Heavenly Hamakua: From Kona

Overview

Available languages

English

Mobile ticket

Adventure North, and experience an older, more traditional Hawaii on the famous Hamakua Coast. Mauna Kea volcano last erupted some 4,600 years ago. However, that hasn't changed the fact that the volcano is still impressing visitors and locals alike. Along highways old and new, we'll head from the highlands of Waimea, to the coastal jungles of Hilo down Hawaii's Hamakua coast. Our trip along this historic and beautiful part of the island begins with a drive along some of the most scenic backroads on the island. The backroads of the Hamakua coast wind through lush jungle gulches, crossing rivers, and passing scenic ocean vistas. It is an afternoon drive through a Hawaiian slice of Heaven.

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Be prepared for rain

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What To Expect

The Volcano Van Private Tours

This tour begins as we leave the shores of the Kona and Kohala to the lush rain forests on the east side of the island. We’ll head up through the ranching town Waimea and the pastoral landscape as well with a stop at Waipio Valley. A stop for a delicious local snack of malasadas (Portuguese doughnuts) at Tex Drive, then to Laupahoehoe point, where 300 foot sea cliffs surround a peninsula on both sides. After some amazing photo opportunities, we’ll continue south along the lush jungle roads to Akaka Falls State Park. We will pass through the town of Honomu, where we’ll have a picnic lunch of fresh local sandwiches and fresh fruit. After Akaka Falls, we’ll head through the town of Hilo and we'll check out Rainbow Falls. Next, we will take a glance inside Mauna Loa volcano known as Kaumana Caves. The last part of our adventure takes us up Saddle Road back to the island’s west side. To top it all off we’ll be afforded stunning views of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa volcanoes at sunset.

8 hours • Admission Not Applicable

What‘s Included

Professional guide

All taxes, fees and handling charges

Rain Ponchos

Lunch

Hotel pickup

Priceless Memories

Gratuities

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Options

Shared

Our Heavenly Hamakua tour for those who don't mind sharing their adventure with up to 4 other people.
Pickup included

Private

Our Heavenly Hamakua tour for those who don't want to share their experience with any other party.
Pickup included

Reviews

5.00

22 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Kona review
April A,,Sep 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Scott did a great job making sure we got back to the shop at the desired time. He showed us a lot of beautiful sites.
ONO Tour Along the Hamakua
Marsha R,,Aug 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
This was a great way to enjoy the beauty of the Hamakua Coast minus the hassle of having to navigate te twists, turns and traffic. We had self driven this way previously but this was our best exploration of the beautiful coast. Scott, our tour guide was a fount of knowledge about everything along the coast and as a bonus an expert in the island’s volcanic past and the whole workings of how volcanoes constantly make and remake this beautiful island chain. He was fun to spend the day with and was a careful driver and very responsive to our comfort and safety. A true ONO of a trip.
Scott was great. We had...
Mary A,,Jul 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Scott was great. We had so much fun. He took us to see so many beautiful sights around the Big Island. We didn't feel rushed though he kept us on schedule. I would highly recommend The Volcano Van.
Waterfalls, coastlines and more
I850EEshirleym,,Dec 21, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
What an amazing day. So many wonderful sights. Scott was a fantastic guide, full of knowledge and very accommodating. It was amazing to see how diverse the landscape is on the Big Island. We would definitely recommend this small group tour.
Had a great time!
ArneandJerry C,,Oct 18, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00
Scott was great with a friendly and positive attitude. Any question we had, whether it be about the terrain, the vegetation, animal life, he knew all the answers. He took us to some very beautiful spots and knew detailed history about them also. We had a great and informative time! Thanks, Scott.
Kailua to Hilo and Return Scenic Tour
Reggie H,,Sep 8, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00
Scott, our host was a delightful and thoroughly knowledgeable. Malasadas (Portuguese Donuts), Kohala, Waimea, Waipio Valley, Laupahoehoe Point, Akaka Falls Park, Hilo (Rainbow Falls), Mauna Kea & Mauna Loa Volcano views.
Take this tour!
E1804XKdebram,,Aug 10, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I thoroughly enjoyed my day with Scott and two other tourists as we drove through this beautiful island. He is so knowledgeable about volcanoes! It was inspiring to see the results of thousands of years of volcanic activity here. We had a good balance of exertion and rest throughout the day. Honestly, the time flew! 100% recommend!
Great Tour, Great Host
713JimC713,,May 8, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
My wife and I received a personalized tour of the big island by our host Scott. The tour was no stone left unturned and I highly recommend it.
Outstanding from start to finish
rnmom4god,,May 24, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We were looking for a tour that included visits to the waterfalls on the island. On this tour we were able to visit some of the beautiful waterfalls and so much more. We went to the cliffs and jungle/rainforest areas, as well as through some small towns and a ranch. It was like seeing several places all in one tour all on the big island. It was just amazing to see the vastly different parts of the island that were "off the grid." Our guide Scott was very informative and fun. He planned the day, but was aware of what interested us most and made it happen. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for a full adventure on the big island.
Thumbs up for a good tour
Nikhat A,,May 8, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Scott was very good at communicating before the tour. During the tour he showed had a lot of knowledge about the areas on the tour and the journey. He taught a lot about the volcanoes and was friendly. He was happy to answer any questions. Would definitely recommend