Top Big Island of Hawaii Cultural Tours

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.

When your ship docks in Hilo, use your time in port to get acquainted with Kilauea, the most active volcano on earth. Embark on a tour through the Nanawale Rainforest, a lush, tropical landscape in the Eastern Rift Zone. Explore lava caves; stroll along the most recently formed black-sand beaches; feel the warmth from volcanic hot pools, and discover Rainbow Falls. Travel trough Hawaiian back roads and discover the destructive path of the volcano's most recent eruption. Round-trip transport from the port or hotel is included.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The city of Hilo is surrounded by some of Hawaii’s most scenic wonders—on this 7-line Hilo ziplining tour you'll start off small and gradually increase in length and height per zipline. Soar past thundering falls as you zip through lush greenery. Learn about traditional Hawaiian agriculture, and once you’re comfortable sitting in the harness and feeling the exhilarating rush, prepare for the dramatic crossing that’s one of the longest zipline in Hawaii. Important tip, for this experience travelers must be between 70 pounds and 260 pounds.

Have a unique Big Island experience snorkeling with manta rays on this tour. Led by a local guide, you’ll take a short cruise out to the manta site, where you’ll watch the beautiful Hawaiian before dipping into the water to watch the manta rays up close. All necessary equipment will be provided for your excursion, as well as light refreshments and snacks to enjoy on board. Your tour will conclude at its original departure point. If you don't see manta rays on this excursion, book again for another night--no charge.

Fly across the lush forest of the Big Island’s northern Kohala region on a zipline adventure near Kapaau. Trek through the treetops in a canopy park featuring a series of suspension bridges, platforms, and thrilling ziplines. Expert instructors are on-hand to ensure everyone’s safety while cruising across the customizable, whisper-quiet course.

See the Big Island from a different angle on this 9-line zipline adventure that takes you over tree tops, waterfalls, and rivers. With four dual lines, you can even race a friend. With views of the Pacific Ocean from every platform, it’s the most scenic zipline experience on the island.

Sail up the scenic Kona coastline, getting views of ancient lava flows and verdant cliffs, and stopping at the Captain Cook Monument, on this afternoon sail in Kealakekua Bay. Slip into the water using the provided snorkeling gear to see vibrant schools of fish, living coral, and even pods of spinner dolphins. Learn about the area's underwater flora, fauna, and ecosystem through guided commentary.

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 a visit to Greenwell Coffee Farm, for an insider's perspective and to sample the locally cultivated coffee. See Hawaii’s natural beauty at Punalu’u Black Sands Beach, where you can look out for Hawaiian green sea turtles, make multiple stops in Volcanoes National Park, and soak up the beauty of Rainbow Falls all in a day.

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.

Discover Hawaii's highest point as you trek up to the 13,803-foot (4,207.3-meter) summit of Mauna Kea. Travel by road to the Onizuka Astronomy Complex, then enjoy a scenic guided hike to the summit, passing international telescopes and panoramic viewpoints. Arrive at the top of the volcano in time to watch the sunset, then return to Onizuka for a guided star-gazing experience (no telescopes provided).

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.

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is a blockbuster sight on the Big Island, but reaching the park from the Hilo port on your own can be time consuming. With this driving tour, save hours with port pickup and head straight to the park’s highlights, including the steam vents and Kilauea Caldera overlook. This leaves enough time to visit the Akatsuka Orchid Gardens, Hilo Coffee Mill, and Mauna Loa macadamia farm.

Go behind the scenes of America's largest abalone aquaculture farm with this unique tour. Guided by the staff, you’ll explore the farm, seeing how “ezo”—premium Japanese abalone—is sustainably raised and harvested. The tour is immersive and hands-on, with opportunities to touch the abalone and other sea creatures. Should you like, you’ll get a taste of this delicacy, too.

Enjoy a unique experience of Hilo Bay with this small-group guided kayak adventure, which takes you to places than many travelers miss. Visit Coconut Island, an ancient Pu'uhonua or "Place of Refuge," then make your way across Hilo Bay and under the Singing Bridge to the longest river in the Hawaiian Islands. As you paddle, your guide will provide in-depth insights into local culture and legends.

Explore the Big Island of Hawaii on a private, guided, full-day adventure. Customize the itinerary to fit into any preferred interests or schedule. Climb aboard a spacious, air-conditioned, 15-passenger van to see the sites from Hilo, Kona, Waikoloa or Kohala. Check out everything from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to waterfalls, botanical gardens or a Kona gourmet coffee tasting. Not sure where to go or what to see? Ask the guide for expert recommendations. A hotel or airport pickup and drop-off are included.

My name is Christian, and I am a native Hawaiian student at the University of Hawaii studying culture, language, history, astronomy, geology, and oceanography of the Hawaiian islands. The culture and ways of these islands is one of fun, adventure, love, family, sustainability, and I believe it will save the world. I will be guiding you through the fauna and beauties of the national park, exploring the trails and lava formations, and teaching you about Kīlauea, its rain forests, endemic Hawaiian birds and the Hawaiian culture that has lived in harmony with this land. As darkness falls and the stars emerge from the heavens we will travel the path of Keanakakoʻi on Kīlauea. On the path we will be engulfed by the beauty of volcanic ecosystems and arrive at a cliff to see inside Halema'uma'u and its growing lake of lava/ Hawai'i is truly alive. Hawaiʻi is truly alive.

Get an intimate experience of Kilauea Volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii in this full-day guided tour that is fully focused on Kilauea and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. In a small group or with a private guide, go directly from your hotel to Kilauea, traveling past rainforest, lava flows, and pit craters, to explore its diverse landscapes, from the summit to shore. Your day ends watching Kilauea’s lava lake glow red against the evening sky.

Shaka Guide's driving tour app works like a tour guide in your car! On this tour drive along beautiful green coastlines, through tropical jungle roads, and go star gazing on the tallest mountain in the world. We've done our research so you will not miss a thing! Just sit back and listen to fun stories along the way. Skip the tour bus & explore Big Island at your own pace for a fraction of the cost with the best self-guided audio GPS tours for Hawaii! Rated the #1 best GPS tour app for Hawaii with over 6,000+ raving reviews and 200,000+ downloads. Why you need it: ✅ You don't need service because you can download the tours & use them offline ✅ Much cheaper than a tour bus at only $19.99 for lifetime access ✅ Save time planning your trip because we have the best stops lined up ✅ Freedom to stop and go as you please, unlike a tour bus where you are confined to the pre-determined route (no fun!) ✅ Hear cool and fun stories along the way