More Than a Tour Company—Your Insider's Guide to Hawaiʻi Island
What began as a friendship became a brotherhood. After the passing of Rae's father in 2022, DJ and his family welcomed him with open arms and treated him as one of their own. Through his time helping at Kahana Bay Adventures, Rae gained a deeper appreciation for Hawaiian culture, traditions, and the importance of ʻohana. Two friends from different backgrounds became brothers, united by family, faith, and a shared love for Hawaiʻi.
Meet the Brothers Behind Hawaii Island Insider Tours
Two families, one passion, sharing the beauty and spirit of Hawaiʻi.
What began as a friendship became a brotherhood built on family, culture, and a love for the islands. Rae and DJ are dedicated to creating authentic, personalized experiences that connect every guest with the people, stories, and breathtaking landscapes that make Hawaiʻi Island so special.
Rae
Born into a Chaldean family from ancient Mesopotamia, Rae found a second home in Hawaiʻi and a deep connection to its people, culture, and traditions. Inspired by the shared values of family, resilience, and honoring one's heritage, he founded Hawaii Island Insider Tours to create meaningful experiences and share the beauty and spirit of Hawaiʻi Island with every guest. A devoted husband and proud father of two daughters, Rae built this business alongside his wife and family, with the hope of creating a legacy rooted in aloha, family values, and unforgettable experiences for every visitor to the Big Island.
D.J.
Born and raised in Kahana Bay on Oʻahu, DJ is Native Hawaiian and comes from a family with generations of roots in Hawaiʻi. His deep connection to the islands, love for the outdoors, and passion for sharing Hawaiʻi's beauty make him a valuable part of the Hawaii Island Insider Tours team. As a proud father of three daughters, everything he does is for his girls, and two of his oldest daughters are featured in this photo. DJ is dedicated to creating memorable experiences and helping guests connect with the spirit, culture, and aloha of the islands.
Our Story
Hawaii Island Insider Tours was created from a simple idea: visitors deserve to experience the Big Island in a personal, comfortable, and meaningful way. After years of working in leadership and customer service, founder Rae saw an opportunity to build something different from the large tour operators. Instead of crowded buses and rushed schedules, he envisioned small group experiences where guests could slow down, enjoy the scenery, and truly connect with Hawaiʻi Island.
What started with one vehicle and a passion for sharing the island has grown into a trusted, family-owned company specializing in private tours, cruise excursions, volcano adventures, and customized transportation across Hawaiʻi Island. Every booking is treated like family, and every tour is designed to create memories that last long after your vacation ends.
Adventure Beyond the Guidebooks
Why Choose Hawaii Island Insider Tours
At Hawaii Island Insider Tours, we believe the journey should be just as unforgettable as the destination. We specialize in luxury private Big Island tours that combine adventure, local knowledge, comfort, and authentic Hawaiian hospitality. ✔ Private tours for individuals, couples, families, weddings, schools, corporate groups, and reunions with up to 14 guests. ✔ Hilo and Kona cruise ship shore excursion specialists with reliable port pickups and guaranteed on time returns. ✔ Luxury transportation in our modern 2025 Ford Transit XLT with spacious seating, air conditioning, and panoramic island views. ✔ Flexible itineraries customized around your interests instead of a scripted tour. ✔ Family owned, locally operated, and passionate about sharing the true beauty of Hawaiʻi Island. ✔ Complimentary trip planning and vacation recommendations before you even arrive. We don't believe in rushing guests from stop to stop. We believe every day should feel like an adventure with friends. Our goal is to help you experience the Big Island through local stories, breathtaking scenery, hidden gems, and unforgettable moments that most visitors never discover. Experience the Best of the Big Island Hawaii Island Insider Tours is a locally owned tour company specializing in luxury private tours, cruise excursions, sightseeing adventures, hiking experiences, and custom itineraries throughout the Island of Hawaiʻi. Whether you're visiting from a cruise ship, staying at a resort, celebrating a honeymoon, traveling with family, or planning a corporate retreat, we'll create an unforgettable day built around your interests. Our experienced local guides help visitors discover the very best of Hilo, Kona, Volcano, Waimea, the Hamakua Coast, and South Point while sharing Hawaiian history, culture, legends, geology, and hidden places that many visitors miss. We specialize in: • Private Big Island Tours • Luxury Big Island Sightseeing Tours • Hilo Cruise Excursions • Kona Cruise Excursions • Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Tours • Volcano Hiking Adventures • Waterfall Tours • Black Sand Beach Tours • Kona Coffee Farm Tours • Rainforest Adventures • Scenic Coastal Drives • Family Friendly Tours • Corporate and Group Transportation • Wedding Transportation • Airport Transportation • Shore Excursions • Custom Island Itineraries • Photography and Scenic Tours • Private Transportation for up to 14 Guests Explore some of the Big Island's most iconic destinations: • Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park • Kīlauea Volcano • Rainbow Falls • Akaka Falls State Park • Boiling Pots • Hamakua Coast • Kona Coffee Country • Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach • Liliʻuokalani Gardens • Richardson Ocean Park • Waipiʻo Valley Lookouts • Historic Hawaiian Sites • Scenic Ocean Lookouts • Tropical Rainforests • Lava Fields • Hidden Waterfalls From easy scenic walks to rainforest hikes, volcano adventures, breathtaking waterfalls, black sand beaches, coffee tasting experiences, and unforgettable island sightseeing, every tour is designed around your schedule and travel style. Need help planning your Big Island vacation? Let our team build the perfect itinerary for your family, friends, cruise stop, honeymoon, or special occasion. We can recommend the best places to visit, hidden local favorites, restaurants, hiking trails, waterfalls, beaches, photography locations, and activities based on your interests. Whether you're searching for the best Big Island tour, a luxury private guide, a Hilo shore excursion, a Kona cruise excursion, a volcano adventure, waterfall hike, coffee farm experience, or simply want to explore Hawaiʻi Island at your own pace, Hawaii Island Insider Tours is here to make it happen. Our mission is simple: deliver unforgettable adventures, exceptional service, luxury transportation, and authentic Hawaiian experiences while helping every guest create lifelong memories on the Island of Hawaiʻi. Come as Guests. Leave as Ohana.
Discover the Heart of Hawaii
At Hawaii Island Insider Tours, we specialize in crafting premium adventures on the Big Island. Our experts are passionate about showcasing the island's hidden gems, from lush rainforests to breathtaking beaches. Whether you're seeking thrilling hikes or serene cultural experiences, we tailor each journey to your interests. Join us for an unforgettable exploration of Hawaii's natural beauty and vibrant culture, and let us show you the island as only insiders can.
2025 Ford Transit XL350 EcoBoost & 2025 Toyota 4runner
Our Promise to Every Guest Whether you're arriving in Hilo on a cruise ship, staying in Kona for a week, or planning a private family adventure, our mission remains the same: To provide authentic Big Island experiences through exceptional service, and unforgettable memories. From the waterfalls of Hilo and the dramatic landscapes of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to the coffee farms and historic sites of Kona, we are honored to share the beauty, history, and spirit of Hawaiʻi Island with every guest who steps into our vehicle. Because for us, this is more than a business. It's an opportunity to introduce visitors from around the world to one of the most extraordinary places on Earth and ensure they leave with memories that last a lifetime.
