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20 Magical Experiences on the Island of Hawai'iDiscover Island of Hawai'i through 20 magical experiences, from volcano hikes and waterfalls to manta ray snorkeling, coffee and chocolate tours, historic towns, and sunset sails — your ultimate guide to adventures and local culture.AuthorsPeterTaras
DestinationsIsland of Hawai'iItinerary

Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel

This evening snorkel takes place just off the Kona coast, where you float at the surface while manta rays feed below in the dark. No snorkeling experience is required, and all gear is provided, keeping the focus on the encounter itself. Watching the mantas glide and loop so close is a moment that sticks with you.

Big Island in a Day: Volcanoes Waterfalls Sightseeing and History

This small-group tour covers a huge swath of the island in one day, from waterfalls and black sand beaches to Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. You’re driven the entire way, meals and snacks are included, and the guide’s storytelling adds real context to every stop without feeling rushed.

Big Island GOAT Experience: Mauna Kea Summit, Sunset & Stars

You ride a 4×4 van up to Mauna Kea’s summit to watch an unforgettable sunset above the clouds, then stay after dark for guided stargazing through professional telescopes. Warm jackets, gloves, snacks, and a free night photo are included. The guides blend astronomy with Hawaiian culture, making the long day feel worth every minute.

Big Island, Hawaii: Admission to Voyagers of the Pacific Luau

This oceanfront luau pairs an all-you-can-eat Hawaiian buffet with hula, Polynesian music, and a fire-knife dance. Sunset over the water makes the performances even more magical. The fire-knife finale is unforgettable and gives the perfect high-energy finish to the evening.

Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcanoes National Park & Black Sand Beach

This Hilo shore tour hits iconic island sights in one go: dramatic waterfalls of Rainbow Falls and the volcanic landscapes of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Your guide will blend local history with geology while stopping for photos and short walks. Seeing the Thurston Lava Tube and misty falls in a single morning feels like a perfect intro to Hawai'i’s wild side.

Big Island Zipline Tour Near Akaka Falls (250-ft Waterfall!)

This zipline shore excursion has you soaring across seven rainforest lines. The grand finale sends you flying high over the lush Hamakua Coast and a dramatic waterfall, giving views you can’t get from the ground.

Small Group Big Island Twilight Volcano and Stargazing Tour

It starts with local stops like a Kona coffee farm and a black sand beach, then heads into Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park for crater views and a lava tube walk. After dinner, you watch the night sky through a provided telescope — stars and the Milky Way included.

Big Island: Fat Tire E-Bike Tour through Volcanoes National Park

This guided e‑bike experience gets you around Volcanoes National Park in a fun, open‑air way that beats driving and parking hassles. The pedal‑assist bikes are easy for beginners, with helmets, snacks, and water included. You’ll stop at craters, lava tubes, and scenic overlooks while the guide mixes geology and island history into the ride.

Big Island Historical Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay

Sail down Kona’s coast to Kealakekua Bay with live Hawaiian music and narrated island history. Enjoy a meal and drinks onboard while keeping an eye out for dolphins, whales, and dramatic coastal views — a relaxing mix of scenery, culture, and food.

Kona Snorkel Tour: Captain Cook Reef Snorkel, Dolphin & Sea Caves

This combo boat trip mixes wild dolphin sightings with reef snorkeling along the Kona coast, and all snorkel gear plus snacks and drinks are included. The boat ride is fast and fun, the water is clear, and guides help you feel comfortable in the ocean. If dolphins show up, they often ride near the boat and give you multiple chances to get in the water.

Guaranteed Dolphin/Whale Watch

Head out from Kona with naturalist guides to spot humpbacks, pilot whales, and spinner dolphins. Snacks and drinks are provided, and the guides point out ocean wildlife while explaining behavior. Calm seas with active whales make this a truly memorable outing.

Waikoloa Signature Catamaran Sunset Sail

Enjoy a relaxed catamaran cruise along the Kona and Kohala coasts as the sky glows at sunset. Drinks, light bites, and friendly crew make it easy to unwind.

Big Island Volcano Adventure from Kona: Small Group

This small-group tour includes short hikes along lava trails and black sand beaches, mostly easy with a few moderate sections. You’ll explore craters, waterfalls, and viewpoints while guides share geology and Hawaiian stories. Active yet manageable, it’s a hands-on way to experience island’s volcanic landscapes.

Kona Walking Food Tour

Walk through downtown Kona, visiting local markets, coffee shops, and historic streets. Taste fresh Kona coffee, tropical fruits, poke, and sweet treats while your guide shares stories of Hawaiian culture and history. The route is easy, with plenty of tasting stops to savor each bite.

Waipi’o on Horseback: Mountain Ocean Views Working Cattle Ranch

This working cattle ranch ride takes you from high mountain pastures down to Waipiʻo Valley’s lush valley floor, offering changing scenery and authentic ranch vibes. The ride is suitable for beginners and experienced riders alike, with calm horses and gentle instruction. The highlight is galloping through open fields with expansive ocean views at the valley’s edge.

Award Winning Farm Tour: Coffee, Chocolate and Unique Gifts

This paired tasting tour walks you through working farms where you see how beans are grown, processed, and roasted — first coffee, then chocolate. You’ll taste multiple varieties, compare flavors side by side, and learn what gives each bean its character. The pace is easy with short strolls between stops.

Go Surf Hawai'i (Kona Coast)

You practice on small, rolling waves just off the beach, focusing on paddling, positioning, and catching the wave cleanly. Instructors give hands-on guidance in the water, and by the end, you’re standing and riding short stretches confidently.

Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary Montane Jungle Tour (2.5 hrs)

This guided walk meanders along uneven forest trails through the misty cloud forest, about 1.5–2.5 miles total with gentle elevation changes and natural terrain underfoot. It’s mostly easy but moderate fitness helps — some uneven roots and soft climbs make solid shoes a real plus.

Afternoon Ali'i Adventure

This semi‑private catamaran snorkel and sail keeps groups small (max ~22) for a relaxed afternoon on the water. You’ll snorkel in clear reef spots chosen for wildlife, then enjoy an enhanced lunch with drinks and open bar service back on deck. The crew’s local knowledge helps you find less‑crowded marine life and comfortable sailing conditions.

Exotic Fruit Tasting Tour in Kona

Sample tropical fruits like pineapple, mango, lychee, and lilikoi while learning how they grow. Sit in shaded picnic areas, taste seasonal rarities, and take home extras. Bug spray helps on warm days, and the farm’s guides make it fun and informative.