Big Island Hawaii Self-Guided Driving Tour

Imagine cruising along the scenic roads of Hawaii’s Big Island, discovering waterfalls, volcanoes, and lush landscapes at your own rhythm. For just $16.99 per group, this self-guided driving tour offers a flexible way to see some of Hawaii’s most iconic sights without the pressure of a group schedule. It’s perfect for travelers who love the idea of crafting their own adventure, stopping where they want, and learning about the island’s volcanoes, history, and natural beauty through engaging audio stories.

Two standout features make this tour particularly appealing: first, offline maps mean you’re not tied to cellular signals, so you can confidently explore even remote spots. Second, the ability to pause, skip, or revisit any segment ensures you can tailor your experience to your interests and pace.

A possible consideration is that some travelers have experienced issues with the app’s connectivity, especially in the southern parts of the island. It’s worth downloading the tour beforehand and ensuring your device is fully prepared.

This tour suits independent travelers, families, or couples who enjoy driving with a guide but prefer the freedom to explore on their own. If you appreciate authentic experiences, stunning scenery, and value for money, you’ll find this tour a solid choice.

Key Points

Flexible itinerary: Create your own schedule and explore only the sites that interest you.
Offline maps: No signal needed, making remote areas accessible.
Affordable: One purchase covers your vehicle for a year, ideal for multiple trips or extended visits.
Rich storytelling: Engaging narration offers insights into Hawaii’s natural wonders and history.
Self-paced: Pause, skip, and revisit stories or stops to suit your mood.
Great for repeat use: Valid for a full year, perfect for planning return visits or multiple day trips.

A Deep Dive into the Big Island Self-Guided Tour

Our journey begins with an easy setup: after downloading the Actions Tour Guide App and entering the provided password, you’re ready to explore. The tour is designed specifically for self-guided exploration, meaning you don’t meet a guide at a meeting point. Instead, your phone becomes your guide—narrating stories and providing directions as you go. This setup offers a level of independence that many travelers cherish, especially when seeking a personal encounter with Hawaii’s diverse landscapes.

Starting at Hilo and Wailuku River State Park

The trip kicks off in Hilo, a town known for its vibrant local culture and stunning waterfalls. First stop is Rainbow Falls, where you’ll see the rainbow-colored mist that makes this spot famous. Nearby, the Boiling Pots — bubbling basalt-lava pools — add a touch of volcanic drama to your morning.

Travelers rave about these sites. Shelly from her review mentions how the guide helps uncover hidden gems like these that are “great for a relaxed pace” and perfect for exploring without feeling rushed. It’s a gentle introduction to the island’s volcanic origins and lush landscapes.

Unique Stops like the Singing Steel Grid

Next, the tour takes you to a quirky site at 203 Kilauea Ave, featuring a steel grid that creates a musical sound as vehicles drive over it. It’s a fun, interactive experience that adds a layer of local character to your drive. While not a traditional landmark, it’s a reminder that the Big Island’s charm isn’t just in its natural scenery but also in its oddities and local quirks.

Scenic Outlooks and Beaches

The Scenic Outlook Park offers a quiet spot to soak in the views and relax before heading to more active sites. Then, for the surfing enthusiasts, Honoli’i Beach Park provides a spectacular cove where experienced surfers chase waves. Be aware, it’s rocky and has strong currents, making it unsuitable for swimming unless you’re confident in the surf.

Reviewers appreciate this area for its authentic surfing vibe. Lori mentions how the tour’s flexibility allowed her to choose which sites to linger at, making her experience both relaxing and tailored to her interests.

Hiking and Botanical Gardens

Continuing along, you’ll encounter the Onomea Bay Trail, a gentle 0.8 km walk through tropical scenery, ideal for a quick nature break. Nearby, the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden offers a lush collection of tropical plants and flowers, a peaceful place to stretch your legs and learn about Hawaii’s botanical diversity.

This segment is perfect if you enjoy nature walks or want to see a variety of tropical flora. Reviewers like Elaine appreciated the “beautiful and varied landscape” and found the stories engaging, though she noted the trip to Hilo took longer than expected.

Waterfalls, History, and the Tsunami Memorials

One of the tour highlights is the World Botanical Gardens and Waterfalls, where a large waterfall makes for stunning photos. Further along, the Laupahoehoe Train Museum offers insights into the island’s railway history, while Laupahoehoe Point Cemetery tells a poignant story of the 1946 tsunami, commemorating those lost in the disaster.

These sites add depth to your understanding of local history and natural hazards. Patti from her review loved how the app’s storytelling revealed stories “we never would have found on our own.”

Northern Coast and Coastal Parks

Driving north, the scenery transforms into rugged lava fields around the Kohala Coast. This area is home to some of the island’s top resorts, but the tour emphasizes its dramatic lava landscapes. You’ll pass sites like Anna Ranch Heritage Center and Hapuna Beach, which is often ranked among the world’s best beaches for its wide, white sands.

Hapuna Beach, in particular, receives praise from travelers like Lori who find it “the largest white sand beach on the island and a must-see.” It’s an ideal spot for swimming, sunbathing, or simply admiring the breathtaking coastline.

Trails, Lookouts, and Cultural Sites

Further exploration includes the Kings Hwy Foot Trail, offering a brief but scenic hike, and the Buddha Point lookout, where sweeping ocean views are common, especially during whale season. You might also stop at Waikoloa Beach for a relaxed beach walk or at Kiholo Bay to see the striking lava formations surrounding the bay.

Kona Coast and the Historic Sites

Heading into Kona, the tour visits the Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, where you can see ancient Hawaiian archaeological sites. The nearby Lekeleke Burial Ground and Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park tell stories of traditional Hawaiian life and the sacred places of refuge.

Many reviews, including Kimberley’s, highlight how the tour made the Kona landscape both accessible and fascinating, enhancing their visit with insightful narration and scenic views.

Coffee, Black Sand Beaches, and Volcanoes

The tour also features stops at Heavenly Hawaiian Kona Coffee Farm, where coffee lovers can learn about what makes Kona coffee so special. Following that, you might visit Punaluu Black Sand Beach, created by lava flows, providing a stark contrast against the usual white sands.

Finally, the trip culminates at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Here, you’ll see active volcanoes, steam vents, and the famous Jaggar Museum — a must for anyone interested in Hawaii’s volcanic activity. This part of the drive is free to enter and often forms the highlight for visitors who want to witness the island’s fiery core.

What We Love About This Tour

We appreciate the flexibility this tour provides. Being able to customize your stops and go at your own pace means you can linger at favorite sites or skip others that don’t excite you. The offline maps are a real boon, especially in remote areas like the lava fields or mountain roads where cell service can be spotty.

Another strength is the storytelling. From the history of tsunamis to the legends of ancient Hawaiians, the narration adds a layer of context that enriches the experience. Several reviewers commented on how the stories made sites come alive, like Lori who said, “you could stop and see as many or as few points of interest as you want.”

Possible Drawbacks to Consider

A few travelers experienced issues with the app’s connectivity, particularly in the southern parts of the island. Some noted the app stopped working or froze, causing them to miss portions of the narration. This highlights the importance of downloading the tour beforehand and being prepared for potential technical glitches.

It’s also worth mentioning that the duration can extend beyond the estimated 2-4 hours** if you choose to linger at multiple sites or take detours. So, plan your day accordingly if you aim to complete the full loop in one go.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This tour is ideal for independent travelers comfortable with driving and using smartphone apps. It suits those who enjoy learning on the go and appreciate the freedom to explore without a group. If you’re on a tight budget, the cost-effectiveness—just one purchase for a full year—makes it a smart choice, especially if you plan to revisit parts of the island or explore over multiple days.

Travelers who love nature, history, and local culture will find plenty to enjoy. It’s perfect for families, couples, or solo adventurers who prefer a tailored experience over a guided bus tour.

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

Is this tour suitable for first-time visitors to the Big Island?
Yes, the tour covers many of the island’s highlights and provides plenty of context, making it a good overview for first-timers.

How long does the tour typically take?
The core tour is designed for about 2-4 hours, but if you stop at multiple sites or take detours, it could take longer.

Do I need to be tech-savvy to use the app?
Not at all. The app is designed to be user-friendly, and detailed instructions are provided. Just download the tour beforehand and follow the audio cues.

Can I use this tour more than once?
Absolutely. Once purchased, you have access for one full year, so you can replay it anytime during that period.

Are attraction tickets or reservations included?
No, the tour is self-guided, and entry fees for attractions are not included. You’ll need to pay separately for specific sites if applicable.

What if I lose my signal while exploring remote sites?
The maps work offline, so you can continue exploring without cellular service, but the narration requires prior download. Download everything before you set out.

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
Yes, it’s family-friendly, but be mindful that some sites, like beaches with strong currents or lava fields, may require supervision or caution.

Can I start the tour at any point?
Yes. The tour is flexible—you can begin at your chosen site, but it’s easiest to start at the designated starting point for the narration to sync properly.

What should I bring for the tour?
Bring a fully charged smartphone, headphones, and optional snacks or water. Remember to have the app downloaded and maps ready.

Is there customer support if I have issues during the tour?
Yes, support is available through the app or your tour voucher, ready to assist if you encounter technical difficulties.

Wrapping Up

This Big Island Hawaii Self-Guided Driving Tour offers a practical way to see a broad swath of the island’s spectacular landscapes and cultural sites without the constraints of a guided group. Its affordability, offline capability, and engaging narration make it a strong choice for independent travelers who want to carve their own path.

If you’re someone who loves to explore at your own pace, and appreciates authentic stories and scenic vistas, this tour could be the perfect companion for your visit. Just remember to download everything beforehand and keep your device charged. The island’s natural beauty and fascinating history await, all at a price that keeps your wallet happy.

For those planning multiple trips or extending their stay on Hawaii, the full-year validity ensures you can revisit sites or explore new ones on a future day without purchasing multiple tickets. Whether you’re on a tight schedule or want a leisurely exploration, this tour respects your rhythm while enriching your understanding of the Big Island’s unique character.