North Island Jungle Loop in Big Island: Audio Tour Guide

The North Island Jungle Loop in Big Island offers an immersive audio tour experience that guides visitors through stunning coastal vistas and lush tropical jungles. Priced affordably, the tour provides engaging narration, turn-by-turn directions, and offline map access, ensuring a seamless adventure. Highlights include breathtaking locations like Akaka Falls and Umauma Falls, along with optional activities such as hiking and photography. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking a unique way to explore Hawaii, this tour promises an unforgettable blend of exploration and storytelling. But what makes this audio tour truly stand out, and why should you consider adding it to your itinerary?

Key Points

• The driving tour covers lush coastlines and tropical jungle roads on the Big Island, with an audio guide and offline map provided through the Shaka Guides app.
• Key highlights include Onomea Trail, Akaka Falls, Umauma Falls, Laupahoehoe Train Museum, and stargazing at Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station.
• The tour is priced at €18.03 per group (up to 5 participants) and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Recommended essentials include snacks, water, sturdy hiking shoes, and headphones for enhanced audio guide experience.
• The tour caters to various weather conditions, with temperature ranges from 45°F to 85°F and advice on suitable attire and footwear.

Tour Overview and Pricing

What’s the North Island Jungle Loop in Big Island’s audio tour guide all about?

It’s a driving tour that takes you through lush coastlines and tropical jungle roads. Priced at €18.03 per group (up to 5 participants), the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can reserve your spot now and pay later. The tour is valid for 299 days, so you can check availability for your preferred start time.

With hours of audio narration, turn-by-turn GPS directions, and an offline map, this self-guided tour lets you explore the island at your own pace.

Experience Highlights and Itinerary

The North Island Jungle Loop takes visitors on a captivating drive along lush coastlines and through tropical jungle roads.

Highlights of the itinerary include:

• Marveling at the breathtaking Onomea Trail and Akaka Falls
• Exploring the Umauma Falls and the Laupahoehoe Train Museum
• Indulging in a classic Hawaiian treat at the iconic TEX Drive-In
• Reaching the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station for awe-inspiring stargazing
• Enjoying optional activities like hiking, sightseeing, and photography along the way.

This comprehensive tour offers a well-rounded experience, blending natural wonders, cultural landmarks, and local flavors, creating an unforgettable adventure on the Big Island.

Audio Tour Features

The Shaka Guides driving tour app serves as an immersive in-car audio guide for the North Island Jungle Loop.

Hours of engaging narration provide stories, travel tips, and music to enhance the experience. The audio playback automatically syncs with turn-by-turn GPS directions, ensuring a seamless journey.

Travelers can access an offline map, eliminating the need for Wi-Fi or cellular data during the tour. The best part? The tours never expire, allowing for complete flexibility in planning the adventure.

With customizable start times, adventurers can embark on this tropical exploration at their own pace.

What to Bring and Fees

For the North Island Jungle Loop audio tour, travelers should bring along a few essentials.

These include:

• Snacks and water to stay fueled during the day
• Comfortable, sturdy hiking shoes for the trails
• Sunscreen and a hat to protect against the tropical sun
• Headphones to fully immerse in the audio guide
• Waterproof sandals or shoes for visiting the waterfalls

Plus, visitors should be aware of the fees for accessing certain attractions along the route, such as $30 for the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, $10 parking plus $5 entrance fee for Akaka Falls, and $12 entrance fee for Umauma Falls.

Dressing in layers is also recommended, as temperatures can vary throughout the day.

Temperature and Weather Considerations

Visitors can expect varied temperatures throughout their North Island Jungle Loop adventure. Wear layers to stay comfortable, as the weather can range from warm and sunny to cooler temperatures at higher elevations. The table below provides a quick reference guide on what to expect:

Location	Temperature Range
Coastal Areas	75°F – 85°F
Rainforest Trails	65°F – 75°F
Mauna Kea Visitor Center	45°F – 55°F
Mauna Kea Summit	30°F – 40°F
Nighttime	50°F – 60°F

Prepare for the diverse conditions by packing appropriate clothing and being ready to adjust as you explore the island’s natural wonders.

Transportation and Road Closures

Along the North Island Jungle Loop, travelers can expect well-maintained roads and signage to guide their journey.

However, there are a few important considerations regarding transportation and road closures:

• The Waipio Valley hike is very steep, so it’s advised not to attempt driving down the road. Instead, opt for hiking the trail.

• The Waipio Valley road is currently closed to pedestrians, so hikers will need to find alternative access points.

• The Mauna Kea summit road is open, and the Visitor Center’s stargazing program has resumed following the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Visitors should be prepared for varying temperatures and dress in layers accordingly.

• The best food stops along the loop are in Honoka’a, Waimea, and Hilo.

Dining Recommendations

Travelers exploring the North Island Jungle Loop can refuel at several notable dining options.

In the town of Honoka’a, the TEX Drive-In offers classic Hawaiian plate lunches and burgers.

Further north in Waimea, diners can enjoy locally-sourced cuisine at restaurants like the Red Water Cafe.

For those with a sweet tooth, the historic Hilo town boasts the renowned Big Island Candies, known for their decadent chocolate-dipped macadamia nuts.

No matter the taste preference, the tour’s designated food stops provide ample opportunities to savor the diverse flavors of the Big Island and reenergize for the next leg of the journey.

Customer Feedback and Rating

How does the audio tour fare among customers? According to the available feedback, the North Island Jungle Loop audio tour has received an overall rating of 1 out of 5 stars based on a single review.

While this may seem low, it’s important to consider the following:

• The review was left by a verified booking from a GetYourGuide traveler in Italy, providing a perspective from outside the local market.

• Customers can filter reviews by traveler type, such as couples, groups, solo, and families, to gauge the experiences of those similar to their own.

• The tour offers a range of features, including automatic audio playback, offline map access, and customizable start times, which may appeal to different travelers.

• As with any experience, individual expectations and preferences can greatly influence ratings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Audio Tour Content Available in Languages Other Than English?

The audio tour content is only available in English. There’s no information provided about the tour being offered in other languages. The tour seems to cater primarily to English-speaking travelers.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Exclude Specific Stops?

The tour can be customized to exclude specific stops, allowing participants to tailor the experience to their interests. The audio guide’s flexible format provides the freedom to skip stops or focus on preferred destinations.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for the Tour?

There are no age restrictions or requirements for this tour. Participants of all ages can join, though parental supervision is recommended for young children. The tour is suitable for families, groups, couples, and solo travelers.

Is There an Option to Book a Private Tour Instead of a Group Tour?

There is no option for a private tour. The tour is priced per group of up to 5 participants. Customers can’t book a private tour separately. The group pricing makes it an affordable option for small parties.

Can Participants Bring Their Own Vehicles or Do They Have to Use the Tour’s Transportation?

Participants can use their own vehicles for the tour. The tour provides an audio guide that can be accessed through a mobile app, allowing participants to drive themselves along the specified route and stops.

Recap

The North Island Jungle Loop in Big Island offers an immersive audio tour experience, guiding visitors through stunning coastal vistas and lush tropical jungles. Priced at €18.03 for up to five people, the tour provides engaging narration, GPS directions, and offline map access, making for a seamless adventure. Highlights include breathtaking waterfalls and optional activities like hiking, ensuring a perfect blend of exploration and storytelling in Hawaii.