Hawai‘i Island, the youngest yet largest island in the Hawaiian chain, offers unparalleled diversity in its landscapes—from rugged, volcanic craters and lava fields to lush rainforests. This natural diversity makes the island a rich setting for an equally diverse range of food, farm, and experience tours. From spending an afternoon in a bee apiary to sipping wine crafted on the slopes of a volcano, each tour offers a unique way to connect with the land, people, and culture of Hawai‘i.

Hawai‘i Forest & Trail 
Offering unparalleled opportunities to explore Hawai‘i’s diverse landscapes, Hawai‘i Forest & Trail’s guided tours delve into the rich natural and cultural heritage of the island. Founded by Rob and Cindy Pacheco, the company was established with a mission to share the splendor of Hawai‘i and inspire a deep connection to the natural world. Building on Rob’s work as a naturalist, the couple crafted experiences to share their passion for natural history and help conserve Hawai‘i’s endangered environment through education. Integral to the company’s success are the partnerships it has developed with private landowners, allowing their tours to explore wild and remote native ecosystems that were previously inaccessible. Now in its thirtieth year of operation, the company offers an exceptional range of guided adventures that traverse the island, from fiery volcanoes with eruption sites dating back to the 1800s to icy mountain summits. One of their most popular and in-depth experiences is the Volcano, Chocolate & Waterfalls experience, which spans 12 hours. Led by a National Park Certified guide, guests first learn how the significant collapse of Halema‘uma‘u Crater changed Kīlauea forever with a visit to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The group then embarks on an interactive tree-to-chocolate bar tour and tasting at a private cacao and tropical fruit farm, culminating in a visit to the picturesque Rainbow Falls in Hilo. Their hand-selected interpretive guides, renowned for their deep understanding and passion, lead groups to explore ancient lava tubes, discover hidden waterfalls, observe native Hawaiian birds in their natural habitats, and much more.

Hawai‘i Forest & Trail; 73-5593 Olowalu Street #A, Kailua-Kona; (808) 331-8505; hawaii-forest.com

Kona Sea Salt
Visit the seven-acre, oceanfront farm of Kona Sea Salt for a behind-the-scenes tour of the only salt farm in the state that hand-harvests sea salt from deep ocean water drawn from 2,200 feet below the surface. During the 60-minute tour, guests will learn about the meticulous salt-making process, the significance of salt in Hawaiian culture, and the distinct mineral composition of deep-sea salt. The farm tour culminates in a tasting of delicious, flavored, and smoked sea salts paired with fruits and vegetables, offering an opportunity to sample 100% natural Hawaiian sea salt created with no anti-clumping ingredients, whitening agents, or other additives. After your tour, you can also sign up for the refreshing Deep Ocean Water Foot Soak, which lasts 20 minutes. Guests can relax in cabanas while their feet enjoy a soothing, 48-degree Fahrenheit soak, providing a wellness experience before leaving the farm. 

Kona Sea Salt; 73-907 Makako Bay Drive, Kailua-Kona; (808) 326-9301; konaseasalt.com; Open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., including the Salt Farm Store; Farm Tour & Salt Tasting starting at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., and 2 p.m.; Deep Ocean Water Foot Soak starting at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2 p.m., and 2:30 p.m.

Puna Chocolate
Benjamin Vanegtern and Adam Potter founded Puna Chocolate in 2012 after purchasing 65 acres of forested land in Pāhoa with the initial goal of preserving the natural environment in the face of urban sprawl. However, serendipity intervened when they purchased a cacao pod at a local fruit stand, and the duo began to learn about the chocolate-growing and making process. After learning how cacao trees could exist under existing tree canopies, without disrupting the ecosystem, they decided to cultivate cacao trees while conserving the native landscape. The duo now has multiple operations, including their Kona-side farm tours and Hilo-side café and parlor. The Cacao Orchard Stroll and Chocolate Tasting tour explores the Kona cacao orchard, accompanied by a chocolate tasting. During the 1.5-hour tour, guests walk through their multi-crop farm, which includes cacao, coffee, macadamia nuts, and other tropical production trees. Guides also open fresh cacao pods, allowing guests to taste the fresh fruit and pulp while discussing the process of converting beans into chocolate. Back in the sheltered areas beyond the orchard, up to five samples of chocolate are tasted, including dark, milk, and white chocolate from different regions of Hawai‘i and the world. What sets Puna Chocolate’s tours apart is the engaging storytelling, the opportunity to witness sustainable farming practice,s and a chance to savor their rich chocolate. 

Puna Chocolate; 78-6537 1 Road, Hōlualoa; (808) 489-9899; punachocolate.com; Tours offered Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 9 a.m., 12 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. Private Tours are available.

Bird and Bee
Become a bee for a day at Bird and Bee, located on a peaceful five-acre farm in Honoka‘a, along Hawai‘i’s Hamakua Coast. Founded by Susan Collins, an experienced educator and beekeeper, Bird and Bee has become a hub for the beekeeping community in Hawai‘i by offering support, equipment, swarm removal, and community education. Collin’s two-hour beekeeping tour is perfect for those curious about bees and wanting to learn more about these tiny, winged insects. The tour begins with an engaging classroom session that covers hive dynamics, bee behavior, and the significant role honeybees play in the ecosystem. After donning protective bee suits, the newly acquired knowledge is put to the test as guests head out into the apiary for a firsthand experience observing active hives and even handling frames buzzing with bees. Adding to the charm, the farm is home to a variety of rescued animals, including goats, tortoises, and various birds, such as turkeys and peacocks, that freely roam the property. The tour culminates in a taste of fresh, locally produced honey, allowing visitors to savor the fruits of the bees’ labor and deepen their understanding of honey’s creation. This unique blend of education, interaction, and sensory delights makes Bird and Bee a must-visit destination for those seeking an authentic and memorable experience.

Bird and Bee; 46-3991 Old Mamalahoa Hwy., Honoka‘a; (808) 936-6019; birdandbeehawaii.com; Tours offered 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. daily. 

Mauna Kea Tea
Taka and Kimberly Ino, the husband-and-wife team behind Mauna Kea Tea, welcome guests to their five-acre farm nestled on the slopes of Mauna Kea. The 2.5-hour tour is an immersive experience that begins with a guided walk through the lush tea fields, where you’ll learn about the natural farming techniques the couple uses on the farm. During the stroll, insights into various types of tea are shared, along with details about how the farm has integrated with native Hawaiian plants, forest life, and the area’s biodiversity. Farm guests are invited to unwind and detach from the busy outside world, allowing them to enhance their sensory appreciation of being present in their natural surroundings. The tour proceeds along a path through a native ‘ōhia forest, leading to a spot where guests can enjoy freshly farmed artisan green tea in a Japanese-style loose-tea ceremony (Senchadō), accompanied by light snacks. Throughout this intimate outdoor experience, guests not only take in stunning views of Mauna Kea's slopes but also learn about sustainable farming and the harmonious relationship the Inos are cultivating.

Mauna Kea Tea; 46-3870 Old Mamalahoa Hwy., Honoka‘a; (808) 775-1171; maunakeatea.com; Tours available Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday at 10:30 a.m. 

Volcano Winery
Perched 4,000 feet above sea level on the slopes of Mauna Loa volcano, Volcano Winery features a creative product line that showcases its innovative approach to island-inspired winemaking. Founded in 1986 by retired veterinarian Lynn “Doc” McKinney and currently owned by Marie Bothof, Volcano Winery offers two tour experiences that cater to various levels of engagement with its operations. During the Ali‘i Vineyard Tour, which lasts about one hour, guests are guided through the vineyard’s volcanic soils and the production room. The tour ends with a tasting of seven different wines and two estate-grown teas. For those seeking a deeper exploration of the grounds, the Wine Maker’s Tour takes guests through the vineyard and tea garden with one of their local winemakers. This tour concludes with a Vinter’s Choice wine tasting in the wine production room, followed by a dessert pairing with their estate-grown Japanese tea. Open daily, Volcano Winery invites guests to savor the flavors of Hawai‘i in a setting as extraordinary as its wines. 

Volcano Winery; 35 Pi‘imauna Drive, Volcano Golf Course, Volcano; (808) 967-7772; volcanowinery.com; Open daily, excluding Christmas, from 12 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.; 24-hour advanced reservations required for tours. 

Baumkuchen Farm
Located on a nine-acre estate, Baumkuchen Farm offers guests a delightful blend of nature, culture, and culinary artistry. Owned and operated by Marie and Markus Stolz, the couple blends German and Japanese baking traditions with local ingredients to create their signature Baumkuchen cakes, which feature distinctive ringed layers that resemble the growth rings of trees. The farm provides free, thirty-minute farm tours every Tuesday and Friday, guiding guests through the vanilla greenhouses and mangosteen orchards, concluding at the farm shop where guests can sample their signature cakes. For a more immersive experience, the farm hosts hands-on Baumstriezel (also known as chimney cake) baking classes on Tuesday and Wednesday, where participants craft their own cake baked over an open campfire. These traditional Austro-German treats begin with strips of dough wrapped around sticks, which are then brushed with butter, cinnamon, and sugar. Once done, the Baumstriezels are enjoyed fresh with homemade chocolate sauce. More than just a treat for the taste buds, a visit to Baumkuchen Farm is a serene and enriching experience where the spirit of Aloha meets old-world charm in one of Hilo’s best-kept secrets. 

Baumkuchen Farm; 27-714 Ka‘ie‘ie Road, Pāpa‘ikou; (808)491-5032; baumkuchenfarm.com; Open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Free farm tours Tuesday at 1 p.m. and Friday at 11 a.m.; Baumstriezel baking on Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. and Wednesday at 10:30 a.m.