Big Island Hawaii Self-Guided Driving Tour

The Big Island Hawaii Self-Guided Driving Tour offers an affordable way to explore one of Hawaii’s most diverse landscapes at your own pace. Priced at $16.99 per group (up to 4 people), this tour lasts approximately 2 to 3 hours and covers key sights across the island. It comes with offline maps that work without cellular signal, making it a practical choice for remote areas. This tour is ideal for visitors who prefer independence, want to avoid guided groups, and enjoy customizing their stops.

One of the main strengths of this tour is its flexibility. You decide how long to linger at each site, and the self-guided narrative provides engaging storytelling about Hawaii’s natural beauty and cultural treasures. The tour’s reviews highlight its value, with many praising the knowledgeable narration and hidden gems uncovered along the way. However, some travelers experience technical issues, particularly with app connectivity in certain parts of the island, which is worth considering.

This tour suits travelers looking for an affordable, self-paced exploration of the Big Island’s highlights, especially those comfortable using their phones and offline maps. It’s best for those who want to skip large groups and prefer a personalized itinerary. For longer or more structured visits, additional stops or multiple days may be necessary.

Key Points

• Affordable price of $16.99 per group for a full-day exploration
• Self-guided tour with offline maps and audio narration
• Duration of 2 to 3 hours, covering key sights around the island
• Designed for groups up to 4 people, ideal for families or small parties
• Offers complete flexibility to stop at points of interest as long as desired
• Not inclusive of attraction entry tickets or reservations

Big Island Self-Guided Tour Starts in Hilo with Iconic Waterfalls

The tour kicks off in Hilo, a town famous for lush scenery and waterfalls. Here, the Rainbow Falls (Wailuku River State Park) delights visitors with its colorful mist and powerful cascade. Nearby, the Boiling Pots feature bubbling basalt lava rock pools, offering a dramatic glimpse of volcanic activity. From this starting point, the tour covers 75 miles, giving a broad overview of the island’s east coast landscapes.

The Hilo area sets a vibrant tone, with rainforests, waterfalls, and volcanic history creating an engaging introduction. It’s a suitable starting point for those interested in Hawaiian geology and lush scenery. The tour emphasizes nature and scenic beauty, with stories woven into each stop.

Unique Stop at the Kilauea Ave Singing Steel Grid

One of the tour’s quirky highlights is the stop at 203 Kilauea Ave, where a steel grid creates a singing sound when cars drive over it. This unusual feature provides a fun break from typical sightseeing and sparks curiosity about local engineering curiosities. The stop lasts approximately 5 minutes and is free to visit, making it an easy addition to the tour.

Scenic Outlook Park for Rest and Reflection

Next, the Scenic Outlook Park offers a peaceful spot to sit, relax, and take in sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. Its quiet atmosphere makes it perfect for a short break, photography, or simply soaking in the island’s calming scenery. This stop is not ticketed, and visitors can spend as long as they like before heading to the next adventure.

Honoli’i Beach Park for Surf Watching

Less than two miles from downtown Hilo, Honoli’i Beach Park draws surfers and visitors alike. The rocky bottom and strong currents make it less suitable for swimming, but it’s a fantastic place to watch professional surfers ride the waves. Accessibility requires climbing down and up stairs, and parking is limited, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with a bit of physical effort.

The Onomea Bay Trail Offers a Gentle Hike

A 0.8 km out-and-back trail near Pepeekeo, the Onomea Bay Trail is considered an easy hike that takes about 13 minutes to complete. It runs along lush coastlines, providing opportunities for walking and nature observation. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash. This trail showcases Hawaii’s coastal flora and fauna and is open year-round.

Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden as a Natural Sanctuary

The Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden is a nonprofit botanical garden and nature preserve that features a wide variety of tropical plants and flowers. Visitors can explore this lush space at their own pace, appreciating Hawaii’s diverse plant life and scenic beauty. The garden is a popular stop for those interested in botany and nature photography.

Sugar Mill Road and Small Waterfall Stop

The tour includes a brief visit to Sugar Mill Road, where a small waterfall offers a quick scenic photo opportunity. This stop, lasting about 5 minutes, is free and provides a glimpse into historic agricultural activity on the island.

Kolekole Gulch Park and Beach Views

Kolekole Gulch Park and Kolekole Beach Park are nearby parks on Hawaii County, offering beachfront views and opportunities to see local coastal scenery. The parks are not ticketed and are perfect for short visits to enjoy Hawaii’s rugged coastlines.

World Botanical Gardens and Waterfalls

Located 16 miles north of Hilo, the World Botanical Gardens feature a large waterfall and extensive plant collections. Entry is free, and the gardens provide a serene environment for nature walks and photography amid Hawaii’s lush flora.

Laupahoehoe Train Museum and Memorials

The Laupahoehoe Train Museum preserves the island’s railroad history, highlighting its significance in Hawaii’s development. Nearby, the Laupahoehoe Point Cemetery marks the site of the devastating 1946 tsunami, with a monument commemorating those lost. Both sites are free and offer a mix of history and reflection.

Exploring the Kohala Coast and Waimea

Driving north of Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport, visitors encounter the rugged lava fields of the Kohala Coast. The Anna Ranch Heritage Center in Waimea tells the story of a historic cattle ranch. Both stops are free and provide insight into Hawaiian ranching and volcanic landscapes.

Hapuna Beach – The Largest White Sand Beach

Hapuna Beach is renowned for its white sands and consistent high ratings on international top ten lists. As the largest white sand beach on the island, it’s perfect for relaxing, swimming, or picnicking. The beach is free to visit and offers ample space for sunbathers.

Kings Highway Foot Trail and Scenic Hiking

The Kings Hwy Foot Trail is a 7.7 km out-and-back trail near Waikoloa Village, offering an easy hike with scenic views. It takes about 1 hour and 44 minutes to complete and is suitable for trail runners and casual walkers alike.

Scenic Lookouts: Buddha Point and Kiholo Bay

Buddha Point provides stunning views of the ocean, passing whales, and sunsets—perfect for picturesque photos. Kiholo Bay features lava formations and a tranquil setting, ideal for relaxing and observing wildlife. Both spots are not ticketed and require only a short stop.

Kekaha Kai State Park and Black Sand Beaches

Kekaha Kai State Park offers access to several beaches, including Makaluawena Bay and Mahaiula Bay. The black sand beach at Punaluu, created by lava flows, is a striking sight. Both are free to explore but may require walking or climbing down stairs.

Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park

This U.S. National Historical Park showcases archaeological sites and traditional Hawaiian fishponds. Visitors can learn about Hawaiian cultural practices while enjoying views of the coast. The park is free and accessible for a short visit.

Kailua-Kona and Recreational Beaches

Kailua-Kona offers a public beach with white sand and rocky shorelines. It’s a popular spot for swimming and snorkeling, with lifeguards present. The area is free and ideal for a quick dip or relaxing walk.

The Final Stops: Hulihe’e Palace and Magic Sands Beach

Hulihe’e Palace highlights Hawaiian royalty and history, and nearby Magic Sands Beach features battle sites and burial grounds. Both are free and add cultural depth to the tour experience.

Active Exploration at Klauea and Mauna Loa

The Klauea volcano remains active, with the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park showcasing erupting craters, steam vents, and lava flows. The Crater Rim Drive and Chain of Craters Road offer spectacular views, with free access. The Mauna Loa Observatory adds a scientific perspective to the volcanic landscape.

Coffee and Local Food Stops

The tour includes a visit to the Heavenly Hawaiian Kona Coffee Farm Tours & Konalani Coffee Bar, where you can learn about world-famous Kona coffee. This is a not included stop, offering a chance to taste and buy coffee grown on the island’s slopes.

Practical Details and Tips

The tour begins with a download of the Action Tour Guide App, which provides audio stories and offline maps. The app plays automatically based on your location, with no need for Wi-Fi or cellular signal after download. No guide meets you in person, so travelers need to follow the self-guided route and navigation cues.

The meeting point is flexible, and the tour is available daily from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Most travelers can participate, and it’s suitable for families, small groups, and solo explorers. The tour can be paused or restarted at any time, perfect for breaks, meals, or detours.

Limitations and Considerations

Some reviews mention app connectivity issues, especially in southern parts of the island, which can lead to missing information. It’s recommended to fully download the tour before starting and have backup plans for navigation. The attraction tickets and reservations are not included, so plan ahead for popular sites.

Big Island Hawaii Self-Guided Driving Tour: Final Thoughts

This self-guided driving experience offers a cost-effective and flexible way to explore Hawaii’s diverse scenery, volcanoes, and cultural sites. Its offline maps and narration make it especially handy for avoiding data issues, although some users encounter technical glitches.

The ability to customize stops and take your time makes it a great choice for families, small groups, or solo travelers who value independence. The price point of $16.99 and the year-long license add to its appeal as a long-term investment for repeat visits or multiple trips.

While the app’s usability might vary depending on your device and location, many reviews praise the wealth of information and hidden gems uncovered. If you enjoy learning about Hawaii at your own pace and avoiding guided tours, this is a solid option that balances value and flexibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I access the tour?
After booking, you receive an email and text with setup instructions, including a password. Download the Actions Tour Guide App and enter the password to unlock your tour. The app works offline once downloaded.

What is included in the tour?
The tour features audio narration, offline maps, and a comprehensive route covering many sights across the island. Attraction entry tickets or reservations are not included.

Can I start the tour at any time?
Yes, the tour is available daily from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM. You can start, pause, and restart the tour at your convenience within this window.

Is this suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, though some stops involve stairs or walking. It’s best suited for those comfortable with driving and using smartphone navigation.

Are there any hidden costs?
The $16.99 fee covers the group for one year. Additional attraction tickets or reservations are not included and may incur extra costs.

What should I do if the app stops working?
Ensure you fully download the tour beforehand. If connectivity issues occur, support is available through the app or your tour voucher for troubleshooting assistance.

Can I customize the route?
The tour provides a pre-planned route with flexibility at each stop. You can choose to spend more or less time at any site, but the overall route is fixed.

Is it worth the price?
Many reviews say yes, citing great value, rich storytelling, and the ability to explore independently. It’s especially cost-effective compared to guided tours or multiple attraction entry fees.

Will I miss out on anything?
Since attraction tickets are not included, some sites might require separate reservations. Also, app connectivity issues in certain areas could lead to missed information, so download carefully.

Can I revisit the tour later?
Absolutely. The license lasts for one year, so you can revisit and re-explore the Big Island or other Hawaii tours anytime within that period.

Is this tour environmentally friendly?
As a self-guided tour that relies on your own vehicle and offline maps, it reduces carbon footprint compared to large bus tours, making it a more sustainable way to explore.

Would you recommend this tour?
Yes, especially for independent travelers who enjoy learning on the go and controlling their pace. Keep in mind app functionality and download instructions to avoid technical hiccups.