Page 7) Things to Do in Big Island in 2025 – Tours & Activities

Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Meal, Transportation & Guide

Mauna Kea Tour

Reviewed by: Anh

Our tour guide West is a really knowledgable fellow. He is very considerate and thoughtful. I highly recommend this tour to everyone.

Reply from activity provider

Aloha, Anh

Thank you for participating in our tour. I am very happy that the weather was nice and everybody enjoyed the spectacular view from the summit of Mauna Kea.

Please join us on Sunrise tour next time. Shotaro is doing Sunrise tour now !

Mahalo,

Hawaiian Eyes Tours

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Rating:
Packages:	Standard Package
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2021/07/01
Activity Date:	2021/05/27

Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Meal, Transportation & Guide

Great experience!

Reviewed by: Michelle

The van was in great condition and the guide was amazing! defiantly would recommend this to anyone who wants to go up the Mauna Kea summit.

Reply from activity provider

Aloha, Michelle

Thank you for participating in our tour. I am very happy that the weather was nice and everybody enjoyed the spectacular view from the summit of Mauna Kea.

Please join us on our tour next time again !!

Mahalo,

Hawaiian Eyes Tours

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Rating:
Packages:	Standard Package
Attended as:	Friends
Posted on:	2021/06/30
Activity Date:	2021/06/16

Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Meal, Transportation & Guide

Once in a lifetime trip!

Reviewed by: Shalini

This tour was UNBELIEVABLE! Totally worth it. The sunset and star-gazing was out-of-this-world!

Reply from activity provider

Aloha, Shalimi

Thank you for participating in our tour. I am very happy that the weather was nice and everybody enjoyed the spectacular view from the summit of Mauna Kea.

Please join us on our tour next time again !!

Mahalo,

Hawaiian Eyes Tours

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Rating:
Packages:	Standard Package
Attended as:	Solo Travelers
Posted on:	2021/06/18
Activity Date:	2021/06/09

Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Meal, Transportation & Guide

Amazing Experience!

Reviewed by: Dani

I highly recommend this tour! They picked us up right by our hotel. The tour guide was very informative on the drive up the mountain. He also took a lot of really cool photos for us and airdropped them before the end of the night. The sunset view and stargazing can not be beat. We really wanted to go to the summit and Hawaiian Eyes made the whole experience very easy and fun. Would definitely do it again.

Reply from activity provider

Aloha, Dani.

Thank you for participating in our tour. I am very happy that the weather was nice and everybody enjoyed the spectacular view from the summit of Mauna Kea.

Please join us on our tour next time again !!

A hui hou !!

Hawaiian Eyes Tours

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Rating:
Packages:	Standard Package
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2021/06/04
Activity Date:	2021/05/29

Volcano Highlights Tour, Rainbow Falls, Black Sand Beach, Coffee Farm with Meals

Great tour

Reviewed by: Jayjay

I went solo. There were 2 tour guides. They were informative and funny. I threw up because of road sick and maybe too much caffeine and food coma in the morning (I assumed - I ate my bf&coffee b4 the tour started and ate their bf & tasted their coffee again). The lady guide took care of me well. Other people in the trip were nice too. Some lady gave me a motion sickness pill and some lady asked me how I was feeling. Thanks!

We went to 6-7 places. I like the black sand beach the most. Walking through the volcano tube was fun. But another volcano attraction was not I expected because we couldn’t get too close to the volcano. It was dangerous Lol. So I couldn’t get a clear pics of the crater.

Big island is a black island (in my opinion) because of dry black lava spreading all over the island.

They picked me up in the morning and dropped me off at the Kona airport in the evening. I flew for a day trip. Call them when you arrived at the airport. They need a reminder. I think my tour guides were Gary and Gabbie. I bought this trip to celebrate my bday. Great serviceThank you!

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Rating:
Packages:	Standard Tour
Attended as:	Solo Travelers
Posted on:	2021/05/29
Activity Date:	2021/05/27

Ultimate Hawaii Circle Island Sightseeing, Kilauea Volcano & Waterfall Tour

Great way to see the Big Island in a day!

Reviewed by: Sandy and Phil

We were only on island for two days, so we had to make the most of it. Rich picked us up promptly and we set out with a total of nine passengers. The van was comfortable, and Rich had water and lunch ready for us, along with clean jackets and umbrellas for the chilly rainy segments of the trip. The drive was safe and pleasant, and Rich regaled us with information and stories. At each stop, he allowed us ample time and shared interesting information.

This was a wonderful day, and we not only saw the island but also learned a lot. Highly recommended, especially if you can get Rich as your driver/tour guide!

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Rating:
Packages:	Pick-up from Waikoloa Hotels
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2021/04/07
Activity Date:	2021/04/05

Mauna Kea Evening Stargazing & Daytime Solar Viewing Tour with Dinner

Amazing experience and knowledgable guide

Reviewed by: Wade

Our family had a ton of fun gazing at the stars. Our guide Krystal was amazing. Her background in astronomy provided a unique experience. She provided so much information about Hawaii, the importance of the stars for Hawaiian navagation, and any other science questions our family had.

Moon shot

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Rating:
Packages:	From Hilo - Rainbow Falls, Kaumana Caves, Solar Viewing & Stargazing with Dinner
Attended as:	Families with Young Children
Posted on:	2021/03/27
Activity Date:	2021/03/25

Mauna Kea Evening Stargazing & Daytime Solar Viewing Tour with Dinner

Mauna kea star gazing

Reviewed by: Carol

It was a unique experience. Rich, our tour guide was very informative. We learned a lot about the history of the island of Hawaii as he drove us to different must see locations like the cave, water falls, historic sites. We also learned about plants, volcanoes, fissures, and stars in a day! We saw nebula, galaxies, a couple of satellites, shooting stars and learned about so many other stars in our constellation! It was very educational! Really appreciated it a lot!

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Rating:
Packages:	From Hilo - Rainbow Falls, Kaumana Caves, Solar Viewing & Stargazing with Dinner
Attended as:	Families with Young Children
Posted on:	2021/01/15
Activity Date:	2021/01/12

Deluxe Volcanoes National Park Experience, Black Sand Beach & Restaurant Dinner

Joyb

Reviewed by: Joyb

Awesome awesome awesome. We had a volcano tour on 3/8/20 with Mike. He was the best. He was especially good with our very inquisitive grandson. He was knowledgeable also!!!! He was great great great!!!!

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Rating:
Packages:	Deluxe Volcano Tour
Attended as:	Families
Posted on:	2020/03/30
Activity Date:	2020/03/08

Private Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Tour from Hilo

Flexible, intelligent, and comprehensive

Reviewed by: Stan Flouride

I took 2 tours with Wild Orchid in the same week and because of the weather and cruise ship schedule we reversed the order of the Hilo/rain forest and volcano tours. This allowed us to avoid hoards of tourists from the ships and getting stuck behind huge buses on Hawaii's narrow roads.
At Lee's suggestion we started our volcano tour much earlier than scheduled and avoided traffic and site congestion.
I was the only guest but it's clear that Wild Orchid's tours are never very big. This is much more conducive to an educational and intimate tour.

A long time resident of the island, Lee knows its history and its people well and works hard to share his affection with you. He knows the geologic, botanical, and human history of Hawai'i thoroughly and imparts it well.

My time here is limited but if I had time I'd take a third tour with him.

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Rating:
Packages:	6-Hour Private SUV (Up to 7 passengers)
Attended as:	Solo Travelers
Posted on:	2020/03/07
Activity Date:	2020/03/03

Mauna Kea Evening Stargazing & Daytime Solar Viewing Tour with Dinner

Unforgettable experience. Excellent services.

Reviewed by: Ping

Unforgettable experience. Amazing views. Excellent services.

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Rating:
Packages:	From Kona & Waikoloa - Solar Viewing & Stargazing with Dinner
Attended as:	Families with Young Children
Posted on:	2020/01/20
Activity Date:	2019/12/27

Volcano Highlights Tour, Rainbow Falls, Black Sand Beach, Coffee Farm with Meals

Wonderful experience!

Reviewed by: Mary & Lloyd

My husband and I booked the Deluxe Circle Island Tour with Kailani Tours online @hawaiiactivities.com a few weeks before we left for our 20th anniversary on the Big Island. We loved our driver/tour guide Alana from the beginning...she was so personable, caring and knowledgeable (a former teacher). The Mercedes van was very comfortable for the 7 people on our tour and we were well provided for with plenty of water and snacks (even with my gluten free limitations). The tour was fabulous, from the Kona Joe coffee farm, lunch/tour at Volcanoes Natl Park, amazing Punalu'u Black Sand Beach, all the way to Rainbow Falls (yes, we saw a rainbow there) and beautiful Akaka Falls! It was great to see the highlights of the island at the beginning of our vacation to get the "lei" of the land so to speak, on the Big Island. This way the remainder of our trip could be spent leisurely exploring the Kohala Coast where we were staying. We highly recommend it to everyone!

Kona Joe Coffee Farm tour by Alana
Free coffee and snacks at Kona Joe
Punalu'u Black Sand Beach
Vistas at Black Sand Beach
Kilauea Caldera
Ranbow Falls
Akaka Falls

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Rating:
Packages:	Deluxe Tour - Black Sand Beach, Waterfalls & Volcanoes
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2020/01/19
Activity Date:	2019/12/27

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Tour & Tropical Waterfalls Sightseeing from Hilo

Great experience

Reviewed by: Elise

The tour was wonderful! Rob, our guide, was very knowledgeable and friendly. We had plenty of time at each of the stops, and really got to explore the island. The hikes in Volcanoes National Park were easy, and we got to see a variety of areas and sites. The waterfalls and black sand beach in the afternoon were beautiful. Absolutely loved the day and the tour!

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Rating:
Packages:	Volcano Adventure
Attended as:	Solo Travelers
Posted on:	2020/01/09
Activity Date:	2020/01/06

Deluxe Volcanoes National Park Experience, Black Sand Beach & Restaurant Dinner

Def worthwhile

Reviewed by: Tanya

The total experience is awesome! We had a looong day without questions. But the guider made sure the tour was full of fun, stories and care, we didn't feel exhausted.
Started from the lava cave, which is cooler than I expected. Black beach is beautiful. The newly formed lava flow is stunning, also sad when we heard stories from local residents, sorry for their loss. Didn't spend much time in the national volcano park, but it was exactly what we needed, also good timing enjoying the sunset there. 3-courses dinner in the volcano house was perfect, with yummy food and wonderful view overlooking the whole crater. Last but not least, stunning stargazing with professional telescope. Sorry I'm terrible at remembering people's name, thanks very much, our lovely & kind & interesting driver & guider!

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Rating:
Packages:	Deluxe Volcano Tour
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2020/01/06
Activity Date:	2019/12/14

Mauna Kea Evening Stargazing & Daytime Solar Viewing Tour with Dinner

Great experience

Reviewed by: Guilietta Kim

It was very impressive that a tour guide has shared a lot of stories about cultures of Hawai'i during the entire tour program. The courses were absolutely nice. The view of a coffee farm was so beautiful and the dinner was much nicer than I expected. When it comes to stargazing tour, the tour guide moved the spot for better sightseeing and it was brilliant. Even though I am not a native speaker, I fully enjoyed this tour program and I highly recommend this one to everyone.

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Rating:
Packages:	From Kona & Waikoloa - Solar Viewing & Stargazing with Dinner
Attended as:	Solo Travelers
Posted on:	2020/01/01
Activity Date:	2019/12/27

Deluxe Volcanoes National Park Experience, Black Sand Beach & Restaurant Dinner

Outstanding outing discovering the island, its volcanoes and also the life of its people.

Reviewed by: Joelle

Outstanding outing discovering the island, its mysteries, its volcanoes, the life of its people. Thank you Uncle Jim to have made this day so lively and personalized to our group.

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Rating:
Packages:	Deluxe Volcano Tour
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2019/08/29
Activity Date:	2019/08/26

Elite Volcano Hiking Tour - Explore Kilauea’s Most Recent Eruption & Lava Flows

Great experience

Reviewed by: Randi

My husband and I moved to Kailua-Kona last year and are still in discovery mode, so we were happy to play tourist for a day to join this tour. Although the rides were long (it is a big island), the stops were all interesting and worthwhile, the other guests were friendly and engaged, and - notwithstanding all of our pre-move diligence and studying - we learned a ton from our fabulous tour guide, Kent. Kent was extremely knowledgeable, enthusiastic, engaged, warm, and courteous - we thoroughly appreciated the positive impact he had on the day's adventures.

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Rating:
Packages:	Elite Volcano Hike from Kona Hotels
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2019/08/04
Activity Date:	2019/07/27

Best of Hilo & Hamakua Coast Private Sightseeing Tours [Open Soon]

Private Hilo 6 hour tour

Reviewed by: Amy Glaser

Excellent
Lee took us to many off the beaten track places as well as the more popular tourist ones. He was knowledgeable and so very pleasant. We had a ball!!! He was punctual and ended the day with a surprise visit to a chocolate factory!!!!

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Rating:
Packages:	Scenic Hamakua Coast 6-Hour Private Tesla (up to 4 passengers)
Attended as:	Friends
Posted on:	2019/07/29
Activity Date:	2019/07/25

Deluxe Volcanoes National Park Experience, Black Sand Beach & Restaurant Dinner

Had an unforgettable day!

Reviewed by: Swati

The beauty of big island speaks for itself, and it only gets better with an awesome tour guide! Brett was an exceptional tour guide. He is extremely knowledgeable, loves what he does, and it shows. I had a great time learning so much about the islands and volcanoes from him, and he's a great storyteller too! The black sand beach is beautiful, and the sunset from the volcano house is unforgettable. Probably the highlight of the tour was stargazing at the end. We got lucky with a gorgeous clear sky! There's a lot of driving so just relaxing in the van listening to Brett tell us about the islands while staring out at the scenery made for a great and laid back day. Just what I needed to end my vacation with before getting back to school. Thanks for teaching me so much! I highly recommend this tour, and will hopefully do it again when I come back with my family!

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Rating:
Attended as:	Friends
Posted on:	2019/07/27

Private Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Tour from Hilo

The Big Island Hawaii

Reviewed by: T. Kenny

What a GREAT day!! 14 passenger van was very clean and our driver was very knowledgeable and professional. We had teenagers with us who stayed totally engaged. We enjoyed lunch at a wonderful little mom and pop restaurant along the way - Sharky’s. Our private party of 8 visited waterfalls, overlooks, a black beach, learned history of the island and spent time at Volcano National Park. Thank you for a wonderful day!!!

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Rating:
Packages:	6-Hour Private Van (8 to 14 passengers)
Attended as:	Families
Posted on:	2019/07/10
Activity Date:	2019/07/02

Mauna Kea Evening Stargazing & Daytime Solar Viewing Tour with Dinner

Making Astronomy Fun!

Reviewed by: Nicole

I decided on this tour/adventure package because it’s something that really interests me. From the coffee, to the excellent bbq picnic, the solar view of the sun setting, and of course the stars! Todd was our guide and he was so professional and was beyond knowledgeable in each area of the tour. He made everyone feel comfortable and was very engaging. I would HIGHLY recommend this to anyone wishing to do something that feels laid back, but covers a lot of ground.

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Rating:
Packages:	From Kona & Waikoloa - Solar Viewing & Stargazing with Dinner
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2019/06/14
Activity Date:	2019/06/11

Volcano Highlights Tour, Rainbow Falls, Black Sand Beach, Coffee Farm with Meals

Great Experience

Reviewed by: Mrs Colorado

Our driver Brett was amazing! He was very knowledgeable about the island history, very personable and really funny. We enjoyed all of the stops along the way. It was just an enjoyable day!

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Rating:
Packages:	Deluxe Tour - Black Sand Beach, Waterfalls & Volcanoes
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2019/05/31
Activity Date:	2019/05/29

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Tour & Tropical Waterfalls Sightseeing from Hilo

Impressive tour

Reviewed by: Todor London

Excellent organised tour.From time of pick up until drop off. The driver/guide was very informative . Enough time for all activities. Highly recommended.

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Rating:
Packages:	Volcano Adventure
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2019/05/25
Activity Date:	2019/05/22

Private Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Tour from Hilo

So great!

Reviewed by: the Bowens

Lee was totally accommodating. I so much wanted to see the results of the 2018 volcano eruption, as I had followed it on the internet daily (was a Geology minor in college). After the perfunctory Hilo sights, we were off to the east coast. Everything was amazing (including the newly formed beach, Pohike) and Lee never ran out of explanations and stories. Topped off the day with a fabulous late lunch in Paloha (an old "hippie " town) at Kehole's (again, at our request). Lee knew locals wherever we went and information was always shared.
Specifically, we were with Wild Orchid Tours, and Veltra was the agent.
Next time we'll go to Volcanoes Nat'l Park (and hopefully the museum will be reopened) - we were just too interested in the new stuff (and unfortunately, devastation).

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Rating:
Packages:	6-Hour Private SUV (Up to 7 passengers)
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2019/04/23
Activity Date:	2019/04/16

Deluxe Volcanoes National Park Experience, Black Sand Beach & Restaurant Dinner

WOW!

Reviewed by: Irwin Ohana (Family)

Jim Carey is an outstanding and knowledgeable guide who wove Hawaiian folklore, geology and local current events into an experience that we (ages 12 to 72) all enjoyed. We had a nice small group (just seven of us) which allowed Jim to go a little off script and pack a lot of experiences into our day. The transportation van was comfortable but be ready for a long drive because Jim really covers the Big Island. From the lava flows in Kona to Hilo to Kilauea, there was a lot of ground covered. The gourmet dinner of organic and locally grown steaks, fish and produce was exceptional. Don't even get me started on the dessert. We are still talking about it. The stargazing was a spectacular finish to the day.
Thank you Jim for an unforgettable experience.

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Rating:
Packages:	Deluxe Volcano Tour
Attended as:	Families
Posted on:	2019/02/17
Activity Date:	2019/02/13

Private Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Tour from Hilo

Wild Orchid Private Tour of National Volcano Park and Hilo, Hawaii

Reviewed by: Mary R.

Memories of a life time! Lee's knowledge of all aspect of the Big Island was very impressive. He depth of different stories of Hawaii were very revealing and factual. Lee's welcoming personality draws you in. Five Stars!!!!

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Rating:
Packages:	6-Hour Private SUV (Up to 7 passengers)
Attended as:	Families
Posted on:	2019/01/09
Activity Date:	2018/12/25

Deluxe Volcanoes National Park Experience, Black Sand Beach & Restaurant Dinner

Great day touring the big island.

Reviewed by: Gary T

Brett, out tour guide did an outstanding job, very enthusiastic and knowledgeable.

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Rating:
Packages:	Deluxe Volcano Tour
Attended as:	Families
Posted on:	2019/01/07
Activity Date:	2019/01/04

Deluxe Volcanoes National Park Experience, Black Sand Beach & Restaurant Dinner

Great day, seen and learned lots

Reviewed by: Anne Veghel

We had a great time and seen so many sights! Our guide Brett had great knowledge and could answer all questions.
Because we had extra time we got to see the rainbow falls and got to go into a lava cave. Sadly the stargazing didn't happen due to clouds and rain.
Snacks, water and food were all plenty and good. Especially dinner at kilauea lodge was excellent, be it a bit rushed.
After the recent eruptions there was no lava activity, but we can only imagine how much more beautiful the sites would be with active lava flows.

beautiful landscape at volcano park

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Rating:
Packages:	Deluxe Volcano Tour
Attended as:	Friends
Posted on:	2018/11/21
Activity Date:	2018/11/14

Deluxe Volcanoes National Park Experience, Black Sand Beach & Restaurant Dinner

Volcano

Reviewed by: Loretta

We had an amazing tour.
The view of the volcano was amazing. The nature could be so destructive and beautifull

Our guide was there for us am answer all ours questions.

The diner included was in a nice restaurant and the playe were very good.

I recommend this avtivities and don't worry about the volcano. It's a very nice tour

Kilauea crater

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Rating:
Packages:	Route #2 - Coffee Farm, Black Sand Beach & Volcano
Attended as:	Friends
Posted on:	2018/11/17
Activity Date:	2018/11/14

Private Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Tour from Hilo

Perfect Private Tour

Reviewed by: D Booth, Minnesota

Veltra arranged a private volcano tour for my wife and I. Lee with Wild Orchid did a fantastic job bringing to life the impact of volcanic activity into the daily life of those living on Hawaii.

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Rating:
Packages:	6-Hour Private SUV (Up to 7 passengers)
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2018/10/19
Activity Date:	2018/10/16

Things to Do in Big Island in 2025 – Tours & Activities | HawaiiActivities.com

All Reviews for Private Guided Tours in Big Island

Overall Rating

Reviews

Mauna Kea Tour

Great experience!

Once in a lifetime trip!

Amazing Experience!

Great tour

Great way to see the Big Island in a day!

Amazing experience and knowledgable guide

Mauna kea star gazing

Joyb

Flexible, intelligent, and comprehensive

Unforgettable experience. Excellent services.

Wonderful experience!

Great experience

Def worthwhile

Great experience

Outstanding outing discovering the island, its volcanoes and also the life of its people.

Great experience

Private Hilo 6 hour tour

Had an unforgettable day!

The Big Island Hawaii

Making Astronomy Fun!

Great Experience

Impressive tour

So great!

WOW!

Wild Orchid Private Tour of National Volcano Park and Hilo, Hawaii

Great day touring the big island.

Great day, seen and learned lots

Volcano

Perfect Private Tour

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