OUR TOURS
Mauka Makai Adventures specializes in small group and private Big Island tours offering a personalized Hawaii experience.
Mauka Makai Adventures is a local family owned and operated business based out of Hilo, Hawaii. We are fully insured and meet all State of Hawaii tour operator licensing requirements. We take pride in being a certified guide for the Volcano National Park.
All of our tours operate out of Hilo. We provide transportation from Hilo Harbor, Hilo Airport and most Hilo hotels. If you are staying outside of Hilo, we will arrange to meet you at the Hilo Mo'oheau Bus Terminal.
For more information visit our FAQs
Health & Safety
Face Coverings:
Face Coverings: We welcome our guests to wear a face mask covering the mouth and nose while traveling in the vehicle. This is optional, however we encourage everyone to bring their own mask for the health and safety of all!
Hand Sanitizer:
HEALTHY GUESTS:
If you are feeling ill on your vacation, please call us to reschedule or cancel your reservation for a refund. We will not permit anyone who is sick, has recently been sick or has tested positive for COVID-19 on the tour.
Seating Arrangements:
The front passenger seat will not be available for the safety of our guide and 'ohana.
Social Distancing:
Tour group sizes have been reduced and guest time in the van has been minimized where possible. Private tours are available.
Social distancing of 6 feet or more is encouraged at all times outside. Tour routes will be amended as needed to avoid crowded areas. Social distancing of 6 feet or more is encouraged at all times outside.
Sanitation Procedures:
Guide Protocol:
All tour guides are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and will not be permitted to work if they test positive for COVID-19.
It is everyone's *kuleana* (responsibility) to practice everyday habits of cleanliness and *malama* (to care) for one another to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Please *kokua* (kindly help) and do your part while visiting our islands! Mahalo.
OUR STORY
Your local guides, Josh and Jill Grotkin, were born and raised in Hawaii and have many years of experience working in the tourism industry and public service sector. We pride ourselves on the local experience, leveraging our background to bring you to some of the islands most beautiful locations off the beaten path.
We radiate the aloha spirit and are eager to share with you much about the history, culture and environment of Hawaii Island. Our goal is to provide you with an exceptional tour experience. From the lava fields of Kilauea volcano to the lush waterfalls along the Hilo coast, we will immerse you in the very best the Big Island has to offer!
By choosing Mauka Makai Adventures, you are supporting a local, sustainable business that respects the land and culture that our family is a part of!
ECOTOURISM
Malama 'Aina: " To Care for the Land"
OUR COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY
Mauka Makai Adventures promotes the sustainability of our island environment and community. Our certified guides are committed to protecting and preserving the natural and cultural resources of Hawai‘i. Our goal is to immerse and educate each and every guest in the Hawaiian culture, share with them the history of the islands, and the beauty of our natural environment.
Mauka Makai Adventures is devoted to contributing to the sustainability of our community. We support other Hawai‘i Island small businesses on our tour and provide locally produced items. We take pride in supporting local organizations and participating in conservation events around the island, giving back to both our island ‘ohana and the ‘aina.
VOLCANO ERUPTION UPDATE
We are open and operating tours safely.
As of June 2023, Kilauea Volcano is not erupting at the summit within Halema'uma'u crater. The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has opened access to different viewpoints. There is no molten lava at the surface currently.
Hawaiian Volcano Observatory
(Status of Active Hawaii Volcanoes)
Join us on a Volcano Adventure to witness the current eruption and recent changes to the landscape of Kilauea volcano on a cataclysmic scale!
Need Help Deciding Where to Go?
That's OK! We can help plan your perfect Hawaii adventure with our local guides and expertise!
