Nature and Wildlife Tours

Nature and wildlife tours are the heart of the Big Island’s travel scene, making up 37% of all tours sold here. With 208 options, travelers can choose from farm visits, snorkeling, rainforest hikes, and day-long explorations of volcanoes and waterfalls.

These tours attract families, couples, and solo travelers looking to see Hawaii’s famous landscapes and wildlife up close. The most-reviewed tour draws over 7,000 reviews, showing just how popular these experiences are for first-time and repeat visitors.

With 208 nature and wildlife tours, the Big Island offers more in this category than any other. The median price is $188, higher than walking or cultural tours, but less than bus tours, which reach $250. Options range from $8 coffee farm visits to $233 full-day waterfall adventures, with 10 tours under $30 and 67 priced above $250.

Compared to the island’s overall median price of $156, nature and wildlife tours sit at the higher end, reflecting the cost of longer excursions and included amenities. Only 4% of these tours are rated below 4 stars, making this one of the best-reviewed categories on the island.

Snorkeling, volcano sightseeing, and farm tours dominate the catalog, with a handful of private or luxury options pushing prices up. If you want to see the Big Island’s wild side, this is where most travelers spend their time and money.

Shorter, lower-priced tours like the Award Winning Farm Tour ($38) suit travelers with limited time or those interested in local agriculture and tastings. However, some visitors found this tour less immersive than expected, noting the small size of the farm and limited walking—one review called it more of a product presentation than a working farm experience.

Snorkeling trips, such as the Captain Cook Snorkel on a Power Catamaran ($64) and the Deluxe Sail & Snorkel ($135), are popular for families and groups. Both include equipment and meals, but reviews point out that large group tours can be generic or occasionally delayed at check-in. Some guests on the Captain Cook Snorkel were frustrated by late departures and a lack of communication from staff. Others on the Deluxe Sail & Snorkel enjoyed the crew but found the snorkeling less impressive compared to other island spots.

Full-day sightseeing tours like Big Island in a Day ($208), Big Island Highlights ($225), and the Waterfalls Tour ($233) cover a wide range of landscapes in a single trip. These are best for those who want to see as much as possible without renting a car. However, reviews for these longer tours mention that much of the day is spent driving, with limited time at each stop. Some guests felt rushed or found the guides’ commentary overwhelming. The Highlights tour also drew complaints about last-minute cancellations and inflexibility with scheduling.

If you want to swim in a private waterfall or visit multiple natural sites, the higher-priced tours include more amenities and exclusive access, but expect a long day and a higher cost. For travelers who prefer a focused experience, the Kealakekua Bay Snorkel and Sail Adventure ($142) stands out for its consistently high ratings and attentive crew, though a few guests were disappointed by shortened snorkeling time or last-minute cancellations. Across the category, tours rated below 4 stars are rare, but when problems arise, they most often involve rushed itineraries, communication issues, or value for the price.