Private Tour Big Island Coffee, Beaches, Volcanos, Waterfalls

Key Points

• Private, personalized experience with a dedicated guide and private transportation
• Visits to key landmarks like Greenwell Farms, Punalu’u Black Sand Beach, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and Rainbow Falls
• Flexible itinerary with 1 hour of free time to explore on your own
• Includes hotel pickup and drop-off for added convenience
• Cost of $1,736.40 per person reflects a comprehensive, all-inclusive day

Private Tour of Big Island of Hawaii: Coffee, Beaches, Volcanoes, Waterfalls

This private 9-hour tour offers a tailored exploration of the Big Island, perfect for travelers seeking an intimate behind-the-scenes look at Hawaii’s rich landscapes. Priced at $1,736.40 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional local guide, and private, air-conditioned transportation. The experience is designed to give you a relaxed pace while covering major highlights like Big Island coffee farms, volcanic parks, beautiful beaches, and waterfalls.

While the price may seem high, it reflects a private, customizable day with no crowds, making it ideal for those who value comfort and exclusivity. The tour’s flexible schedule, including 1 hour of free time, allows for personal exploration. Keep in mind, entrance fees are not included, so budget accordingly if you’d like to enter specific sites.

Starting At Your Hotel: Comfortable Pickup & Scenic Drive

The tour begins with hotel pickup, where a friendly driver welcomes you into a modern, air-conditioned vehicle. The initial drive lasts about 90 minutes, snaking through the scenic landscapes of the Big Island. This journey sets the tone for a day filled with stunning vistas and informative narration about the island’s geography and history.

This private transfer ensures a smooth start, avoiding crowded buses or confusing public transit, and lets you settle into the relaxed Hawaii pace from the very beginning.

Exploring Greenwell Farms: Kona’s Coffee Heartland

Your first stop is Greenwell Farms, a well-known coffee farm in Kona. Here, you can observe the process of coffee cultivation and processing firsthand. Although admission is not included, the visit offers insights into how 100% Kona Coffee is made, appreciated worldwide. This stop provides a chance to learn about the unique climate and volcanic soil that produce Hawaii’s famous coffee.

Greenwell Farms is a highlight for coffee enthusiasts, but it’s also a relaxing break where you can stretch your legs and enjoy the lush surroundings before heading on to the next locations.

Sweet Treats at Punalu’u Bake Shop

Next, the tour visits Punalu’u Bake Shop, a charming bakery and visitor center. Here, Hawaiian sweetbreads, cookies, and island souvenirs are available. The 30-minute stop offers a quick taste of local baked goods and a chance to browse authentic souvenirs.

This bakery is a great spot to pick up a snack or souvenir, and the friendly atmosphere adds a touch of local charm to the day’s itinerary.

Marvel at Punalu’u Black Sand Beach

A highlight of the tour is Punalu’u Black Sand Beach, famous for its black basalt sand created by lava flows from the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The volcanic activity that formed this unique beach is part of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park system. Visitors are treated to striking views of lava-cast basalt sand, with the chance to spot sea turtles basking on the shore.

The 45-minute stop allows for photos, short walks, and enjoying the island’s volcanic beauty. Since the sand is volcanic, walking barefoot is a memorable experience, but visitors should be mindful of the terrain.

Visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Lava and Steam

The tour continues to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home to Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, two of the world’s most famous active volcanoes. The crater rim drive takes you past steam vents and the Jaggar Museum, which offers volcanology exhibits and views over Halema’uma’u Crater.

The 1 hour and 45 minutes spent here include exploring trails and viewing areas where you can see lava formations and volcanic activity. The park’s lush ferns and the Thurston Lava Tube add to the geological wonderland. The free access to this park makes it a highlight, with plenty of opportunities for photography and learning about Hawaii’s fiery past.

Exploring Hilo: Rainbow Falls and Wailuku River

After the volcanic park, the guide drops you off in Hilo for approximately 1 hour of free time. You can walk to Rainbow Falls, a short drive outside the town, famous for its colorful mist effects that create rainbows in the spray. The site features a small park with accessible viewing platforms.

Nearby, the Wailuku River State Park offers the Bubbling Basalt-lava rock pools known as the Boiling Pots. These natural pools showcase the island’s volcanic activity and are popular spots for photos and short walks. This part of the tour combines natural beauty with casual exploration.

Big Island Candies: Sweet Confections and Gifts

Next, the tour makes a 30-minute stop at Big Island Candies, a renowned confectionery shop. Visitors can watch chocolate-dipped cookies being made through a viewing window, while sampling some of the famous cookies, candies, and gifts. The shop’s charming ambiance makes it a perfect place to pick up sweet souvenirs to take home.

This stop offers a delightful taste of local craftsmanship and a chance to indulge in some treats before the final part of the trip.

The Iconic Rainbow Falls: A Must-See Attraction

The journey continues with a visit to Rainbow Falls, another spectacular waterfall just outside of Hilo. Known for its rainbows created by the mist, this 30-minute stop provides accessible viewing spots and a scenic backdrop perfect for photos.

Rainbow Falls is easily accessible and offers a quick but impactful glimpse of Hilo’s lush waterfalls, making it a favorite for visitors wanting a memorable natural sight.

Free Time in Hilo: Walk & Explore

After the waterfalls, the guide returns you to Hilo for about 1 hour of free time. This is an opportunity to walk along Banyan Drive, explore local shops, or simply enjoy the tropical atmosphere. The guide drops you off at a convenient location, allowing flexibility to soak in the town’s relaxed vibe or pick up last-minute souvenirs.

This break adds a personalized touch, letting you tailor your experience before heading back to the hotel.

Return Journey: Comfortable Ride Back to the Hotel

The day concludes with a 1 hour and 30 minutes transfer back to your hotel, ensuring a comfortable and restful end to your adventure. The private vehicle ensures a smooth ride, with the driver providing insight and answering questions along the way. The tour’s design aims to leave you with cherished memories and a thorough understanding of the Big Island’s diverse landscapes.

Final Thoughts on the Private Big Island Tour

This private tour offers an exclusive way to explore the island’s most iconic sites, with the flexibility of a personalized schedule. The stops at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Black Sand Beach, Rainbow Falls, and coffee farms highlight the island’s volcanic origins, lush scenery, and local culture.

While the price of $1,736.40 per person is substantial, it reflects the private nature and comprehensive itinerary. The lack of included entrance fees means travelers should plan for additional costs. This tour suits those who value comfort, flexibility, and in-depth exploration of Hawaii’s most famous landmarks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children or guests with mobility issues?
The tour involves some walking at stops like Rainbow Falls and the volcano park, so those with mobility concerns should consider this.

Are entrance fees included in the price?
No, entrance fees are not included, so additional costs may apply for sites like Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

What should I bring on this tour?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, water, and a camera. The tour is mainly outdoors, so prepare for sun and variable weather.

Can I customize the itinerary?
As a private tour, the schedule is flexible within the given stops, but specific customizations should be discussed with the tour provider beforehand.

Is this tour good for book lovers or coffee fans?
Yes, the visit to Greenwell Farms offers insight into Kona’s coffee production, making it a must for coffee enthusiasts.

How long is the total duration?
The entire tour lasts approximately 9 hours, from hotel pickup to return.