The 2 Best Walking Tours in Big Island of Hawaii
Hawaii’s Big Island offers more than just beaches and volcanoes; it’s a place where you can walk through lush farms or explore haunted towns with stories as old as the islands themselves. The island’s varied landscapes and deep-rooted traditions make it an ideal setting for walking tours that are both educational and entertaining. Whether you’re interested in tasting tropical fruits and learning about local agriculture or unraveling legends of Hawaiian ghost stories, these tours give you a chance to experience Hawaii in a more personal way.
Unlike bus tours or boat rides, walking tours put you directly in touch with the environment and stories that shape the island. They’re perfect for travelers who want to go slow and savor details often missed from a car. Plus, you’ll come away with memorable tastes, fascinating tales, and a better understanding of the island’s unique character.
Quick Overview
On this list, you’ll find one farm tour that combines taste, history, and a scenic walk in the Laupahoehoe region, and one haunted history tour in Kailua-Kona that explores ghostly legends and Hawaiian lore. Both are highly rated and offer different ways to connect with the Big Island’s culture and stories. For more details, visit the Hamakua Coast Farm Small-Group Walking and Tasting Tour and the Kailua-Kona Haunted History Walking Ghost Tour.
1. Hamakua Coast Farm Small-Group Walking and Tasting Tour
This tour invites you to step into the lush Hamakua Coast and experience a working farm that’s been lovingly restored from a former plantation. During the approximately 2-hour farm walk, you’ll wander through fields of pineapple, sugar cane, and citrus fruits while learning about the area’s agricultural history and the farm’s recent revival. The guided walk is relaxed enough for all fitness levels and offers a chance to see flowers, herbs, and even sheep grazing in the fields.
What sets this tour apart is its focus on tasting local flavors directly from the farm. You’ll sample Hawaiian Lilikoi (passion fruit), Mamaki Tea, and fresh sugar cane juice, with plenty of opportunities to ask about the farm’s sustainable practices. After the tour, you’re welcome to linger and purchase farm-made products like syrups and tea. The overall experience is not only educational but also delicious, especially if you want to understand Hawaii’s agricultural roots firsthand.
This tour is perfect for those interested in local food, sustainable farming, and Hawaiian history. Reviewers mention that the owner’s storytelling and tastings made it memorable. At just $33, it offers great value for a hands-on experience.
Bottom Line: Ideal for food lovers and history enthusiasts seeking an authentic farm experience with tasty samples and a glimpse into Hawaii’s agricultural past.
2. Kailua-Kona Haunted History Walking Ghost Tour
For those intrigued by local legends and mysterious stories, the Kailua-Kona Haunted History Walking Ghost Tour offers a 2-hour stroll through Kona’s historic streets. Starting at the famous Kailua Pier, the tour takes you to notable landmarks like Kamehameha’s compound, Hulihe’e Palace, and the Mokuaikaua Church, each with its own ghostly tales and historical secrets.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on Hawaiian folklore, haunted legends, and stories of spirits believed to still linger around the town. Guides share fascinating stories such as the legend of Kuiapoiwa II, the high priestess with unusual cravings, and the mysterious events surrounding local sites. Guests often comment that the guide’s personal insights and storytelling skills make the tour especially engaging.
While it’s a walking tour, it’s accessible and easy to follow, making it suitable for most travelers interested in Hawaiian culture, ghost stories, and local history. The $59 fee reflects the in-depth storytelling and historical insights, making it a good value for those who enjoy mystery and legend.
Bottom Line: Perfect for history buffs, folklore fans, or anyone curious about Kona’s secret stories and ghostly legends.
How to Choose
Deciding between these tours depends on your interests and the experience you’re after. If you love local food, farming, and Hawaii’s agricultural story, the Hamakua Coast Farm Tour is a fantastic choice for its hands-on tastings and scenic walk. Conversely, if you’re drawn to mysteries, legends, and historic sites, the Kailua-Kona Haunted History Ghost Tour offers an atmospheric exploration of Kona’s spooky side.
Consider your budget—this farm tour is quite affordable at $33, while the ghost tour costs $59—and think about how active you want to be. Both tours are around 2 hours, making them suitable for a half-day activity. For best results, book early, especially in peak tourist seasons, to secure your preferred time slot.
Final Thoughts
Both tours showcase different facets of the Big Island’s rich culture and stories. The Hamakua Coast Farm provides an authentic taste of agricultural life and a chance to sample tropical fruits, making it ideal for foodies and nature lovers. Meanwhile, Kona’s haunted spots offer a spine-tingling look at Hawaiian legends and spooky tales, perfect for curious history buffs.
If you’re short on time but want a meaningful experience, both are excellent choices. For those seeking an immersive farm experience, the farm tour delivers educational value at a great price. Ghost lovers will find the Kona tour’s stories enthralling and atmospheric. Whichever you pick, early booking helps ensure you don’t miss out on these memorable ways to explore the Big Island.
Enjoy your walks—and your stories—on Hawaii’s Big Island.