Step into a world where natural wonder meets expert guidance on your journey through Hawaii’s awe-inspiring scenery. We are Big Hawai'i Tours! The "Big" is the island, not this tour group. We are small and nimble, providing a more peaceful and efficient experience than large bus tours.

Imagine a small group adventure exploring lush rainforests, dramatic volcanic formations, and sparkling coastal vistas, all crafted to leave you with a deeper appreciation of these diverse environments. Big Hawai'i Tours provide intimate, tailored sightseeing experiences that can transform your visit to Hawai'i into a voyage of discovery and excitement.

Volcanic Wonders Unveiled

Imagine standing at the edge of a fiery natural gallery that reveals the Earth's origins. The volcanic landscapes in Hawaii serve as a living canvas, showcasing rugged lava fields, smooth basalt contours, and steaming geothermal vents that whisper tales of the earth’s ancient might. Whether you’re an avid adventurer or simply seeking a deeper connection with nature, these dramatic backdrops offer insights into the geological processes that have sculpted our planet.

Embrace the opportunity to learn about volcanic activity while experiencing firsthand the natural artistry that defines this region. The combination of science and scenic beauty transforms your small group tour into a deeper appreciation for the dynamic landscape that has captivated explorers for generations.

Frequently Asked Questions on Tour Logistics

What is the typical duration of a tour? 
We  tailored our schedule around cruise port times and ever-changing Big Island scenery and weather. We are able to open much of the Big Island's hidden treasures for you without feeling rushed, while utilizing your ship's onboard amenities to the full extent as part of your shore excursion experience (explained below).

What group sizes can I expect? 
Group sizes generally range from small intimate groups of 8-14. This isn't your typical cruiseline bus tour. We offer a more personalized experience, revealing sites large tour groups can't access in a time efficient manner.

Are the tours tailored for different experience levels? 
Yes, tours are structured to engage novices and enthusiasts alike. Guides often adjust the depth of information to suit the audience’s familiarity with local heritage and geology.

What local highlights are covered? 
Highlights include iconic landscapes (think jungle landscapes and cascading waterfalls), volcanic formations, and culturally rich sites.

We Cater to Cruisers

Big Hawai’i Tours specialize on shore excursion experiences from the port of Hilo, Hawai’i.

We offer an all-day, two-stage excursion that takes advantage of your cruise-liner benefits to save you money and minimize the stress of wondering what you'll be able to see and experience while docked. We do so by bundling the very popular morning tour of volcanos and lava tubes with our afternoon beach and waterfalls get-away, including turtle watching and optional snorkeling.

And in between our morning and afternoon tours we return you to your ship to enjoy their complimentary lunch and give you time to grab your beach attire and provisions, so that you don't have to lug them along for the morning excursion.

So here's a quick run-down on what you can expect:

Morning Tour: For your convenience, we meet you right at the Hilo port in our small-group van and immediately immerse you in the Big Island experience, beginning with a quick "coffee shop or photo op" (enjoy the best coffee in Hilo or get a quick selfie of your ship directly across a picturesque lagoon, which is home to many turtles).

The morning stage of our bundled, all-day tour focuses on the most unique natural wonder of Hawaii's youngest island: the fiery creative power of volcanoes. On active lava eruption days, we will take you to the very edge of Kilauea's caldera, to see up-close spewing lava and scorching steam.  On days when the most active volcano on Earth lies dormant, we will whisk you to alternative sites that showcase the raw beauty of the largest island of the Hawai'i archipelago.

You will have the opportunity to walk through cavernous lava tubes, Mother Nature’s fiery underground passageways.  We will also enjoy the lush jungles and water features that make Hawai'i paradise on Earth, and even a make quick stop or two (depending on time) to enjoy some local confectionaries grown and packaged right before your very eyes.

Lunch: Then we will bring you back to your ship to allow you time to grab the free onboard lunch, change clothes and snag your beach supplies (e.g., towel, sun-screen, bathing suit, etc.) before heading back out for part two of our daylong, bundled excursion. 

Afternoon Tour: We will take you to a couple of Hilo highlights with short strolls to the most beautiful waterfalls on the island. Then you can soak up the sun on black-sand beaches and take a dip with our complimentary snorkel gear in clear, warm waters teeming with colorful sea life (that's when your underwater camera will pay dividends, so don't forget it in your cabin). Oh, and just a few yards from our favorite beach you'll be able to traverse ocean-hardened lava to discover hidden coves brimming with sun-bathing turtles.

You may choose to join either our morning or afternoon tours, or save a little by bundling both and experiencing all that the windward, lush side of the Big Island has to offer.

That's the difference between our intimate, small group tours and the on-shore bus tours booked through your cruise-line.. We tailor your Hilo stay to your liking and to the Big's ever-altering landscape, while taking full advantage of your ship's benefits to save you money and maximize your day.