The Island of Hawaii is a natural wonderland offering some truly memorable dinner experiences. Unlike typical tourist traps, these tours blend spectacular scenery, local cuisine, and adventure—making every bite and moment a part of the island’s story. We particularly love the Volcano and Stargazing Tour because it combines incredible volcanic vistas with a guided night sky show, and the Hawaii Volcanoes Day Tour for its active lava views and cultural stops. These experiences give you more than just a meal—they connect you with the island’s fiery personality and starry skies. For a more active option, the Kilauea Lava Flow Hike offers a hands-on adventure if you’re up for some walking on freshly formed lava.
If you’re trying to decide, read on for our detailed breakdown of the best dinner tours on the Big Island, each with its own flavor and appeal. Whether you’re after a relaxing evening with stunning views, an educational journey, or an active hike, there’s something here for you.
1. Big Island, Hawaii: Volcano and Stargazing Tour with Dinner
At number 1, this 12-hour guided tour offers a complete day and night experience centered around the island’s fiery heart. Starting at twilight, you’ll explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where steam vents and lava fields create a landscape unlike any other. The tour includes a stop at a Kona coffee farm, providing insight into Hawaii’s famous brew and a chance to taste fresh beans. As darkness falls, you’ll head to a prime spot near Mauna Kea to marvel at the stars and planets through telescopes and your guide’s expert explanations.
This tour stands out because it combines natural wonder, cultural insight, and culinary delight—all in one day. The dinner, served under the stars, is a highlight, with the perfect backdrop of the glowing volcanoes. With a 4.8-star rating from 165 reviews, travelers consistently praise the knowledgeable guides and the unforgettable views. The price, at $287 per person, reflects the comprehensive nature of the experience, making it excellent value for those wanting a full immersion.
Bottom Line: If you want a mix of volcano exploration, starry skies, and local flavors, this tour offers an exceptional, well-rounded experience.
2. Hawaii: Big Island Volcanoes Day Tour with Dinner and Pickup
Number 2 is a full-day tour focused on Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, with added stops at a Kona coffee farm and Punalu’u Black Sand Beach. Starting with local pickup, you’ll enjoy a deli-style lunch at the coffee farm, where you learn about the harvest process while tasting some of Hawaii’s best coffees. The journey continues with a walk through the Thurston Lava Tube, a natural tunnel formed by flowing lava, and an exploration of active volcano craters like Kilauea.
What makes this tour appealing is its balance of active exploration and relaxing cultural stops. The night visit to Halema’uma’u crater to see glowing lava flows provides a dramatic climax. The dinner at Kilauea Lodge and treats at Punalu’u Bakery give you a taste of local flavors. It’s rated 4.7/5 from 28 reviews, with most guests appreciating the comprehensive itinerary and the ease of pickup.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers wanting a deep dive into volcano activity with varied stops and a hearty dinner in a cozy lodge setting.
3. From Hilo: Kilauea Lava Flow Tour with Lunch and Dinner
Number 3 goes a step further for those interested in active volcano hiking. This 9-hour tour is designed for those physically ready to hike across recent lava flows, including the 2018 eruption. Starting from Hilo, you’ll visit the Painted Church in Kalapana, then hike to see fresh lava flows and explore the current volcanic activity at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
This tour’s strength is its focus on hands-on volcanic exploration. The hike allows you to stand directly on recent lava, providing a visceral connection to the island’s fiery power. It includes a picnic lunch and a dinner, making it suitable for those who enjoy combining outdoor activity with local cuisine. Rated at 3.5/5 based on 8 reviews, it’s a more niche option, best suited for adventurers comfortable with physical exertion.
Bottom Line: For travelers eager to walk on lava and witness active eruptions firsthand, this tour delivers an unforgettable experience—clad in sturdy shoes and a sense of adventure.
$275 per person
How to Choose the Best Dinner Experience in Hawaii
Picking the right tour depends on what kind of adventure you want. If you prefer a comprehensive day with stargazing, the Volcano and Stargazing Tour offers a magical combination of sights and sounds. For those interested in more active volcanic exploration combined with good food, the Kilauea Lava Flow Tour is ideal. Budget travelers might find the Day Tour with its mix of stops and hearty dinner offers great value, especially since it includes a deli lunch and cultural highlights.
Consider your physical fitness, interest in night sky gazing, or desire to hike on lava. Also, think about timing—most tours run year-round, but clear skies are best during dry seasons. Booking early is recommended, especially for popular nights near Mauna Kea or during peak seasons.
Final Thoughts
The Big Island’s dinner tours provide a rich mix of volcano views, starry skies, and local flavors. For a full day of learning, exploring, and dining under the stars, the Volcano and Stargazing Tour is hard to beat. For a more active, up-close look at recent lava activity, the Kilauea Lava Flow Hike offers an authentic, hands-on experience.
If you’re after a balance of comfort, scenery, and good food, the Day Tour with dinner hits the sweet spot. Whichever you choose, these tours will deepen your appreciation for Hawaii’s volcanic power and natural beauty. Be sure to book early—these experiences fill up quickly, and there’s no better way to end a day on the Big Island than with a memorable dinner under the island’s starry skies.