Custom Big Island Tour from Kona

Best Personalized Kona Adventure

Embark on a customizable private tour from Kona, offering over 12 hours to explore the Big Island at your own pace. With no fixed itinerary, enjoy the freedom of a local guide as you traverse active lava fields, lush rainforests, and stunning black sand beaches. Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Rainbow Falls without the crowds. Priced at $1,499 for your group, it’s a fantastic value.

Customized Big Island Tour – Kona, Hilo, Waterfalls, Volcanoes National Park & More f-1

Customized Big Island Tour – Kona, Hilo, Waterfalls, Volcanoes National Park & More f-2

Customized Big Island Tour – Kona, Hilo, Waterfalls, Volcanoes National Park & More f-3

Customized Big Island Tour – Kona, Hilo, Waterfalls, Volcanoes National Park & More f-4

Customized Big Island Tour – Kona, Hilo, Waterfalls, Volcanoes National Park & More f-5

Customized Big Island Tour – Kona, Hilo, Waterfalls, Volcanoes National Park & More f-6

Customized Big Island Tour – Kona, Hilo, Waterfalls, Volcanoes National Park & More f-7

Customized Big Island Tour – Kona, Hilo, Waterfalls, Volcanoes National Park & More f-8

Customized Big Island Tour – Kona, Hilo, Waterfalls, Volcanoes National Park & More f-9

Waipio,Valley,Lookout,View,On,Big,Island,,Hawaii

Customized Big Island Tour – Kona, Hilo, Waterfalls, Volcanoes National Park & More f-11

Customized Big Island Tour – Kona, Hilo, Waterfalls, Volcanoes National Park & More f-12

Customized Big Island Tour – Kona, Hilo, Waterfalls, Volcanoes National Park & More f-13

Customized Big Island Tour – Kona, Hilo, Waterfalls, Volcanoes National Park & More f-14

Customized Big Island Tour – Kona, Hilo, Waterfalls, Volcanoes National Park & More f-15

Customized Big Island Tour – Kona, Hilo, Waterfalls, Volcanoes National Park & More f-16

Customized Big Island Tour – Kona, Hilo, Waterfalls, Volcanoes National Park & More f-17

Activity Price

1,499 USD

Duration

12+Hours

Age

All Ages

Location

Hilo/Kona

Amenities

This is a private tour, meaning the vehicle and guide are exclusively yours for the entire day — no pickups at other hotels, no waiting on strangers, no compromising on which stop gets cut short. In practical terms, that means when your keiki wants an extra ten minutes at Akaka Falls or your group decides to linger at the Kona coffee farm longer than planned, you just say the word and the schedule bends to fit you.

Your guide handles all the driving, navigation, and on-the-ground logistics across an island that stretches nearly 100 miles from Kona to Hilo — roads that can be genuinely confusing the first time, especially once you're winding through the Saddle Road or dropping into Waipio Valley overlook territory. That local knowledge translates directly into more time at the places that matter and less time turned around on unmarked back roads wondering if you missed a turn.

Special Instruction

One Island. Every Climate. Your Call.

Customized Big Island Tour – Kona, Hilo, Waterfalls, Volcanoes National Park & More f-3

Standing at the Caldera Edge

The smell hits you first — that low, mineral sharpness of sulfur dioxide drifting up from Halemaʻumaʻu Crater — before you even reach the overlook at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Then you see it: the vast, steaming depression in the earth, still radiating heat, still moving on its own timeline, completely indifferent to the fact that you drove two hours to witness it. It’s the kind of geological honesty that recalibrates your sense of scale for the rest of the day.

Customized Big Island Tour – Kona, Hilo, Waterfalls, Volcanoes National Park & More f-7

Waipio Valley From the Rim

From the overlook at the north end of the island, Waipio Valley drops almost straight down — a wall of green cliffs plunging to a black sand beach framed by taro patches and a river cutting through the valley floor. The wind up here is steady and cool, carrying the faint smell of ironwood trees, and on a clear day you can count the waterfalls threading down the back walls of the valley. Most tour groups miss this stop entirely; building it into your custom itinerary is the kind of decision you’ll talk story about on the flight home.

Customized Big Island Tour – Kona, Hilo, Waterfalls, Volcanoes National Park & More f-4

Hilo Side, After the Rain

By the time you reach the windward coast, the clouds have usually already done their work — and Rainbow Falls earns its name when the mist from the cascade catches the morning light just right, throwing color across the basalt walls that frame the plunge pool below. The air here is thick and green-smelling, almost tropical in a different register than Kona, and the sound of the falls drowns out everything else for a moment that feels genuinely separate from the rest of the day. It’s the kind of stop that reminds you the Big Island isn’t one place — it’s five or six, stacked together, and a full-day custom route is how you actually get to feel the difference.

Customizable Big Island Experience Options

About

Additional information

Pricing

Cancellations

Overview

Duration:
Up to 12 hours

Meeting Points:

Hilo/Kona Locations (details provided upon booking)

Activity Details
For those seeking a personalized adventure, Aloha Aina Tours offers customizable Big Island tours that cater to your specific interests and preferences. Whether you want to explore the island’s lush rainforests, volcanic deserts, pristine beaches, or towering mountains, our expert guides will craft an itinerary that fits your desired experience. Discover hidden gems off the beaten path, or create your dream tour based on your unique interests and passions.

Why Choose Aloha Aina Tours?

Local Expertise: Our knowledgeable, local guides share deep insights into the Big Island’s culture, history, and geology.
Small-Group Experience: We prioritize personalized and immersive experiences with a maximum of 14 guests per van.
Customizable Destinations & Activities: Explore natural wonders, wildlife, and iconic landmarks, or create a completely custom itinerary.
Tailored Experiences: Combine our standard tours with other destinations or design a custom adventure that suits your needs.

Destination Options

Kona Side

Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Farm
Papakōlea Green Sand Beach
Hapuna Beach
St. Benedict’s Painted Church
Kua Bay (Manini’owali Beach)
Pu’uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historic Park
Magic Sands Beach Park
Kona Salt Farm
Kahalu’u Bay Park
Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site
Anaeho’omalu Bay (A-Bay Beach)
Hulihe’e Palace
Mokuaikaua Church
Kaloko-Honokohau Historic Park
Abalone Aquaculture Farm
Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm
Kokoleka Lani Farms (Chocolate Farm)
Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary
Coffee Farms (Kona Joe’s, Greenwell Coffee Farm, Royal Kona Coffee, etc.)

Hilo Side

Richardson’s Black Sand Beach
Pana’ewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens
‘Akaka Falls
Rainbow Falls
Boiling Pots
King Kamehameha Statue
Queen Liliuokalani Gardens
ʻImiloa Astronomy Center
Banyan Tree Drive
Downtown Hilo Bayfront
Ho’olei Sea Arch
Isaac Hale ‘Pohoiki’ Beach Park
Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden
Big Island Candies
Maku’u Farmers Market (Sundays 7:30 AM – 2:00 PM)
Honoli’i Beach Park
Carlsmith Beach Park
Naha Stone

North Side

Waipi’o Valley Lookout
Pololū Valley
Parker Ranch
TEX Drive In (Malasadas)

South Side

Ka’lae (South Point)
Punalu’u Black Sand Beach
Punalu’u Bakery
Nāʻālehu
Volcanoes National Park (Lava Flows/Fields, Thurston Lava Tube, etc.)

What’s Included

Tour Customization: Add or remove stops from the Hilo Discovery and Volcano Explorer tours to suit your preferences.
Lunch & Snacks: Enjoy a variety of Hawaiian-style juices, water, grab-n-go snacks, and a picnic deli-style lunch.
Flexible Dining: Choose from available lunch options or stop at a preferred location during the tour.
Access Fees: All relevant park and destination fees are included.

What’s Not Included

Alcohol: Alcoholic beverages are not provided, and the consumption of alcohol on the van is strictly prohibited by Hawaii State Law (HRS §291-3.1, §291-3.2, §291-3.3). If your tour includes stops at local restaurants or wineries, we ask that you consume alcohol responsibly.

Highlights

Private Guide: Opt for a private guide to gain insider knowledge, especially at cultural sites or remote locations.
Adventure Level: Customize your itinerary with hiking trails to waterfalls, lava fields, and coastal areas, or enjoy a more relaxed experience with beach time or spa treatments.
Tailored Food & Dining: Choose dining options that fit your tastes, from casual Hawaiian BBQ to fine dining with ocean views.
Flexible Schedule: Your tour’s length depends on the stops you choose, and your guide will help plan a day that suits your needs.

This tour offers a unique, flexible way to experience the Big Island while focusing on your personal interests and pace. Whether you want adventure, relaxation, or a mix of both, Aloha Aina Tours is ready to craft the perfect island experience for you.

Check-In Details

You will be contacted with your pick-up and drop-off locations, as well as any special instructions.

Please plan to arrive early for pick-ups, as we will begin taking a head count and loading the van 15–30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time, unless otherwise arranged.

Cruise Ship Passengers:
While our tours are scheduled to start at 8:00 AM, we understand that cruise ships may experience delays, and it can take time to disembark. We monitor ship arrival times and will adjust our schedule accordingly, ensuring that you won’t miss your tour.

Tour lengths may vary, and adjustments to the schedule might be made to accommodate your timely return.

For Cruise Ship passengers arriving at Hilo Port, look for your guide holding the “Aloha Aina Tours” sign. You’ll receive specific pick-up instructions, either inside the terminal or just outside the port gates.

If your ship cannot dock, we will issue a full refund. If possible, we will try to reschedule your tour so you don’t miss out.

What to Bring

Comfortable closed-toe shoes are recommended for the tour.
Light sweater or jacket for varying weather conditions.
Cameras (please note: drones are not allowed in Volcanoes National Park).
Additional items like hat, sunglasses, sunblock, bug repellent, walking stick, poncho, or umbrella are also good to have.
Hydration & snacks – Stay refreshed throughout the day.

Luggage:
Due to space limitations, luggage is not permitted unless booked on a custom tour. Small bags or backpacks that fit on your lap or under the seat are preferred.

Special Requirements:

Participants should be able to step onto the vehicle (independently or assisted) and navigate uneven terrain or stairs.
Fissure 8 Tour may have specific restrictions. Please review tour details for more information and contact us with any questions.

Health and Safety:

Be prepared to follow evacuation procedures as directed by local, state, or federal officials.
Respiratory concerns: Please be aware that you may be exposed to volcanic emissions, including sulfur gas.
Motion sickness: The tour involves extended van rides with elevation changes, so please consider this when booking.
Guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
We are happy to provide infant and booster seats at no extra charge with advance notice (depending on availability).

Hawaii State Law Requirements for Children:

Children under 2 years: Must be in a rear-facing car seat with a harness.
Children 2 to 4 years: Must be in either a rear-facing or forward-facing car seat with a harness.
Children 4 to 10 years: Must be in a car seat or booster seat unless they are over 4’9″ tall.
Children over 4’9″ tall: May use a seat belt.
Booster seats: Recommended for children up to 8 years old or when the seat belt fits properly (typically around 10-12 years old).

Extras:

Smoking & Vaping: For everyone’s comfort and safety, smoking and vaping are not permitted in the van. Please use designated smoking areas at each destination.
Pets: Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate pets on the tour. However, service animals are welcome, but must be arranged in advance due to allergies and sensitivities with other guests.

Disclaimers

Minimum Passenger Policy:
A minimum number of participants is required for the tour to operate. If this minimum is not met, we reserve the right to cancel or reschedule the tour, or offer alternative options. You will be notified at least 24 hours in advance and will be given the opportunity to rebook or receive a full refund.

We appreciate your flexibility and understanding as we strive to provide the best experience for all guests.

Prices

Private Charters (HILO Pick Up)
Up to 14 People
US$1,499

Create a personalized, unforgettable experience with a private charter for your group!

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations with 24+ hours notice:
You may cancel or reschedule your tour up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure for a full refund.
For questions or cancellations, please contact us at (808) 774-5677 or info@alohaainatourshawaii.com.
Cancellations within 24 hours of departure:
We will make every effort to reschedule your tour for another date. However, trip protection is not offered.
In the case of operator cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances, you will receive a full refund or credit.
Cruise Ship Passengers:
If your ship is unable to dock, we will issue a full refund. If possible, we will also attempt to reschedule your tour.
No-Shows:
No-shows will be charged the full price of the tour.
Guest Behavior:
We reserve the right to refuse service or terminate the tour for any guest whose behavior is deemed unsafe, disruptive, or inappropriate, without a refund.

Weather & Park Closures:
We embrace the unpredictable Hawaiian weather and operate rain or shine. While itineraries may be adjusted due to weather conditions or park closures, we remain committed to providing you with a fresh and enjoyable experience. Please note, no partial refunds will be issued for changes due to weather or closures. Our team will work closely with you to navigate any itinerary adjustments.

Custom Big Island Tour From Kona — Frequently Asked Questions

Can I really choose any stops I want, or is there a set list to pick from?
The customization is genuine — you work with Aloha Aina Tours to shape an itinerary around your actual interests, whether that’s volcanic geology, waterfalls, black sand beaches, Hilo’s farmers market, Waipio Valley overlook, or Kona coffee country. There’s no rigid menu of three pre-approved stops. That said, your guide will give you honest input about what’s realistically doable in a single day given drive times, because Kona to the far north end of the island and back through volcano country is a full day of movement even without long stops.
Is $1,499 per person or for the whole group?
The $1,499 price is for the private group, not per person — which changes the math considerably if you’re traveling with family or a group of four or more. Divided across five people, you’re looking at roughly $300 per person for a fully private 12+ hour tour with a dedicated local guide covering the entire island, which is competitive with shared tours that put you on a bus with 20 strangers and a fixed schedule.
Do we need to book Hawaii Volcanoes National Park entry separately?
Yes, the national park charges a separate vehicle entry fee of $35 per car, which is not included in the tour price — so plan to have that covered at the gate. If your group already has an America the Beautiful National Parks pass, it’s accepted and would waive that fee, so worth bringing along if you have one.
What's the best time of year to do this custom Big Island tour?
The Big Island’s diverse geography means there’s genuinely good reason to visit year-round, but the drier window on the Kona side runs roughly April through September, which tends to give cleaner visibility at the volcano and more predictable beach weather. That said, even in the rainier months the Hilo side’s waterfalls and rainforest are at their most dramatic — and lava fields look genuinely otherworldly when low clouds roll through. The guide’s local knowledge of micro-conditions by season is worth asking about when you book.
How physically demanding is this tour? Can older adults or people with mobility issues do it?
The tour itself is very manageable for most fitness levels because the amount of walking is entirely up to your group — you can experience Hawaii Volcanoes National Park from paved overlook platforms without any rugged hiking, and most waterfall viewpoints are accessible short walks. If someone in your group has limited mobility, flag that when booking so the guide can route the day around stops that work well without demanding terrain. The longest physical variable is simply the duration — 12+ hours is a long day in a vehicle, so bring snacks, stay hydrated, and factor in rest stops.
What should we eat and where do we stop for food on the tour?
Your guide will have strong local opinions here and that’s worth leaning into — ask them specifically what they recommend for lunch depending on which side of the island you’re on midday. The Hilo Farmers Market area has excellent options if you’re on the east side, and there are solid plate lunch spots along the volcano route. Pack some pupus and drinks in a cooler for the vehicle if your group snacks heavily, because stretches between towns can be longer than you’d expect when you’re deep in the national park or winding through the Saddle Road corridor.

More Volcano Tours