Nature & Wildlife in Big Island of Hawaii

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is unlike anywhere else on the planet, where one of the world's most active volcanoes sends lava dripping towards the sea, and a towering mountain lies dormant and ready to pop. On this private tour of the National Park, hear the legends of Madame Pele, the mythical Hawaiian fire goddess, and tour from Hilo to the eastern coastline and the rim of Kilauea volcano. Because it's a completely private tour, your guide can customize the pace and number of sights. When you book, note your lunch requirements in the checkout field.

Delve into Hawaii's history and prepare to get wet on this full-day waterfall adventure tour of the Big Island's Kohala coast. Begin with a drive up the Kona coastline past lava flows, and take in sweeping views from the old Kohala Mule Station lookout. Rumble through the rugged landscape in an off-road vehicle and hike along the tunnels and aqueducts of a historic sugar plantation. Admire the seven Kohala waterfalls and cool off with a dip under the final cascade. A picnic lunch and hotel transport are included.

Explore three volcanic craters during one great trip on this 11.5-hour excursion on the Big Island. Travel aboard a high-end Mercedes van as you trek to the still-steaming Mauna Ulu, enjoy an amazing hike across Kilauea Iki crater and discover the summit of Kilauea Caldera. All entrance fees, plus a deli-style lunch and and local-style dinner are included.

Experience big skies and incredible nighttime views on this Mauna Kea stargazing trip with a small group. Join no more than 28 guests for a pre-trip picnic at a historic Hawaiian ranch, proceeded by a ride in a 4x4 luxury van to the summit of the Big Island's tallest peak. After admiring a sunset view, continue down to 9,000 feet (2,743 meters) for a stargazing session, complete with a telescope, hot chocolate, and dessert. The trip also includes a guide and a hooded parka to keep you warm.

Discover Hawaii's remarkable wildlife on a full-day, small-group birdwatching tour into the Big Island's Mauna Kea Forest Reserve. Travel on foot and by four-wheel drive as you explore dry forest and rainforest habitats that shelter the endangered palila honeycreeper, the Hawaii amakihi and the Hawaii "˜elepaio. Listen for the calls of endemic songbirds as you traverse an otherworldly lava trail, then follow a local, bird-loving guide along forest paths into the distinctive, high-elevation mamane-naio ecosystem.

Start your morning on the Big Island on top of the world (literally) during this 6-hour sunrise trip to the peak of Mauna Kea. Watch the first rays of light peek across the horizon from the 13,000-foot (3,900-meter) summit before descending for an included continental breakfast and visit to the Mauna Kea Silversword plant enclosure.

See a side of Hawaii few visitors ever experience thanks to this 12-hour Big Island adventure with a small group. Get off the beaten path as you explore an active volcano, visit a local coffee farm, experience a private cave system, scout for sea turtles on a black-sand beach, and enjoy an included breakfast, lunch, and snack made with gourmet, sustainably-sourced ingredients.

See three of Hawaii's most massive volcanoes during this Hawaii Volcanoes National Park tour. First get the chance to see Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa at Mauna State Park. Then, head to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to see Kilauea, and if possible at the time, walk its summit. Your guide leads you on moderate hikes under two miles (3.2 kilometers). This Hawaiian volcanoes tour also includes both lunch and a picnic-style dinner, as well as round-trip transport from Kona.

Visit the birthplace of the Hawaiian Islands on this full-day volcano adventure from Kona. Travel along famous Saddle Road and see the sites, featuring a stop in Hilo, Hawaii's second-largest city. Also, discover a lava tube and enjoy a picnic lunch en route to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the state's only UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spend the afternoon exploring the park before dinner at Kilauea Lodge, an award-winning restaurant located in nearby Volcano Village. Finally, take in the fiery glow of the Kilauea Volcano, the most active volcano in Hawaii.

Find your 'green thumb' during this 30-minute behind-the-scenes visit to a Big Island orchid garden and greenhouse. Enjoy the fragrant scent of more than 1,000 flowers as you follow an expert grower on a orchid-themed tour. You'll view plants in different stages of development, see how they're bred, and even get to plant one of your own. A baby orchid souvenir is also included.