Kailani Tours Hawaii - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Evelyn M.

We had the most epic day with our guide Dave C and Kailani Tours Hawaii. We chose the private full-day tour and could not have been more happy with our choice. The itinerary was perfectly thought-out— we started at a coffee farm, checked out a beautiful black sand beach, had delicious pastries from the southernmost bakery in the US, and saw the most incredible once-in-a-lifetime eruption at Kilauea all before lunch! After lunch we explored lava tubes, steam vents, the most beautiful waterfall, not to mention the other handful of stops that we hopped into along the way. Dave was incredibly knowledgeable and friendly throughout— there wasn’t a question that our kids could throw at him that he didn’t know the answer to. Every single detail was thought of ahead of time— from yummy snacks to keep kids happy in the car, binoculars that suddenly appeared at just the right moment, raincoats when we needed them most, even a warm lavender infused towel to freshen up after lunch! And it was just an absolute pleasure to spend the day learning from Dave and getting to know a bit about him. To be honest, we were hesitant to leave our amazing resort for a whole day — but this day absolutely could not have been any better. This island is incredibly magical and we can’t wait to come back— touring with Dave and Kailani Tours was the perfect way to explore and learn all about it!

Karen W.

Our guide Kawika ( likely spelled wrong) was a walking encyclopedia about Hawaii. His passion for his home is clearly evident. This tour was entertaining and educational. He was a great story teller about history of the island. They thought of everything snacks warm and cold cloths flashlights for lava tunnels. Highly recommend comfortable ride and timely. A great introduction to the island.

Lisa C.

Wonderful way to see the island!
Shelby was our driver/wealth of knowledge/passionate tour guide for the Deluxe Volcano experience with restaurant dinner. The 11 hour tour should not deter you as it goes by sooo quick with all the stops and information you are getting. Our group was small, 6 people, and we were all very relaxed and enjoyed spending the day/night together. My first suggestion is to review what they offer so that you don’t overload yourself with items you won’t need on the trip. They provide drinks and snacks throughout, they provide jackets/umbrellas/flashlights, they provide lunch and dinner (both were awesome!!) AND the restaurant gratuities! they provide entrance into the parks and they take photos! They provide sooo much you wonder how they are making any money!
If you are wanting to see the island and some really neat stops along the way, this tour is for you, if you want to know everything about the island and volcanoes be sure and ask for Shelby, she was so full of knowledge we were all sure she was born here! I can’t say enough so just book it and you’ll see what I mean!❤️
PS: be sure to tip your guide, and be generous, because she really spends a great amount of time making sure you have a once in a lifetime experience.

BigPhat J.

Shelby was a passionate and knowledgeable guide. Great tour and great food. Highly recommend the smaller group and step up to this tour since it includes night and the possibility of seeing the volcano at night. We went Saturday with no eruptions since Wednesday but still saw some of the heat/lava.

Brittany W.

Dave our tour guide for the 11 hour tour was phenomenal! He was so informative and an amazing story teller-he really painted the story in my mind! 100% worth the money and even though I was concerned about it being 11 hours, it didn’t drag and I was energetic and had so much fun the whole time! Walking through the lava tube was probably my favorite part but I lovvvved the whole experience.

Sean C.

Our private tour of the Big Island of Hawaii was absolutely phenomenal! From start to finish, the experience exceeded all expectations, thanks in large part to our incredible guide, Grant. As a volcanologist, Grant was exceptionally well-versed in the geology of volcanoes, which made our visit to Volcanoes National Park truly unforgettable. His passion and expertise brought the park to life, as he explained everything from the formation of lava fields to the history of the island’s volcanic activity in a way that was both fascinating and easy to understand.

The park was awe-inspiring, but the day didn’t end there. We also visited the breathtaking black sand beaches, where we were lucky enough to see sea turtles up close—an unforgettable moment! His personable, funny, and warm demeanor made the tour feel relaxed and enjoyable, like spending the day with an old friend.

The vehicle was clean and comfortable, and Grant ensured that every detail was perfect. He even went out of his way to capture family photos for us at the most picturesque spots.

If you’re planning a trip to the Big Island, don’t miss this tour—especially if you have the chance to experience it with Grant. His knowledge of the island’s geology and culture, combined with his genuine enthusiasm, made this the highlight of our trip. We’ll treasure the memories forever!

Arvind N.

Thia was the best tour guide you could ask for! Knowledgeable, personable, caring and empathetic, funny, genuine and authentic. Made the drive to places enjoyable and gave us plenty of facts about the fauna, flora, and landscape. Great communicator as well. Would definitely book again if Thia was our tour guide!

Candie S. B.

Overall, this was a good tour if you're short on time and you really want to get everything in one day. It is a full 11 hour day.

This wasn't my first pick of tours, I just wanted to go to the volcano (shorter time frame tour), but they didn't have enough participants so they grouped us into the All-Day tour that went to a coffee plantation, a bakery, a black sand beach, volcanoes national park, lunch, waterfalls and a cookie store.

You're at each location for approximately 20 minutes, with the exception of lunch where you get closer to 45 minutes.

Our tour guide (Dave C) was ok. He repeated stories about Hawaiian historical folklore and random information about graffiti on street signs. I don't think he ever stopped talking, but non of it was about the places we were going or the places we were going to. He also tried really hard to engage and play games with our group, but he didn't really "read the room" since no one seemed like they wanted to participate.

I guess it's a crap shoot if you get a good, knowledgable tour guide vs. someone who does it part time (which he did mention). We went the day after Christmas, so I'm sure they were under staffed.

There was just a lot of missed opportunities for information that I ended up just googling while we were driving.

Because you're at each location for only 20 minutes, there's not really much you can soak up other than maybe a few selfies and just saying that you've been there.

I've been in a lot of tours and this one was just too much of everything with not enough of anything ... if that makes any sense.

Anyway, if you're short on time then do it. Maybe you'll get a more informative guide. We were extremely punctual which I appreciate and got back to our hotel within the 11 hour time frame.

I'm appreciative we got to see some volcanic action and we got to drive around the island. It is beautiful and breathtaking.