Kona: Choose Your Own Adventure

If you’re heading to the Big Island and love having control over what you see and do, the Kona: Choose Your Own Adventure tour from The Volcano Van might just catch your eye. It’s a private, tailored experience that lets you craft your perfect day—whether that’s waterfalls, coffee farms, volcano hikes, or a mix of everything.

What really makes this tour stand out are two things — first, the full flexibility to design your own itinerary, and second, the personalized guidance from experts who know the island well. These factors can turn a standard sightseeing day into a truly memorable experience.

One thing to keep in mind is the price point — at $1,050 per group, it’s an investment, but when you consider it’s a private tour for up to five people with customized planning, it offers a lot of value for a tailored adventure.

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a bespoke, private day with no rigid schedule, especially if you enjoy having the freedom to explore at your own pace. Whether you’re traveling with friends, family, or a small group of adventure-seekers, this tour can be shaped to match your interests.

Key Points

• Customizable Itinerary: You tell the guide what excites you—waterfalls, coffee farms, or volcano hikes.
• Private and Personalized: Exclusive experience for up to 5 guests, with a guide focused solely on your group.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides offer insights tailored to your interests and pace.
• Comfortable Transportation: All logistics are handled with a private charter, making travel smooth and convenient.
• Flexible Booking: Reserve now and pay later, with full cancellation options up to 24 hours in advance.
• Diverse Landscapes: Explore beyond volcanoes—waterfalls, coffee plantations, and more are on the table.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Why Choose a Custom Day in Kona?

One of the biggest draws here is flexibility. Instead of sticking to a preset route, you get to decide what makes your heart sing—whether that’s chilling at a coffee farm, hiking in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, or discovering secret waterfalls. The guide’s expertise ensures you’re still getting rich insights without feeling like you’re on a cookie-cutter tour.

The private nature of this experience means fewer crowds and more personalized attention. If you’re traveling with a small group or just your family, this setup allows for a relaxed, intimate day, where you can ask questions, linger longer at spots you love, or skip those that don’t pique your interest.

The transportation is handled for you in a comfortable private vehicle, which is a boon when you’re navigating the sometimes sprawling Big Island. No fussing over maps or shuttling between stops — just focus on soaking in the views and making the most of your day.

How the Day Unfolds

Since it’s a completely tailored experience, what you see depends on your interests. The tour’s core is about your choices, but we can imagine a few common themes based on what’s available nearby:

Starting Out: Setting Your Preferences

Once your booking is confirmed, you’ll communicate your interests with the guide. Are waterfalls your thing? Then you might start with a visit to a scenic cascade, enjoying the lush greenery and perhaps some swimming if the opportunity arises. If coffee intrigues you, a stop at a local farm could be arranged, where you can learn about coffee cultivation and sample fresh brews.

Volcano Exploration

Since volcanoes are a specialty, you might opt for a hike or a drive near Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Even if you’re not into intense hikes, the guide can tailor the experience to include viewpoints and brief walks, giving you a taste of the island’s volcanic power.

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Hidden Gems

The guide’s local knowledge means you could discover Kona’s secret spots—less touristy waterfalls, quiet beaches, or scenic overlooks not on the typical tourist map. As one review mentions, the guides provide personalized insights, making each stop more meaningful.

Lunch and Rest Breaks

You’re free to choose the type of lunch break, whether it’s at a casual local eatery or a scenic picnic spot. This flexibility adds to the relaxed vibe.

Closing the Day

You can wrap up with a leisurely drive back, stopping at a coffee farm or a viewpoint for sunset, depending on your preference. The entire day is designed to be fluid and comfortable.

What’s Included and What You Should Know

For $1,050, you get a private charter for up to 5 guests, a customizable itinerary, expert guidance, and comfortable transportation. The price reflects a personalized experience—you’re paying for exclusivity, flexibility, and the local knowledge that guides bring.

The duration is about 9 hours, which sounds long but often flies by when you’re exploring at your own pace. The flexible starting times mean you can choose when your day begins, fitting it into your overall trip plans.

The Booking Process

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance—great if your plans might change, or if you want to secure your spot without immediate payment. You can reserve now and pay later, which adds peace of mind to planning.

The Experience from Other Travelers’ Perspectives

While I haven’t done this specific tour myself, reviews highlight the personalized attention and the flexibility as major positives. One reviewer appreciated the expert guides who “provide personalized insights,” making the experience feel special rather than generic. Others have noted that the custom itinerary allows them to focus on what interests them most, rather than being led through a pre-planned route.

Some mentioned that the private setting is perfect if you prefer avoiding crowds, especially at popular spots like waterfalls or coffee farms. The comfort of transportation and the ability to tailor the day at your own pace** seem to be frequently praised.

Price and Value

At just over a thousand dollars, the cost might seem steep to some, but considering it’s a private, fully tailored experience for five people, the value is quite reasonable. When you compare it to group tours with fixed itineraries, this one offers more control and personalized attention for a similar or even higher price elsewhere.

On top of that, the flexibility means you won’t be stuck at stops that don’t interest you, and your guide will help craft an experience based on what you genuinely want to see and do.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is a fantastic choice for travelers who prefer a flexible, private day and enjoy the idea of customizing their trip. If you’re traveling with a small group or family, and you want to avoid big tour buses, this setup offers intimacy and control.

It’s especially suited for those who love personalized experiences, are eager to explore beyond the usual highlights, and appreciate expert insights tailored to their interests. If you’re someone who values comfort and flexibility over rigid schedules, this tour could be a perfect fit.

Final Thoughts

The Kona: Choose Your Own Adventure from The Volcano Van promises a day that’s all about your interests, guided by local experts who know the island intimately. It’s a chance to skip the typical tourist trail and instead craft an experience that resonates with your specific passions—whether that’s waterfalls, coffee, volcanoes, or hidden scenic spots.

While the price is higher than some standard tours, the private nature and customization options make it worthwhile if you’re after a more personal, relaxed, and flexible way to experience the Big Island. It’s especially good for small groups or families who want to make the most out of their day without the constraints of a group itinerary.

If you love being in control of your travel experience and have a good idea of what you’d like to see, this tour offers a fantastic way to turn your Big Island visit into something uniquely yours.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
While the tour itself is private and flexible, the suitability for children depends on your chosen activities. If you’re planning hikes or stops that are kid-friendly, it can work well. It’s best to discuss your needs with the guide beforehand.

Can I customize my itinerary?
Absolutely. The whole point of this tour is that you tell the guide what interests you most, and they help craft your perfect day.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers a private charter for up to 5 guests, an expert guide, and transportation. It doesn’t specify meals or entrance fees, so those are likely extras depending on your chosen stops.

How flexible are the starting times?
You can select your preferred start time when booking, and the tour duration is about 9 hours, giving you plenty of options to fit it into your schedule.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which adds peace of mind if plans change last minute.

Is this tour only for people who love volcanoes?
Not necessarily. While volcanoes are a highlight, the flexibility allows you to explore whatever interests you most—be it waterfalls, coffee farms, or scenic drives.

If you’re after a private, flexible day on the Big Island that’s tailored just for you, this tour from The Volcano Van could be a real highlight of your trip. It’s a chance to see the island on your terms, with local insights making each stop meaningful.

You can check availability for your dates here: