Big Island: Full Day Circle Island Tour From Kona

Planning a trip to Hawaii’s Big Island? This full-day circle island tour offers an excellent way to see a broad swath of the island’s highlights without the need for strenuous hikes. It’s designed for travelers who love sightseeing and want an overview of the island’s most iconic sights in one manageable day.

What we particularly like about this tour is its rich variety of stops – from lava fields and volcanic craters to a black sand beach and a bustling chocolate factory. The knowledgeable guides help make each stop engaging and informative. We also appreciate the well-paced itinerary, which balances sightseeing with some relaxing moments. One thing to consider: the tour doesn’t include lunch, so you’ll want to plan accordingly.

This experience is perfect for first-time visitors, those with limited time but a deep desire to experience Hawaii’s variety, or anyone who prefers comfortable sightseeing over physical activity. If you’re after a rundown with a local touch, this tour could be just right.

Good To Know

• Comprehensive experience covering volcanoes, beaches, farms, and cultural sites
• Small group format enhances personalized interaction
• Knowledgeable guides bring the island’s stories alive
• Includes scenic drives with stunning views from large windows
• Cost reflects a full day of diverse sightseeing but no included lunch
• Ideal for those wanting a relaxed, informative day without strenuous activity

You can check if your dates are available here:

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour’s price of $319 per person includes transportation, beverages, and the guiding service, but there’s no lunch included, so plan to bring snacks or purchase on the go. The small group setup, limited to 13 participants, promises a more intimate experience—more chances to ask questions and receive personalized attention. The tour is in English, and pickup is provided at most hotels on the Kona side, making it a convenient way to start your day.

Diving Into the Itinerary

Starting Point: Kona Coffee Country

Your journey kicks off with a visit to Bay View Farm, a working 24-acre coffee farm perched on the slopes of Mauna Loa. Here, we loved the chance to see coffee growing right on the trees and observe the process of making Kona coffee from bean to cup — an authentic experience that truly highlights Hawaii’s coffee reputation since 1984. Plus, the overlook with views of Kealakekua Bay provides a perfect photo op and a chance to snap pictures of the Captain Cook monument, the only British land in the U.S.

South Kona and Kau Districts Scenic Drive

The landscape here is stark and dramatic—volcanic lava flows intertwine with dry Hawaiian forests. The large windows of your tour vehicle showcase stunning vistas as the driver navigates these rugged terrains. The next stop at Punaluu Black Sand Beach offers a chance to relax and take in the unusual volcanic sand, famed for its black hue and its visitor’s chance to spot Hawaiian sea turtles basking offshore or sunbathing on the shore. Reviewers mention this as one of the top black sand beaches in Hawaii, making it a memorable stop.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: The Heart of the Island

No trip here is complete without a visit to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Your stop at the Kilauea Visitor Center kicks off the exploration, followed by views from the Kilauea Iki Crater Overlook and the Steaming Bluffs. Walking through the Volcano House offers a front-row seat to the smoking Kilauea Caldera—a highlight for many. Expect to see steam vents and possibly hear the faint rumble of volcanic activity. The tour’s guide, often praised for their knowledge and engagement (like Jen or Adam), makes these visits educational and fun.

Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Farm & Big Island Candies

Next, the tour visits the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Farm. Visitors can peek through glass windows at the factory where over a dozen flavors of macadamia nuts are produced. Many reviews mention this as a highlight, noting the variety of flavors and the chance to sample fresh nuts. The Big Island Candies stop in Hilo offers a sweet contrast—famous for high-quality confections and the chance to browse gifts and treats. Reviewers have pointed out the handmade quality and the friendly staff, making it a lovely, tasty break.

Exploring Hilo and Waipio Valley

Driving through Hilo, you’ll enjoy views of the historic waterfront and the lush Onomea Scenic Route—a four-mile stretch filled with waterfalls, historic bridges, and tropical foliage. Then comes the Waipio Valley Overlook, often called the “Valley of Kings.” It features impossibly steep cliffs and plunging waterfalls; from the viewpoint, you might catch a glimpse of wild horses roaming the valley floor, a special touch that many travelers find captivating. It’s a reminder of the island’s untouched beauty and deep-rooted agriculture, with taro farms evident on the valley floor.

The Overall Experience: Pros and Cons

The positives include the variety of stops, from volcanic landscapes to cultural sites, all within a manageable 12-hour day. The small group size ensures a more personal connection, and reviews praise the guides’ enthusiasm and knowledge, making the trip both fun and educational. The scenic drives through lava fields and lush forests keep travelers engaged, and the stops at farms and chocolate factories add a tasty local flavor.

Potential drawbacks include the lack of included lunch, which may be inconvenient for some. Also, since the tour covers a wide area, you’ll spend quite a bit of time in the vehicle—some travelers might prefer more physical activity, but that’s not the focus here.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

For travelers wanting a comprehensive snapshot of Hawaii’s Big Island, this circle tour offers excellent value. It combines iconic landscapes, cultural insights, and local flavors in one full day, making it particularly appealing for first-timers or those seeking a relaxed yet engaging overview. The use of experienced guides and small-group format enhances the experience, ensuring you get personalized attention and interesting facts.

While it might not satisfy those seeking strenuous adventures or specific activities like snorkeling or hiking, it’s perfect for anyone who appreciates scenic drives, storytelling, and sampling Hawaii’s best. The cost is fair considering the diversity of experiences packed into one day, especially when you factor in the convenience of hotel pickup and transport.

Overall, if you want to tick off many of Hawaii’s must-see spots without the hassle of planning each stop, this tour delivers a well-rounded, enjoyable day. It’s especially suited for curious travelers eager to absorb the island’s highlights in comfort and style.

FAQs

• How long is the tour? The tour lasts approximately 12 hours, making it a full-day adventure.
• Is lunch included? No, lunch is not included, so plan to bring snacks or buy at stops like Hilo or the farm markets.
• What should I wear? Closed-toe shoes are required; avoid open-toed shoes for safety and comfort.
• Is hotel pickup available? Yes, pickup is included at most hotels on the Kona side.
• What is the group size? The tour is limited to 13 participants, ensuring a more intimate experience.
• Are beverages provided? Yes, beverages are included during the trip.
• Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
• What language is the tour in? The tour is conducted in English.
• Are there any physical activity requirements? This tour is mostly sightseeing; minimal walking is involved at stops.
• Who is the tour provider? The experience is provided by KapohoKine Adventures.

Final Words

This Big Island circle tour from Kona offers a thoughtfully curated day of discovery, perfect for travelers who want an overview of the island’s best features without strenuous activity. Its combination of stunning views, cultural insights, and local flavors makes it a smart choice for first-timers and casual explorers alike. The small group setting and knowledgeable guides add a personal touch that many visitors find enriching.

While it’s not a tour for those craving adventure or a gourmet meal, it compensates with its comprehensive scope and relaxed pace. If your goal is to see a wide variety of Hawaii’s natural and cultural sights in one day, this trip provides a practical, enjoyable, and value-packed way to do just that.

You can check if your dates are available here: