The 12 Best Big Island Tours & Volcano Trips

1.Big Island in a Day: Volcanoes Waterfalls Sightseeing and History

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6,569 reviews · 11 hours (approx.) · from $264Our pick

Review of Wasabi Tours’ 11-hour Big Island loop, with volcanoes, waterfalls, black-sand beaches, coffee, history, lunch, and practical tips.

“It is a FULL day! It is absolutely THE way to see everything amazing on Hawai’i in one shot. Everything we wanted to see was on this tour! Kona Chris was amazing! A font of knowledge about the whole island and answered every question we threw at him! I am leaving the island actually knowing what this beautiful place is about. Do it! You won’t be disappointed.”

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2.Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5,656 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $84

Snorkel with manta rays after sunset off Kona, with gear, snacks, expert crew, and a free return trip if no rays appear.

“It was amazing trip for me, wife and my dad. We love the young group managing the boat and they were explaining very well through out the ride. Especially the uber service from water to boat was amazing at the end”

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3.Kona Manta Ray Snorkel Tour in Keauhou Harbor

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,465 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $25Best value

Watch wild manta rays feed after dark on a small-boat Kona snorkel tour with short boat time, in-water guides, and a ray guarantee.

“What a great way to spend New Year's Eve with my boys. It was a great experience and I would for sure do it again. We saw 3 rays up close. Crew did a great job at making us feel comfortable. You cannot bring anything on the boat, but can bring a towel and small bag to leave at van. Highly recommend.”

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4.Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcanoes National Park & Black Sand Beach

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,338 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $159

Review of Hilo’s six-hour Volcanoes National Park tour, with steam vents, lava tubes, black sand beach, turtles, and macadamia treats.

“This was a good tour. Boarding for the tour was unorganized and resulted in delays in beginning the tour.”

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5.Captain Cook Snorkel On A Power Catamaran With Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,232 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $85

Snorkel Kealakekua Bay from Kona on a power catamaran with dolphins, reef fish, lunch, volcanic coast views, and a friendly crew.

“this was a great trip! it was our second time on this trip and it was just as good as the first! Aiden is awesome and the whole team ensured your safety and comfort. highly recommend!!”

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6.KONA Manta Ray Night Snorkel – FREE re-ride if no Sightings

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,212 reviews · 1 hour 20 minutes (approx.) · from $49

Kona’s compact night snorkel puts you near wild manta rays for 25 to 30 minutes, with gear included and a free re-ride if none appear.

“Great crew, beautiful experience. Those prone to motion sickness or cold will appreciate that this is a very very short ride to the viewing area, unlike the ones that leave from father out”

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7.Manta Ray Night Snorkel at Kona, Big Island

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,758 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $44

Swim beneath Kona’s lights as wild manta rays feed inches away. This practical review covers timing, safety, gear, value, and what to expect.

“I had manta rays millimeters from me! Totally safe for all ages and does not require much muscle. Guides are very communicative. One of my favorite memories from big island is this manta snorkel trip”

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8.Big Island GOAT Experience: Mauna Kea Summit, Sunset & Stars

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,706 reviews · 7 to 8 hours (approx.) · from $289

Ride to Mauna Kea’s 13,796-foot summit for sunset, Hawaiian stories, telescope stargazing, warm gear, snacks, and a professional night photo.

“Tay was a great guide and was very optimistic that we would see the stars, even though it was a very cloudy night and with some patients, the clouds broke for a short time, and we had an amazing view of the stars. The guide had a snack bag for everyone, along with a cozy parka to keep us warm as it was very cold at higher altitudes. My tips, if you’re booking this prior to arrival, is to pack a lightweight pair of gloves and/or air activated hand/toe warmers. Some emergency toilet paper might be helpful since the bathrooms will likely be out. (The guides might have some too).…”

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9.Small Group Big Island Twilight Volcano and Stargazing Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,619 reviews · 12 hours (approx.) · from $297

Review of the 12-hour Big Island volcano and stargazing tour, with Kona coffee, black sand beach, lava tubes, meals, and practical booking advice.

“Long day but worth it. Enjoy a little bit of a lot of experiences but the volcano at night is outstanding.”

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10.Big Island Historical Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,279 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $189

Sail Kona’s coast to Kealakekua Bay for Hawaiian history, sunset views, live music, a catered dinner, and one complimentary cocktail.

“Beautiful view, excellent narrated history of the island, great music andfood. Very polite and responsive crew! We saw whales and dolphins and a beautiful sunset.”

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11.Deluxe Snorkel & Dolphin Watch Aboard a Luxury Catamaran from Kailua-Kona

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 797 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $183

Review of Kona’s deluxe catamaran snorkel cruise, with dolphin watching, meals, water slides, practical tips, costs, and honest snorkeling advice.

“My wife got sick before the trip and I canceled ahead of time. They did not offer a refund despite my advanced notice. As a Hawaii resident, I’ll never book with them again.”

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12.Afternoon Sail & Snorkel to the Captain Cook Monument

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 722 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $136

Sail from Keauhou Bay to Captain Cook Monument for guided snorkeling, coral, fish, snacks, cultural insights, and Kona coast views.

“The cruise was a lot of fun and supplied all the equipment needed for a great snorkeling adventure. The crew was informative and regarded safety as a high priority for those on board. We had an added bonus to see a pod of dolphins following the boat as we headed back to the harbor. Definitely recommend!”

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