Top Big Island of Hawaii Historical Tours

Journey back in time — when ancient, powerful Kings ruled the rugged, fertile land of the Hawaiian Islands — on this 3-hour dinner cruise to Kealakekua Bay. Travel 12 miles down the Kona Coast to the Captain Cook monument. Learn the many secrets of the Big Island as a local historian points out more than 50 points of interest along the way.

The Big Island of Hawaii has a diverse ecosystem unlike anywhere else on the planet, and on this day-long nature tour, experience the beauty of its black-sand beaches, thundering waterfalls, and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. If you’re lucky, find Hawaiian green sea turtles basking on the coast. Since the tour only requires a moderate amount of walking, it's an educational adventure for travelers of all ages, with snacks and refreshments included.

If you are looking for a unique experience on the Big Island of Hawaii, different to the typical sightseeing tours, visit the Hawaiian Islands' only salt farm, which hand harvests Hawaiian salt from the ocean. At the farm's beautiful seven-acre oceanfront site you'll be guided through the salt-making process and learn about the water source and history of the area then sample some of the different salts.

You already know about the coffee—now it’s time to dive into Kona’s full culinary scene. The city is a true foodie paradise, from mixing craft cocktails to plating some of the world’s freshest seafood. Follow your guide for a little bit of Hawaiian history, too, adding depth to your deliciously whirlwind 7-stop tour.

Spend a full day exploring Kona. See green sea turtles, learn how Kona coffee is made, and visit archeological sites. Make the most of your time with a varied tour encapsulating Hawaii’s history, natural beauty, wildlife and culinary culture. Stop at white sand beaches, sample locally crafted world-famous coffee and then choose from a variety activities depending your tastes. You have the choice to snorkel, go souvenir shopping, or relax at the local brewery before returning the port.

Sample a cross-section of outdoor sights on the Big Island during this shore excursion exploring Volcanoes National Park, waterfall, black sand beach and more. Discover the postcard-perfect Rainbow Falls before visiting the amazing volcanic steam vents and unique geology around Kilauea Volcano. Before your day is done, check out an ornamental Japanese garden, snack on treats at a local candy shop, and visit a gorgeous black sand beach. A guide, park entrance fees, and round-trip port transport are included.

Spend a full day exploring the Big Island with visits to waterfalls, beaches, tropical valleys, stunning viewpoints, and so much more. Learn about Kona’s coffee culture with visit to Kona Joe’s coffee farm, where you go behind the scenes and taste award-winning locally gown coffee. See Hawaii’s natural beauty at Punalu’u Black Sands Beach and lookout for Hawaiian green sea turtles. Enjoy lunch, then explore stunning waterfalls and a panoramic view of Hilo from Waipio Valley.

Explore the best sights at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island at your own pace with this flexible, self-guided driving tour. See highlights like Thurston Lava Tube, the Chain of Craters Road, Holei Sea Arch and more. Virtual tour guide provides hours of audio commentary that will give you background insights, interesting stories and legends, and even local music, along with turn-by-turn directions and maps, which can all be used offline.

On this tour from Kona to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, experience some of the Big Island’s best sights in a small group capped at 14 people. In addition to stopping at Punalu’u Beach Park to walk down a black-sand beach, you have the chance to sip Kona coffee on the plantation right where it’s grown, as well as hike through a lava tube that was formed by Kilauea volcano.

Embark on an epic adventure on this Volcanoes National Park tour from Hilo. Journey into the largest and most active volcano on earth with your friendly, professional guide, and pay a visit to the Richardson Blacksand Beach. Learn about the incredible landscapes that roll out before you and gain insight into the geological and ecological implications of Mother Nature on this stunning park. See the Akatsuka Orchid Nursery, Rainbow Falls, the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory and so much more on this memorable tour that hits so many of Hawaii's hot spots.

Pack in some of Hawaii’s most mesmerizing sights during this Big Island twilight volcano tour. Sample Kona-grown coffee from a local coffee farm, keep an eye out for sea turtles at Punalu'u Black Sand Beach, and taste Hawaiian sweet bread at Punalu’u Bakery. Then, explore Volcanoes National Park before ending your experience by stargazing in a secluded location—perfect for taking in views of the night sky.

Discover the gardens, scenic wonders, and tasty treats of Hilo on a half-day group shore excursion. This tour is perfect for travelers who want to see it all, but are short on time. Comfortable transportation takes you from port to the city's most noteworthy natural attractions, including Rainbow Falls, Kilauea Crater and the Steam Vents. Amateur botanists are sure to enjoy visits to the Japanese style Liliuokalani and Atasuka Orchid Gardens.

Explore the natural wonders, historic sites, and popular attractions of Hawaii's Big Island with this downable self-drive app. Enjoy the flexibility of a self-guided tour, without the hassle of navigating or planning your route, with a live GPS map route and audio commentary. This adventure bundle includes five epic tour routes, covering all corners of the island and including the Volcanoes National Park, the Kohala Coast, the Kona Coast, and the Waipio Valley.

Sample the rich culture and history of Big Island life on this half-day shore excursion. Led by a local guide, make a stop at Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, a historic sanctuary for Hawaiian lawbreakers. Then, admire the three-dimensional paintings inside St. Benedict’s Church, and taste a flavorful cup of island caffeine as you learn how Kona coffee is processed. Complimentary port pickup and drop-off are included with your adventure.

This fully narrated tour is ideal for families and small groups, thanks to a maximum size of 11 people. Explore Volcanoes National Park with an expert guide and experience the excitement of the number one tour on the Big Island. You'll make stops at Jaggar Museum, Kilauea Crater and Thurston Lave Tube, plus Rainbow Falls and several other Hawaii highlights. Whether you're a first time visitor or returning to the Big Island for another look, this tour is right for you!

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is famous for its ever-flowing lava and the planet’s most massive active volcano. This tour journeys to top natural landmarks in and around the park. Visit Rainbow Falls, Richardson black sand beach, Historic Banyan Drive, Liliuokalani Gardens, Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory, Akatsuka Orchid Nursery, and the active volcano of Kilauea. You also get the opportunity to walk through a lava tube.

Get away from the crowds with this self-guided audio driving tour of Hawaii’s Big Island. No WiFi needed, this tour plays right from your smartphone, using only GPS to narrate your way. You choose the stops and the speed, customizing your journey as you like. Good for everything from half-day to multi-day adventures, you’ll travel with all the benefits of a knowledgeable guide—with just the press of a button.

On this exciting full-day Kilauea volcano adventure, scour fields of jet black lava in search of volcanic activity, from steaming vents to gaping volcanic craters. Trek through the Thurston Lava Tube and In addition to the sights in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, you’ll also make trips to Rainbow Falls.

When you’re in port in Hilo, see two of the Big Island’s top natural attractions with a shore excursion to Rainbow Falls and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. From the lush landscape of Wailuku River State Park to the 13,667-foot (4,165-meter) summit of Mauna Loa volcano, this tour provides the opportunity to experience the geological wonders and diverse natural beauty of the Hawaiian Islands.

There’s much more to the Big Island of Hawaii than volcanoes, waterfalls and luaus, and on this informative tour of the South Kona region, you’ll learn the sacred history of this shoreline and sample the local honey and famous Kona coffee. With the help of a knowledgeable guide, you’ll visit petroglyphs, look for green sea turtles and visit sacred Hawaiian temples. Even better: you'll hear the legends, mythology and lore of ancient Hawaii through today. This tour is capped at 15 people, so you’re ensured a personalized experience.

The rocky coves, vibrant coral reefs, and glittering waters of Kealakekua Bay are among Hawaii's most visited destinations. With this tour, admire the views from the water as you paddle around the bay by kayak. See the Captain Cook Monument, look out for Hawaiian spinner dolphins, and stop to swim and snorkel along the corals.

Discover the highlights of Hawaii’s Big Island with this GPS-programmed self-drive tour. Simply download the app onto your phone, use your code to unlock lifetime access, then set out on a thrilling 2-hour road trip around the south and west coast. Travel at your own pace and take as long as you like at each stop, including Punalu'u black sand beach, Mauna Loa volcano, and Kailua-Kona.

Get a new perspective on Hilo by exploring it from the water. This small-group stand up paddle tour takes you along the peaceful Wailoa River and under the graceful dragon arches of the Japanese-style bridges. As you glide, you'll spot native birds and fish; take a break at the King Kamehameha Statue, and learn more about the history of the Big Island.

Hilo isn’t only known for its colorful murals and Wailuku River State Park—this vibrant town also has a reputation for ghostly goings-on. Discover the dark side of Hilo on this 2-hour evening walking tour, and learn about the city’s haunted history, annual Merrie Monarch Festival, and Hawaiian deities. Along the way, stop at sites including the Pacific Tsunami Museum, Kalakaua Park, and the Naha Stone.