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Big Island Self-Guided Driving Tour

TourTruth score 6.5 out of 10

Average

15 reviews · Rated on 1 provider · How we score

  • Big Island of Hawaii
  • 2 days
  • Updated November 2, 2026

Explore Big Island’s coastlines and jungle roads at your own pace with GPS directions, offline maps, and automatic audio stories.

About this tour

Trade a fixed tour-bus schedule for the freedom to explore the Big Island at your own pace. This self-guided driving tour pairs GPS directions with audio stories that play automatically as you travel past green coastlines and along tropical jungle roads.

Start in Kona, Waikoloa, or Hilo. From Kona or Waikoloa, follow the route clockwise; from Hilo, travel counterclockwise. Both directions feature the same stops and stories. The app provides an offline island map, turn-by-turn directions, travel tips, and recommendations for activities and restaurants. Pause to linger wherever you like, and split the drive across two days if you want more time to explore Hilo. Download the tour before arrival, then use your phone’s GPS as the narration guides the way. Bring layers for the island’s changing temperatures, and note that Waipi'o Valley Lookout is open while the valley itself remains closed to the public.

Set your own pace and discover the Big Island with a flexible audio guide that stays ready whenever you are.

Highlights

  • Explore Big Island’s green coastlines and tropical jungle roads
  • Follow GPS directions with stories that play automatically as you drive
  • Choose your starting point in Kona, Waikoloa, or Hilo
  • Pause whenever you like and explore at your own pace
  • Use offline maps and audio after downloading the tour

What's included

Included

  • Offline island map
  • GPS turn-by-turn directions
  • Audio narration with stories, travel tips, and music
  • Tour highlights with activity and restaurant recommendations
  • Automatic audio playback while driving
  • Flexible start time and customizable starting point
  • Tours do not expire

Not included

  • Meals and refreshments
  • Private transportation

Ratings on each provider

The ratings and review counts each booking site shows for this tour.

Important information

  • A smartphone compatible with the Shaka Guide app is required
  • Download the app and redeem the tour before arrival; strong Wi-Fi or cellular data is required for the download
  • Enable location services on your device
  • Start in Kona or Waikoloa to travel clockwise, or in Hilo to travel counterclockwise; both routes include the same stops and stories
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  • The tour can be split across two days for a slower pace
  • Wear layers and bring a jacket because temperatures vary across the island
  • Waipi'o Valley Lookout is open, but the valley itself is closed to the public; follow signs and do not drive or hike into the valley
  • Parking at Rainbow Falls and the Boiling Pots requires a paid pass; one payment covers both locations
  • Travelers are responsible for obtaining any required entrance passes, reservations, or permits
  • Wheelchair accessible; stroller accessible; service animals allowed
  • Infants must sit on an adult's lap; specialized infant seats are available
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Frequently asked questions

Where can I start the tour?

Start in Kona, Waikoloa, or Hilo. Kona and Waikoloa routes travel clockwise; the Hilo route travels counterclockwise. Both directions include the same stops and stories.

Does the tour work offline?

Yes. Download the tour and offline map in advance using strong Wi-Fi or cellular data. Keep location services enabled while touring.

Can I take the tour over two days?

Yes. You can split the drive across two days, for example by driving the loop one day and exploring Hilo the next.

Is Waipi'o valley open to visitors?

The Waipi'o Valley Lookout is open, but the valley itself is closed to the public. Follow posted signs and do not drive or hike into the valley.

Are parking fees included?

No. Rainbow Falls and the Boiling Pots require a paid parking pass, with one payment covering both locations.

How this score is calculated

This score is based on one provider. Viator rates it 4.40 from 15 reviews. We place that rating among all Viator ratings and weight it by its review count. If the tour is found on another provider later, both ratings are combined.

How the score works and rating distribution in Big Island of Hawaii
  • Each provider rating is turned into a percentile: the share of that provider's ratings it beats, weighted by review counts.
  • Listings on different providers are combined in proportion to their review counts.
  • Tours with few reviews are pulled toward the average until more reviews come in, so a handful of perfect reviews can't top the list.
  • The result is shown from 0 to 10: this tour scores 6.5.

Provider rating distribution in Big Island of Hawaii

How many tours in Big Island of Hawaii have a provider rating at or below each value. The dashed line is this tour.

  • GetYourGuide
  • Viator

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