Exploring the Big Island of Hawaii on ATV or Quad Bike offers a dynamic way to see its diverse landscapes. Unlike conventional tours, riding an ATV lets you access remote jungle trails, scenic coastlines, and private beaches that are often off-limits to cars. Whether you’re after a cultural experience combined with adventure or a muddy ride through lush scenery, Big Island has options that cater to a variety of interests and fitness levels. Plus, with the island’s rich volcanic landscapes and tropical forests, every ride feels like stepping into a different world.
While some tours focus on culture, others emphasize adrenaline and natural beauty — all with the chance to get a little muddy. The best part? These tours are typically small groups, ensuring personalized attention and a more authentic experience. If you’re trying to decide which one suits you best, read on for a detailed comparison of the top ATV adventures on Hawaii’s Big Island.
Quick Overview
Our list covers three standout ATV & Quad Bike tours on Big Island, each offering a different experience:
- The Polynesian Cultural ATV Tour combines cultural stops with jungle riding, making it perfect for those interested in Polynesian heritage along with thrills.
- The Deluxe ATV Waterfall and Swim Experience offers breathtaking coastal views, waterfalls, and a refreshing swim in a private pond.
- The Green Sands Adventure ATV Ride is best suited for small groups wanting an intimate experience, including visits to a green sand beach and turtle sightings.
Each tour offers its own flavor, from cultural insights to scenic adventure, helping you choose based on your interests and how much time you want to spend on the trails.
1. Polynesian Cultural ATV Tour
At number one on our list is the Polynesian Cultural ATV Tour. This tour uniquely blends cultural exploration with thrilling ATV riding. Over approximately 2.5 hours, you’ll follow forest trails and country lanes, either driving your own ATV or riding along in a UTV guided by an expert. The tour includes multiple stops at traditional villages representing Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, and Hawaii, where you can participate in authentic activities like traditional crafts and learn about Polynesian heritage. The guides are praised for their friendliness and knowledge, making the cultural components feel genuine and engaging.
What makes this tour stand out is this combination of adventure and culture in a small-group setting (maximum 14 people). Many reviews highlight the fun atmosphere and the chance to crack coconuts, play indigenous games, or even learn tiki carving from a master carver from Tonga. The scenery is lively and lush, adding to the sense of adventure. For those who enjoy storytelling and hands-on activities, this is a perfect fit. The only potential downside is that some reviews find the island stops a bit “cheesy,” but most appreciate the overall experience.
Bottom line: This tour offers a memorable mix of culture and adrenaline, ideal for travelers wanting a relaxed yet educational outing with plenty of laughs.
2. Deluxe ATV Waterfall and Swim Experience
Ranked second is the Deluxe ATV Waterfall and Swim Experience, focusing on the natural beauty of Hawaii’s coast. This 1.5-hour adventure takes you along the scenic Hamakua Coast, with guided lessons on a Honda ATV or UTV ensuring everyone feels confident. The tour emphasizes magnificent coastal views of Mauna Kea and ocean vistas, with multiple stops for photos. The highlight is a visit to a private pond where you can swim and cool off after getting a little muddy in “the Pit,” a fun off-road section filled with puddles and rocks.
Many reviewers rave about the gorgeous waterfalls and refreshing swimming spots. Guides like Chloe and Kiana are singled out for their helpfulness and enthusiasm, making the experience fun and safe. The tour is flexible in accommodating different comfort levels, and the automatic vehicles simplify the ride for beginners. The muddy adventure adds a playful challenge, especially if the weather turns rainy, which some find makes the ride even more exciting.
Bottom line: If you want a scenic, water-focused adventure with a splash of mud, this tour offers great value and memorable photo opportunities in a relaxed setting.
3. Green Sands Adventure ATV Ride
Rounding out the list is the Green Sands Adventure ATV Ride, a small, intimate tour designed for groups of 2 to 4 people. This more secluded trip is perfect for travelers seeking a personalized experience away from larger groups. Covering approximately 2 hours, it takes you to a stunning green sand beach, known for its vibrant hue caused by mineral deposits, and offers the chance to see sea turtles along the way.
The guides, like Vickie, are praised for their friendliness and enthusiasm, making the ride both fun and informative. The tour involves off-road driving in a scenic, private location, with plenty of opportunities to take photos and soak up the peaceful surroundings. Expect to get dusty and wear sunscreen, but you’ll be rewarded with spectacular, less crowded views and a sense of adventure tailored to small groups.
Many reviews highlight how this tour makes for a “spectacular” day and how the guide’s local knowledge enriches the experience. Its smaller size might appeal most to couples or small families seeking a quieter, more exclusive outing.
Bottom line: For a very personalized, scenic ATV experience with a focus on wildlife and a unique green sand beach, this tour hits the spot.
How to Choose
The best ATV tour depends largely on your interests and time available. If you want a cultural experience combined with jungle riding, the Polynesian Cultural ATV Tour is your best bet. For those craving scenic coastal views, waterfalls, and a swim, the Deluxe ATV Waterfall and Swim Experience is ideal, especially if you enjoy water adventures. If your priority is a small-group, intimate experience with a focus on rare landscapes like green sand beaches, then the Green Sands Adventure ATV Ride suits you.
Budget considerations also matter—while the Polynesian tour is around $187 per person for a longer, more comprehensive outing, the waterfall tour is slightly more expensive per group but shorter. The Green Sands tour offers a more exclusive experience at $240 per person but with fewer people.
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred date and ensure availability.
Final Thoughts
The Big Island offers a range of ATV & Quad Bike tours that cater to different interests—whether you’re after cultural insights, breathtaking waterfalls, or secluded beaches. The Polynesian Cultural ATV Tour stands out for its blend of heritage and jungle fun, while the Waterfall and Swim Experience excels in natural beauty and refreshment. For a more intimate and specialized trip, the Green Sands Adventure provides a quiet, scenic escape.
No matter which you choose, these adventures promise a fun, memorable way to see parts of Hawaii that few other tours can reach. Remember to dress appropriately for getting muddy and bring your camera — you’ll want to capture every moment. Book early, and prepare for an unforgettable ride on Big Island’s wild side.