The Big Island of Hawaii is a playground for adventure seekers and culture lovers alike. Its diverse landscapes—lush rainforests, volcanic lava flows, mountain ridges, and fertile ranchlands—make it an ideal destination for ATV & quad bike tours. Whether you’re after a thrilling ride through ancient forests or an authentic ranch experience, the Big Island offers options that deliver both excitement and insight. We especially like tours that combine cultural education with off-road fun, like the Polynesian Cultural ATV Tour, which seamlessly blends Polynesian history with a jungle adventure. This tour stands out with its focus on Polynesian villages and hands-on activities, making it perfect for those who want more than just dust and dirt.
If you’re after rugged backcountry exploration, the Big Island Southside ATV Tour takes you over lava fields, forested hills, and lookout points, offering a more solitary experience away from crowds. For a taste of authentic Hawaiian ranch life, the ATV Ranch ride Big Island Hawaii offers a chance to see cattle, wild horses, and fruit groves while riding through scenic farmland. For those who want to combine waterfalls, swimming, and muddy fun, the Deluxe ATV Waterfall and Swim Experience provides a splashy, less conventional adventure. And for a more intimate, private trip, the Green Sands Adventure ATV Ride takes small groups to secluded beaches and turtle hotspots.
Below, you’ll find detailed descriptions of each tour, helping you choose the perfect Big Island ATV experience for your trip.
1. Polynesian Cultural ATV Tour
The Polynesian Cultural ATV Tour is a lively mix of culture and jungle adventure. Starting from just 10 minutes from Kailua-Kona, this tour combines hands-on Polynesian activities with a 2.5-hour ATV ride through forest trails and country lanes. You can choose to drive your own ATV or ride in a UTV driven by your guide; either way, it’s designed to keep the experience accessible and fun.
What makes this tour unique is its focus on Polynesian heritage. You’ll stop at traditional villages representing Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, and Hawaii, where you can participate in activities like tribal drumming, coconut cracking, and tiki carving. The tiki carving session with a Tongan master carver is a highlight if you want to learn a traditional craft. The route winds through lush jungles, giving you a feel for the island’s natural beauty while learning about Polynesian history through engaging stops.
The tour proudly maintains a small-group setting, with a maximum of 14 people, which means more personalized attention. Reviewers consistently praise the guides for their friendliness, knowledge, and fun storytelling. One noted, “Leiah and Kia shared many stories and made us laugh,” capturing the warm local vibe.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those interested in Hawaiian and Polynesian culture combined with a lively off-road ride. It’s a good value at $187 for a well-rounded experience.
2. Big Island Southside ATV Tour
At number 2, the Big Island Southside ATV Tour offers a more rugged, backcountry experience. For about $250, you get roughly three hours of riding over lava fields, craggy terrain, and forested hills. This tour is ideal if you want to explore the island’s less accessible southern landscapes, where Polynesians first arrived thousands of years ago.
Your guides provide helmets, goggles, gloves, and training—crucial for a safe, confidence-inspiring ride. The terrain can be rough, so some previous experience is advisable if you’re not a first-timer. The route stops at lookout points with spectacular views, and the small group size ensures a more intimate adventure.
Reviewers frequently comment on the quality of the equipment and the knowledge of the guides. One said, “Anna read the group well, and we had the best time,” highlighting the personalized approach. Participants also enjoy the opportunity to get dusty, with water hoses and wipes provided afterward for cleanup.
This tour suits travelers who love off-road challenges and want to see Hawaii’s volcanic south away from crowds. It’s a full, engaging experience that balances adventure with cultural context.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for experienced riders or those seeking a rugged, off-the-beaten-path exploration of the Big Island’s volcanic south.
3. ATV Ranch ride Big Island Hawaii
For a more authentic ranch experience, the ATV Ranch ride Big Island Hawaii offers a full immersion into local farm life. Priced at $169 for up to 12 travelers, this tour focuses on riding through lush ranchlands, visiting a banana orchard, and meeting the cattle herd. It’s a 2.5-hour adventure that combines scenic views with hands-on activities.
Your guide will take you through Honokaa WOH Ranch, where native flora and fauna thrive. You’ll have the chance to pick fruit directly from the trees, tasting bananas and other tropical produce. Along the way, you’ll spot wild horses, see the historic Hamakua ditch, and enjoy sweeping vistas of the coast and backcountry.
This tour shines for its small-group setting and educational component, with guides sharing insights about Hawaiian agriculture and ranching. Reviewers love how informative and friendly the guides are, with one saying, “Guides were full of aloha and very knowledgeable about the land and agriculture.”
Bottom Line: A perfect pick for travelers wanting an authentic ranch visit combined with scenic ATV riding. It’s affordable and less adrenaline-focused but rich in local flavor.
4. Big Island ATV Tour at Ohana Ranch
The Big Island ATV Tour at Ohana Ranch delivers a fun and scenic ride through tropical trails and fruit groves. For $159 per person, you’ll spend about two hours exploring a working ranch minutes from Volcano National Park. This tour emphasizes family-friendly fun, with beginner-level trails suitable for all ages and experience levels.
The land features lush tropical scenery, open pastures, and seasonal fruit trees, which you can pick right off the land—guava and other tropical fruits. Guide Kanoe is praised for her knowledge and personable style, making the experience both educational and entertaining. The tour also includes opportunities to see baby goats and enjoy the farm’s natural beauty.
Guests appreciate the easy-to-use ATVs and the personalized service, with many calling it a highlight of their trip. One reviewer raved, “Alana and John were great guides—they treated us like Ohana and shared a lot about Hawaiian culture and farming.”
Bottom Line: This tour is perfect for families or first-timers seeking a relaxed, scenic ride with a cultural twist. Great value for a half-day adventure.
5. Deluxe ATV Waterfall and Swim Experience
For those craving a combination of scenic beauty and water-based fun, the Deluxe ATV Waterfall and Swim Experience offers a memorable splash of adventure. At approximately $227 for a group, this 1.5-hour tour takes you along the Hamakua Coast, with stops at magnificent waterfalls and private ponds. You’ll ride 4×4 Honda ATVs or UTVs over coastal trails, with complimentary lessons ensuring even beginners feel confident.
What makes this tour stand out is its water element—you’re not just riding past scenery, but also swimming in a waterfall-fed pond and splashing through mud “the Pit.” Reviewers mention how gorgeous the waterfalls are and appreciate the opportunity to cool off after dusty rides.
The guides are attentive, and the scenery, including Mauna Kea views and coastal vistas, is described as stunning. One reviewer exclaimed, “The waterfall and pond were absolutely gorgeous and SO refreshing,” emphasizing how special this experience can be.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers wanting a wet and wild side of ATV riding, especially if water falls and swimming appeal to you.
6. Green Sands Adventure ATV Ride
Finally, the Green Sands Adventure ATV Ride offers an intimate trip for small groups of 2 to 4 people. For $240, you’ll visit secluded beaches and turtle hotspots, riding through off-road trails and exploring the famous Green Sand Beach. This tour is notable for its private feel and the chance to see green sand and sea turtles in their natural environment.
Rated 5.0 out of 5, the reviews highlight the amazing guide Anna, and mention that the ride is at an appropriate challenge level. Many travelers appreciate the personalized attention and the chance to relax on a less crowded beach after the ride.
This experience is perfect for those seeking a private, less-touristy adventure with excellent chances for wildlife sightings and beach relaxation. Expect dusty trails and a shorter but memorable ride.
Bottom Line: Best suited for small groups or couples wanting a more exclusive, nature-focused experience with a mix of turtle spotting and beach time.
How to Choose Your Perfect ATV Adventure
When deciding between these Hawaii ATV tours, consider your interests and travel style. If culture is your priority, the Polynesian Cultural ATV Tour is ideal. For rugged exploration, the Big Island Southside ATV Tour offers rugged terrain and volcanic landscapes. Want a ranch experience? The ATV Ranch ride Big Island Hawaii combines farming with riding. Looking for water fun? The Waterfall and Swim Experience is perfect. And if privacy matters, the Green Sands Adventure takes small groups to secluded beaches.
Factor in your budget, physical fitness, and interests. The tours range from family-friendly rides to challenging backcountry adventures, so choose what best matches your style and comfort level. Booking early is recommended, especially during peak season, to secure your preferred date.
Final Thoughts
Big Island’s ATV options are diverse and exciting, offering everything from cultural insights to off-road thrills. For those wanting a bite of Hawaiian culture with a side of jungle, the Polynesian Cultural ATV Tour hits the mark. If rugged backcountry exploration is more your style, the Big Island Southside ATV Tour provides a true adventure over lava fields and forests. For a family-friendly outing with scenic views and farm visits, the Ohana Ranch tour is a perfect choice. Water lovers and those seeking an extra splash will enjoy the Waterfall and Swim.
Whichever you pick, booking early and choosing a tour aligned with your interests will ensure a memorable, adrenaline-filled day on the Big Island. Now, get ready to strap in and explore Hawaii’s wild and wonderful landscapes!