The 3 Best Dining Experiences in Island Of Hawaii
Hawaii’s Big Island offers more than just stunning scenery; it’s a place where food and natural wonders collide in memorable ways. From tasting fresh Kona coffee to watching the glow of active volcanoes while enjoying a hot meal, the island blends culinary delights with spectacular landscapes. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a foodie, or someone eager to learn about Hawaiian culture, these tours promise a unique taste of the island’s best. Get set for experiences that combine adventure and flavor in equal measure.
Travelers looking for guided tours that include dinner, cultural insights, and incredible scenery will find plenty of options. The following list covers everything from nighttime volcano visits with stargazing to day trips exploring lava fields and coffee farms. Each offers a distinctive way to enjoy Hawaii’s diverse natural and culinary riches.
Quick Overview
Our top picks include a full-day volcano and stargazing tour with dinner, a comprehensive day tour of the island’s volcanoes with lunch and dinner, and a hiking-focused lava flow journey from Hilo. All three tours provide memorable dining experiences, detailed commentary, and access to iconic sites. For more details, check out the tours: Big Island, Hawaii: Volcano and Stargazing Tour with Dinner, Hawaii: Big Island Volcanoes Day Tour with Dinner and Pickup, and From Hilo: Kilauea Lava Flow Tour with Lunch and Dinner.
1. Big Island, Hawaii: Volcano and Stargazing Tour with Dinner
This 12-hour guided adventure takes you through Hawaii Volcanoes National Park at twilight, ending with an unforgettable night of stargazing near Mauna Kea. The tour is highly rated at 4.8/5 from 150 reviews, thanks to its well-curated stops and expert guides. It includes a visit to a Kona coffee farm where you’ll learn about harvesting and milling, plus plenty of opportunities to admire Hawaii’s volcanic wonders.
The highlight is exploring Kilauea Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes on Earth, with views inside the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The tour then moves to a prime stargazing spot where the night sky is clear and stars shine brightly—an experience made even more special with your guide pointing out planets and constellations. The evening concludes with a tasty dinner, often featuring local ingredients and flavors.
Guests frequently praise the knowledgeable guides like Felix and Todd, who add cultural and geological insights while keeping the atmosphere fun. The combination of natural beauty, cultural stories, and dinner makes this tour a top choice for anyone wanting a full day of awe and learning.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive experience, blending volcano exploration, coffee tasting, and starry skies with a delicious dinner.
2. Hawaii: Big Island Volcanoes Day Tour with Dinner and Pickup
For around $324, this 11-hour tour offers a full immersion into Hawaii’s volcanic landscape with hotel pickup and a delicious Kona coffee farm visit. It’s the most comprehensive of the three, including hiking through Thurston Lava Tube and exploring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The tour also features a three-course dinner at Kilauea Lodge, making it an excellent value for a day packed with sights and bites.
One of the tour’s distinctive features is its detailed focus on lava fields and volcanic activity, with visits to Punalu’u Black Sand Beach to see turtles and black sands. Guests mention the guide, Paul, as being extremely informative, sharing personal stories and local knowledge that enhance the experience. The stops at coffee farms and bakeries give you a taste of local life, while the evening lava viewing is the tour’s climax—an awe-inspiring sight of glowing lava at night.
The tour’s value for money is particularly high considering the multiple stops, meals, and expert guidance. It’s well suited for travelers who want a full day with diverse activities—from tasting coffee to walking on lava.
Bottom Line: Best for those eager to combine active volcano exploration, cultural stops, and dining, all with the convenience of hotel pickup.
3. From Hilo: Kilauea Lava Flow Tour with Lunch and Dinner
This 9-hour tour offers a more focused hike on Hawaii’s volcanic activity, perfect for adventurers who want to see recent lava flows and learn about the island’s fiery past. Starting from Hilo, this experience includes exploring lava flows from 1881 to 2018, with a hike to recent eruption sites like the 2018 flow. It also takes in the Painted Church in Kalapana and a black sand beach, making for a scenic and educational day.
Priced at $250, this tour is slightly shorter and less polished than the others but appeals to those who want a hands-on, active experience. Its main strength is the guided hike to volcanic sites, providing a rare opportunity to stand on recent lava flows. The tour includes lunch and dinner, so you’re well-fed after a day of walking.
While reviews are more modest (3.5/5 from 8 reviews), many appreciate the personal stories and extensive knowledge shared by guides like Kevin. This is ideal for travelers eager for up-close volcanic activity and physical activity rather than just sightseeing.
Bottom Line: Suitable for active travelers interested in the geology and recent eruptions, who don’t mind a more straightforward tour.
How to Choose
When selecting your Hawaii dining experience tour, consider your priorities—whether it’s scenery, active exploration, or culture. If you want a luxurious night under the stars combined with volcano views, the Big Island, Hawaii: Volcano and Stargazing Tour with Dinner is ideal. For a full-day adventure with diverse stops, the Hawaii: Big Island Volcanoes Day Tour with Dinner and Pickup offers great value. If you’re eager to hike and see recent lava flows, then the From Hilo: Kilauea Lava Flow Tour with Lunch and Dinner will suit your interests.
Remember to think about your budget, fitness level, and what kind of experience you value most. Booking early is recommended, especially for tours with limited availability or popular times.
Final Thoughts
Hawaii’s Big Island has a wide array of dining and sightseeing tours that combine natural wonders with culinary delights. Whether you choose a full-day volcano adventure, an evening under the stars, or a hike through recent lava flows, each tour offers a chance to experience Hawaii’s fiery landscape and local flavors in a unique way.
For travelers seeking a luxury experience with stargazing, the volcano and stargazing tour stands out. Those wanting a comprehensive day with meals and cultural stops will appreciate the volcanoes day tour. And for the more adventurous, the lava flow hike from Hilo offers a hands-on, active way to connect with the island’s volcanic power.
No matter your choice, booking early and being prepared for the unexpected beauty of Hawaii will ensure you make the most of your island visit.