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C Big Island

Review Highlights

“ Again, Edmond provided volumes of interesting information about Mauna Kea, as well as the stars we could see from there. ” in 8 reviews

“ I would like to give a big shout out to Kanoa and Kainoa, our captain and guide! ” in 5 reviews

“ We had contemplated hiking or taking the rental bikes out to the lava but decided to take a boat instead. ” in 9 reviews

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71 Banyan Dr

Hawaii, HI 96720

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About the business.

Business owner information

Oleathia B.

Business Owner

Aloha, C Big Island offers shore excursions for guests arriving to Hawaii. We offer a wide range of activities from going to see Volcanoes, waterfalls, sea turtles and many more exciting sights on our land tours. For our water activities we offer our wild dolphin reef snorkel and night time manta ray. …

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My first review of the year, also first time as a Black Yelp Elite, *hooray* and I couldn't be happier to start it off with the awesome C Big Island! This was the only tour we did during our cruise and Steve did not steer us wrong! His expertise allowed us to make the most out of the hours we had on our trip and his endless enthusiasm kept us engaged throughout the day in Hilo. Thanks for such a memorable day, Steve!

Hilo Shore Excursion, Volcano National Park, Rainbow Falls Excursion. Gio was awesome and very knowledgeable. He went above and beyond, he made the adventure a fun experience. He gave us an excellent tour and we highly recommend touring with this fantastic company.

See all photos from Lana W. for C Big Island

Paul was the best! He took our group of 14 around, he was very knowledgeable and so helpful. He went above and beyond to take care of us. Thank you!!

Manta ray night snorkeling from Kona was a really wonderful and very well executed trip. Bryce, Scott and Tamae helped us feel comfortable and safe. Our family was a mix of swimmers and non-swimmers. I am happy we chose this tour which catered towards non-swimmers as well.

Maggie was awesome- very well spoken, had a lot of knowledge and was super fun to be on a tour of waterfalls and volcanoes on Hilo! Booked this excursion for Pride of America NCL in a whim and was sure glad we did- everyone in our party had a real good time

Donna is a wonderful tour guide who is not only knowledgeable, kind but also very professional and passionate about her job. She also takes great pictures. We enjoyed our excursion!

We booked The Volcanoes National Park & Waterfall Tour with this company and we're very excited to take the journey. However the tour was very underwhelming. First off the bus that took us, was not conducive to a view. The front window was halfway hidden due to the layout of the bus. We had no views. The company stated they would supply waters, snacks, umbrellas and ponchos. None of that was supplied. We never went to the Orchid Flower Nursery, or the Japanese Gardens. We did however get dropped at a Public Park area that had some Japanese style bridges and ponds. We drove through the town of Hilo, but again did not get to see it very well. The driver was a nice man but he really didn't give us a lot of information and half the time we couldn't hear him because his Mic was off. The air conditioning was up full and we had to ask several times for it to be lowered. Lunch consisted of a 7-11 stop where we got sandwiches and drinks which we ate on the bus. Once we got off the bus to see things we were left to explore usually for 10-15 minutes alone. No guided tour, no information on what we were seeing. The Volcano's aspect was the most underwhelming of all we were expecting to see Lava, but instead saw steam vents and a mini view of the crater from a long distance away. Reminded us of a mini version of the Grand Canyon. The Macadamia Nut Farm is closed and not open to the Public at this time. On the way home we stopped at a Candy Store. We opted to get off the bus at that point even though he was taking us to see "The Blank Sand Beach" which he said was ten minutes outside the town of Hilo. We decided to skip because we were expecting the Black Sand Beach on the south of the island and considering how awful the whole tour was, we decided that this beach would be also. This Tour was promoted as something it is not. We were extremely disappointed considering we drove from Kona to Hilo to take this tour. 1hr45min. We wasted our money. So frustrating. I really hesitated about writing a negative review, I don't like to do it. But, I feel others on the tour felt the same as we did and were not prepared for the underwhelming experience. Be warned!!

See all photos from Joan M. for C Big Island

We really enjoyed our Volcanoes National Park and Falls tour! It included so many more attractions than the port adventure offered by Disney Cruise Line. Ernie kept us entertained with his vast knowledge of the island and his sense of humor. I am so happy we canceled the Disney tour and booked this one. Every stop was so breathtaking and picture worthy! He has us back to the ship well before all aboard. I highly recommend. You will not be disappointed!

Manta Ray small group evening snorkel was amazing! Captain Chris and "manta whisperer" Buddha made the experience wonderful. We were on the 16 seat zodiac and the snorkel took place in the ocean right off the airport. We set off at sunset and returned under the full moon and spent a good amount of time with the rays...and there were 8-10 swimming with us. Mahalo!

Friendly guide. Poor vehicle for sight-seeing. Questionable sites. One of the sites was seeing lava in a lady's backyard.

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Big Island Circle Tours

Tours From Kona or Hilo

Big Island Sightseeing Excursions

We absolutely love the scenes and stops that you make on a sightseeing journey across Big Island. Starting on either the Kona or Hilo side of the island, your Big Island circle island tour route includes a volcano, one or two black sand beaches, many waterfalls, great coffee, stops for local treats, or at a world-famous bakery and so much more. Your guide will make sure your day with us is one of the most memorable in Hawaii.

There are a few variations to a sightseeing tour on the island that can start in the town of Hilo or along the Kona coast. The Kona coast includes the town of Kailua-Kona and the resort areas of Waikoloa & Kohala . Our tours will pick up at the resort, private accommodation, or at a central public location.

Big Island Tours From Kona & Hilo

The dry western coastline is the perfect place to spend most of your vacation time. The weather is consistently warm and sunny making for wonderful days around the pool or enjoying one of the many watersports. When you are ready to leave the resort and explore the island we have 3 easy sightseeing options.

Big Island Private Tours

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Volcano Sightseeing From Kona Tour

Spend an afternoon enjoying the sites and flavors of the Big... More

Big Island Grand Sightseeing Tour

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Big Island Air Tours

Big Island Air Tours offers a thrilling aerial exploration of Hawaii’s most geographically diverse island. From cascading waterfalls and active volcanoes to sprawling coastlines and lush rainforests, the views are nothing short of breathtaking. Our seasoned pilots share enriching insights and stories, elevating the experience beyond just sightseeing. Join us to witness the unparalleled beauty of the Big Island from the skies above.

Spectacular Helicopter Tour of Big Island

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Full Day Sightseeing Tours On Big Island

Standard island tours that use the Saddle Road route are about 9-11 hours while those tours that use the northern route through Waimea are referred to as the Grand tour and that is between 11-13 hours.

Big Island Frequently Asked Questions

We are staying at a vacation rental. can we be picked up at our accommodation, is a visit to the volcano included in every tour, how big are the group tours being offered, do any of your tours have car seats available, ask us question, the best guides & customer service.

We create opportunities for wonderful memories with your family and friends at a great value. Each day is an important time investment. You won’t waste your time or money choosing us.

Stress-Free Bookings & Changes

Book your tour now and make changes at no cost. Our team is here to make your trip exceptional. We will make sure you are taking the right tour on the right day (on the right island!).

We Provide Custom Island Tours

We are a full-service tour operator and travel agency based here in Hawaii. We provide small group shared and private sightseeing tours. Check out our tours or book a private to customize your day even more.

Tour Experience Full Of Aloha

We will never forget our roots and that is to deliver wonderful island experiences every day. Please reach out to us at any time by email, chat, and text. Or call us between 8 AM and 5 PM daily, Hawaiian time.

• 378 Aliiolani St., Pukalani, HI 96768
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• Open Daily 5:00am to 9:00pm, HST

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Hawaii County Weather Forecast for August 16, 2024

Tonight: Mostly cloudy with numerous showers. Lows 66 to 71 near the shore to around 56 at 4000 feet. Northeast winds up to 10 mph shifting to the northwest after midnight. Chance of rain 70 percent.

Friday: Partly sunny. Numerous showers in the morning, then scattered showers in the afternoon. Highs 82 to 87 near the shore to around 71 at 4000 feet. Northeast winds up to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70 percent.

Friday Night: Partly cloudy in the evening then becoming mostly cloudy. Scattered showers. Lows 66 to 71 near the shore to around 57 at 4000 feet. North winds up to 15 mph. Chance of rain 50 percent.

Tonight: Partly cloudy with isolated showers. Lows around 74 near the shore to around 55 near 5000 feet. Light winds. Chance of rain 20 percent.

Friday: Sunny. Isolated showers in the afternoon. Highs 84 to 89 near the shore to around 69 near 5000 feet. Light winds. Chance of rain 20 percent.

Friday Night: Mostly clear with isolated showers. Lows 72 to 77 near the shore to around 55 near 5000 feet. Light winds. Chance of rain 20 percent.

Tonight: Breezy. Mostly cloudy with scattered showers. Lows around 68 near the shore to 58 to 63 near 3000 feet. East winds up to 20 mph. Chance of rain 50 percent.

Friday: Breezy. Partly sunny with scattered showers in the morning, then mostly sunny with isolated showers in the afternoon. Highs around 82 near the shore to 72 to 79 near 3000 feet. East winds 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 50 percent.

Friday Night: Breezy. Partly cloudy with isolated showers. Lows 66 to 71 near the shore to 59 to 64 near 3000 feet. East winds 10 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 20 percent.

South Big Island

Tonight: Mostly clear. Isolated showers in the evening. Lows around 72 near the shore to around 54 near 5000 feet. Northeast winds up to 15 mph. Chance of rain 20 percent.

Friday: Sunny and breezy. Isolated showers in the afternoon. Highs around 87 near the shore to around 72 near 5000 feet. East winds up to 20 mph. Chance of rain 20 percent.

Friday Night: Mostly clear. Breezy. Lows around 73 near the shore to around 54 near 5000 feet. Northeast winds up to 20 mph.

Tonight: Mostly clear. Lows around 74 near the shore to 53 to 58 above 4000 feet. East winds up to 10 mph. Gusts up to 30 mph.

Friday: Sunny and breezy. Highs around 88 near the shore to 70 to 76 above 4000 feet. Northeast winds up to 20 mph.

Friday Night: Mostly clear. Lows around 75 near the shore to 53 to 58 above 4000 feet. Northeast winds up to 15 mph shifting to the southeast after midnight. Gusts up to 35 mph.

Detailed Forecast

Gentle to low end breezy trade winds will occur through the remainder of the day. Trades will strengthen to more areawide breezy magnitudes Friday through most of next week. Showers will typically favor windward and mauka locations, particularly during the overnight into early morning hours.

The remnant of what was once T.C. Emilia in the eastern Pacific is moving across the local western waters as a broad open wave trough. Subtle mid level cooling brought on by a lingering upper level trough, its axis orientated from the islands off to the northeast, along with higher 850-700 mb layer moisture will keep higher-end windward/higher elevation rain probabilities in place through late Friday night. Offshore showers will primarily stick and dump the highest rain amounts over better east to northeastern exposed windward and mauka locations. Heat of the day interior (leeward) thicker clouds and increased shower activity (i.e., Big Island Kona regions) cannot be ruled out where localized afternoon sea breeze boundaries set up. Breezy trade winds are expected to return Friday and persist through next week as the weak open wave trough mentioned above travels west away from the state and the subtropical high northeast of the islands fills in and regains better control. After a relatively drier Saturday, general weak mid-upper level ridging, with periodic ribbons of passing higher moisture, may result in increasing shower coverage to begin next week. Confidence is still shaky on the development of a tropical depression or cyclone southeast of the islands next week. If a system does development and move across those waters south of Big Island next Thursday or Friday, the upcoming late week forecasts will trend more wet for the eastern end of the state.

Moderate to locally breezy trades will deliver low cigs and SHRA to windward and mauka areas through the forecast period. MVFR conds can be expected in any SHRA but VFR should prevail. No AIRMETs are currently in effect. AIRMET Sierra may be needed for mtn obsc for windward locations particularly overnight and in the early morning hours with increased SHRA.

A weak surface trough passing by north of the islands will keep the trade winds at moderate to locally fresh speeds through this evening. As the trough exits the area, the trades will begin strengthening tonight. The trades should strengthen back to locally strong speeds late tonight, then hold at these levels through early next week. A Small Craft Advisory (SCA) is in effect starting midnight tonight for the typical windy waters around Maui County and the Big Island. The current small south swell should hold through tonight then gradually decline the next few days. Small background energy from the southeast is also possible during the next few days. A more significant south swell will arrive late Sunday and Sunday night, peak above the summertime average Monday, then slowly lower through the middle of next week. Seasonally flat to tiny surf is expected through early next week for north facing shores. East shore surf will remain below normal during the next couple days, then trend higher over the weekend and rise to near seasonal levels early next week. The combination of the full moon and water levels running around 0.5 ft higher than normal should produce minor coastal flooding each afternoon along the shorelines across the state beginning 8/18 and likely continuing through 8/20. A Coastal Flood Statement will eventually be needed as we get closer to the event.

HFO Watches/Warnings/Advisories

Small Craft Advisory from midnight tonight to 6 AM HST Sunday for Maalaea Bay, Pailolo Channel, Alenuihaha Channel, Big Island Leeward Waters, Big Island Southeast Waters.

Big Island Now Weather is brought to you by Blue Hawaiian Helicopters . Check out their Big Island Helicopter Tours today!

Data Courtesy of NOAA.gov

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The Pearl Necklace: On the road with the Porsche Club Big Island

“Aloha!” This Hawaiian greeting expresses compassion, sympathy, and affection, which all combine to form the multifaceted Hawaiian sensibility that also shapes the Porsche Club on the Big Island. One of the people who embodies this spirit in an extraordinary way is the President himself, Gunner Mench.

"For the Pacific, we’re nothing more than a speed bump,” says Gunner Mench, gazing out at the endless expanse of surging ocean. “If it wanted to, it could overrun us.” From flooding, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions to fire and even earthquakes, you can expect it all in Hawaii. Like in summer 2023, when devastating bush fires destroyed entire towns. Having lived for three decades on the Big Island, which is by far the largest island of the 50th US state, Gunner Mench is all too familiar with the forces of nature on this pearl necklace island.

The 70-year-old loves the Porsche brand with the same intensity as he does his home. He inherited both passions from his father and, in 2018, married the two when he established the Porsche Club on the Big Island. The exact name: Big Island Hawaii Region of the Porsche Club of America (PCA). As the 144th chapter of the PCA – the largest Porsche Club in the world – the community on the youngest plot of land in the Hawaiian islands already has 170 members five years later.

Time for the monthly club tour

Like a colorful pearl necklace, the sports cars wind their way along the narrow Waiki’i Ranch Road, which navigates the changing landscape as if squeezed from a tube. The Parker Ranch pastures dominate the land here in the north, interrupted by the occasional colorful western-style town. Mench, the Club President, is at the head of the caravan in his 17-year-old Cayenne S, dubbed the “mountain goat,” which has 350,000 kilometers on the odometer and is loaded with plenty of water and snacks for the drive. Vice President Dr. Mark Senft is bringing up the rear in the 928.

And between them there’s a merry band of drivers, including system engineer Michelle Fleischer from Chicago in her 911 Carrera S Cabriolet (991), who got stuck on the Big Island in a lockdown during the coronavirus pandemic. Now she doesn’t want to leave the island and works from home. Bill Hughes came from California with his golden 928 in 2004. “I’ve had the 1980 V8 for 27 years,” he says proudly. Jeff Tanabe, who was born in Hawaii, had to sell his 356 Coupé, but was able to get it back for several times the price decades later.

Board member Rémy Striebig brought his love of Porsche from his home in France, where he competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2016. He and his wife Shawna now operate an organic farm that grows macadamia nuts and fruit on the northern tip of the island. Everyone has their own stories to tell – stories about Porsche and life on the island.

Measuring in at around 10,430 square kilometers, the Big Island is larger than all the other Hawaiian islands combined. The first Polynesian settlers landed here around the year 750 and christened the island Hawai’i, which means home in their language. Kamehameha I, who is still honored to this day, embarked on a journey in 1789 to bring the islands together and form his kingdom. Two giant mountains – Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa – tower high above the island. Mauna Kea measures 10,203 meters in height from its base underwater, making it the world’s tallest mountain, and rises 4,205 meters above sea level. At 4,169 meters tall, its neighbor Mauna Loa is only slightly smaller.

Between two superlatives

We eventually reach the parking lot for Mauna Kea State Park, located between these two superlatives. Pele, the legendary volcano goddess, reveals her softer side, providing a view of the snow-capped peak. While Hawaii doesn’t necessarily conjure images of thick fog and heavy rainfall, they are common on the island. Hilo, the island capital to the east, is the rainiest city in the US, and waterfalls offer diversion in the jungle further to the north along the same coast.

Completely different scenery can be found in Volcanoes National Park in the south, with trails winding through desert-like lava fields that seem to go on forever. Sulfur and water vapors rising among mile-wide craters reveal dangerous, hidden underground pockets of heat. Beaches come in different colors here, including black, the dazzling white of Hapuna and Kaunaoa Beach in the dry northwest, and even green at the southern cape. “The Big Island is a miniature continent,” says Mench. “We have just about every climate in the world here. We even have more climates than Australia!” The only two missing are the extremes: glaciers and desert.

A melting pot of cultures

Isolated by thousands of kilometers of ocean, the people here were self-sufficient for centuries, nourished by the sea, fertile soil, and a deep spirituality that you can still feel to this day – for instance, in the ritual Hawaiian hula dance, which is a dialogue with the old gods, and at holy sites for communicating with ancestors, in temples, and in houses of prayer for different religions. 

The many Christian churches are the legacy of the missionaries who came from North America around 1820 and taught the population to read and write. “We live in a melting pot of different cultures, ethnicities, and languages,” explains Mench. During a stop in Church Row in his town of Waimea, which is also known as Kamuela, he suddenly breaks out in song – the Apostles’ Creed melodically sung in Hawaiian. “That’s how we sing it in our congregation. Yeah, I used to make music.” He goes on to talk about his greatest performance at a folk festival in 1972 – just him and his guitar in front of an audience of 4,000. “I have many lives,” he says smiling. He invites us into his home to continue the conversation.

The wooden house is shaped by 40 years of weather and features the typical veranda, with bananas, avocados, pineapples, oranges, and guavas growing in the yard. Wild chickens run loose all over Hawaii and provide a fresh supply of eggs daily. Self-sufficiency is the name of the game, as life on the island is expensive. Two ponies are responsible for maintaining the front yard and graze around a 914 chassis that just might be beyond saving. The lifted 944 Turbo behind it is waiting for an engine, while the 944 in Cream White, a birthday present for Mench’s wife Elli, is parked on the edge of the road, ready to drive. The Cayenne behind that, a first generation from 2005, is currently indisposed. “Our house is a good 90 square meters in size, which is plenty of space for us,” says Mench. “But the garage is 10 square meters bigger and still too small.”

Eyes to the left

His 356 B 1600 Super, built in 1963, is parked in front of a covered 928 S4. “I drove it up to the peak of Mauna Kea four times,” says Mench. “Unfortunately, you can only take an all-wheel drive up to the observatories today.” We fully understand these rules, as the gravel road, which starts at an elevation of 3,000 meters, can be challenging even for a modern SUV. The visitor center is located at that level, where breathing is noticeably more difficult and rangers make sure you stop for at least half an hour to acclimate before tackling the final 1,200 meters of elevation. They also check the temperature of your brakes on the way down. People tend to be friendly, empathetic, and patient during encounters like these, which is typical of the Aloha State.

Eyes to the right

There are four 911 cars in a section of the garage. “There’s only one 911 SC Targa from 1980 in this green,” says our host. “That was the color ordered by the first owner, a businessman in Miami.” There’s a 911 Coupé (G-Series, built in 1974) on the lifting platform, and next to it a 912 E that’s two years younger and one of 2,099 vehicles with a 914 engine, which were built for the US market. Then there’s a red 911 Turbo Cabriolet from 1989 – one of 540 in the US design. “But the only thing you can possess in life is experiences,” emphasizes Mench. He grabs a frame from the wall containing a faded greeting card addressed to him and his brother. “Günther and Charlie – greetings, Uncle Ferry Porsche.” A small postcard that tells a big story.

Born Günther Franz Mench in Würzburg, Germany, in 1954, Gunner immigrated with his family to Ridgefield in the US state of Connecticut in 1955. In Germany, his father Georg Mench was an institution in the world of journalism and photography. He knew Ferdinand and Ferry Porsche well, documented the grand opening of the Zuffenhausen factory at the beginning of the 1950s, and developed an early marketing tool: postcards showcasing vehicles.

“Every image tells a story and provides a glimpse of a desirable lifestyle,” says Mench enthusiastically, browsing through the 72 cards. “My father was allowed to use the Porsche logo and sold the cards to dealerships. The dealers then gave them to their customers, who in turn sent them all over the world.” One of the images ended up on the cover of Christophorus in 1961.

Mench senior maintained quite an impressive network. And in Connecticut, Gunner learned to live life at his father’s speed, flying from one state to the next as a businessman in top management. “300,000 miles of short-haul flights in six years. Board, buckle up, fall asleep,” he says, recalling his days in a suit and tie.

In 1990, when he was 36 years old, he visited his father, who was already living on the Big Island and was getting married for the second time. “Country life there reminded me of my childhood in New England,” says Mench. “But there were also beaches and everything else I was looking for.” He decided to stay and completed an auto mechanic vocational course, earning a certificate from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), became the manager of an Italian restaurant, and ultimately found joy while working at an art gallery, which he took over in 2004. At Harbor Gallery in Waimea – just 25 kilometers, but multiple climates, from his house in the mountains, he and his wife promote around 150 regional artists.

The business is open every day of the year, except for Christmas Eve. Or during a lockdown. When the pandemic brought the world to a standstill, Mench advertised his gallery on the radio. And when Mauna Loa erupted again for the first time in nearly 40 years on November 27, 2022, he jumped in his Cayenne, published the first photographs online, and was promptly promoted to popular interview partner.

What Mench loves about Porsche led to the foundation of the Big Island Club and its motto, “It’s not just the cars, it’s the people.” Exchange and camaraderie are of vital importance on a relatively defenseless speed bump in the middle of the Pacific. That’s something that we, too, had the opportunity to experience during the monthly club meeting. “Aloha” embodies this spirit and is how the club members say goodbye to each other today.

Text first published in the Porsche magazine Christophorus 411

Author: Heike Hientzsch

Photos: Linhbergh Nguyen

Copyright: All images, videos and audio files published in this article are subject to copyright. Reproduction in whole or in part is not permitted without the written consent of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG. Please contact  [email protected]  for further information.

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Alexander Günzler

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Consumption data

911 targa 4s (2023).

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C Big Island has been serving customers since 2007. Starting as family owned and operated we have expanded creating more opportunities for others. We have partnered with some of the best operators in Hawaii in order to provide an excellent experience to our customers. We would be happy to have you join us!

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