Hawaii Big Island Tours
There are several different tour types available on Big Island and they include ATV, bike, bus, and helicopter tours and more. These tours each have some unique aspects about them that make them desirable by different people. People coming to Hawaii should scope out each of the tours and decide which one is the best one for their tastes.
Bike Tours
Bike tours are not as popular on Big Island as they are on Maui, but they hold their own against the other tours. This is for someone that doesn't want to hear someone talk to them about all of the formations and want to be outside on their tour. Some of the tours allow you to go at your own pace instead of being grouped down the mountain, so someone that enjoys being their own boss will enjoy doing this. However, it is not for beginning bikers or small children although some companies have vans that the children can ride in while you are bicycling.
Helicopter Tours
Helicopter tours are for people that have quite a bit of money saved up for their vacation. This will allow them to get up close to the lava and get some great pictures. However, not everyone can spend $200 or more to go on a helicopter tour, so it automatically rules out the less fiscally-free. But there are some shorter tours at some companies that are more affordable, but they are very short, 15 minutes or so. It doesn't allow much time for exploring the length and breadth of the island.
Bus Tours
Bus tours are one of the most affordable ways to go on a tour if you want a guide. They are generally more for families and people on low budgets but go to many of the same sights that you would see on the helicopter tours, you just won't get as close. However, if you know where the spots are, your rental car will get you everywhere the bus will, so you can take that if you have one. If not, then the bus is a great deal.
ATV Tours
There are ATV tours available on Big Island that are great for people that have experience with them. They will teach you, but you may want to learn before you come in order to be sure that you will be comfortable handling an ATV by yourself. Some tours will set you loose on their ATVs and let you roam the land that is available for the tour, but not all companies will.