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.

Dieser weitläufige Park wurde 1917 von Königin Liliʻuokalani angelegt und ist der größte authentische japanische Garten seiner Art außerhalb der japanischen Küste. Überall in der ruhigen Landschaft sind Steinlaternen, Pavillons und Torii-Tore verteilt, die als ergreifende Hommagen an die japanischen Einwanderer dienen, die Hawaii zu ihrer Heimat machten.

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.

Unsere Reise führt uns nun zum berühmten Punalu'u Black Sand Beach, wo zahlreiche Honu (Hawaiianische Grüne Meeresschildkröten) leben. Hier haben wir eine großartige Gelegenheit, diese majestätischen Kreaturen in der warmen Sonne zu beobachten.

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.

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.)

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).

As for one of our last stops we take photos at this iconic waterfall, for iconic postcard worthy photos

Wir begeben uns auf einen Spaziergang durch eine Lavaröhre, wo Ihr Reiseleiter Ihnen Einblicke in die Entstehung der Röhre durch Lava gewährt. Dieser Rundweg, ein etwa 600 Meter langer Pfad, ist schwach beleuchtet und weist sanfte Treppen auf, die in die Röhre hinein und wieder hinaus führen. Dieser Teil der Tour ist aufgrund der körperlichen Fitness möglicherweise nicht für alle Passagiere geeignet. Alternativ können Sie im Fahrzeug bleiben oder die Naturlandschaft draußen erkunden. Darüber hinaus haben Sie die Möglichkeit, Stirnlampen mitzubringen, um die Sicht in der schwach beleuchteten Lavaröhre zu verbessern. So können Sie die komplizierten Höhlendetails erkennen und die Entstehung winziger Stalaktiten beobachten.

ʻAkaka Falls is a showstopper—plunging more than 400 feet through a lush rainforest gorge alive with birdsong, greenery, and mist. The paved loop trail takes most visitors about 20–30 minutes and winds past smaller waterfalls and scenic overlooks before revealing the grand view of ʻAkaka itself. It’s a vibrant, postcard-perfect stop for nature lovers and photographers alike (admission not included). This stop can also be selected as an alternative to Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach and the Kau Coffee plantation as these are opposite directions from one another. Please note that the order of stops may vary and will be determined by our expert guides to provide the best overall experience. As this is a private tour, we can also tailor the day to your preferences (within reason) and within the time allotted.