Big Island Grand Circle Island Tour
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 as you traverse the island, walk through rainforests to soaring waterfalls, and stroll black-sand beaches as you scan the horizon for green sea turtles.
You will first stop 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 leisure 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 black-sand shore. Your adventure continues with exploring the wonders of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, including 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.
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 center 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. 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.
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- A tour of Hawaii’s biggest island highlighting its natural wonders. Experience the diverse range of ecosystems and climate zones of the island
- Take a tour of a Kona Coffee Farm to learn about the harvesting and milling process while sampling Kona Coffee
- Visit the most dramatic waterfalls and scenic valleys on the island, Akaka and Rainbow Falls, and Waipio Valley
- Explore active volcanic craters, steam vents, crater rim trails, and the lava tube in Volcanoes National Park
- Frequent stops for photos to take in the lush scenery, and spot green sea turtles at Punalu’u Black Sand Beach
- Professional guide sharing knowledge of the history, cultures, and geology of the island
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Tour departs daily. We pick up from all resorts and hotels in Keauhou, Kona, Waikoloa, and Kohala area between 7 am to 8 am. Actual pickup times vary depending on location. Tour duration is around 11-12 hours. Inquire for pickup from Kona airport.
What to bring and wear
Wear comfortable clothing in layers as temperatures vary from warm to cool. Covered walking shoes are required.Group Size: Tours are limited to a maximum of 12 guests per vehicle
Tour difficulty: Easy hiking over short distance. Ages 4 and older are recommended.
Included in the tour: local style picnic lunch consists of teriyaki chicken, fish, vegetables, and steamed rice with assorted juices, snacks and bottled water. In addition, all park entrance fees, jackets, and rain gear.
Cancellation Policy: Minimum 24 hours notice for groups of 1-5, 48 hours notice for groups of 6 or more, and 72 hour notice for private groups to receive a full refund.
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How much hiking do we do?
A: We will have a couple easy hikes over a short distance on this tour. Total hike distance is about a mile.How long do we stop at Volcanoes National Park?
A: We stop at multiple attractions within the park for a total time of about 2 hoursDo we get to swim at the black sand beach or waterfalls on this tour?
A: You won’t be able to swim on this tour due to time constraints. If you would like to swim at a private waterfall, please check out our Waipio Valley and Waterfall Tour.
COVID-19 Information:
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The Health and safety of our staff and guests are a top priority at Hawaii Forest & Trail. Although the risk of COVID-19 can not be eliminated, we have taken the following steps to mitigate these risks:
Guest Protocols:
Hawaii Forest & Trail has implemented new Health and Safety Policies based on guidance and requirements by the State of Hawaii and CDC. The following requirements will need to be met in order to join us:
- Proof of a negative COVID-19 test through the Hawaii Safe Travel Program or proof of 14 day quarantine (airline generated flight itinerary) Test results must be presented upon check-in.
- Health Questionnaire and temperature check with contactless infrared thermometer completed prior to your participation
- Face masks are required at all times in our vehicles and wherever social distancing is not possible. Guests agree to follow guide instructions.
- Group sizes are limited to 9 guests.
- Guest time in the van has been shrunk wherever possible. Pickups closer to tour destinations have been added and encouraged.
Staff Protocols
- All vehicles and gear are sanitized following every tour using commercial grease sanitizing equipment with CDC approved sanitizers.
- All staff are required to complete a daily health screening and temperature check before starting their shift
- Face Masks are worn at all times in our vans and on our facility.
- Protocols to reduce contact between employees have been put in place
- Access to free COVID-19 testing is made available through the state of Hawaii.
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Pricing:
Adult (13+): $199.00 + taxes and fees
Child (12 and under): $189.00 + taxes and fees
Availability and Schedule:
Available Daily with certain day restrictions
Approximate Pick-up Time:
Varies depending on your hotel
Approximate Return Time:
Varies.
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