to waterfalls and black sand beaches.

It’s also a good fit for travelers who enjoy small groups, as the tour caps at 13 people, ensuring a more personal experience. If you’re interested in Hawaii’s geology, culture, and natural beauty all in one day, this tour offers a comprehensive, well-organized way to do so.

Final Thoughts

This Big Island Full Circle Tour offers a well-balanced mix of natural wonders, cultural insights, and convenient logistics. The inclusion of key sights like Volcanoes National Park and Akaka Falls, combined with the small-group style and thoughtful touches like snacks and a guide’s commentary, make it a compelling option for most travelers.

While it’s a long day, many reviews highlight how the seamless organization and engaging guides make it feel effortless. If you’re after a full-day adventure that covers the island’s most iconic sights, this tour is worth considering, especially if you prefer not to navigate rental cars or worry about logistics.

This experience is ideal for curious travelers eager to see Hawaii without missing out and willing to dedicate a full day to the island’s natural splendors. Just remember, it’s a fairly active day with lots of walking and sightseeing—so come prepared to enjoy every moment.

FAQ

Is lunch included in this tour?
No, lunch is not included, but you’ll visit a local spot where you can purchase food. The tour provides snacks and bottled water for the day.

What is the maximum group size?
The tour is limited to 13 travelers, which helps keep the experience personalized and less crowded.

How long are the stops at the main attractions?
Most stops range between 15 to 90 minutes, with the longest being the visit to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, giving you plenty of time to explore.

Are entrance fees included?
Yes, all entrance fees into parks like Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Akaka Falls are included in the price.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not specifically marketed as family-friendly, the stops and pace are generally suitable for most travelers. It’s a full day, so younger children should be prepared for the length of the trip.

What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, a hat, and a camera are recommended. The tour provides snacks and water, but you might want to bring extra if you’re hungry.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours beforehand for a full refund.

This tour seems like a great way to see the highlights of the Big Island with minimal hassle and maximum comfort. If you’re after a mix of natural beauty, cultural insights, and a smoothly run day, it’s worth considering.