-
Banyan Drive
Pass by
Banyan Drive is a scenic, historic stretch in Hilo lined with giant banyan trees planted by famous figures such as Amelia Earhart, Babe Ruth, and Franklin Roosevelt. Often called Hilo’s “Walk of Fame,” the drive offers a leafy tunnel of shade and history—its iconic trees having survived the tsunamis that once reshaped the town.
-
Ka'u Coffee Mill
15m · Admission ticket included
Have a taste of the underrated “south of Kona” brew known as Kaʻū Coffee—grown in the volcanic soils just outside Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Rich, smooth, and award-winning, it’s a great way to sample a different side of Hawaiʻi’s coffee culture. This stop is doable if we head toward Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach.
-
Big Island Candies
15m · Admission ticket included
Big Island Candies is a beloved Hilo-based shop known for its buttery shortbread cookies, chocolate-dipped treats, and playful local flavors. Visitors can browse through beautifully packaged confections while sampling fresh-brewed Kona coffee, seasonal candies, and signature shortbread. The store has the feel of a small factory boutique—warm, aromatic, and filled with gifts that travel well—making it an easy stop for both locals and travelers stocking up on sweets.
-
Richardson Ocean Park
25m · Admission ticket included
Our journey now takes us to a Black Sand Beach, where numerous Honu (Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles) reside. Here, we have a great opportunity to witness these majestic creatures basking in the warm sun.
-
Pass by
Established in 1917 by Queen Liliʻuokalani, this expansive park stands as the largest Authentic Japanese garden of its kind beyond Japan's shores. Dotted throughout the serene landscape are stone lanterns, gazebos, and torii gates, serving as poignant tributes to the Japanese immigrants who made Hawaii their home.
-
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
2h · Admission ticket not included
Next, we journey to the summit of Kīlauea within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, a world-renowned volcanic site tied to the Hawaiian goddess Pele. The park is home to Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, two of the world’s most active volcanoes, offering dramatic volcanic scenery and insight into how the islands formed. We’ll stop at the visitor center, view the collapsed caldera, explore steam vents and sulfur banks, and enjoy scenic overlooks. Lava activity is unpredictable—there is no guarantee of glowing lava, and there is no ocean entry, as the last one occurred in 2018. For those prone to being cold, please bring comfortable shoes and a jacket; summit temperatures can be 20+ degrees cooler than the coast. A visit to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is an unforgettable highlight. (Entrance fees not included; national park passes are valid for use on commercial tours for your immediate party.)
-
Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor Center
15m · Admission ticket included
The Mauna Loa Macadamia Visitor Center is a fun stop for anyone who wants to taste Hawaiʻi’s famous mac nuts right where they’re grown and roasted. Surrounded by lush orchards, the center offers samples of classic and flavored macadamias, chocolate-covered treats, and other island snacks. Visitors can glimpse parts of the processing operation, browse gifts, and enjoy a casual atmosphere that mixes learning with plenty of tasting—plus lots of chances to stock up before heading home (time allowing and if this is a preference).
-
Rainbow Falls
15m · Admission ticket not included
As for one of our last stops we take photos at this iconic waterfall, for iconic postcard worthy photos
-
Nahuku - Lava Tube
20m · Admission ticket included
We'll embark on a walk through a lava tube, where your guide will provide insights into its formation by lava. This loop, approximately 600 meters or .4-mile trail, features low lighting, with gradual stairs leading into and out of the tube. While this portion of the tour may not be suitable for all passengers due to physical fitness, alternative options include remaining in the vehicle or exploring the natural scenery outside. Additionally, you'll have the choice to bring headlamps along for enhanced visibility within the dimly lit lava tube, allowing you to appreciate intricate cave details and observe the formation of tiny stalactites.
