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Activity Big Island of Hawaii, USA

Big Island North Island Jungle Adventure - Self-Guided Audio Tour

4.4 (15 reviews) 2 days Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

15 reviews

4.4

Travel at your own pace. Stop where and whenever you want! — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Big Island North Island Jungle Adventure - Self-Guided Audio Tour, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Shaka Guide's driving tour app works like a tour guide in your car! On this tour drive along beautiful green coastlines, through tropical jungle roads, and go star gazing on the tallest mountain in the world.

Skip the tour bus & explore Big Island at your own pace for a fraction of the cost with the best self-guided audio GPS tours for Hawaii! Rated the #1 best GPS tour app for Hawaii with over 6,000+ raving reviews and 200,000+ downloads.

Why you need it:

✅ You don't need service because you can download the tours & use them offline

✅ Much cheaper than a tour bus at only $19.99 for lifetime access

✅ Save time planning your trip because we have the best stops lined up

✅ Freedom to stop and go as you please, unlike a tour bus where you are confined to the pre-determined route (no fun!)

✅ Hear cool and fun stories along the way

*Download the Shaka Guide app to access your purchased tours.*

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At a glance

Duration: 2 days
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Audio guide: English
Written guide: English
Operated by: Shaka Guide Apps

What is included

Included

Included: Take the tour when you want
Included: Tours NEVER expire
Included: Freedom to explore at your own pace
Included: Offline map of the island
Included: Tour Start is Customizable
Included: Offline map (no wifi or data needed)
Included: Tour highlights with activity and restaurant recommendations
Included: Turn-by-turn directions using GPS
Included: Hours of audio narration with stories, travel tips and music
Included: Audio narration that plays automatically as you drive

Not included

Not included: Meals & Refreshment
Not included: Private Transportation

Itinerary

Day 1 · North Island Jungle Adventure - Clockwise

Hilo

Passing by

We’ll begin our tour in Hilo Town. Although this town may be small, there’s plenty to see and do.
King Kamehameha Statue

10 min

Our tour begins at the King Kamehameha Statue in Hilo. Learn the fascinating backstory of this 14-foot bronze sculpture of Hawaii's first king and how it ended up in Hilo.
Coconut Island

10 min

Coconut Island is a small beach park in Hilo accessed by a small bridge.

This island is also called Moku Ola, which means 'healing island' or 'island of life', and it used to be the home of an ancient temple that was dedicated to healing.

Legend has it that swimming around the island three times would heal any ailments or ill feelings.
Stop 4

20 min

Liliuokalani Gardens is one of the gems of Hilo Town. This park is known as the biggest edo-style garden outside of Japan! In this serene park you’ll find majestic red bridges over Koi ponds, statues, and pagodas, along with stone lanterns lining the pathways.
Rainbow Falls

10 min

Located just a short drive from Downtown Hilo is Rainbow Falls.

On sunny days, rainbows appear amid the 80-foot falls, making for some pretty magical views.

The broad waterfall - nearly 100 feet in diameter - plunges over a natural lava cave into the river below.
Boiling Pots

10 min

A few minutes down the road, you’ll find Boiling Pots, a chain of overflowing waterfalls that looks like boiling pots of water after it rains.
Kaumana Caves Park

20 min

Kaumana Caves is a massive cave part of a 25-mile-long lava tube created by the Mauna Loa lava flow of 1880.

The public part of the cave stretches about 2 miles and quickly goes pitch black as soon as you enter.
Naha Stone

5 min

Pull over in front of the Hilo Public Library, and take a look at the Naha Stone on the grass outside.

In ancient times the Naha Stone was believed to have spiritual powers and that whoever could move or overturn this 5,000-pound rock would then be granted the power to unite the islands.

Legend has it that at the age of 30, Kamehameha successfully overturned the stone. He later united the islands of Hawai'i and became its first king.
Stop 9

15 min

Onomea Trail is an easy hike that runs along a breathtaking section of coastline with 180-degree views of Onomea Bay.

The trail to the bay is short, less than a mile roundtrip, but it’s worth it for the photo opportunities alone!

You can also take the fork in the trail to explore Onomea stream where it opens to the ocean.
Stop 10

Passing by

Stroll through a manicured garden with over 2,500 plant species, then we recommend a visit the nearby Hawai'i Tropical Botanical Garden.

The garden protects the unique and endangered plants of the rainforests and features miles of trails under a canopy of trees. The place is magical!
Akaka Falls State Park

Passing by

Arguably one of the most famous waterfalls on the Big Island, you can take a half-mile stroll on a paved path through a lush rainforest filled with wild orchids, bamboo groves, and draping ferns to get a glimpse of this iconic natural wonder.
Stop 12

Passing by

Ready for another waterfall? Follow the signs for the Umauma Experience and take their self-guided driving tour to see this stunning three-tier waterfall.

Stop by the visitor center first to register and grab a map. Then enjoy a scenic drive through a beautiful tropical garden before heading to the spectacular Umauma Falls viewpoint.
Laupahoehoe Train Museum

Passing by

When you take this tour, we’ll tell you all about the history of sugarcane in Hawai'i.

This industry once flourished on the islands, and railways were a key mode of transportation for this vital export.

This museum celebrates the history of the Hamakua Coast and the railroads that connected this Big Island’s sugarcane industry to the rest of Hawai'i and the world.
Stop 14

20 min

In 1946, there was a devastating tsunami in this area that killed over 150 people. Many of them were school children.

During the tour, you’ll hear the story of this tragic day and learn about a few brave survivors.
Waipi'o Valley

20 min

Waipi'o Valley is one of the most beautiful and storied valleys in Hawai'i. According to legends, the gods lived in Waipi'o in ancient days.

The sacred valley was also the royal center for many ancient rulers on the Big Island and was the boyhood home of Kamehameha the Great.
Stop 16

30 min

Well, do we have a treat for you! On our way out of Honoka'a, we’ll guide you to TEX Drive In -- a local spot with hearty plate lunches that will keep you fueled and ready to go for the rest of your journey.
Waimea

Passing by

Waimea Town is an artsy farm town known for its quaint bed and breakfasts and cowboy history.

Waimea also has lots of amazing restaurants, a theatre, art exhibits, and historic ranches.
Waimea Nature Park (ula La'au)

Passing by

The name of this park is Ulu La’au which means "circle of trees" in Hawaiian. It’s a great place for a stroll or a picnic to relax next to a flowing stream.
Stop 19

Passing by

This quaint plantation-style shopping center features several unique stores including: The Gallery of Great Things, a collection of Hawaiian, Polynesian and Asian art; Waimea Coffee Company; and Waimea General Store, offering local gift items and island-inspired souvenirs.
Stop 20

Passing by

Take a step back in time to the days of the Hawaiian cowboy! Learn about the history of the paniolo and learn why they are such an important part of Hawai'i ranching history.

The museum is free and open to the public. Visit their website for details.
Anna Ranch Heritage Center

Passing by

The Anna Ranch is a national historic site that harks back to the Big Island’s plantation days. The white, wooden walls contain a lot of stories; it’s been in the same ranching family for five generations and was home to Anna Lindsey Perry-Fiske, aka the first lady of ranching.
Parker Ranch

Passing by

Here you’ll find two historic houses built in the 1800s. The houses serve as the Parker Ranch headquarters.

Explore the grounds and historic homes on one of their self-guided tours.

It's a great way to experience what life was like on this iconic ranch throughout the years.
Stop 23

Passing by

Book a horseback riding adventure at Kahua Ranch Na'alapa Stables and experience the spectacular panoramic views of Waimea's rolling hills. Led by experienced paniolos. Visit their website for details.
Stop 24

50 min

After Waimea Town, you’ll embark on your drive across Saddle Road, officially named the Daniel K. Inouye Highway. This is the main thoroughfare on the Big Island that connects Kona in the west with Hilo in the east.

Along this 50-minute drive, we'll keep you entertained with more history, geology, and music. We'll also share the inspiring story of the highway's namesake--Daniel K. Inouye.
Maunakea Visitor Information Station

one hour

The summit of Mount Everest is higher above sea level than the summit of any other mountain, but Mauna Kea is the tallest when measured from its base on the ocean floor to its summit.

Astronomers from around the world explore the universe from its peak, and Hawaiians have many ancient spiritual connections to this special site.

For visitors, it is one of the clearest places on the planet for viewing the night sky and offers a rare opportunity to experience the polar tundra in Hawai'i.
Hilo

Passing by

After our visit to Mauna Kea, we'll guide you back to Hilo. If you are staying in Hilo, we recommend checking out the highlights in the app for recommendations of other places to see here in Hilo Town.

Day 2 · North Island Jungle Adventure - Counterclockwise

Mauna Kea Observatories

Passing by

Take the whole family to one of the clearest places on the planet for viewing the night sky!

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

End point

Using your ticket

HOW TO REDEEM YOUR TOUR:

Before you start your adventure, you'll need to redeem and download the tour in the Shaka Guide app. Follow the instructions below:

*Please Note: The redeem code is the 10-digit booking reference number on your ticket (located under the barcode).

1. Download the Shaka Guide App in the App Store or Google Play Store (or use the link at the bottom of this email)

2. Open the app and sign in/create your account

3. Go to Support → Retrieve Purchases

4. Tap on Redeem Purchases

5. Enter your Redeem Code (10-digit booking reference number on your ticket located under the barcode)

6. Tap on Redeem Purchases

7. Download your tour(s)

Once you've redeemed your tour, you'll find it under "My Stuff" in the app.

For a smooth ride, download the tour with wifi before you go.

Should you need further assistance or have other questions, email us at [email protected] or call (808) 201-8138

DOWNLOAD THE APP HERE: www.shakaguide.com/download

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

Good to know

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Specialized infant seats are available
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
You can start the tour in Kona, Waikoloa or Hilo. If you begin in Kona or Waikoloa, the tour goes clockwise. If you begin in Hilo, the tour goes counterclockwise. Both directions include the same stops and stories.
Wear layers and bring a jacket, temperatures vary drastically across the island.
The best food stops are in Honoka’a, Waimea and Hilo.
Waipi'o Valley Lookout is open and offers a stunning view of this storied valley. However, Waip'o Valley itself is currently closed to the public. Please obey the road signs and do not drive or hike down into the valley.
This tour packs a lot of stops into one drive. If you'd like to explore at a slower pace, you can easily split this tour into two days by driving the loop on one day and exploring Hilo the next.
Parking at Rainbow Falls and the Boiling Pots requires a paid parking pass. One parking payment covers both locations.
Travelers must have a smartphone compatible with the Shaka Guide app.
The app must be downloaded and the tour redeemed before arrival.
Strong Wi-Fi or cellular data is required to download the tour in advance.
Location services (GPS) must be enabled on the device
Travelers are responsible for securing any required entrance passes, reservations, or permits before starting