Mauna Loa: Our most recommended tours and activities
1. Hilo: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Waterfalls Flight
Take a helicopter ride over ever-changing scenery at Volcano National Park with this tour from Hilo. Journey over black sand beaches where lava once flowed into the sea. Take off from Hilo and fly directly to Volcano National Park. See the caldera of the Kilauea volcano. Admire the Pu'uo'o' volcanic cone. Snap pictures of the massive volcanos Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. Discover new lava fields that are forming and go over old lava fields. View how waterfalls create a deep blue pools amid jungle greenery.
2. MaunaKea Stellar Explorer From Kona
For an out-of-this-world experience, check out Maunakea Stellar Explorer. The in-house stellar explorers are the best and most experienced in Hawaii, with one having created the Mauna Kea Visitor's Center and operated it for a decade. Staff have written noted articles and reviews for well-known astronomy magazines and have worked at world-class observatories. Next, you'll travel across Saddle Road between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, two of the tallest and most massive volcanoes on Earth. Your National Park Service trained guide will discuss the volcanology, geology, and history of these monstrous wonders, as well as providing in-depth narration on the various lava flows and flora and fauna that you'll be passing by. While you're taking in the breathtaking terrestrial views, your guide will prepare some heavenly views just as stunning. Setting up a state of the art solar telescope for your viewing pleasure, your specially trained guide will let you safely watch the sun come alive in true color with vibrant solar flares, sunspots, prominences, and any other current activity, weather permitting. Lastly, your guide will take you to one of the preferred locations on Mauna Kea for nighttime stargazing. You'll observe deep sky and planetary objects through a large aperture Dobsonian telescope under one of the darkest and most pristine skies on planet Earth. The Dobsonian telescopes are a true purist's experience to view the night sky. Their fast focal ratio enables you to see sprawling wide field views of objects that simply aren't possible with the types of telescopes used by other tours. Depending on what is visible in the current sky and weather permitting, you'll observe galaxies, nebula, star clusters, planets, double star systems, the moon, and much more; all the highlights and showpiece objects like you've never seen before.
3. Big Island: National Park, Coffee, Cloud Forest, and Brewery
Discover some of the highlights and diversity of Hawaii's big island on this half-day tour. Explore the beautiful Kaloko-Honokohau National Park, head on a unique cloud forest walk, find out about how coffee is produced at a plantation, and enjoy a refreshing drink at a local brewery. First, head to the picturesque Kaloko-Honokohau National Park and learn about early Hawaiian settlements on the rugged Kona coast. See petroglyphs, a sacred temple, and fishponds that highlight the engineering skills of native Hawaiians. If you're lucky, you may also spot a sea turtle or monk seal. Next up is a guided stroll through the only cloud forest in the United States. Find out more about one of the Big Island's many microclimates as you admire the distinctive plants, flowers, and trees that thrive at 3,000 feet on the slopes of Mauna Loa. Nestled on the slopes of Hualalai, Hawaii Island's third most active volcano, Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation offers tours, tastings, and a gift shop where you can purchase their coffee. Take a guided tour of the plantation and sample some of the different coffees that are produced here. To finish, sip on a local beer, cider, seltzer, or sampling flight from a community and employee-owned brewery. Ola Brew Co. sources most of its ingredients from local Hawaiian farmers, helping to sustain the local agricultural economy.
4. Kona: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Tour
First travel south into Kona coffee country for the first stop at the Bay View Farm, a working 24-acre coffee farm nestled on the slopes of Mauna Loa Volcano, just above beautiful Kealakekua Bay. See the coffee beans growing on the trees and learn about the various steps and processes in making coffee, all of which happen right on the farm. 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. Continue the adventure as you head through the South Kona and Ka'u Districts. Enjoy the stunning views of the region, alternating between stark lava flows and the Hawaiian dry forest, which are visible through the huge picture windows of your tour vehicle. Stop briefly at Punalu'u Bake Shop, the southernmost bakery in America. Offering the finest time-honored Hawaiian sweetbreads since 1991, the Bake Shop offers an array of breads and cookies available for purchase. Shortly thereafter, arrive 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. Enjoy a picnic-style lunch here, weather permitting. Next, travel to the crown jewel of the Big Island, the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Visit the Kilauea Visitor's Center, the Volcano Art Center, and the famed Sulphur Banks. Take a hike out to Keanakako'i Crater and step over the sinkholes and cracks in the roads left behind by the historic 2018 eruption. Then make your way to Mauna Ulu, one of the most culturally important locations in the Park. Take a quick break at Volcano House, which has been welcoming guests such as Mark Twain and Jack London to Kilauea since 1864. At the end of an epic day, enjoy drop-off to your hotel.
5. Big Island: Full Day Circle Island Tour From Kona
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 will 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. 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. 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. Look for honu or green Hawaiian sea turtles feeding just offshore or sun-worshipping on the sand. 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. Walkthrough the famous Volcano House to view the smoking and steaming Kilauea Caldera. Dropping down into the lush eastern side of Kilauea Volcano, your next stop is Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Farm. In operation for more than 30 years, Mauna Loa has more than a dozen mac nut flavors to choose from, and visitors can watch the factory floor through glass windows. Big Island Candies is the next stop in Hilo-town. 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 where you drive along the historic waterfront and along the Onomea Scenic Route, a four-mile section of the original old highway punctuated with historic wooden bridges, waterfalls, and lush tropical foliage. 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.
6. High Country Private 4x4 Adventure with Sunset Dinner
Hidden, Rare and Unique: A One of a Kind Adventure! Discover the natural beauty of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea on this 4x4 adventure day trip. Look for rare plants and birds in Mauna Kea forest reserve with your naturalist guide. Admire views of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa on a sunset picnic. Be picked up from the comfort of your accommodation and hop aboard a comfortable, fully customized, Toyota Sequoia that truly is a rugged yet luxurious 4X4 adventure vehicle. Travel on a road built through lava flows in a Martian-like landsacpe as you explore the northern flank of the largest volcano on earth, Mauna Loa. Take in the sights of from the Mauna Loa Observatory which has been recording atmospheric changes since the 1950's and boasts the longest record of direct measurements of CO2 in the atmosphere. Explore the rare and lesser known high elevation dry forest around the slopes of Mauna Kea volcano. Search for the endangered and endemic Hawaiian Honey creeper the Palila (Loxioides bailleui), the last finch-billed honey creeper in the main Hawaiian Islands. Witness other rare and endemic birds such as the Hawai'i 'Amakihi, 'Apapane, Hawaiian hawk, and the Hawaiian short-eared owl. Hawaii has some of the best birding opportunities in the world due to the evolution of the islands and the presence of the rare bird species. Go for a guided walk through the Mauna Kea Forest Reserve and learn about the unique plants and animals found in the area. Get a better view of birds with the use of provided Nikon ProStaff binoculars. Marvel at Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa as you enjoy a delicious picnic dinner in the sub-alpine dry forest. Stargaze with a top-of-the-line Vaonis Stellina telescope at a private location before returning to your accommodation.
7. From Kona: Elite Volcano Hike
Explore Hawaii's explosive side on foot with this tour. First, travel across Saddle Road between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, two of the tallest and biggest volcanoes on Earth. Learn more about the volcanology, geology, and history of these wonders from your National Park Service certified guide and enjoy an in-depth narration of the various lava flows and flora and fauna that you pass by. Afterward, explore Kaumana Caves, part of the lava tube system that brought lava as close as 1.5 miles from downtown Hilo in 1881 and take a peek inside the dramatic cathedral-like space. Next, head to Mackenzie State Recreation Area, where the historic eruption took place in 2018. Take a hike along the now-closed highway, and then follow the lava flow through the pine forest to the altered coastline and cliffs overlooking the new black sand beach. Afterward, head to Isaac Hale Beach Park. Be sure to check out the boat launch ramp, now sitting in a pond cut off from the ocean by a berm of lava and don't forget to look for steam still rising from the cooling lava as you drive across it before stopping for a picnic-style lunch. Next travel to the crown jewel, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Briefly visit the Kilauea Iki Overlook before heading off on foot down the paved road to Keanakakoi. Get a birds-eye view of the Kilauea Caldera and the enormous Halema'uma'u Crater. Pass by the famous Sulphur Banks, through ancient forests of tree ferns, and look for native bird species and incredible rock slides. Enjoy some dinner after your sightseeing.
8. Big Island: Private Circle the Island Tour
Discover the beauty and grace of the Big Island of Hawaii on a private tour. Explore some of the island's most unique and idyllic locations, including the Kona coast, Punalu'u Black Sand Beach, Hilo's iconic waterfalls, and the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Sit back and relax as all meals and drinks (excluding alcoholic ones) are included throughout your day. Make your way to your first stop: the South Kona Coffee Farm for a tour and coffee sampling. Travel south along the striking Kona coast and absorb the breathtaking views of lush vegetation and coastline. Listen to your guide describe the cultural history of the area as well as the local flora and fauna. Then, visit the southernmost bakery in the United States, Punalu'u Bakery. World renown for their sweet bread, malasadas, and other delicious treats. Enjoy a malasada and a coffee or tea. Continue your tour to one of the prettiest black sand beaches in all of the Hawaiian Islands, Punalu'u Black Sand Beach. Relax with black sand between your toes while listening to the wind move through the palms. Keep a look out for green and hawksbill sea turtles that frequent the beach. Next, make your way to the the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve. This iconic park encompasses the summit of two of the world's most active volcanoes and extends from sea level up to the summit of Mauna Loa at 13,677 feet. Explore the main attractions in the park including the Thurston Lava Tube, Chain of Craters Road, and a nature walk along the Halema'uma'u Crater. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the beauty of the park before embarking on the next leg of your adventure. From the park, venture up to Hilo to visit the picturesque Rainbow Falls and Akaka Falls State Park. Both waterfalls are a sight to behold. Beautiful falls combined with lush vegetation make these stops photo-worthy. Then, drive along the 50-mile stretch of the Hamakua Coast with its hidden waterfalls, tropical rainforest, and lush green valleys. Described as one of the most beautiful locations in the state, it's well worth the scenic drive. Arrive at Waipio Valley in the late afternoon. Enjoy the sprawling views as your guide explains the rich history of the area. Continue your ride to marvel at the bright sunset views of Waimea. To get there, travel through Paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) country and take in this historic area with its rolling, green pastures, the home to cattle, cowboys, and one of the largest cattle ranches in the United States; Parker Ranch. Enjoy a local and authentic dinner in Waimea where surf and turf is a definite menu staple, before returning to your hotel.
Hilo: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Waterfalls Flight
MaunaKea Stellar Explorer From Kona
Big Island: National Park, Coffee, Cloud Forest, and Brewery
Kona: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Tour
Big Island: Full Day Circle Island Tour From Kona
High Country Private 4x4 Adventure with Sunset Dinner
From Kona: Elite Volcano Hike
Big Island: Private Circle the Island Tour
Access by Foot
Top Attractions in Island of Hawaii
1 Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
2 Mauna Kea
3 Kona International Airport
4 Kealakekua Bay
5 Rainbow Falls
6 Punalu'u Black Sand Beach, Hawaii
7 Akaka Falls State Park
8 Waipio Valley
9 Kilauea Visitor's Center, Volcano Village
10 Keauhou Bay, Hawaii
11 Kaumana Caves
12 Kīlauea Iki Crater, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
13 Honokohau Small Boat Harbor
14 ʻAkaka Falls, Hawaii
15 Hualālai, Island of Hawaii
16 Halema'uma'u Crater, Hawaii
17 MacKenzie State Recreation Area, Hawaii
18 Kona Coffee Living History Farm, Island of Hawaiʻi
19 Kohala
20 Kilauea Overlook, Island of Hawaii
Things to Do in Mauna Loa
1 Mauna Loa Tours
2 Mauna Loa Activities
3 Mauna Loa Outdoor activities
4 Mauna Loa Outdoor sports
5 Mauna Loa Nature & adventure
6 Mauna Loa Water activities
7 Mauna Loa Boats & yachts
8 Mauna Loa Sunset tours
9 Mauna Loa Marine life
10 Mauna Loa Water sports
11 Mauna Loa Safaris & wildlife activities
12 Mauna Loa Family-friendly activities
13 Mauna Loa Snorkeling
14 Mauna Loa Eco-certified
15 Mauna Loa Ecotourism
16 Mauna Loa Cruises & boat tours
17 Mauna Loa Wheelchair accessible
18 Mauna Loa Good for groups
19 Mauna Loa Volcano tours
20 Mauna Loa Natural Attractions & National Parks
Other Sightseeing Options in Mauna Loa
Want to discover all there is to do in Mauna Loa? Click here for a full list.
What people are saying about Mauna Loa
Since it was my first time to experience a helicopter, I felt very scared at first and only look at the scenery in the camera. The team worked well together. The pilots have great skills and can chat and explain the scenery. The process of tilting at the view is very exciting. I feel like it's a roller coaster ride. However, as the plane flew through the clouds, it felt like my dream had come true.
Hilo: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Waterfalls Flight Reviewed by Jingru, 12/16/2022
Sam, our pilot, was knowledgeable and shared good history on the evolution of the land as well as the volcanoes in the region. She also made sure all passengers had a good share of flying and sighting the various calderas. Safe and great way to see big island from the sky!
Hilo: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Waterfalls Flight Reviewed by Aaron, 10/11/2022
The most amazing experience. The team that helped us get ready and the pilot (chewy) were lovely and full of knowledge about the island and volcanoes
Hilo: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Waterfalls Flight Reviewed by Rosemary, 11/6/2022
It was fabulous. And although our pilot admitted to not being a tour guide she was very knowledgeable! I highly recommend this activity!!!
Hilo: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Waterfalls Flight Reviewed by Elizabeth, 11/9/2022
So worth the trip, seeing a live volcano, was on my bucket list, and this help fulfill that
Hilo: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Waterfalls Flight Reviewed by Tom, 11/11/2022
Island of Hawaii