Private Big Island Shore Excursions and Kona Shuttle Service

Hawaii Island Time — Private Big Island Tours & Kona Shore Excursions

Discover private shore excursions and island tours on Hawaiʻi Island with Hawaii Island Time. Whether arriving by cruise ship in Kona or embarking from Hilo port, Hawaii Island Time offers private shuttle service, culturally focused stops, and scenic drives that showcase the Big Island’s highlights.

Popular Trip Types

• Private Kona Cruise Ship Excursion (up to 14 people) — Cruise pier pickup at Kailua-Kona, coastal scenic drive, Kona coffee farm tasting and retail, and a stop at Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau for photos and peaceful shoreline time.
• Big Island Highlights Tour (From Kona and Waikoloa) — Full-day Circle Island experience (~10–11 hours roundtrip) covering waterfalls, volcanic landscapes, lush valleys, and beaches with guided stops and select tastings.
• Private Hilo Shore Excursion to Volcano, Waterfall & Black Sand — Hilo Port departures, scenic drive (~1 hour 30 minutes to Punaluʻu), visits to Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and Rainbow Falls.

What to Expect on a Hawaii Island Time Tour

• Clear pickup logistics: Cruise pier pickup in Kailua-Kona for cruise guests; hotel and concierge coordination from Kailua-Kona to Waikoloa for land-based pick up.
• Guided routes and local context: Knowledgeable guides provide cultural and natural context at stops such as Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
• Included items: Transportation, park entry where applicable, and tastings at select local stops are commonly included in tour descriptions.

Key Destinations & Highlights

• Kona coffee farm: Fresh Kona coffee tastings and authentic retail options.
• Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau: National historic sacred site for self-guided exploration and photography.
• Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach: Iconic black sand coastline near Hilo.
• Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Kīlauea: Volcanic landscapes and scenic viewpoints.
• Waterfalls & Lava Tubes: Stops at Rainbow Falls, ʻAkaka Falls, and Thurston Lava Tube with light to moderate walking.

Booking & Practical Details

• Private group options: Private vehicles for groups provide flexibility and shore-friendly pickup from cruise piers. The Kona private cruise excursion lists capacity up to 14 people.
• Duration expectations: The Circle Island day tour runs approximately 10–11 hours roundtrip; the scenic Hilo transfer to Punaluʻu is about 1 hour 30 minutes.
• Why choose a private shuttle or shore excursion: Private options simplify logistics for cruise passengers and small groups, provide direct pier pickup, and allow time at chosen stops without waiting on larger coach schedules.

Verify & Plan

Hawaii Island Time is listed on Viator/TripAdvisor and is featured on The Adventure Collective for reference. Review tour itineraries and inclusions to confirm pickup points, walking requirements, and what to pack for coastal, volcanic, and rainforest environments.

Book private Kona shore excursions, Circle Island tours, or Hilo volcano and black sand beach trips to experience curated Big Island routes with clear pickup arrangements, local tastings, and culturally relevant stops.