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
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 August 2026, Kilauea Volcano has been sporadically erupting at the summit within Halema'uma'u crater. The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has opened access to different viewpoints.
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!
