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

“The operator, Rusty, was very knowledgeable and did all she could for us to have a good time. The volcano though was only letting off noctious steam and the ground was covered with lava chunks from the day before. Still it was awesome to be…”

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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

“Book this tour. Justin is kind, knowledgeable, and fun. Comfortable van and hits all the spots! I give it 10 stars.”

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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

“We had the most amazing tour guide! can't remember her name, but she was Filipino and just a doll! She was funny, extremely knowledgeable, and had passion for her island. She gave us lots of great information and we saw some amazing sites. Highly highly…”

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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

“A good tour but if we had gone to the turtles later maybe they would have been out of the water. Edmond was an excellent driver and guide. Recommend this tour”

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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.

“Grover was our driver/ guide. He was pleasant and knowledgeable about all aspects of this tour. We visited Volcanoes National Park shortly after an eruption and it was fabulous. I highly recommend this tour.”

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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

“Our experience on the Big Island tour was absolutely fantastic! Anthony and Desmond were incredible guides. They taught us so much about the volcanoes, the unique history, and the rich culture of the Big Island. We really appreciated how flexible and attentive they were, always…”

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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

“Loved that Don, our tour guide walked with the group especially in the lava field. The lava tube walk was a surprise and a bit daunting with the walk through wet, puddles and very dark tunnel. A bit disappointed that we did not go to…”

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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

“These guys are great. Efficient and professional. The flight was perfect and our pilot, Ryan was outstanding.”

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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

“The tour guide was outstanding, and completely knowledgeable in the solar system. It was like a NASA experience in the earth, in this case, in beautiful hawaii!”

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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

“It was awesome! Katie was our guide & she was so knowledgeable. She prepared us for what to expect at the next stop as well as restrooms. That being my important since we had a 10 year old. Katie went over & beyond. We took…”

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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

“Desmond and Felix were amazing! Best tour that we have been on. True locals giving the tour. Their attention to detail was top notch. Perfect group size (12-15 people) Thank you Desmond and Felix for helping us make memories that we will never forget!!! Aloha!”

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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

“This Kona snorkel tour was an unforgettable experience. The two crew members were professional, friendly, and made everyone feel safe and comfortable in the water. We explored beautiful reefs, visited sea caves, and were even lucky to spot whales along the way. Everything was well…”

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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