Top Big Island of Hawaii Nature and Wildlife Tours

The Big Island of Hawaii has a diverse ecosystem unlike anywhere else on the planet, and on this day-long nature tour, experience the beauty of its black-sand beaches, thundering waterfalls, and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. If you’re lucky, find Hawaiian green sea turtles basking on the coast. Since the tour only requires a moderate amount of walking, it's an educational adventure for travelers of all ages, with snacks and refreshments included.

The 13,803-foot (4,207.3-meter) peak of Mauna Kea is Hawaii's highest point, and a popular spot for star-gazing. With this tour, travel up to the volcano summit with your guide, stop for dinner at the Onizuka Astronomy Complex, then arrive at the summit in time to watch the sunset. As dark sets in, enjoy a guided stargazing experience and marvel at the stars and planets using a refractor telescope and razor pointer.

After dark is an excellent time to see manta rays in the waters around the Island of Hawaii. Make the most of your opportunity by joining this small-group boat tour. Enjoy watching the manta rays feeding at night and snorkeling close to them.

Enjoy a sunset and stargazing experience like no other on this small-group trip to Mauna Kea—the highest point in the Hawaiian islands. Following afternoon pickup, travel in a 4x4 van to the summit—you can change into a warm jacket and pair of gloves, and sip a hot beverage, as the sun starts to set. Then, learn why so many research telescopes are located here during a brilliant celestial show.

Have the opportunity to admire wild manta rays in their natural habitat on this evening cruise. Set sail after dark, when the manta rays come out to feed on plankton, and use a custom-made lightboard that attracts the rays. Float through the warm waters for up to 40 minutes, use your snorkel to watch as the rays swim and feed, and learn more about the majestic creatures from your guide.

Spend a full day exploring the Big Island with visits to waterfalls, beaches, tropical valleys, stunning viewpoints, and so much more. Learn about Kona’s coffee culture with visit to Kona Joe’s coffee farm, where you go behind the scenes and taste award-winning locally gown coffee. See Hawaii’s natural beauty at Punalu’u Black Sands Beach and lookout for Hawaiian green sea turtles. Enjoy lunch, then explore stunning waterfalls and a panoramic view of Hilo from Waipio Valley.

On this exciting Kona submarine tour, dive deep below the cobalt waters just off the Kona coast, where an entire world of fish and marine creatures is waiting just below the surface. As the submarine descends towards the colorful reef, peer through the portholes at fish that swim to within inches of the submarine windows, and experience the sense of peace and calm in this world beneath the waves. This is a great way to explore underwater without even getting your hair wet, and, if you’re very lucky, there’s even the chance you could see a passing shark.

Our one-of-a-kind unique ATV experience begins with an fun and exciting off-road trail ride down to the southern shoreline with a visit to a hidden green-sand beach, black lava fields and forested area at Ka'alu'alu Bay, close to South Point on the Big Island of Hawaii (this is not the same island as Honolulu, check before you book.) We'll observe native green sea turtles floating in the clear aquamarine colored waters just off the shoreline along with an assortment of other wildlife. The tropical waters here are so clear you can see the tropical fish from the shore. Guests are given opportunities and ample time to swim, snorkel, take photos or just hang out and relax throughout the tour and at the shoreline, weather permitting. We encourage guests to bring snacks and beverages to enjoy on the trail. For groups larger than 8, please call or email us directly to arrange accommodates your group or to answer any questions you may have.

Pack in some of Hawaii’s most mesmerizing sights during this Big Island twilight volcano tour. Sample Kona-grown coffee from a local coffee farm, keep an eye out for sea turtles at Punalu'u Black Sand Beach, and taste Hawaiian sweet bread at Punalu’u Bakery. Then, explore Volcanoes National Park before ending your experience by stargazing in a secluded location—perfect for taking in views of the night sky.

Safari Helicopters is the longest running helicopter company on Big island. We have been offering these quality tours for many years, and we love what we do. As a family owned and operated business for over 30+ years, we feel our family friendly atmosphere and customer service set us apart from our competition. We offer some of the best prices for one of the safest companies around. Come join us on a Safari.

Take a Kealakekua Bay snorkeling cruise, and depart from the waters of Keauhou Bay to scour the Kona coastline for dolphins, turtles or, even, whales in the winter months. Upon arrival in Kealakekua Bay, peer overboard at the crystal clear waters that teem with colorful reef fish. After receiving expert instruction and snorkeling equipment onboard, you'll jump in the water to experience some of the best snorkeling on the Big Island.

This half-day boat cruise takes you to the two best snorkeling sites in Kealakekua Bay: The reef beneath Captain Cook's monument and the underwater lava formations of Red Hill. In addition to breakfast and lunch, your guides provide all necessary equipment, basic snorkeling tips, and identification charts to help you spot fish and dolphins in their natural habitat. Don’t forget your camera—the route showcases sweeping views of the Kona coastline.

Sample a cross-section of outdoor sights on the Big Island during this shore excursion exploring Volcanoes National Park, waterfalls, orchids and more. Discover the postcard-perfect Rainbow Falls before visiting the amazing volcanic steam vents and unique geology around Kilauea Volcano. Before your day is done, check out a botanical garden filled with rare orchids, snack on macadamia nut treats at a local farm, and visit a gorgeous black sand beach. A guide, park entrance fees, snacks, and round-trip port transport are included.

Fly over Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on a scenic helicopter flight from Hilo. Enjoy an aerial perspective of the Kilauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes and stunning views of the most geologically active environment on earth. Ride in comfort and safety in an ECO-Star helicopter. You'll hear informative commentary from your pilot as you spot the Halemaumau Crater and other sights in the national park.

On this tour from Kona to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, experience some of the Big Island’s best sights in a small group capped at 14 people. In addition to stopping at Punalu’u Beach Park to walk down a black-sand beach, you have the chance to sip Kona coffee on the plantation right where it’s grown, as well as hike through a lava tube that was formed by Kilauea volcano. What’s more, receive an iPad to use on the tour. Use it for photos, videos, and info, as well as playing games or watching movies while traveling between the sites.

Go coral reef snorkeling on our fast boat, explore parts of the coast line with sea caves etc. & hopefully Encounter Marine Wildlife such as Dolphins, Whales, Manta Rays etc. watching from the boat! (*wildlife is NOT guarantee*) For the adventurous adrenalin riders ONLY ( this boat ride / ocean can be rough, bumpy & choppy on RARE occasions) this is not a slow cruise boat, please don't come us if you feel you'll have a negative experience, feel free to cancel with us after booking if this is not for you. Snacks, drinks & gear are free. Tour time is NOT EXACT (3 - 4 hours) why? weather conditions, how long you snorkel etc. Boat Capacity: We need a minimum of 6 guest for the tour to operate. Its rare we don't meet the capacity! If your tour time slot doesn't fill up, we will move you to a different time slot or day.

Sail along the Kona coast aboard a spacious catamaran during this half-day tour to Kealakekua Bay, and take advantage of multiple amenities like the shaded cabin and sunny splash nets. Start with a continental breakfast, then build your own sandwich after a snorkeling session (equipment and instruction included). Beer, wine, and liquor are available to purchase.

Combine two must-do experiences to enhance your vacation in Hawaii. First, board a spacious catamaran for a sunset cruise along the Kona coast. Then slip into the ocean for a snorkel adventure with manta rays. Guides provide instruction and ensure your comfort with included snorkel gear, swim noodle, and a wetsuit. Afterward, enjoy juice, soft drinks, or hot cocoa with cookies; beer, wine, and cocktails are available to purchase.

The Kona Coast is one of the most popular spots in Hawaii to see manta rays in their natural habitat. With this tour, set sail after dark, when the manta rays are most active. Hop onto a lightboard and watch as the manta rays come out to feed on plankton attracted to the boards, then head into the warm waters to swim and snorkel. Your guide will provide full instruction on how to safely swim and snorkel without disturbing the rays.

Set sail down the Kona coastline aboard a trimaran, arriving in the Kealakekua Bay Marine Preserve for an afternoon of snorkeling. Splash into the turquoise waters near the Captain Cook Monument, and search for pods of spinner dolphins that frequent the bay. All equipment is provided along with light snacks and reef-safe sunscreen to make the trip convenient.

Explore the world’s most active volcano on a private eco tour around Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. These 3- and 6-hour, education-based explorations focus on the native flora and fauna, the geology and the amazing Hawaiian culture that still thrives on the volcano today. Experience the highlights of Kilauea’s summit area, including a sunset eruption viewing or hike to both the hidden and highlight areas of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Fly above Hawaii's spectacular peaks, coasts, and valleys on this helicopter tour of the Big Island. Watch lava bubble up out of volcanoes, fly over the lush rain forests of the Hamakua Coast, and complete your trip with views of the waterfalls lining the Kohala Mountains. Only a helicopter tour lets you see so many of Hawaii's charms on a single ride and from an unforgettable perspective.

Experience big skies and incredible nighttime views on this Mauna Kea stargazing trip with a small group. Join no more than 28 guests for a warm pre-trip picnic, proceeded by a ride in a 4x4 luxury van to the summit of the Big Island's tallest peak. After admiring a sunset view, continue down to 9,000 feet (2,743 meters) for a stargazing session, complete with a telescope, hot chocolate, and dessert. The trip also includes a guide and a hooded parka to keep you warm.

Explore the waters off the coast of Hawaii during a small-group snorkeling excursion from Kailua-Kona. Board an inflatable boat and enjoy easy transportation to Captain Cook's Monument at Kealakekua Bay for a couple hours of snorkeling time. Plus, view the sea caves and lava tubes along the scenic Kona coast and catch sight of dolphins and humpback whales, depending on the season.