(All Reviews) Top 10 Best Things to Do Big Island, Big Island tours & activities, fun things to do in Big Island | HawaiiActivities.com

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All Reviews for Top 10 Best Things to Do Big Island in Big Island

Overall Rating

4.61 4.61 / 5

Reviews

2962 reviews

Hawaii ATV Ride Tour at Kohala Coast - Sea to Mountain Off-Road Adventure

Highlight of our annual visit

Reviewed by: P Mitchell, 2024/03/25

We have family in Hilo so visit Big Island annually. Over the years, we have seen most of the "tourist" sites so we now spend most of our time going on hikes and hanging out with the family. This trip, our main event was the Hawaii ATV Ride Tour and we four had a blast. We all rode in the same vehicle and two of us took turns driving. It was a lot more exciting than it looks on the website, the paths are rutted and bumpy and great fun. The guides were also great fun and provided, for us, just the right amount of local history and character.

Rating:
Attended as: Families
Activity Date: 2024/03/18
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Hawaii ATV Ride Tour at Kohala Coast - Sea to Mountain Off-Road Adventure

Great fun!

Reviewed by: Farkingo, 2024/03/25

Great experience, highly recommend. Host are very gracious and very friendly.

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2024/03/01
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Kohala Sunset Whale Watching Cruise with Open Bar - Ocean Sports [Dec - Mar]

Wonderful wildlife sightseeing

Reviewed by: Flavie, 2024/03/25

We had a wonderful time! We were super lucky to see a lot of dolphins and whales. It was for sure a once in a lifetime adventure. The entire crew was awesome! Thank you so much!

  • Dolphins

Comments from activity operators

Aloha,
Thanks for taking the time to provide feedback about your Sunset Cruise. We're so happy that you enjoyed the trip and your interactions with our crew, and got a chance to see so many cetaceans!
We know there are a lot of of ways to watch a sunset when you're on the Big Island and we're honored you chose to spend one of yours with us.
Mahalo and A Hui Hou

Rating:
Attended as: Friends
Activity Date: 2024/03/23
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ハワイ島 ケアラケクア湾シュノーケリングツアー 滑り台や飛び込み台完備の船で行く!<午前・午後/英語ガイド/食事付>by フェアウィンド号

家族で参加

Reviewed by: T.M, 2024/03/25

思っていたよりとても寒くて30分も入っていられませんでした。でもたくさん魚がみれて良かったです。クジラもみれて良かったです

Rating:
Attended as: Families
Activity Date: 2024/03/23
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Island Breeze Big Island Kona Luau at King Kamehameha Hotel with Open Bar

Fabulous show.

Reviewed by: Darren Steffan, 2024/03/23

Wife and I attended the Luau on February 29th, which happens to be my wife's Birthday ( yes she is a leap year baby) The Hosts took time out to personally wish here happy Birthday and all attendees sang "happy Birthday to her. One of the Best birthday's she will have.

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2024/02/29
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Oceanfront Royal Kona Luau with Open Bar - Voyagers of the Pacific Show

It was OK

Reviewed by: Amber, 2024/03/20

I think this was my 5th luau over the course of 30 years. I’ve been to three on Oahu, 1 on Kauai and this was my first visit to the Big Island. I think I would have a different review had I not been to luaus previously. It definitely was smaller scale and lacked a lot of the cultural/historical info and presentations that I love. Nothing was even said about what we were eating! The dancers were very skilled and did great, but there were so few of them and they had to cover every island nation’s dances. I left feeling a little disappointed because of my previous luau experiences, but I think my kids enjoyed it. I just really wanted them to get the full luau experience, because there’s never a guarantee they will make it back to Hawaii.

  • most of the time our view was blocked by this family’s phones being held up.

Rating:
Attended as: Families
Activity Date: 2024/03/18
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Deluxe Captain Cook Snorkeling Tour at Kealakekua Bay - Fair Wind Cruises

Our first time, but not our last!

Reviewed by: Michelle M, 2024/03/18

We loved everything about this tour! The boat was comfortable and clean and there was plenty of room for our gear. The food was excellent. My husband and I are omnivores, but we thoroughly enjoyed the vegan lunch and breakfast! The snorkeling was so much fun and we were fortunate enough to have perfect weather. We brought our own snorkel equipment and fins, but the boat was equipped with all of that plus life vests, pool noodles, inner tubes, sun screen and anti fog spray for masks. Last, but most importantly, the crew was amazing. Everyone was so caring and helpful and made sure we felt comfortable and safe in the water and out. We will be sure to book with Fair Wind Cruises again when we travel to the Big Island.

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2024/02/22
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ハワイ島 乗馬ツアー コハラ・コーストの牧場をゆったり乗馬! <午前・午後/英語ガイド>by ナアラパ・ステーブルズ

子供との乗馬

Reviewed by: むーちゃん, 2024/03/17

8歳から乗馬が体験できると言う事で参加しました。子供でも楽しく乗馬が体験できて、大喜びです。ありがとうございましたかわいい犬もお出迎えしてくれますよ❤️

Rating:
Attended as: Families
Activity Date: 2024/03/15
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ハワイ島 乗馬ツアー コハラ・コーストの牧場をゆったり乗馬! <午前・午後/英語ガイド>by ナアラパ・ステーブルズ

不安もありながらの初めての本格的な乗馬

Reviewed by: のりこ, 2024/03/16

1人での参加でしたが、草を喰むBoe(馬の名前)を促すことや腹を蹴っての少しの早足も緊張感と共に最後まで楽しく体験できました。60代半ばで大自然の中を馬に乗って闊歩するという憧れのような初体験ができたことがとても嬉しかったです。

Rating:
Attended as: Solo Travelers
Activity Date: 2024/03/13
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ハワイ島 ケアラケクア湾シュノーケリングツアー 滑り台や飛び込み台完備の船で行く!<午前・午後/英語ガイド/食事付>by フェアウィンド号

ハワイ島2度目のシュノーケル

Reviewed by: むーちゃん, 2024/03/15

今回は2度目の参加となります。子供達が絶対に行きたいと希望したので朝からのシューノーケルにしました。朝食と昼食が付いて2時間半、たっぷりと楽しめました。ありがとうございます

Rating:
Attended as: Families
Activity Date: 2024/03/13
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Legends of Hawaii Luau Dinner Show with Open Bar at Hilton Waikoloa Village

Authentic Show!

Reviewed by: David F, 2024/03/09

For us it was a true Luau. Not just a Hawaiian show. From weaving headbands to teaching hula dancing. The show was very personable with audience interaction. Food was very good, brought out to the table instead of a buffet bar. It was an all day affair for us. Went to Waimea Falls first and spent some time there and then to the Luau. MC was great. Highly recommend. We stayed on the North Shore so it was very convenient!

  • Waimea Falls

  • Luau

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2024/02/13
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Big Island Spectacular Circle Island Helicopter Flight with Landing Option

Helicopter tour is always a wonderful experience

Reviewed by: Girls trip, 2024/03/08

I’ve done this more than 5 times and every trip is different and wonderful. Great way to see more of the island without driving. Love all of the employees. It’s a great experience. Last time in March 2022 we took three grandsons and son in law. Very fun trip. They have a fantastic time. This time I took a friend who had never been to island. We again had a fabulous trip. Thank you ❣️

Rating:
Attended as: Friends
Activity Date: 2024/03/06
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Waikoloa Snorkel Tour & Whale Watching Cruise with Lunch & Drinks [Dec - Mar]

Shake watch and snorkel

Reviewed by: Girls trip, 2024/03/05

It was great experience. We have don’t this tour many times. Saw lots of whales. Crew was friendly and helpful and informative. It was fun and enjoyed every minute.

Comments from activity operators

Aloha,
Thanks for taking the time to provide feedback about your Whale Watch Cruise. We're so happy to read that you enjoyed the trip, your interactions with our crew, and most importantly, got to see a lot of Humpbacks!
We know there are a lot of activity providers to choose from when you're on the Big Island and we're honored you chose to join us aboard.
Mahalo and A Hui Hou

Rating:
Attended as: Friends
Activity Date: 2024/03/03
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Kohala Sunset Whale Watching Cruise with Open Bar - Ocean Sports [Dec - Mar]

Awesome whale watching adventure

Reviewed by: Lava Lava Girl, 2024/03/03

We were very lucky to sail on a lovely evening with lots of whales surrounding us and they were quite active. The crew were great, we enjoyed the snacks and drinks. It was just about perfect, loved the boat, could have stayed out on the water for hours if allowed. Definitely will do again and recommend this cruise.

  • gorgeous sunset on board the Sea Smoke

Comments from activity operators

Aloha,
Thanks for taking the time to provide feedback about your Sunset Cruise and also for including that beautiful photo. We're so happy to read that you enjoyed the trip, the onboard amenities, the whales, and your interactions with our crew!
We know there are a lot of ways to watch the sunset when you're in Hawaii and we're honored you chose to spend one of yours with us and that we've earned your recommendation.
Mahalo and A Hui Hou

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2024/02/05
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Kilauea Volcano Helicopter Tour - Blue Hawaiian Circle of Fire Flight from Hilo

Clear Skies!

Reviewed by: Kara, 2024/02/29

We got a great morning, very clear skies and gorgeous views of the volc nat park!

Rating:
Attended as: Friends
Activity Date: 2023/11/16
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Sea Quest Kealakekua Bay Snorkel Tour & Rafting Sea Cave Expedition

Great Day on the Bay!!

Reviewed by: Kara, 2024/02/29

Beautiful caves to explore on the Kona cliffsides!

Rating:
Attended as: Friends
Activity Date: 2023/11/16
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Kilauea Volcano Helicopter Tour - Blue Hawaiian Circle of Fire Flight from Hilo

Great Views!

Reviewed by: Kara, 2024/02/29

Awesome to get to see the volcano from above to understand it much different then walking through

Rating:
Attended as: Friends
Activity Date: 2023/11/15
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Hawaii Zipline Tours - Big Island Waterfall & Rainforest Zip Adventure

You'll Feel Like Mary Poppins but over a Waterfall

Reviewed by: LarryC, 2024/02/29

First timers will experience an exhilaration rush of amazing views. Even if you are afraid of heights don’t be, the crew are professional experts to ease your worries. They know what they are doing (with a flare of joking) to take your nerves from reminding you you’re going to be hundred of feet up in the air. It’s worth it! You’ll appreciate the picturesque palm trees, streams and lastly the huge waterfall. This took my breath away but in a good way. Bring your camera for all the unforgettable shot. What you show all your social media friends and family will surely make them jealous. Love the experience highly recommended!

  • Beautiful Waterfall in the background

  • The crew and me

  • My cousin and myself

Rating:
Attended as: Solo Travelers
Activity Date: 2024/02/14
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Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

Exhilarating Night Adventure Watching Manta Ray Under Your Feet

Reviewed by: LarryC, 2024/02/28

Are ready to try an adventure that is unique? Water activities are great but what about doing something at night, in the water and mysteriously fun? You must do this! A night time viewing of majestic Manta Rey fish! Oh boy, so fun. The day came, I drove down to the facility early (good thing I did, I got lost) and introduced myself to the host. Maybe her name was Iruka, but a very friendly girl greeted me and accommodated any questions I had. She offered a wetsuit fins and mask/snorkel combo however, I bought and brought my own (because I know what it means for things not to fit right). We took off on time with about 13-15 people out into the abyss. Light was shimmering off the water as the sun was setting down. Very beautiful to see it on a boat. We took a short ride to the spot where other boats were anchored and the crew pulled out a square like raft. It had special lights in the middle to draw fish and Manta Ray. The special lights draw the plankton towards the light and the fish eat it right away.

Everyone slowly dropped ourselves over the side and crew members helped us swim to the floating raft. We had to hold a small rope handle and given floating noodles to place under our feet to make everyone horizontal. This is to keep our feet from kicking underneath the raft and scaring the fish. This also kept everyone relaxed, well until we started seeing strange fish.

So much fun! The ride back was scary fun. Traveling through the dark without any lights but the moon illuminating on the water in front of us Wow! This is something you'll never forget. Highly Recommended.

Video https://youtu.be/t4VJHokd3DI

Rating:
Attended as: Solo Travelers
Activity Date: 2024/02/13
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Hawaii Loa Kohala Luau & Dinner Show with Open Bar at Fairmont Orchid Waikoloa

Didn't meet expectations; there are better luau's -- skip this one

Reviewed by: Ayall, 2024/02/27

Decided to try this luau after researching luau options on the big island, and unfortunately it fell short of expectations.
There are three main areas I judge in a luau, and I'll expand on each category for this place; location/setting, food/drinks, and entertainment.
First the location setting. Although located at the Fairmont orchid resort, a beautiful and well kept property, the luau itself was "makeshift" utilizing cheap plastic chairs and tables and placed between the golf course and tennis courts, over a mile away from the coast with no sunset or real ocean view. Most other luau's I've been to are more like restaurants with permanent structures set right on the coast.
I had read rave reviews about the food, and while it too fell short of expectations - it wasn't all bad. I'll definitely give it credit for a large selection and variety, but the food was overall "meh." The poke, fish, shrimp and chicken were good but the beef and pork were awful. There was no actual hog roast; the pulled pork they served was clearly not from a recently dug up roasted pig - and it tasted disgusting; this was the biggest let down as you expect amazing pulled pork when you goto a luau. They lacked variety in drinks, so not much to choose from in terms of wine (only "red" or "white") or beers (a few cheap varieties in cans, no IPAs), and the mixed drinks were also limited in ingredients (for example, they couldn't make me an old fashion), but they had the basics to make most decent cocktails. My biggest complaint with the drinks is that the line was long and clearly a bottleneck only having 2 bartenders making drinks for the entire group. Other luaus I'd attended always had the basic drinks ready to go so you could grab a basic drink at anytime if you wanted.
As for the entertainment; also very meh. Not a big production (again, due to the "makeshift" nature of this luau), but it contained all the basic elements to not fall completely short.

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2024/02/24
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Hawaii ATV Ride Tour at Kohala Coast - Sea to Mountain Off-Road Adventure

Highlight of our Trip to The Big Island!

Reviewed by: Jenn D., 2024/02/26

My parents, my 8 yo son and I had a blast on the tour!

Henry was an awesome guide; we got a kick out of watching him chase a group of wild pigs. :-D He did a great job pointing out photo opportunities, wild animals, and educating us on the history of Kohala.

Jerry drove us to and from the meeting point. He was super friendly and shared lots of stories about growing up on the island and the importance of family. He also pointed out places to eat in Kohala on the way back, which was good because we were hungry!

Isiah was the second guide on our tour, and he picked ripe fruit from the land during our snack stop at a beautiful waterfall. It was fun to try all fruits and hang out with them, learning the history of the land.

Overall would highly recommend this tour!

  • Our group with guide, Henry

Rating:
Attended as: Families with Young Children
Activity Date: 2024/02/19
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Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

Awesome once-in-a-lifetime experience

Reviewed by: Veronica, 2024/02/25

My family did the sunset cruise and it was amazing! We got to watch the sunset in the water and got to see dolphins and look for whales before heading to the snorkeling spot. I have kids ages 12 and 9. While my 9 year old struggled a bit with the snorkel, my 12 year old had no problems at all. The crew was super fun and engaging, dancing to music and generally infecting the crowd with their great attitude. Snacks and drinks were provided as well as hot chocolate afterward. They also took videos for us and were happy to airdrop them to anyone that wanted them. I would definitely recommend this experience and this company!

Rating:
Attended as: Families with Young Children
Activity Date: 2024/02/02
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ホエールウォッチングクルーズ <12~3月/午前/軽食付き/ワイコロアまたはカワイハエ港発>

良く見られてよかったです。

Reviewed by: 胆石おやじ, 2024/02/25

以前にオアフ島でホエールウォッチングに参加しましたが、その時はほとんどクジラに会えなかったですが、今回は早い時間帯から次ぐから次に見ることができました。
帰りには、船の周りをイルカが来て、ジャンプまで見せてくれて、最高のホエールウォッチングになりました。

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2024/01/31
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Oceanfront Royal Kona Luau with Open Bar - Voyagers of the Pacific Show

A disappointment .

Reviewed by: Kathleen Hogg, 2024/02/25

Poor. It was supposed to run from 5pm until 8pm. It didn’t start until 5:30pm and ended at 7:10pm. Food was fair. Entertainment and service good. For what we paid, not worth it. I would not recommend.

Rating:
Attended as: Friends
Activity Date: 2024/02/23
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Deluxe Captain Cook Snorkeling Tour at Kealakekua Bay - Fair Wind Cruises

Wonderful experience

Reviewed by: David F, 2024/02/14

Had a great day on the water. Right out of the bay we experience whales breaching the water. Staff was well trained, everyone had their job and was on it. They were very helpful in and out of the water. Very knowledgable about the history of the bay and Capt. Cook. Breakfast and lunch was very good and served efficiently. Saw lots of species of fish on the coral reef at the Capt. Cook Monument. To finish the day we were entertained by Spinner Dolphins jumping out of the water. Highly recommend!

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2024/02/12
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Big Island Helicopter Circle Island Flights with Landing Option [from Kona]

Professional

Reviewed by: David F, 2024/02/13

Great trip with Tyler being our pilot. Not only was he a great pilot he was very knowledgable about the Big Island and about things a vacationer would not know. Saw many whales and spinner dolphins.. Circle Island tour was a great experience! Support staff was great and gave us all the information needed to make the trip great, but also safe!

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2024/02/11
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Kailua-Kona Sunset Cocktail with Free Drinks - Honi Olani Catamaran

Memories were made

Reviewed by: Aisha, 2024/02/05

Booked this with a group of six, and to our surprise, we got a last-minute upgrade apparently due to the cruise being overbooked: Our own private yacht with cocktails, beer, and dinner. We were greeted and wonderfully taken care of by two very friendly guys -- unfortunately, I cannot remember their names as this was a few weeks ago, though someone in my group did snag their card, so we will definitely hit them up when we return -- who indulged our desires to see some whales in addition to the sunset. The atmosphere was excellent, the mood was chill, and we indeed saw lots of whales and an amazing view of the sunset. Loved the experience!

Rating:
Attended as: Friends
Activity Date: 2024/01/14
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Umauma Falls Zipline Tour & Waterfall Swim Adventure

Best Falls Zipline Tour on Big Island

Reviewed by: Jonathan M., 2024/02/04

A great time at Umauma Falls Zipline Tour & Waterfall Swim Adventure / 9 Zipline Tour.

Although it rained, it was a great time with my visiting friends. Our group had about seven total members, and we all felt included and enjoyed the adventure together. When the weather turned into rain, and the wind made the rain even more interesting... We all decided to make the most of it and enjoy the unique experience. Our Guides were friendly, informative, and humorous. They take safety seriously but they take the time to make sure you are having fun while being safe. Safety tip... "Keep your head and face to one side of the tether, or you'll get a knuckle sandwich." We will return on a sunny day to enjoy the waterfalls, but it was a great time for all, and the guides made it extra memorable.

Rating:
Attended as: Friends
Activity Date: 2024/02/02
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Oceanfront Royal Kona Luau with Open Bar - Voyagers of the Pacific Show

Wonderful experience

Reviewed by: Natalie R. , 2024/02/04

Such an enjoyable experience!! Nearly all the food items were gluten free ( I have Celiac disease). The only suggestion I would make is to not put the gluten free dessert on the same plate as the glutinous items as there is chance of cross contamination. The wait staff were phenomenal. Our waiter Geno was on top of all our needs. The performers were out do this world and the musicians with equal talent. Loved the experience and encourage others to attend.

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2024/02/02
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Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tour Adventure on a Hawaiian Sailing Canoe

fun!

Reviewed by: blake, 2024/02/02

fun!fun!fun!fun!fun!fun!fun!fun!fun!fun!fun!fun!fun!fun!

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2023/02/15
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