This full-day nature tour offers an in-depth look at Hawaii’s youngest and largest island. From desert to rainforest, pasture to dry forest, discover diverse landscapes and 8 out of 13 climate zones in the world. Explore the active volcanoes of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, walk through rainforests to cascading waterfalls, and stroll black-sand beaches, scanning the horizon for green sea turtles.
Morning
You will first stop of the day is at a Kona Coffee Farm in the morning. Walk through the orchards with your guide learning about the harvesting and milling process while sampling a warm cup of Kona-grown coffee. On the leisurely drive, you’ll see views of South Point, the southernmost point of the United States, and Kealakekua Bay before stopping at Punalu’u Bakery for some famous Hawaiian malasadas.
From there, you will have time to relax and take it all in at Punalu’u Black Sand Beach, a great place to spot marine life from the shore. In addition to the stunning black sand (which is actually lava fragments), this beach is also famous for the population of the endangered Hawksbill turtles and green turtles basking in the sun.
Your adventure continues with exploring the wonders of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where you'll learn how the island was formed. See steam vents, past lava flow sites, the Halema’uma’u and Kilauea Iki crater lookouts, and take a short hike through the 600-foot-long Thurston Lava Tube formed hundreds of years ago.
Afternoon
Stop for a local style picnic lunch consisting of teriyaki chicken, fish, sweet potato, and steamed rice with assorted juices, snacks, and bottled water. You'll be re-energised and ready to continue the adventure.
The rest of the afternoon is filled with visits to some of the most majestic waterfalls on the Big Island. First, Akaka Falls. This towering 442-foot (135-meter) waterfall plummets into a lush ravine at the centre of a state park. You’ll enjoy a short walk through the vegetation for an up-close view and plenty of photo opportunities.
The next stop is a waterfall that’s small by comparison but not by beauty: Rainbow Falls, a beautiful 80-foot (24-meter) waterfall with a giant banyan tree beside it.
Finally, continuing on the drive along the Hamakua Coast, more postcard-worthy views will pass by your window, ushering you to the next destination. The sunset views will stop you in your tracks at the Waipio Valley lookout, where a dramatic backdrop of verdant cliffs drops into the sparkling blue ocean.
