Big Island of Hawaii offers more than stunning landscapes and active volcanoes—it’s also a fantastic destination for memorable dining experiences. Whether you’re craving an adventurous day with a gourmet dinner at Volcanoes National Park or eager to get your hands dirty with traditional Hawaiian cooking, the island has options that will satisfy your palate and deepen your connection to Hawaiian culture. Among the options, we particularly like the Deluxe Volcano Experience with Restaurant Dinner for its combination of spectacular scenery and fine food, and the Farm-to-Table Chef’s Dinner at Kulaniapia Falls for its lush setting and intimate atmosphere. These tours showcase the island’s natural beauty and culinary richness, making your trip more meaningful.
For those who love a good story along with their meal, the Historical Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay offers a unique blend of local history, scenic views, and a delicious dinner on the water. Meanwhile, the Hands-On Hawaiian Imu Cooking and Cultural Dining Experience turns dining into a cultural adventure, perfect for travelers wanting to actively participate in Hawaiian traditions. The list below covers a variety of styles, from full-day explorations to casual dinners—each offering a taste of Big Island’s diverse flavors and landscapes.
1. Deluxe Volcano Experience with Restaurant Dinner
At number one on our list, the Deluxe Volcano Experience with Restaurant Dinner offers an 11-hour journey into Hawaii’s volcanic heart, combined with a gourmet dinner. This tour is perfect for travelers who want a full day of adventure, scenery, and local flavor. You’ll explore Volcanoes National Park with a knowledgeable guide, covering key highlights like Kilauea’s lava activity and breathtaking vistas. A highlight is the stop at Greenwell Farms, where you’ll taste fresh Kona coffee and enjoy a picnic lunch amid coffee plants—an authentic taste of Hawaii’s agricultural roots.
Later, you’ll visit Punalu’u Black Sand Beach, famous for its jet-black volcanic sand and endangered turtles. The tour wraps up with a 3-course dinner at the Kilauea Lodge, often praised for its cozy atmosphere and excellent local cuisine. This experience is highly rated, with perfect reviews praising the knowledgeable guides and seamless organization. It’s ideal for those who want an immersive day exploring Hawaii’s volcanic activity with a touch of luxury at the end.
Bottom Line: An all-day adventure perfect for volcanic enthusiasts and food lovers alike, offering a combination of scenic wonder and fine dining.
2. Hands-On Hawaiian Imu Cooking and Cultural Dining Experience
For a truly immersive cultural experience, the Hands-On Hawaiian Imu Cooking and Cultural Dining Experience is hard to beat. This 4-hour tour invites you to actively participate in building and cooking in an imu, Hawaii’s traditional underground oven. Led by Men of PA’A, this tour emphasizes regenerative tourism—you’ll learn about Hawaiian values like land stewardship while preparing authentic dishes.
The process involves more than just cooking; it’s about forging a connection to Hawaiian land and traditions. The small group setting ensures a personal experience, with plenty of time to ask questions and share stories. The focus on cultural authenticity makes this a favorite for travelers interested in Hawaiian history and cuisine. Expect to help with the imu, taste dishes you’ve helped prepare, and leave with a deeper understanding of Hawaiian values.
Reviewers appreciate the genuine nature of the experience, with one mentioning, “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime event that connects you to the land and culture.” It’s perfect for those who want to go beyond just eating and truly experience Hawaiian food culture.
Bottom Line: A hands-on, educational adventure that combines food, culture, and land stewardship, suitable for curious travelers and those eager for authentic experiences.
3. Farm-to-Table Chef’s Dinner at Kulaniapia Falls
At number three, the Farm-to-Table Chef’s Dinner at Kulaniapia Falls offers an intimate dining experience overlooking Hawaii’s most scenic waterfall. This 2-hour evening event is ideal if you want to combine a lush natural setting with delicious local and global cuisine. Before dinner, you get access to the 42-acre property, including the gardens, streams, and the stunning Kulaniapia Falls, giving you a peaceful escape from the more crowded parts of the island.
The dinner itself is a farm-to-table affair, focusing on fresh, local ingredients prepared by a skilled culinary team. Limited to just 12 guests, the tour provides personalized attention, making it a perfect choice for couples or small groups. Reviewers consistently mention the unique location and the soothing sounds of the waterfall as highlights, along with the quality of the food. Many appreciate the opportunity to explore the property beforehand, which enhances the overall experience.
This tour is best for travelers seeking a relaxed, scenic dinner with a focus on sustainability and local ingredients. The setting, combined with the intimate atmosphere, makes this a memorable and tasty experience.
Bottom Line: A peaceful, scenic dinner perfect for small groups and lovers of natural beauty and fresh food.
4. Historical Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay
For a different kind of dining adventure, the Historical Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay combines Hawaiian history, scenic cruising, and a tasty meal. This 3-hour cruise takes you 12 miles down the Kona Coast, with live narration covering more than 50 points of interest, including the famous Captain Cook monument. It’s an excellent way to learn about Hawaii’s past while enjoying the ocean breeze.
Boarding at Kailua Pier begins with Hawaiian-style pupus and a complimentary cocktail, setting the tone for a relaxed evening. The cruise includes a full dinner menu, which varies but generally features local flavors. During the trip, you’ll spot whales, dolphins, and stunning coastlines, especially beautiful during sunset. The live music adds to the laid-back atmosphere, making it a favorite among travelers who love history and coastal scenery.
Reviewers mention the crew’s friendliness and the informative narration, with many saying it’s “worth every penny” for the combination of scenery, history, and good food. If you’re interested in Hawaiian stories and a scenic sail, this tour offers a memorable night out.
Bottom Line: A scenic, informative cruise for history buffs and ocean lovers, with a relaxed vibe and tasty Hawaiian dinner.
$189.19 per person
How to Choose
When deciding between these options, consider your interest in adventure, culture, scenery, or relaxation. For full-day volcanic exploration paired with a fine dinner, the Deluxe Volcano Experience is ideal. If you want to actively participate in Hawaiian traditions, the Imu Cooking Tour offers a deeply cultural experience. For a special, scenic dinner in a lush setting, the Kulaniapia Falls tour provides intimacy and natural beauty. Finally, if you enjoy history and ocean views, the Kealakekua Bay dinner cruise combines storytelling with scenic sailing.
Budget, time, and your personal interests should guide your choice. Early booking is recommended, especially for tours with limited availability or small groups. Take advantage of the detailed descriptions and reviews to pick the experience that best matches your Hawaiian vacation goals.
Final Thoughts
Big Island’s diverse landscape extends into its culinary scene, offering everything from adventurous volcano dinners to cultural cooking classes and scenic waterfront cruises. For those who want a full-day adventure with gourmet dining, the Deluxe Volcano Experience is hard to beat. If you’re more interested in hands-on cultural learning, the Imu Cooking Tour provides a meaningful connection to Hawaiian traditions. For a peaceful, scenic, and intimate dinner, the Kulaniapia Falls experience is ideal. And for history and ocean lovers, the Kealakekua Bay cruise combines storytelling with stunning vistas.
No matter which you choose, these experiences promise a richer, deeper taste of Hawaii’s spirit, land, and flavors. Be sure to book early, especially during peak travel seasons, and prepare for a memorable culinary journey on the Big Island.