Big Island Southside ATV Tour

Picture yourself zooming over rugged lava fields, weaving through ancient kiawe forests, and stopping to snap photos of dramatic ocean cliffs—all on a powerful ATV. That’s exactly what the Big Island Southside ATV Tour offers. While we haven’t personally strapped into the driver’s seat, plenty of enthusiastic travelers have raved about its combination of scenic views, knowledgeable guides, and off-road thrills.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the stunning landscapes—from lava tubes to green sand beaches—that you simply can’t experience from a car or on foot. Second, the small group size guarantees a more personalized, intimate adventure. Third, the expert guidance provided by guides like Anna and Vicky, who share stories, Hawaiian history, and safety tips along the way. On the flip side, it’s a bumpy ride, and those prone to sunburn should come prepared with long sleeves or pants.

This tour is perfect for adventurous travelers who want a hands-on experience of Big Island’s wild south side. However, it does require a moderate level of physical fitness and comfort with off-road terrain. If you’re after a scenic, active day that combines fun, education, and breathtaking scenery, this ATV excursion is certainly worth considering.

Key Points

• Authentic off-road experience that reveals landscapes inaccessible by regular vehicles
• Knowledgeable guides who add cultural and historical insights
• Impressive scenery, including lava tubes, green sand, and ocean cliffs
• Small group size ensures personalized attention and safety
• All safety gear provided—helmets, goggles, gloves, dust masks
• Duration of about 3 hours offers a good balance of adventure and exploration

An In-Depth Look at the Big Island Southside ATV Tour

What You Can Expect During the Tour

This 3-hour adventure kicks off around noon from a meeting point on Kaalualu Waiohino Road in Naalehu. Starting with safety training and equipment fitting, you’ll get a quick lesson on handling the ATV—whether you’re a novice or a seasoned rider, the guides tailor the experience accordingly. The group sizes are limited to a maximum of 17, often smaller, which helps keep things personal and safe.

The Trail to the Lava Tube

One of the first stops is a Hawaiian lava tube, a natural formation formed by flowing lava. The trail leading there is rugged and bumpy, with some sections quite dusty—meaning you’ll definitely get a little dirty, but that’s part of the fun. Reviewers like David and Richard mention that guides like Anna are full of Hawaiian stories and history, making the ride informative as well as scenic.

Scenic Overlooks and Historical Insights

Next, you’ll cruise along a 4WD lava flow to a lookout point with sweeping views beyond what you could get from the road or trail. Here, guides share details about the volcanic activity that shaped the landscape, as well as Hawaiian stories tied to the land. Karen and Bruce praised the beautiful coastline and historical Hawaiian walls visible from these vantage spots, adding a cultural layer to your adventure.

Kiawe Forest and Paakea Bay

Heading deeper into the island’s wild side, the trail passes through an ancient Kiawe forest—a dense, thorny landscape that challenges even experienced drivers. Then, the route takes you through a massive lava flow down to Paakea Bay, where you’ll spend about 20-30 minutes relaxing under a shaded tree, enjoying your packed lunch and taking in the ocean views. Reviewers often mention how peaceful and scenic this spot is, with some noting they saw sea turtles and tropical fish during the cliff hike.

The Green Sand Beach and Pulehua Island

One of the tour’s most eye-catching stops is the Green Sand Beach, where you’ll spend roughly 10 minutes snapping photos of the rare mineral-rich sand. Reviewers like Kelly describe it as “gorgeous,” and many appreciate that this stop is a true off-the-beaten-path experience.

From there, the tour proceeds along a cliff drive to Pulehua Island. Here, the group hikes onto a peninsula to see green sea turtles and tropical fish swimming in the shallow waters. This part is often highlighted as the “photo highlight,” with reviewers like Anna and Adam praising the chance to see wildlife up close, as well as the stunning coastal scenery.

The Finish and Clean-up

The ride back up the trail offers more chances to see native plants and volcanic formations. Once back at the starting point, there’s a quick hose-down station, and towels and wipes are provided so you can clean off the dust and dirt from your adventure.

Why Travelers Love This Tour

Reviewers consistently mention that the guides like Anna, Vicky, and Nathan are full of knowledge about Hawaiian history, plants, and wildlife. Their friendly attitude helps even novices feel comfortable navigating the rugged terrain.

Many describe the scenery as breathtaking—from the lava tubes and green sand to the shoreline cliffs and ocean vistas. Karen notes, “You will get dirty from dust, but a water hose, towels, and wipes are provided to clean off afterward,” emphasizing the casual and accommodating nature of the tour.

The ATVs themselves are praised for being in good condition, with some reviewers mentioning that they are quite comfortable, even on challenging terrain. The option for single or double rider ATVs allows flexibility for different comfort levels.

Most travelers find the value for money excellent, especially given the variety of stops and the insights offered. The tour’s price of $250 per person reflects a comprehensive experience that combines adventure, education, and scenery.

Safety and Group Dynamics

While the terrain can be challenging, especially for beginners, reviews like Richard’s stress that some experience with ATVs is recommended. Guides are attentive, patient, and respectful—many mention that they felt well looked after and that safety gear was comprehensive.

Group sizes tend to be small, often just a handful of participants, which makes the experience feel exclusive and fun. Children aged 8-15 are welcome with adult supervision, making it a family-friendly activity for those with kids who are comfortable with outdoor adventures.

Practical Tips

• Wear closed-toe shoes—the terrain is rough and rocky
• Bring your own water—plastic bottles are not used on the trail, but refillable containers are filled with ice water
• Use sun protection—long sleeves or pants help prevent sunburn in the intense Hawaiian sun
• Bring snacks or lunch—there’s a 15-20 minute break at Paakea Bay for your own food
• Driver’s license required for those who want to drive

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

If you crave a hands-on adventure that takes you beyond the usual tourist spots, this ATV tour offers an incredible mix of scenery, culture, and thrill. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy off-road driving, natural landscapes, and wildlife watching—plus, you’ll come away with some fantastic photos and stories.

For families, groups of friends, or solo travelers with a sense of adventure, the personalized guides and small groups make for a memorable experience. Expect to get a little dusty and sweaty—but also to see some of the most impressive sights the Big Island’s Southside has to offer.

This experience delivers standout value, combining scenic diversity, educational commentary, and adventure in one well-organized package. It’s a solid pick for those wanting to explore Hawaii’s less accessible, more rugged terrain with a knowledgeable guide leading the way.

FAQ

Do I need experience to take this ATV tour?
While no prior experience is strictly necessary, reviewers like Richard suggest that some familiarity with ATVs makes the ride more enjoyable. The terrain can be rough, so those comfortable with off-road driving will get the most out of it.

What should I wear for the tour?
Closed-toe shoes are a must. Long sleeves or pants are recommended to prevent sunburn, as the tour is mostly outdoors in direct sun. Bring your own water containers, as plastic bottles aren’t used on the trail.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children aged 8-15 can participate if accompanied by an adult. Children should be comfortable with outdoor, active adventures and have a moderate physical fitness level.

How long does the tour last?
The tour is approximately 3 hours long, including stops and breaks. Expect to spend about 2.5 hours actively driving and exploring.

Is the tour family-friendly?
Absolutely, especially for families with adventurous kids. The guides are friendly and respectful, and the stops are both scenic and educational.

What’s included in the price?
All necessary safety gear—helmets, goggles, gloves, and dust masks—are provided. The ATVs are top quality, and towels and hoses are available for cleaning up afterward.

What should I bring?
Bring your own water, snacks, and sun protection. It’s a good idea to wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing suitable for a dusty, outdoor environment.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour has a flexible cancellation policy—full refunds are available if canceled more than 24 hours in advance. If bad weather causes cancellation, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

All in all, the Big Island Southside ATV Tour offers a memorable, scenic, and active way to explore Hawaii’s rugged south side. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or a nature lover, it’s a chance to see a side of the island few get to experience—and with guides who make it both fun and educational.