Day trip tour to the Big Island.

Question

Hello all. Looking for suggestions for a day trip/tour to the Big Island from Maui. Will be in Maui December 7th. Any recommendations for the best/affordable tour company. Not our first trip to Hawaii but have never been to the Big Island.

Answer

Great question! A day trip from Maui to the Big Island is absolutely doable — but it’s a long day, so picking the right tour is key. Below are several recommended tour companies and options, plus pros, things to watch for, and tips.

Top Day-Trip Tour Options from Maui to the Big Island

Maui Sights & Treasures – Volcano National Park Tour — Around 10 hours, includes round-trip inter-island airfare, guided volcano tour, Kīlauea Iki overlook, Thurston Lava Tube, black sand beach, and Kona Town.
Big Island Air – VIP Air Adventure — Aerial tour from Maui to the Big Island (via small plane), includes scenic views of volcanoes, coastline, waterfalls, and rainforest.
Helicopter2 – Big Island Helicopter & Volcano Combo — Includes inter-island flight, 45-minute helicopter ride over the volcano, and a guided ground tour of Volcanoes National Park.
To-Hawaii.com – Helicopter + Ground Volcano Tour — Similar to the Helicopter2 tour; includes volcano sightseeing and helicopter portion for about 10 hours total.
Daniels-Hawaii – Big Island Volcano Experience — A full-day inter-island package (approx. 13 hours) that visits Volcano National Park, Kona, Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach, and more.
Happy to Visit – Park Experience Tour — Small-group Big Island tour from Maui, 8–10 hours, includes Volcano NP, steam vents, and black sand beaches.

Things to Consider (Pros & Trade-offs)

Time commitment: Because of inter-island flights, even day tours will take 4–5 hours just in travel. As some travelers note, this can make the day feel very full.
Cost: These tours aren’t cheap, especially with flights + helicopter. For example, Big Island Air’s VIP flight is ~$798/person.
What you’ll see: Most tours hit the major volcano highlights like Kīlauea, lava steam vents, the Thurston Lava Tube, and black sand beaches. Helicopter tours add a dramatic aerial perspective.
Lava viewing risk: No tour can guarantee active lava flows. Conditions change and the company may or may not be able to take you to visible lava.
Physical demands: Prepare for walking on uneven terrain, possibly short hikes in the park, and being on a helicopter or plane.

My Recommendation:

- If you're looking for a full Big Island experience (volcano + black sand beach + local stops) and don’t mind a long day, the Daniels-Hawaii tour or Maui Sights & Treasures tour are both great, more affordable options for a guided ground + air day trip. - If you want something more unique and memorable (and don’t mind paying more), the Helicopter2 tour gives you breathtaking aerial views plus ground exploration — making the trip very special. - For flexibility and a slightly more relaxed pace, Big Island Air’s VIP flight is ideal if you enjoy flying and want maximum scenic value.

Tips for Booking and Planning:

Book as soon as possible — inter-island day tours often fill, especially in December.
Confirm meeting times very early; most inter-island tours leave in the morning.
Bring: comfortable walking shoes, light jacket (volcano area can be chilly), camera, water, and snacks (or money for a lunch stop).
Have your ID and flight voucher ready, since these tours include airfare.

In short: yes, a Big Island day trip from Maui is very doable, and there are several quality options depending on your budget and how “touristy” you want the experience to be. Choose based on whether you prioritize sightseeing, aerial views, or a lower-cost, guided ground tour.

Day trip tour to the Big Island.

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