Ultimate Circle Island Explorer (Kona Pickup)

This adventure is designed for the intrepid sightseeing traveler wishing to see as much of the Big Island as possible in one day. Travel south into Kona coffee country for the first stop at Bay View Farm, a working 24 acre coffee farm nestled on the slopes of Mauna Loa Volcano just above beautiful Kealakekua Bay and known for the best Kona coffee since 1984. Here you’ll see coffee growing on the trees and learn about the various steps and processes in making coffee, all of which happen right here on the farm. You’ll sample 100% Kona Coffee at a gorgeous overlook with stunning views of Kealakekua Bay and the monument to Captain Cook standing on the only sliver of British land in the United States. The adventure continues as you head through the South Kona and Ka’u Districts. Stunning views, alternating between stark lava flows and Hawaiian dry forest, are visible through the huge picture windows of your tour vehicle. We stop briefly at picturesque Punalu’u Black Sand Beach. Lined with swaying coconut palm trees, this is one of the best black sand beaches on the island. Stroll along the beach and look for honu (Green Hawaiian Sea Turtles) feeding just offshore or sun-worshipping on the sand. Visit Volcano Winery, the southernmost winery in the United States. The Winery remained open daily throughout the eruption despite hundreds of earthquakes every day. Drive over cracks left in the road to the Winery, reminders of the summer of 2018. Take a private tour of the vineyard and winery then sample up to eight different types of wines, varying from sweet to dry, and all with a unique Hawaiian flare. The Volcano Winery also has estate grown teas to taste and soft drinks and water are also included. After sampling beverages, you’ll enjoy a hearty Hawaiian-style BBQ lunch with a complimentary glass of your choice of Volcano Winery wine or other beverage. Next travel to the crown jewel of Hawaii, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Visit the Kilauea Visitor’s Center, the Kilauea Iki Crater Overlook, and Steaming Bluffs. Take a walk through the famous Volcano House to view the smoking and steaming Kilauea Caldera. Dropping down into the lush eastern side of Kilauea Volcano our next stop is Big Island Candies. Founded in 1977, Big Island Candies is synonymous with quality. Big Island Candies welcomes everyone with samples of their amazing confections, still handmade using only the highest quality ingredients. Peek through the windows into the factory or browse the selection of gorgeous jewel-box gifts. Travel through quaint Hilo town next where you’ll drive along the historic waterfront as you continue on to stunning Akaka Falls State Park, the site of the largest easily accessible waterfall on the island. You’ll traverse a paved walking path right through the center of a lush rainforest to Akaka Falls, a gorgeous 442 foot waterfall that plunges down a sheer cliff and into the water below. Waipio Valley, known as the Valley of Kings, is a place of impossibly steep cliffs carved by plunging waterfalls cascading more than a thousand feet to the valley floor below. Waipio Valley is still home to taro farmers as it has been for a thousand years. Look closely from the overlook and glimpses of the wild horses that roam the valley floor might be possible Visit Tex Drive-In, famous for made-to-order malasadas. These fried Portuguese sweet treats were originally brought to Hawaii by immigrants who worked in the cattle industry and have been a local favorite ever since. Watch the treats being made through the window and snag a fresh one with your smile drive-in style dinner which is included in the price of the tour before returning to your hotel.