Private Tour Around the Island of Hawaii

The Private Tour Around the Island of Hawaii offers a flexible, personalized exploration of the Big Island’s most iconic sights. Priced at $849 per group for up to 6 people, this small-group experience emphasizes comfort, safety, and insider knowledge. The tour lasts 6 to 10 hours, making it a comprehensive way to cover diverse locations in a single day, with door-to-door pickup included. The tour’s focus on quality over quantity makes it an appealing choice for visitors seeking a relaxed, customized adventure rather than a rushed bus excursion.

Designed for those who want a tailored experience, the tour features a modern 7-passenger SUV, air conditioning, and flexible itinerary options to accommodate interests and photo stops. While it’s most suitable for those comfortable with a fair amount of sightseeing, the tour’s detailed stops and local insights promise an engaging day exploring the Big Island’s natural beauty and cultural landmarks.

Key Points

• Private, small-group experience with up to 6 guests for a personalized touch
• Comprehensive itinerary including waterfalls, beaches, volcanoes, and cultural sites
• Flexible photo stops and insider stories shared by local guides
• Includes all admission tickets for stops like Pu’uhonua o Honaunau, Rainbow Falls, and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
• Duration ranges from 6 to 10 hours, allowing for a relaxed pace and optional stops like stargazing
• Pickup included from the Hilton Waikoloa Village, with a focus on comfort and connection

Starting at Hilton Waikoloa Village in Style and Comfort

The tour begins at the Hilton Waikoloa Village, a convenient meeting point on the northwestern side of the island. From there, a modern 7-passenger SUV with air conditioning transports the group comfortably across the island. The tour’s setup ensures a private experience, with only your group participating, creating a more intimate and flexible atmosphere than large bus tours.

The guide leads your exploration, sharing insider stories and local knowledge, making each stop more meaningful. The door-to-door pickup service adds convenience, especially for those staying nearby or in the Waikoloa area, eliminating the need for additional transportation planning.

Exploring Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park

The tour’s first stop is the Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, often called the City of Refuge. This sacred site reveals how ancient Hawaiians sought safety after breaking laws, with royal grounds and carved wooden kii statues offering a glimpse into Hawaiian spiritual life.

With 30 minutes allocated, visitors can wander through the grounds, absorbing the significance of this historic place. Admission is included, ensuring a smooth visit without extra costs. The site’s peaceful ambiance and cultural importance make it a meaningful first stop, perfect for photos and understanding Hawaii’s history.

Visiting Rainbow Falls and Its Lush Surroundings

Next, the tour visits Rainbow Falls, an 80-foot waterfall renowned for its vibrant rainbows in the morning sunlight. Surrounded by a rainforest, the falls cascade into a lava cave, offering a stunning natural spectacle.

During a 30-minute stop, visitors can enjoy the scenic views, take photos, and learn about the area’s volcanic origins. Admission is included, and the lush environment provides excellent opportunities for nature photography. This stop highlights the island’s volcanic activity and lush landscape, making it a favorite for many.

Tasting Hawaiian Flavors at Punalu’u Bake Shop

A short drive brings the group to Punalu’u Bake Shop, known as the southernmost bakery in the United States. Here, the tour features freshly baked Hawaiian sweetbread, malasadas, and Kona coffee. This 30-minute stop offers a chance to enjoy local treats and take in the casual, friendly atmosphere.

The bake shop’s reputation for delicious baked goods makes it a tasty and culturally rich break in the day’s itinerary. It’s an ideal spot to stretch, refresh, and sample some of Hawaii’s baked delights.

Black Sand Beach and Turtle Sightings

The next highlight is Punalu’u Black Sand Beach, famous for its jet-black volcanic sand and frequent sightings of Hawaiian green sea turtles basking in the sun.

Spanning about one hour, this stop offers ample time to walk along the shoreline, observe turtles, and appreciate the volcanic landscape. Admission is included, and the beach’s striking contrast and wildlife encounters make it a memorable photo stop. The black sand’s unique texture and the chance to see turtles in their natural habitat are key attractions.

Visiting the Rare Green Sand Beach

The tour then takes visitors to Papakolea Green Sand Beach, one of only four green sand beaches in the world. Located near South Point, the beach’s olive-green sand comes from olivine crystals created by volcanic activity.

With 1 hour 30 minutes, including walking to the beach, this stop allows time for exploration and photography. Access is free, but visitors should be prepared for the walk or short hike. The vibrant color of the sand and its rarity make this a standout experience.

Viewing the Southernmost Point and Cultural Significance

Next, the South Point (Ka Lae) area serves as the southernmost point of the United States. Known for rugged cliffs, deep-blue ocean views, and strong trade winds, this site offers striking scenery.

Spending 20 minutes here, visitors can take in the expansive views, gain a sense of Hawaii’s geographic extremity, and understand its cultural importance to Native Hawaiians. This stop is a quick but impactful photo opportunity.

Tranquility at Paleaku Gardens Peace Sanctuary

The Paleaku Gardens Peace Sanctuary provides a calm botanical experience overlooking Kealakekua Bay. During 45 minutes, visitors stroll among tropical plants, orchids, and international peace monuments.

While admission is not included, the gardens’ serenity and lush landscape make it a peaceful pause in the busy day. It’s a chance to reflect and enjoy Hawaii’s verdant beauty in a tranquil setting.

Sampling Local Honey and Macadamia Nuts

A 30-minute visit to Hawaiis Local Buzz, a family-run farm near South Point, offers a taste of award-winning honey, macadamia nuts, coffee, and chocolates.

Visitors can meet the producers and see how honey and nuts are made. The stop is free, making it an excellent opportunity to sample and purchase local products. The farm’s authenticity and quality offerings add a flavorful touch to the tour.

Exploring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a major highlight, with 1 hour dedicated to experiencing Kilauea, Mauna Loa, steam vents, and lava fields. The park’s dramatic volcanic landscape illustrates active geological processes in real time.

Admission is included, allowing visitors to walk along short paths and observe volcanic activity up close. The park’s dynamic environment is essential for understanding Hawaii’s formation and ongoing natural forces.

Walking Through the Nahuku Lava Tube

The Thurston Lava Tube (Nēnēku) offers a 30-minute walk through a natural tunnel formed centuries ago by flowing lava. Surrounded by lush rainforest, ferns and tropical plants grow along the tunnel’s edges.

This accessible natural feature provides insight into volcanic activity’s lasting impact on the landscape. Admission is included, and the cool, shaded environment offers a refreshing break from outdoor exposure.

Evening Stargazing at Saddle Road

The tour concludes with an optional 20-minute stop at Saddle Road for stargazing. From this high point, visitors enjoy clear, dark skies of Hawaii, often revealing stars and constellations rarely visible elsewhere.

This peaceful moment offers a perfect end to the day, especially for those interested in astronomy or appreciating Hawaii’s pristine night skies. The stop is free, and it caps off the varied experiences of the day with a tranquil, awe-inspiring view.

Final Thoughts on the Private Big Island Tour

This private, flexible tour offers an in-depth look at Hawaii’s diverse landscapes, from waterfalls and beaches to volcanoes and cultural sites. The all-inclusive tickets and local guides ensure a smooth, informative experience, while the customizable itinerary caters to specific interests and pacing.

While the tour involves several stops, each is thoughtfully selected to showcase the island’s natural beauty and cultural significance. The cost of $849 reflects its private, personalized nature, making it ideal for families or small groups seeking a tailored adventure. The 6 to 10-hour duration allows for a relaxed pace, with optional stops such as stargazing adding further value.

The main limitation is the need to book on average 202 days in advance, indicating high demand. This tour represents a well-rounded, personal way to experience the Big Island’s highlights in comfort and style.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for all physical levels?
Yes, the stops involve walking but are generally accessible. The walking through lava tubes and to green sand beach may require some effort, so travelers should be prepared.

What is included in the price?
All admission tickets for the stops listed—Pu’uhonua o Honaunau, Rainbow Falls, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Thurston Lava Tube, and Saddle Road—are included. Bottled water is also provided.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes, the tour offers flexible photo stops and custom itinerary options, allowing guides to tailor the experience based on your interests.

What is the meeting point?
The tour departs from Hilton Waikoloa Village, with door-to-door pickup included. The tour ends back at the same location.

Is there a cancellation policy?
Yes, cancellations made at least 24 hours in advance are fully refundable. The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to weather, a different date or full refund is offered.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. The experience suits families comfortable with a day of sightseeing and walking.