Big Island of Hawaii

15 Best Hilo Shore Excursions

The cruise-day circuits from Hilo’s pier: the volcano, Rainbow Falls and lava caves, timed against the ship’s whistle. Guaranteed-return policies are standard; read them anyway.

1.Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcanoes National Park and Rainbow Falls

Discover Hawaii’s volcanic wonders and waterfalls on this 6-hour shore excursion exploring Volcanoes National Park, Rainbow Falls, black sand beaches, and more.

Most Popular★ 4.5

“Geo was Great! He did a Great Job of explaining all the different high points and made us all feel like part of his family!”

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2.Hawaii Volcanoes, Waterfalls, Beaches & Hilo Highlights Day Tour

Discover Hawaii’s volcanic landscapes, waterfalls, beaches, and local culture on this full-day guided tour of the Big Island’s top highlights with a native Hawaiian guide.

★ 5.0

“Justin was a great tour guide! We had a wonderful time visiting the different attractions and learning about the area.”

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3.Hilo Shore Excursion: Safari Lava Caves, Falls and Highlights

Experience Hawaii’s volcanoes, waterfalls, and black sand beaches on this 6-hour guided tour from Hilo, exploring lava caves, hot pools, and lush waterfalls.

★ 4.5

“Very informative and pleasant. We had a great tour guide! Lori was very knowledgeable and did a great job of providing historical information during our tour.”

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4.Kona Shore Excursion: Sea Turtles, Historic Kona & Coffee

Discover Kona’s natural beauty, history, and culture with this 5-hour tour featuring sea turtles, coffee, beaches, and archaeological sites on Hawaii’s Big Island.

★ 4.5

“Jessica was our driver and tour guide. She met us holding a sign just as we got off the tender at the harbor. During the excursion, she did an outstanding job pointing out places of interest and providing information about them. The transport van was…”

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5.Hilo: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Flight

Experience breathtaking views of Hawaii's volcanoes on a 1-hour helicopter tour from Hilo. See Kilauea, Mauna Loa, waterfalls, and more with expert guides.

★ 4.4

“would definitely do it again. the whole experience was professional and fun. Sam, our pilot was super knowledgeable and friendly. couldn't have gone better. I was extremely satisfied.”

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6.Hilo Cruise Ship Excursion: Volcanoes National Park Rainbow Falls

Explore Hawaii's Big Island with this 4.5-hour Hilo shore excursion to Rainbow Falls and Volcanoes National Park, guided by knowledgeable locals.

“The driver was very informative and did a great job. The first bus we were on broke down (this happens) but the second bus was constantly having trouble. The check engine light and engine temperature light kept coming on. The air conditioner was not working…”

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8.Big Island: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Hilo Tour

Discover Hawaii's Big Island on a 7-hour guided tour visiting Volcanoes National Park, Kilauea, lava tubes, black sand beaches, and waterfalls.

★ 5.0

“The guides were awesome. So knowledgeable, funny, and engaging. We had an awesome group with special energy in no small measure because of our awesome guides. Aloha. Book it.”

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9.Hawaii Volcano National Park Shore Excursion

Explore Hawaii's Big Island with a full-day tour visiting waterfalls, volcanoes, lava fields, and local spots, guided by an experienced and friendly guide.

★ 5.0

“This was an amazing tour. We had one day to see all of Hilo's highlights, and this tour over delivered!! Don knew all the best spots and tricks to get us around to see everything! Even things we didn't know we wanted to see! He…”

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10.Discover Hilo Helicopter Tour

Experience Hawaii’s volcanoes and waterfalls from the air with this 50-minute helicopter tour, featuring expert guides, stunning views, and small-group intimacy.

★ 4.5

“Pilot was very informative about the volcano and various lava flows/eruptions. Flew over a beautiful waterfall. We were lucky to see whales too!”

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11.Maunakea Stellar Explorer HILO

Experience Hawaii’s cosmic wonders on this 7-hour Maunakea tour, with solar viewing, stargazing, and natural beauty, guided by expert storytellers.

★ 4.5

“Nate was the best guide and shared his love, respect and vast knowledge well. He was energetic and articulate. The star gazing with him was fun. Disappointed not to get to Visitors center or truly dark night sky. The rest stop and standing on side…”

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12.Hawaii Big Island Circle Small Group Tour: Waterfalls – Hilo – Volcano – Black Sand Beach

Discover Hawaii's Big Island with this small-group tour, exploring waterfalls, volcanoes, black sand beaches, and charming towns—all with expert guides and included meals.

★ 5.0

“This was literally the best tour I've ever been on! First, Katie picked us up from our hotel in Waikoloa Beach, and our first stop was within minutes of picking us up. The whole day was full of so many amazing stops, along with stories…”

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13.Hilo Shore Excursion: Visit Volcano, Waterfall, Beach with Lunch

Discover Hawaii’s highlights on this full-day Hilo shore excursion, visiting volcanoes, waterfalls, beaches, with expert guides and local lunch included.

★ 5.0

“What can I say about our Hilo Tsunami Adventure?! Desmond and Anthony were fantastic guides, sharing history, customs, information about local vegetation, etc. They were well prepared to show and tell us about so many different things. Every stop was educational and enjoyable. Lunch was…”

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14.Waterfall Rappelling at Kulaniapia Falls: 120 Foot Drop, 15 Minutes from Hilo

Experience a thrilling 120-foot waterfall rappel near Hilo, guided by friendly experts. Perfect for adventure lovers seeking a unique, memorable activity on Big Island.

★ 5.0

“This was the highlight of our island trip this year. Definitely the most challenging of Big Island activities we’ve done. Two teenage daughters and husband repelled down with no problem but sadly I had trouble getting down. Thanks to Eric I was able to get…”

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15.Kona Shore Excursion: Wild Dolphin Reefs Snorkel and Sea Caves

Experience the Big Island’s marine wonders with this 3-hour snorkeling tour visiting Kealakekua Bay, Captain Cook Monument, and sea caves, with dolphins and turtles.

★ 4.5

“Staff were really friendly the trip was well worth the money. The staff had great knowledge of the reef and animals The staff over ran so we could stay watching the dolphins longer Lunch was great and plenty of it. No need for suncream as…”

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More Hilo Shore Excursions

4.5Evening Volcano Explorer from Hilo6 hours (approx.)$252.25 4.5Mauna Kea: Stellar Explorer Tour from Hilo7 hours$189 4.6Hilo: Volcanoes National Park & Black Sand Beach6 hours$145 4.9Hawaii: Big Island Hilo Zipline Tour2.5 hours$235 4.1Hilo: Discover Hilo Helicopter Tour50 min$439 4.0Cruise Ship Shore Excursion of Historic Kona3 hours 30 minutes (approx.)$79.00 4.7Big Island: Evening Volcano Explorer from Hilo8 hours$169 5.0Port of Hilo to Volcano Tour4 hours (approx.)$229.00 4.5Hilo Highlights: Waterfall & Local Secrets on a Short Excursion6 hours (approx.)$189.99 4.5Historic Hilo Bay and Coconut Island Guided Kayak Adventure2 hours (approx.)$160.00 4.8Hilo: Akaka Falls, Volcanoes, and Rainbow Falls Guided Tour8 hours$187 5.0Private Tour from Hilo to Hawaii Volcanoes Natl Park Mercedes Van6 hours (approx.)$1,900.00 4.5Hilo: Wailoa River to King Kamehameha Guided Kayaking Tour1 hour$125 5.0Punaluu Black Sand Beach Tour – Volcanoes National Park & Hilo7 to 8 hours (approx.)$179.00 5.0Hilo-6 Hour Private Tour-Volcanoes NP, Rainbow Falls and more.6 hours (approx.)$1,299.00 4.0Big Island Surf Lesson from Hilo1 hour (approx.)$120.00 4.5Hilo Excursion Volcanoes Akaka Falls And Black Sand Beach7 to 8 hours (approx.)$299.00 4.5Historic Hilo Bay Waterfalls by Kayak2 hours (approx.)$160.10 4.7Hilo: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Hilo Highlights5.5 hours$195 4.52-Hour Hilo Ghost Walks Tour2 hours (approx.)$59.00 4.0Volcano Adventure Tour & Waterfall – Shore Excursion from Hilo Harbor6 hours (approx.)$199.99 5.0Private Hilo Shore Excursion to Volcano Waterfall and Black Sand6 to 7 hours (approx.)$1,359.20 2.4From Hilo: Kilauea Lava Flow Tour with Lunch and Dinner9 hours$189 4.8Hilo: Elite Volcano Hike8.5 hours$189