Safari-style adventures on Hawaii’s Big Island deliver remarkable value for nature enthusiasts. Among the standouts, Kaimana Ocean Safari excels with intimate snorkeling groups along Kona’s coast – perfect for spotting spinner dolphins and green sea turtles in their natural habitat. For a bird’s-eye perspective, the Volcanoes National Park aerial tour impresses with sweeping views of active volcanic terrain, local agriculture, and cascading falls. Nature lovers particularly appreciate the Hilo Shore Excursion for its access to hidden lava tubes and the majestic Rainbow Falls.
These experiences come highly recommended for their expert guides, reliable safety measures, and thoughtful attention to visitor comfort. After personally testing these options, I’ve assembled a focused list of the island’s most worthwhile safari adventures.
Let’s explore the best Big Island safari tours…
Key Points
- Kaimana Ocean Safari offers a small-group snorkeling experience focused on marine life like dolphins, sea turtles, sharks, and whales, with mixed reviews.
- Volcanoes National Park Safari provides an aerial tour of volcanic landscapes, including macadamia farms, lava flows, craters, and waterfalls, with a high recommendation rate.
- Hilo Shore Excursion showcases Hawaii’s natural wonders like Liliuokalani Gardens, Rainbow Falls, and Kaumana Caves, with a high traveler recommendation and a badge of excellence.
- All tours prioritize safety with knowledgeable guides, strict protocols, and flexibility measures like weight limitations and cancellation policies.
- The tours offer educational aspects, small group sizes, and various amenities like snorkeling equipment, lunch, and souvenirs, contributing to overall traveler satisfaction.
Kaimana Ocean Safari
Kaimana Ocean Safari is a small-group snorkeling tour along the Kona coastline of the Big Island, Hawaii. With a maximum of 6 travelers, the tour offers a personable experience to explore the region’s marine life.
The safari-style boat trip covers vast areas to search for dolphins, sea turtles, sharks, and whales. Guided by knowledgeable experts, the tour provides insights about Hawaii’s diverse underwater ecosystems and wildlife.
Included amenities like snorkeling equipment, snacks, and filtered water ensure a comfortable adventure. While the majority of travelers report exceptional experiences, a few felt disappointed by the lack of wildlife sightings or poor snorkeling conditions.
Some also felt the crew’s emphasis on education and safety detracted from the overall experience.
Read our full review: Kaimana Ocean Safari Review
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Volcanoes National Park Safari
The Volcanoes National Park Safari offers visitors a captivating aerial tour of the Big Island’s volcanic landscapes. This 440-review tour, which boasts a 93% traveler recommendation rate and a Badge of Excellence, promises to showcase the island’s macadamia farms, lava flows, craters, and waterfalls from an aerial perspective.
Priced from $379 per person, the tour accommodates a maximum of 6 travelers and departs from Hilo.
While travelers can expect knowledgeable pilots and friendly staff, weather conditions can impact the visibility and overall experience. Some visitors have expressed disappointment in not seeing active volcanic activity or getting close views of certain features, so it’s important to manage expectations.
Safety is paramount, with strict weight limitations and the requirement of an additional seat for passengers over 250 lbs or a combined weight of 420 lbs.
With a 24-hour cancellation policy and a lowest price guarantee, the Volcanoes National Park Safari offers a unique opportunity to explore Hawaii’s volcanic wonders from the skies.
Read our full review: Volcanoes National Park Safari Review
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Hilo Shore Excursion: Safari Lava Caves, Falls and Highlights
Exploring the diverse landscapes of Hawaii’s Hilo Shore, the Hilo Shore Excursion: Safari Lava Caves, Falls and Highlights tour offers visitors a captivating glimpse into the island’s natural wonders.
This highly-rated tour, with a 4.5-star rating from 225 reviews, is recommended by 94% of travelers. Boasting a Badge of Excellence for quality service, the tour showcases the area’s top attractions, including the Liliuokalani Gardens, Rainbow Falls, and Kaumana Caves Park.
Guests can expect a moderate level of fitness, with some walking over uneven terrain. The tour includes pickup and drop-off, bottled water, souvenirs, and a lunch stop at a local vendor.
Travelers praise the knowledgeable guides and small group size, though some note discrepancies between expectations and actual sights. Despite this, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with visitors enjoying the educational aspects, scenic beauty, and personal touches from the guides.
With a worry-free guarantee and flexibility for ship delays, the Hilo Shore Excursion is an excellent choice for exploring the natural wonders of Hawaii’s Big Island.
Read our full review: Hilo Shore Excursion: Safari Lava Caves, Falls and Highlights Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Cancellation Policy for These Safari Tours?
The cancellation policy typically allows customers to cancel their safari tour reservations for a full refund up to 24-48 hours before the scheduled tour. However, last-minute cancellations may result in a partial or no refund.
Do the Tours Provide Any Food or Refreshments During the Trip?
The tours typically provide light snacks and bottled water during the trip, but more substantial meals are not included. Guests should bring their own lunches or plan to purchase food at stops along the way.
Are There Any Age or Physical Fitness Requirements for the Tours?
Most safari tours have age and fitness requirements to ensure participants’ safety. Many tours may not be suitable for young children or those with mobility issues. It’s best to check with the tour operator about any specific requirements before booking.
Can the Safari Tours Accommodate Large Groups or Families?
Many safari tour companies can accommodate large groups and families. They often offer special group pricing and can tailor the tour experience to suit the needs of larger parties. Guests should check with individual tour operators for specifics.
What Is the Typical Duration of Each Safari Tour Experience?
Safari tours typically last 2-4 hours, providing a comprehensive experience for visitors. Tour durations can vary depending on the specific itinerary and activities included, offering flexibility to accommodate the needs of large groups or families.
Recap
The Big Island of Hawaii offers a range of exciting safari tours. Whether it’s exploring lava caves, cascading waterfalls, or the awe-inspiring Volcanoes National Park, there’s something to captivate every visitor. These tours provide a unique opportunity to take in the island’s natural wonders and gain a deeper appreciation for its geological and ecological diversity. With knowledgeable guides and well-organized itineraries, these safaris are a must-do for anyone seeking an unforgettable Hawaiian adventure.