Guided Tours

A Hawaiian family owns and operates this all-terrain tour company, and they like to make sure that no guest leaves without getting deep into the Hawaiian countryside. The tour travels down bumpy plantation roads, along the rugged coastline and along high bluffs. If you don't like to get your hands dirty, this isn't the tour for you. Adventurous souls will definitely get a kick out of it, however. Tours last approximately 90 minutes. Riders must be older than 16 and weigh less than 220 pounds. Call for reservations and more information.

This garden has over a 1000 species of orchids grown and tended to by Moriyasu Akatsuka, an expert in the plantation of this exotic flower. The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is in close proximity, so you may plan your garden visit accordingly. Award-winning robust orchids are on display, and the gift shop is worth dropping by too - stocking stuffers, bath-products, T-shirts, fragrances, and the like are available.

Sights go far beyond tropical fish and the occasional sea turtle when you venture out with this dive company - although odds are good of seeing a turtle or two. However, thanks to special-access permissions, the company can take people out to unknown, untrafficked places off the coast where beaked whales, nudibranches and other rarely seen creatures dwell. Blue water dives, wreck dives and night dives are available. Classes range from beginning to advanced to medic training. Rates start at $145 for an introductory dive. By reservation only.

This locally owned company leads tours all over the Kona Coast, venturing into sea caves, hidden coves and secluded beaches. The owner was born on the Big Island and has spent his entire life since that time exploring its many nooks and crannies, lava tubes and coral reefs. He and the other excursion guides know all the best places to snorkel and explore along the coastline. Guided tours and kayak rental are both available. Call for prices and reservation information.

Get a fuss-free view of Hawaii's underwater world on this deep-sea tour. Get up close and personal with tropical fish, sea turtles and coral kingdoms while you dive to depths of as deep as 100 feet without getting wet. No gear or training is necessary, but be sure to call and book one of the daily tours. Tours depart from the Kona Pier at 10:30am, 11:30am and 1:30pm. Atlantis also facilitates snorkel, whale watching (December through April) and helicopter tours.

Come visit the friendly Bay View Farm, overlooking the pretty Kealakekua Bay. Established in 1984, this farm produces quality Kona coffee, known for its rich flavor around the world. You can come and check out the visitors' center or take a free tour around the estate, learning about the entire coffee-making process. You will also get a complimentary cup of the delicious coffee manufactured here. Orders are accepted online; check the website for details.

Nicknamed the The Cadillac of helicopter tour companies, (Frommer's Hawaii) this tour company aims to provide each guest with a perfect flight experience. Each year, it is awarded a Five Star Diamond Award by the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences, proof that it has met its goal. Each helicopter is spacious and comfortable, offering 180-degree views. Tours include: Kilauea Volcano, lava fields, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the Hamakua coast, the Kohala coast and Waimanu Valley. Call for tour prices and reservations.

Located near some great waves, Boss Frog's will suit you up with everything you need to enjoy the ocean. It is one-stop shopping for snorkel rentals, surf and body board rentals, tour booking, time share information, and Hawaiian swag. You can also purchase snorkel and surf gear, along with sunglasses, apparel, and shoes. With stores on a few Hawaiian Islands, you can rent gear for the duration of your trip and drop it off at any of their locations. Check out the website for tour information, and various resources to help you get the most out of your vacation. - Nora Dunn

This full-scale booze-and-buffet adventure is for adults (21 and over) only. The festivities take place aboard a vessel large enough to be described as a barge. Tourists are shuttled from their hotels in the late afternoon and the boat leaves the Kailua Pier just before sunset. Guests are invited to eat and drink as much as possible, and live local entertainment is provided. Shuttle service is provided from the Mauna Kea, Waikoloa and Kailua areas.

Exhilarating and unforgettable, this excursion is one for the young at heart. The vessel is a sturdy hard-shell jet-powered raft. The route travels the stunning Kona coastline to Kealakekua Bay, a pristine marine preserve. Not many people get to see this bay, as it is a protected area and only accessible to a few tour companies. Guests can snorkel above a coral reef, swim, explore sea caves and above all, enjoy the ride! A light lunch is provided. Call for more information and prices.

If you are looking to plan a Hawaii vacation and can't decide where to start, look no further. Eco-Adventures Hawaii can assist you every step of the way. From lodgings to adventure hikes to activities, you will find your game plan quickly taking shape. Eco-Adventures plans your complete vacation package, from airfare quotes to luaus. Specials are available on dive packages, heli-tour packages and more. All you need is an idea of what activities interest you; Eco-Adventures can take care of the rest.

When on the Big Island, check out Greenwell Farms to experience an authentic Hawaiian coffee farm environment. Upholding traditions since the late 1800s, this 150 acre farm is now run by the descendants of the original owners. Visit here with your clan; go for a comprehensive family tour and learn all about the coffee-making process. Walk through the fields and learn about the famed Kona coffee. Make sure you go to the farm store and taste their products, and pick up knick-knacks to carry back home.

Mules may not seem like the most glamorous beasts, but in truth they can carry people where horses would fear to tread and ATVs would just spin their wheels. The fine animals of Hawaii Forest and Trail convey guests down a steep switchback trail, from a lookout point all the way down to a shady valley, through a forest and out to a private black sand beach and back up the steep incline. The entire trip lasts about three hours. All riders must be older than eight and weigh less than 240 pounds. Call for prices and reservations.

A 500-foot waterfall, a rainforest, an active volcano; this is just the beginning of the Big Island's natural phenomena. For some expert advice and guidance, contact Hawaii Forest & Trail. This organization offers guided tours through some of the island's most amazing landscape. Hike through Cloud Forest, see the lava tube caves at Volcanoes Park, explore Kaupulehu Cave or view the breathtaking Kapoloa falls. Morning, afternoon and all-day trips are available. Average tour cost is USD145 for adults.

The blazing red molten lava flows with a vengeance, twisting and turning to finally tumble into the ocean. The only active volcano in America, Kilauea has been bubbling non-stop since 1983. And if you want to see this miraculous creation of nature in the best possible way, you should try the Hawaii Volcano Tours excursion. It is not the cheapest, but a luxury SUV picks and drops you from your hotel, cruise or airport, and essentials, snacks and drinks are also provided. They also have tours to Hamakua coast and the highest mountain in Hawaii, Mauna Kea, which are also worth checking out.

If you want to camp or explore in style, this is the company to call. It rents out big, comfortable, luxuriously equipped RVs (that's recreational vehicles) by the day or the week. What an alternative to hotel lodging! You can be in Kohala one day, Kona the next and at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the third. The price of rental also pays for park registration fees and permits. The other part of the company, Safari Activities, rents motorbikes, scooters, snorkel gear and other vacation and camping toys. Call for pricing and reservation information.

Tour a working cattle ranch on a rugged all-terrain vehicle. While it's not quite the same as a horseback tour, it's a very rough-and tumble way to tour and it's the way the modern paniolos do it. Motor across open pastures, up hillsides and down rocky slopes. The terrain is varied and challenging. Minimum age is 16. Lunch can be purchased at the Country Store. A shooting range is on the property. Call for rates and reservations on ATV tours and shooting range.

View schools of tropical fish and exotic sea creatures in their natural habitat. This glass-bottomed vessel, Marian, takes adventurers out to the coral reefs just off the shore of Kailua. Tours depart daily on the hour starting at 10:30am. The charter company's office is located in a little hut on the King Kamehameha property, near the pool and across from the hula complex. Private cruise reservations are also available for groups fewer than 24 people. Adults: USD25, children ages 5-12: USD10, children 4 and under are free.

Sailing enthusiasts will without a doubt want to call this company at some point during a stay on the West Side. It claims the distinction of being the only sailing catamaran in Kona Town. The catamaran is large enough to accommodate 24 people, but usually carries fewer. People who shun large tourists crowds should appreciate the peaceful, friendly feeling aboard this boat. Half-day tours include sailing, snorkeling and a light lunch.

The secluded green expanses and breathtaking coastline of Kahua Ranch are the site of these horseback excursions. The trail is wide enough to allow for "open range riding," where horses are allowed to get abreast of one another. It passes by cinder cones, grazing pastures and the ruins of ancient Hawaiian villages. There's plenty of sights to seeand plenty of places to gallop! Book space in advance and call to confirm.

The best way to get off the beaten path on the island is usually to get out of the car. Traveling by bicycle opens up a whole new realm of possibilities for sightseeing adventure. The expert guides at this company are dedicated promoters of eco-tourism and the tours themselves are as involved as can be. Riders splash through streams, sweat up mountain roads and breeze back down them, tour coffee plantations and explore the jungle. Four tours are available. All of them are intermediate to advanced. Call for pricing and more information.

It isn't often that one has an opportunity to see the way people lived and worked in past generations. This 'Living History' farm allows just that opportunity. It is a representation of the Kona coffee industry in the years between 1925 and 1945. Observe the procedures of an Old Hawaii coffee plantation, from the orchards and fields to the roasting plant. Artifacts and authentic landscapes add to the effect. There is a gift shop onsite. The admission prices are very high.

4000 coffee trees spread over four acres, overlooking the gorgeous Kona coast...sounds interesting, doesn't it? Lehuula Farms, located on the incline of the Hualalai Mountain, peer over the coastline at 1400 feet! Known for producing high quality coffee beans and 100 percent pure Kona coffee, it is open to visitors. Come and visit this scenic establishment, and marvel not only at the great view but also learn more about coffee and the interesting pruning method used here. Check the website for details.

The oldest coffee farm in Kona, Lions' Gate Coffee Farm has inherited coffee trees that are up to 100 years old. Like fine wine, coffee too grows better with age, and thus Lions' Gate has a trump card in its hand. The coffee has been given the recognition of being 100% original by the Kona Coffee Farmers Association. The farm has devoted 5 acres to the wonderful Macadamia nut. The taste of "macs" is so much like what Hawaii stands, rich and heavenly. The coffee farm sells gift boxes of nuts and coffee wrapped in a traditional woven lauhala box with aloha-print fabric decoration, a souvenir of the Big Island. And of course, Lions' Gate offers complimentary tours. Call for an appointment.

The Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort and Spa gives you the opportunity to live through an experience of a lifetime, where you can see the graceful Manta Rays, also known as 'devil fish' perform great feats in water. Hotel guests are fortunate enough to see the Mantas from their room lanais (balconies), but if you're playing for a better view, then you can head down to the hotel's special viewing areas and see the enormous fishes up close. If you've still not had enough of the manta viewing, then Sheraton offers you another chance with its scuba diving program, which is conducted by professionals. This can give you a chance to literally swim with the fish while they feed on the plankton.

The Big Island of Hawaii is known to have some of the world's best stargazing. These sunset and stargazing tours begin with sunset at the summit of Mauna Kea (at 13,800 feet). Enjoy one of the island's most breathtaking views while your guide educates the group on Hawaii's natural history. Once the sun goes down, you will get in-depth information about the Hawaiian night sky. View the cosmos through a telescope; you will leave with a lot of new and fascinating knowledge. Warm clothing and a light meal are provided. Cost is USD175 per person.

If you've ever wanted a truly "up-close-and-personal" flying experience, this is your opportunity. Mauna Loa Helicopters offers a one-on-one tour that allows you to see all of the beauty of the Big Island. Map out your own course, based on what you want to see. There is no set route, as interests vary by passenger. Your guide is a knowledgeable, personable island local, with all the background information to make your trip a memorable one. Call in advance to reserve a time.

You've seen the blue cans and boxes in the drug store; now visit the source. At the Mauna Loa farm and factory, visitors can tour the grounds, sample the products and stop by the Visitor Center. Not only is there a gift shop onsite, but the prices are wholesale. Buy the macadamia nuts plain, salted, in brittle or covered in milk chocolate. Gift baskets and other specialty items are also for sale. Admission to the factory is free.

Volcanoes and valleys, waterfalls and lava flows, see the natural phenomena that comprise the Big Island of Hawaii. Mokulele Flight Service is family owned and offers an authentic island tour experience. Tours are small and plenty of personal attention is given to each guest. Air tours encircle the island, honing in on areas of interest. Aircraft are high-winged, providing the most unobstructed view possible. Window seating is guaranteed, and a two-way radio system allows for pilot/passenger communication.

This Discovery Center was built in 2003 by the Natural Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve, to understand the culture, history, natural science and marine environment of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Ever wanted to go down into the mysterious depths of the ocean? Now you can at least stimulate that experience with the Research Laboratory's Pisces V submersible. A theatre, state of the art models and interactive displays, make the whole experience much more fun for kids and adults alike. Colorful panels and a large coral reef mural leave you enthralled as sharks circle over your head! Video kiosks with virtual field guides are scattered all over the center and are great fun and very informative. This is an interesting place for all age groups and you can call in advance to arrange for a group tour.

Explore the wonders Hawaii has to offer with the help of Warren Costa, a friendly and qualified native guide who knows his way around. Choose to visit some active volcanoes, the sea coast or the Saddle Road. Pick your way over igneous rock formations to marvel at the active lava flow beyond, or watch the fascinating display of action as the molten rock meets the icy sea. The Coastal Adventure goes around coral-filled tidal pools, ever-evolving beaches, and a wildlife trek. Those looking for some action can enjoy snorkeling and swimming in the naturally-heated pools and ponds. Forgot to get your gear? Warren always brings along some surfboards and fins, so enthusiasts can catch the waves. The Saddle Road Adventure has tourists discovering the wonders of kipuka, an old forest area surrounded by lava flowing thick and bright. The Onizuka Center for International Astronomy is also open to trekkers, who can get a load of science and history in a single visit. All you will need for these tours, in addition to the specified gear, is to be fighting fit! Prices range from USD150 for a single person, USD225 for a couple, USD275 for a trio, and USD325 for a foursome.

So you are in Hawaii, but you have never really tried an ocean sport. That is no reason to stay out of the water! The experts here are perfect to see you well on your way, whether your interest is in scuba, surfing or paddling. Get personalized attention in learning the water sport of your choice, while you enjoy the pristine, sheltered, tropical surroundings of Kealakekua Bay. Tour guides are all knowledgeable Big Island locals.

All manner of marine and aquatic activities can be enjoyed via this full-service charter company. The company's fleet includes luxury craft, a racing catamaran and a glass-bottom boat. Marine excursions include sunset sails, snorkel sails, two-tank scuba dives and glassbottom boat rides. Private charters are also available. This is also the right place to contact about sailing or windsurfing lessons. The Ocean Sports hut on Anaeho'omalu Bay rents kayaks, snorkel equipment, body boards and more.

Be a paniolo at Ponoholo! Or, if that doesn't appeal to you, try hiking or biking through acres of ranch land on the Big Island's north-western shore. This company is all about rugged, only-for-the-fit, environmentally friendly activities. An archery range is on hand for eco-correct hunting. A half-dozen horse rides, bike rides and hikes explore the 11,000-acre ranch every day. Schedules are tailored to fit the whims of customers. For horse rides, there is a 285-pound maximum weight. Most activities are appropriate for age 8 and up.Reservation is essential.

This award-winning coffee estate is run by Gus and Cynthia Brocksen, a cheery husband and wife duo. Coffee freaks can contact them for a comprehensive tour of the premises and learn more about picking and roasting, and even try their hand at the picking process. If you have decided to buy some beans for back home, they will roast them right in front of you! Enjoy the picturesque surroundings as you walk around and learn more about the delicious Kona coffee produced in the region. Don't forget to pick up some for back home, along with flavored coffees, chocolate-covered beans, macadamia nuts and more. Yum! Check the website for details.

Operating on four Hawaiian Islands, this well-known company is a favorite of large groups. Its fleet of distinctively marked vans and buses visits most of the major attractions around the Big Island. The main tour departing from Kona is the Grand Circle Island Tour, an ambitious 12-hour haul that visits 20 attractions. It starts at USD58 per adult. Departing from Hilo is the Hawaii Volcano Adventure, which visits a dozen major areas of interest around the volcano. The cost is approximately USD48 per adult.

This is a site that encompasses the cultural heritage of the Hawaiians. Set up in 1961, this 182-acre park has immense historical value for the locals. As legend goes, in the early 19th century this park was a place of refuge for retreating warriors and condemned offenders. The park includes archeological sites, temple platforms, shacks, and fishponds. You can take a 30-minute self-guided trail, or indulge in various activities, such as bird watching, fishing, hiking, swimming, nature walks, stargazing, and wildlife viewing. The park also has a Junior Ranger program for children that is both fun and informative. Entry fee: $5

Do you love the idea of scuba diving, but feel slightly intimidated by all the gear and training involved? If so, SNUBA is your perfect alternative. SNUBA is a system that allows for safe, shallow reef diving, without requiring a heavy tank as an air source. Instead, the air source is contained within a hose attached to an elongated snorkel. Both morning and afternoon tours are available by reservation. Each tour includes all gear and plenty of personalized instruction. Ages eight to 88 are welcome.

It is nearly impossible to take in all that Hawaii has to offer, if you are traveling by car. Safari Helicopter Tours offers a comfortable way to view the volcano from above, see Parker Ranch, the Kona Coast and the waterfalls of Waipio Valley; all may be viewed within the space of a few hours. It is the best way to see the major sights in a relatively short period of time. The air-conditioned helicopters offer forward-facing seats and 180-degree views. A video and sound system narrates the tour as you go and is also available for purchase.

Sea Paradise helps you to explore the Hawaiian seascape like no other. With tours in snorkeling, scuba diving and sailing, this organization offers you a wide range of water sports to choose from and also organizes guided tours. While the daily tours take care of the hoards of tourists, it is the arranged tours like 'dinner sail' and private charters, which can be booked for a small group or a special occasion. This ensures an intimate experience and one that you'll have special personal memories of. The rates differ with each tour, starting at around USD65. So go ahead and have a royal splurge!

Motor-powered rafts are an exciting, fast-paced way to cruise Hawaiian waters. Sail along the Kona coast, stopping to visit sea caves, lava tubes, Place of Refuge and the Captain Cook Monument. Tours are kept small, with a maximum of six guests per trip. This is a far more rugged snorkel trip than most; young children and those with health concerns can't be accommodated. However, it's not necessary to be a strong swimmer.

Enjoy the gorgeous Hawaiian scenery while the aroma of gourmet coffee wafts all around you. The Sugai Kona Coffee Farm rests on the mountains and comprises around 60 acres of lush coffee, lychee, avocado and macadamia plantations. Visitors can take in the natural splendor while they learn more about the company and the coffee-rich tradition of the region. Come over and relax while you sip on your complimentary cup of coffee.

The famous 'Black Beauty' helicopters of Maui and the Big Island are among the best ways to tour famous natural sights. On the Big Island, the helicopters make two different journeys. The first is over majestic, volatile Kilauea and the surrounding valleys. See active lava and hidden waterfalls. The second excursion tours the Kohala Coast, taking passengers over such renowned places as Waipi'o Valley. Tours start at 150 dollars per person for a 45 minute ride. Call for reservations or more information.

There is a whole world to be found just underneath the surface of Hawaiian waters. You don't need to go far, in fact, you can stay on the surface. Just adventure out past the shoreline. Torpedo Tours offers eco-tours around the Kona Coast, including snorkel and scuba tours. The outstanding feature of these tours is that they actually use torpedos: you will have your own to power you along. These are perfectly safe and can be easily controlled by the diver. Both certified and non-certified divers are welcome on scuba tours; those interested in obtaining certification may complete the required coursework through Torpedo.

The Japanese coffee giant Ueshima established Ueshima Coffee Corp. as their representative in Hawaii. As you head towards Kealakua Bay, you will find the Ueshima Espresso Bar and Roastery, where they also conduct tours (reserve in advance). This charming little venue allows visitors to come in and learn more about the coffee-making process. You can even roast your own beans and create your own label! The bar offers delicious steaming cups of espresso and yummy ice-cream; also available are gift items. Visit this award-winning establishment and don't forget to buy a little piece of Hawaii from the souvenir shop to take back home with you.

Tour the jungles, valleys and verdant hillsides of the North Shore on horseback. This is a remote area, untouched by commercialization for the most part and the scenery is unbelievable. Waterfalls splash down into secluded jungle pools. Green pastures are bordered by majestic mountains. It is a rider's dream-come-true. Groups are small, with a maximum of eight people allowed on a tour. Reservations must be made in advance. Price is $75 per person. Children must be more than age 8. There is a maximum weight of 230 pounds.

You might learn things during this tour, but you won't realize it at the time. It is altogether too novel of an experience to be classified as "educational." Participants are conveyed in an old-fashioned buggy, drawn by mules, through the rugged Waipi'o Valley, a land so undeveloped as to seem caught in a time warp. The cart splashes along by the side of a pond, meanders down a dirt road and cuts through a taro patch. Meanwhile, the knowledgeable guide throws bits and pieces of folklore, history and trivia at the passengers.

Anyone who's looking for a marathon horseback ride should call this place. While a normal two and a half-hour tour is available, people who really want to explore can sign up for the five-hour Hidden Waterfall Ride. Both tours travel along Waipio Valley to Hi'ilawe Falls, passing through cane fields and farmlands along the way. The five-hour journey follows the path of a stream back through the jungle, eventually arriving in a hidden rainforest paradise. Reserve in advance.