Sightseeing Tours on the Big Island of Hawaii

Hilo-Puna tour: parks, lava flow, black sand beaches, Kalapana Painted Church.

Hawaiian adventure: photo op, coastal drive, waterfall hike, cave exploration.

The perfect way to experience Hawaiian history legends.

Shared tours: Ages 5+
Private Tours: All ages

Join us on a spectacular Hilo to Puna scenic tour that offers the experience of a lifetime. The tour begins with an unforgettable snapshot of you at the Hilo King Kamehameha statue with your complimentary Hawaiian tea leaf lei. Then, enjoy an engaging interpretive cruise through the peerless Banyon Drive, Lili’uokalani Park, and Coconut Island (Moku Ola). As we drive along Banyan Drive, travelers will encounter a wide array of trees named after prominent personalities like Amelia Earhart, King George V, Babe Ruth, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Richard Nixon. Don’t miss the exceptional views of Lili’uokalani Park adjoined to the gorgeous Hilo Bay. This park is one of the many parks and gardens in this part of town; it boasts a Japanese garden, occupies approximately 30 acres (120,000 m2), and is an oasis of serenity. While off the coast of Liliuokalani Park and Gardens, discover Coconut Island (Moku Ola), which arguably supplies the best panoramic view of downtown’s striking waterfront shops and palm tree-lined boulevards. The island got its name – ‘the island of life’ – for a reason, and we encourage you to find out why during the tour.

Then, we will head towards the Keaukaha coast, where you will have abundant opportunities to click memorable and unique photographs. Look out for majestic turtles basking in the sun and do not disturb them. Afterward, we head south to the Puna district to see the remains of the 2018 lava flow and lava-inundated territories. Firstly, we will take you to view a section of the lava flow near the Lava Tree state monument, which sits silently over a forest of 80-foot-high lava trees. This unusual geologic formation was the result of a volcanic eruption that swept through the forested area and left behind patterns of lava molds of the trees, a sight to behold. Inside this monument network, there is an 0.7-mile loop trail that offers visitors the opportunity to take a leisurely walk and bask in the splendid and awe-inspiring natural scenery. Our attention then turns to the famous fissure 8 vents; we will make about two stops at this location for you to take photos. After the excellent view of the fissure 8 vent, we will drive down to Pohohiki Beach Park, where you will witness a breathtaking new black sand beach created after the 2018 lava event. This park offers the opportunity to relax and soothe your senses away from the hustle and bustle of the town.

Next, we will take you for a challenging Puna coastal cruise along Via Kalapana Rd that stops at Kalapana for some fantastic photo opportunities. Once we arrive at the Kalapana market, you will have the chance to hike out to another bewitching black sand beach, the new Kaimu, or hang out at the Kalapana marketplace. The Kalapana general marketplace sell an array of local food and handmade crafts available for purchase. At this point, you will experience something entirely different from the other locations you will visit during the tour. Our Last stop is at the Star of the Sea Church, Kalapana Painted Church. This beautiful church, fondly called the ‘Painted Church’ of Kalapana, is correctly named the Star of the Sea Painted Church. The community worked together to save this historic and stunning church from the ravages of lava flows in the 1990s, and it now sits five miles away from its original location, waiting to enchant you with its architectural splendor and folk-inspired art that adorns its walls and altar parts painted by the Belgian Catholic missionary priest Father Evarist Gielen. 

To cap off our memorable Hilo to Puna scenic tour, we will drive you back to your initial drop-off area. This tour has everything, from nature, culture, history, scenic topography, and relaxing ambiance, guaranteed to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Shared tours: Ages 5+
Private Tours: All ages

We will start with a photo opportunity at the Hilo King Kamehameha statue where you will receive a Hawaiian tea leaf lei. Next, we will take an interpretive drive along the picturesque Keaukaha coast, stopping along the way for photos and to search for sunbathing turtles. Our adventure continues north on the Hamakua coast to the scenic Onomea route. During our drive, your tour guide will share fascinating information about Hawaiian history and legends of the Onomea area. We will arrive at the "gateway to Akaka falls," the charming plantation town of Honomu, which is full of Hamakua sugarcane plantation history. At Akaka falls, we will take a moderate 1/2 mile hike around a loop trail where your guide will share stories and facts about the area's plants and fauna. Akaka falls is a magnificent 442 feet waterfall, and it's a must-see in-person experience. After the hike, you can purchase lunch in Honomu town or Hilo town.

Following lunch, we will drive to Waianuenue or Rainbow falls, an 80-foot tall by a 100-foot wide waterfall that's connected to a Hawaiian legend. The legend tells the story of Hina, the mother of the demigod Maui, and moʻo Kuna, powerful large lizard-like creatures. Behind the falls, there is a large cave where Hina was believed to live. One day, Moʻo Kuna threw a huge rock into the river, which could have submerged Hina's cave. Hina quickly cried out for Maui's help, and he destroyed the rock with one swift blow, saving his mother's life. Your guide will tell you the rest of the captivating legend. We will conclude our tour with a short drive to the Kaumana caves. Your guide will take you on a short hike to the cave entrance and provide headlamps for those who would like to enter. There will be ample opportunities for stunning photos. Finally, we will drive you back to your original drop-off location. We hope you enjoy this unforgettable adventure with us!

Shared tours: Ages 5+
Private Tours: All ages

Our tour of historic sites and legends in Hawaii begins with a visit to the Hilo King Kamehameha statue where you will have the opportunity to take photos while wearing a traditional Hawaiian tea leaf lei. Next, we will travel to the famous Hawaii Volcanoes National Park where we will take a 45-minute drive while watching a video about Hawaiian history and the goddess Pele. Upon arriving at the park, we will visit the visitor center before heading to the steam vents and the Halemaumau creator lookout point. You will feel the unique presence of the goddess Pele while enjoying the breathtaking scenery.

During the drive to our next destination, we will stop to pick up preordered lunches from Eagles Lighthouse cafe and eat while we head to Pu’uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park( PUHO). While on the way to PUHO, we will watch a movie/documentary about the City of Refuge, where we will learn lots more about its history

Once we arrive at PUHO, our guide will lead us through to all the important sights and historical locations. One of the highlights of the day’s visit will be an exploration of an ancient Hawaiian sport called He’e Holua(sled surfing) with a stop at the ancient Holua slide nearby.

Our next stop takes us to Puʻukoholā Heiau ( PUHE), where we will see a stunning historical site, which includes a chance to learn about the important Heiau and learn about King Kamehameha who united the Hawaiian Islands. During this visit, you will watch a video and hear stories about the historical significance of the area and how this Heiau was a crucial part of King Kamehameha's plan to rule over all the Hawaiian Islands.

Throughout the tour, you will learn so much about the rich history of this Hawaiian island, including the battles waged by ancient Kings (Ali’i) to establish their authority and land (Aina). Moreover, our guide will take you back in time with tales of Hawaiian legends related to the sites we visit. In short, this tour is the perfect way to experience Hawaiian history and its unique legends. It is a fun and exciting visit to the beautiful Island of Hawaii.