Historical tours on Hawaii’s Big Island cut straight to the essence of Hawaiian culture and heritage. All the essentials are here: volcanic landscapes at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, ancient petroglyphs at Puuhonua O Honaunau, and the historically significant waters of Kealakekua Bay where Captain Cook first landed.
I’m particularly impressed by the small-group walking tours through Puuhonua O Honaunau – they’re intimate and led by guides who really know their stuff. The kayak tours along Hilo Bay combine scenic beauty with fascinating cultural insights, while the volcano tours offer an unbeatable look at both active geology and Hawaiian legends.
Let’s explore the top historical tours worth your time and money on the Big Island.
Key Points
- The Big Island in a Day Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the island’s highlights, including Waipio Valley, Akaka Falls, and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
- The Historical Dinner Cruise along the Kona Coast provides an immersive experience with live entertainment, local historian commentary, and the iconic Captain Cook monument.
- The Kona Shore Excursion combines visits to a coffee farm, Painted Church, and Kaloko-Honokohau National Park, with opportunities to spot green sea turtles.
- The Hilo Bay Kayak Tours offer a unique way to explore the island’s natural wonders, including black-sand beaches and hidden coves.
- The Intimate Kona History and Culture Tour provides personalized attention while visiting the Puuhonua O Honaunau archaeological complex and Heiau temples.
Big Island in a Day: Volcanoes Waterfalls Sightseeing and History
Embarking on a comprehensive journey, the “Big Island in a Day: Volcanoes Waterfalls Sightseeing and History” tour offers visitors an immersive exploration of Hawaii’s largest and most diverse island.
Spanning approximately 12 hours, the tour takes guests through stunning landscapes, from the verdant Waimea region to the black sand beaches of Punalu’u.
Highlights include visits to Waipio Valley, Akaka Falls, Rainbow Falls, and the mesmerizing Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
With a maximum group size of 12, the tour provides a personalized experience, led by knowledgeable guides who share insights into the island’s rich history and ecology.
Priced from $242.46 per person, the tour’s inclusions, such as hotel transfers, lunch, and all fees, make it an excellent value for a comprehensive Big Island exploration.
Read our full review: Big Island in a Day: Volcanoes Waterfalls Sightseeing and History Review
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Historical Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay
For those seeking a more immersive historical experience on the Big Island, the Historical Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay provides a unique opportunity to explore the island’s rich past while enjoying a scenic sunset cruise.
This 3-hour cruise covers 12 miles down the Kona Coast, taking passengers to the iconic Captain Cook monument. With a 92% traveler recommendation and a Badge of Excellence, the cruise offers live entertainment, local historian commentary, and stunning sunset views.
The dinner features local favorites, and guests can enjoy a complimentary cocktail. With wheelchair accessibility and vegetarian options, the cruise caters to a range of travelers, making it one of the best historical experiences on the Big Island.
Read our full review: Historical Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay Review
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Kona Shore Excursion: Sea Turtles, Historic Kona & Coffee
On the Kona Shore Excursion, travelers have the chance to enjoy the rich history and natural wonders of the Big Island.
The tour includes stops at a coffee farm, the Painted Church, and Kaloko-Honokohau National Park. Travelers can also hope to spot green sea turtles at a beach stop, though sightings may vary.
With a 4.5-star rating from over 200 reviews, the tour is generally well-received, though some guests have noted issues with timing and turtle visibility.
Read our full review: Kona Shore Excursion: Sea Turtles, Historic Kona & Coffee Review
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Historic Hilo Bay Waterfalls by Kayak
Exploring the historic Hilo Bay from the unique vantage point of a kayak, the “Historic Hilo Bay Waterfalls by Kayak” tour offers visitors an immersive experience in the natural wonders of the Big Island.
Over the course of two hours, groups of up to 9 travelers can paddle along the black-sand beaches, palm-fringed shores, and hidden coves, all while enjoying views of Hilo town and Moku Ola (Coconut Island).
While some guests have reported difficulty spotting the waterfalls, the knowledgeable guides, like Victor and Montana, are praised for their expertise and friendliness.
With a strong fitness level required, this tour provides a unique opportunity to experience Hawaii’s stunning landscape from the water.
Read our full review: Historic Hilo Bay Waterfalls by Kayak Review
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Historic Hilo Bay and Coconut Island Guided Kayak Adventure
Gliding along the serene waters of Hilo Bay, the “Historic Hilo Bay and Coconut Island Guided Kayak Adventure” offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the region’s natural beauty from a water-based perspective.
Suitable for ages 8 and up, this tour provides a maximum group size of 8 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience. Guests can expect to see sea turtles, appreciate knowledgeable guides, and enjoy a fun outing suitable for families.
However, the tour may not be recommended for those with certain medical conditions, and some past participants have reported dissatisfaction with the service during inclement weather and inflexibility regarding scheduling.
Read our full review: Historic Hilo Bay and Coconut Island Guided Kayak Adventure Review
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Historic Hilo Bay & Coconut Island SUP Adventure
What better way to explore the historic Hilo Bay and Coconut Island than on a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) adventure?
Located on the Big Island of Hawaii, this 4.8-rated activity is suitable for ages 8 and up. The tour includes all necessary equipment, local snacks and juice, and even pickup and drop-off.
While not wheelchair accessible, the moderate fitness level required is manageable for most. Reviewers praise the knowledgeable guides, though some note the challenge of transporting the boards to the water.
With a weight limit of 250 lbs and a maximum group size of 7, this SUP adventure offers a unique way to experience Hawaii’s rich history and natural beauty.
Read our full review: Historic Hilo Bay & Coconut Island SUP Adventure Review
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Intimate Kona History and Culture Tour From Kona South
Visitors to the Big Island of Hawaii can enjoy the rich history and vibrant culture of Kona on this intimate tour.
The Intimate Kona History and Culture Tour takes guests to the Puuhonua O Honaunau archaeological complex, Heiau temples, royal fishponds, and significant burial grounds.
Along the way, the knowledgeable guide provides insights into Hawaiian folklore, religious practices, and royal influences.
With a maximum of 11 travelers, this small-group experience offers personalized attention.
The tour includes hotel/port pickup and drop-off, as well as all taxes and fees.
Accessible to wheelchair users and stroller-friendly, the tour is suitable for all ages and allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: Intimate Kona History and Culture Tour From Kona South Review
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Hilo History and Legends (APP) Audio Self Guided Walking Tour
Hilo’s rich history and captivating legends come alive through the Hilo History and Legends (APP) Audio Self Guided Walking Tour.
Available from February 2023 to July 2025, this two-and-a-half-year tour explores historic sites, sharing Hawaii’s story of food, culture, and religion.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is near public transportation and allows service animals.
Priced at $6.50 per person, the private experience provides confirmation at booking and free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.
With a 3.0 rating based on one review, the tour has received helpful support from the host.
Visitors can embark on this immersive journey, learning about Hilo’s rich heritage at their own pace.
Read our full review: Hilo History and Legends (APP) Audio Self Guided Walking Tour Review
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The Sum Up
The Big Island of Hawaii offers a diverse range of historical tours, from exploring volcanoes and waterfalls to embarking on dinner cruises and kayak adventures. Visitors can enjoy the island’s rich cultural heritage, discover its iconic landmarks, and uncover the stories that have shaped this magnificent destination. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking to explore the island’s natural wonders, there’s a tour to suit your interests on the Big Island.