Big Island Southside ATV Tour

The Big Island Southside ATV Tour: An Off-Road Adventure with Scenic Highlights

The Big Island Southside ATV Tour is a 3-hour guided journey priced at $250 per person, offering a thrilling exploration of the island’s wild southern regions. Operating from Naalehu, this tour is highly recommended, with 95% of reviews suggesting it and a perfect 5.0 out of 5 rating based on 354 reviews. It departs at 12:00 pm and includes all necessary safety gear like helmets, goggles, gloves, and dust masks, ensuring a safe ride over rugged terrain. This tour is perfect for those seeking an active experience and is booked on average 38 days in advance, reflecting its popularity.

What sets this ATV adventure apart is its focus on off-road exploration, where participants drive single or double ATVs through lava fields, ancient forests, and along scenic coastlines. While the terrain can be challenging—especially for novice riders—the guides provide thorough training and are praised for their knowledgeable, friendly approach. The tour also features multiple stops for sightseeing, photography, and learning about the area’s geology, history, and culture. Expect to get dusty, but rest assured, water hoses, towels, and wipes are provided for cleanup.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: The tour costs $250 per person and lasts approximately 3 hours.
• Location and Departure Point: Starts at Kaalualu Waiohinu Road, Naalehu.
• Highlights: Lava tubes, green sand, ocean cliffs, and turtle sightings.
• Group Size: Small groups ensure personalized attention, with a maximum of 17 travelers.
• Physical Requirements: Moderate fitness needed; closed-toe shoes required, and drivers must have a driver’s license (age 16+).
• Included Gear: Helmets, goggles, gloves, and dust masks are provided; bring your own water and snacks.

The Scenic Journey Begins at Kaalualu Waiohinu Road

The tour departs midday, ensuring you experience the warm Hawaiian sun at its peak. Starting from Naalehu, guides lead you into the island’s rugged backcountry, far from crowded tourist spots. The initial ride takes you on a bumpy trail to a Hawaiian lava tube, where you spend about 15 minutes exploring and learning about its formation and geology. The trail here can be dusty and uneven, so wearing long sleeves or pants is recommended if sun sensitivity is a concern.

This part of the tour emphasizes adventure and education, with guides sharing insights about the volcanic landscape. The lava tube itself, a natural wonder, is a highlight that combines natural beauty with a touch of Hawaii’s volcanic history.

Exploring Lava Flows and Scenic Lookout Points

After the lava tube, the tour continues on a fun 4WD lava flow trail that offers breathtaking views beyond what one could see from a vehicle or on foot. Participants stop at a scenic lookout point for about 15 minutes to take photos and hear stories about the area’s geological past. The rugged terrain here provides a challenge for drivers, but guides help ensure safe navigation.

This stretch captures the essence of Hawaii’s volcanic landscape, with craggy lava formations and sweeping coastal vistas. The guide’s commentary enhances the experience, making each stop informative as well as visually stunning.

Traversing an Ancient Kiawe Forest and Paakea Bay

Next, the journey takes you through an ancient Kiawe forest along a dirt trail, offering a chance to see native vegetation up close. The trail then leads to Paakea Bay, where the group typically spends about 20-30 minutes under a shade tree eating lunch or snacks. The bay’s serene environment, with its calm waters and natural beauty, provides an ideal spot for rest and relaxation amid the adventure.

The overall scenery continues to impress, blending natural coastal beauty with volcanic landscapes, creating a varied and immersive experience in the island’s south.

Viewing Green Sand at Ka’alualu Bay

One of the tour’s signature stops is Ka’alualu Bay, known for its vivid green sand, a rare volcanic mineral deposit. Visitors spend around 10 minutes here, capturing photos of the stunning color contrast against the blue ocean. The green sand beach is a favorite photo spot and offers a different perspective of Hawaii’s volcanic activity.

While brief, this stop provides an unforgettable visual, highlighting Hawaii’s geological diversity. The terrain here may be rocky, so sturdy shoes and caution are advised while exploring.

Cliff Drive and Ocean Views to Pulehua Island

The tour culminates with a dramatic cliff drive along the ocean, leading to Pulehua Island. At this lookout, guides take guests on a short hike onto a peninsula where they might see green sea turtles and tropical fish in the shallow waters. The chance to observe these animals in their natural habitat makes this part of the trip particularly memorable. A resident Parrot fish called Mr. Blue may also be spotted here.

Spending about 15 minutes at this vantage point, visitors enjoy some of the most spectacular ocean views on the tour. It’s a perfect spot for photography and appreciating Hawaii’s marine life.

End of the Journey and Cleanup

After the Pulehua Island stop, the group retraces its route back along the trail, returning to the starting point. The tour concludes with cleanup towels and a hose available for rinsing off the dust and dirt accumulated during the ride. This practical touch keeps the experience comfortable and highlights the tour’s attention to safety and guest care.

The entire experience balances adventure, education, and scenic beauty, with small group sizes ensuring everyone receives personalized guidance. The maximum of 17 travelers keeps the atmosphere lively yet intimate, making it suitable for families, friends, or individuals comfortable with moderate physical activity.

What Makes This ATV Tour Stand Out

The Big Island Southside ATV Tour is distinguished by its combination of rugged off-road driving and rich scenic stops. The guides, praised for their knowledge and friendliness, add depth to the experience, explaining the landscape’s geological history and Hawaiian culture. The top-tier ATV equipment and safety gear, along with the small group size, ensure a comfortable and personalized adventure.

This tour is especially well-suited for those seeking active exploration and who are prepared for rough terrain. The dusty conditions and terrain challenges may deter first-time ATV riders, but experienced drivers will find the ride exhilarating. The stops at lava tubes, green sand, and turtle viewing provide unique photo opportunities and insight into Hawaii’s volcanic origins.

Practical Tips for Participants

Guests should wear closed-toe shoes and have moderate physical fitness for the ride. The tour involves bumpy and dusty trails, so bringing water containers (since plastic bottles are not used on the trail) and sun protection is wise. Drivers need to show a valid driver’s license if they plan to operate an ATV, with an age minimum of 16+.

The tour operates rain or shine, but will be canceled if poor weather makes conditions unsafe. In such cases, a full refund or rescheduling is offered. The small group size and well-maintained equipment contribute to a safe, enjoyable experience.

Is This Tour Right for You?

The Big Island Southside ATV Tour offers a compelling mix of adventure, scenery, and education. It’s ideal for adventure seekers who don’t mind getting dusty and want to see Hawaii’s volcanic landscapes, green sand beaches, and marine life up close. It’s also a good choice for families with children aged 8-15, provided they are comfortable with moderate physical activity.

However, those looking for a gentle sightseeing tour or who have mobility limitations may find the terrain too rough. The tour is best suited for those with some ATV experience or a willingness to embrace a bit of dirt and adventure.

This 3-hour guided ATV adventure offers a rich tapestry of natural beauty and geological wonders across a variety of terrains. From lava tubes and ancient forests to green sand beaches and ocean cliffs, the tour covers a diverse range of sights that most visitors never get to see on a typical trip. The expert guides make each stop engaging, sharing stories about the island’s volcanic past and native plants, making the experience both fun and educational.

The small group size and high-quality equipment contribute to a feeling of intimacy and safety, while the challenging trails guarantee a sense of achievement for those comfortable with off-road driving. Whether you’re a seasoned ATV rider or willing to try for the first time, this tour provides a thorough introduction to Hawaii’s wild south side, packed with photo-worthy vistas and memorable wildlife encounters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
All safety gear including helmets, goggles, gloves, and dust masks are provided, along with top-tier single or double ATVs.

What should I wear for the tour?
Guests should wear closed-toe shoes; long sleeves or pants are recommended to prevent sunburn and for protection against dust.

How physically demanding is this tour?
The tour requires moderate physical fitness and comfort on rough, bumpy terrain. Drivers must have a valid driver’s license (16+) to operate ATVs.

Can children participate?
Yes, children aged 8-15 can join if accompanied by an adult. Age restrictions are in place for ATV drivers.

What is the best time of day to start?
The tour departs at 12:00 pm, providing ample daylight to enjoy the scenery and stops.

Is it suitable for beginners?
While experienced drivers will find it exhilarating, beginners should have some ATV experience due to the terrain challenges.

What kind of wildlife might I see?
Guests may see green sea turtles at Pulehua Island, along with tropical fish. Mr. Blue, a resident Parrot fish, might also be spotted.

What is the cancellation policy?
Guests can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

Are there any restrictions on weather?
Yes, the tour depends on good weather; it is subject to cancellation if poor conditions make the trail unsafe.

How do I book this tour?
Advance reservations are recommended, with bookings typically made about 38 days in advance due to high demand.

This detailed review underscores why the Big Island Southside ATV Tour is a top choice for those looking for adventure with stunning scenery and educational stops—a true highlight of any Hawaiian trip.