Top Hilo Shore Excursions

Join Hawaii Island Insider Tours for an unforgettable journey through the natural beauty of East Hawaiʻi. This small group excursion visits Rainbow Falls, Akaka Falls, scenic coastlines, and historic Hilo, showcasing the island's lush rainforests, waterfalls, and local charm. At Hawaii Island Insider Tours, we keep our groups small, giving you more time to explore, take photos, and enjoy each stop without feeling rushed. Travel comfortably in our modern 2025 Ford Transit while your guide shares the history, culture, and stories that make the Big Island unique. As a fully licensed and insured Hawaiʻi tour operator, we're committed to providing safe, reliable adventures. Our itinerary is carefully timed for cruise ship guests, ensuring a worry-free return to the Hilo Cruise Port well before your ship departs.

Explore volcanoes, waterfalls, beaches, and more on a full-day, small-group tour of Hawaii with a chance to see local marine life. Visiting the island with a Native Hawaiian guide adds additional insight to the experience, with the chance to learn about local culture that many visitors miss out on. Included national park fees at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park also saves time—so you can focus on the awe-inspiring scenery.

As a Native Hawaiian from Hawaiʻi Island, these aren’t just tour stops — they’re part of my home. From walking the grounds of Kīlauea to exploring through a Lava Tube, I blend local knowledge, cultural insight, and real island-style fun. You’ll leave not just entertained — but educated and connected to Hawaiʻi in a meaningful way.

When you only have a limited time to explore Hawaii while your cruise ship docks at the Port of Hilo, it can be tough to know where to begin. Take in views of Kilauea—the world’s most active volcano—visit Punalu’u’s black-sand beaches, and witness the thundering waters of Rainbow Falls on this full-day small-group shore excursion.

Skip the rental car and let a local guide handle the driving through Hawaii’s sprawling landscapes. This half-day tour covers Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Kilauea crater, the Nahuku lava tube, Punaluʻu black sand beach, and Rainbow Falls with lunch included—you won't waste time figuring out where to eat or which sites matter most. Hotel pickup and drop-off in the Hilo area add convenience to your day in paradise.

When your ship docks in Hilo, use your short time in port to get acquainted with Kilauea, the most active volcano on earth. On this tour, you'll explore lava caves; stroll along the island's newest black-sand beaches and feel the warmth from volcanic hot pools. You'll pass along the destructive path of the volcano's most recent eruption, your route including round-trip transport from the port or your hotel.

Experience the best of Hilo and Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park on this unforgettable tour. Pass by the serene Liliʻuokalani Gardens, the largest Edo-style Japanese garden outside of Japan, then take in the scenic coastline at Hilo Bayfront Beach Park. Enjoy the historic charm of Downtown Hilo, where plantation-era buildings and vibrant storefronts line the streets. Witness the breathtaking Rainbow Falls, cascading 80 feet into a lava cave steeped in Hawaiian legend. Treat yourself to handcrafted chocolates and macadamia nut cookies at Big Island Candies. Finally, explore the dramatic landscapes of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, home to the world’s most active volcano, Kīlauea. Walk through the Thurston Lava Tube, feel the heat from geothermal steam vents, and journey along Chain of Craters Road, surrounded by vast fields of hardened lava. This tour is the perfect blend of history, nature, and adventure!

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is home to one of the world’s most active volcanoes, which sends lava dripping towards the sea, plus a wealth of photo-worthy natural scenery. On this small-group tour of the national park, hear the legends of Pele, the Hawaiian fire goddess, climb to the rim of Kilauea volcano, and spot many of the region's other top sights. Round-trip transit from coastal Hilo makes getting there easy.

As a Native Hawaiian born and raised in Hilo on Hawaiʻi Island, I’m not just showing you the sights—I’m sharing the home I’ve known my entire life. Every stop on this tour holds history, stories, and personal connections only a lifelong local can share. From Kīlauea and Rainbow Falls to local macadamia farms and the Hilo Farmers Market, you’ll experience Hawaiʻi through the eyes of someone whose family and genealogy are deeply rooted here. I blend cultural knowledge, local history, and genuine aloha with a relaxed island style experience. When choosing a guide, there’s a difference between visiting a place and growing up in it. My goal isn’t just to show you Hawaiʻi—it’s to help you understand it through the perspective of someone who has lived its traditions, respected its history, and proudly calls Hilo home. You’ll leave with more than great photos—you’ll leave with meaningful stories and a deeper connection to Hawaiʻi that only a born and raised local can provide.

Explore the Big Island on a guided day tour covering a range of key natural and cultural sights. Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Rainbow Falls, and areas around Hilo with a local guide providing context throughout. With transport, lunch, and a structured itinerary included, this experience offers a convenient way to see multiple highlights in one day without arranging separate visits.

Experience the lush beauty of Big Island’s Hamakua Coast on our tour to ʻAkaka Falls State Park, where the Island’s tropical splendor is on full display. Akaka Falls is a towering waterfall, cascading 442 feet (135 meters) down into a lush gorge. Your all inclusive tour includes the Hilo Discovery and Volcanoes National Park Explorer packages. As a locally owned and operated tour company based on Hawaiʻi Island, we offer immersive, guided experiences while sharing not just the breathtaking beauty of volcanoes, waterfalls, and valleys – but the stories, language, and spirit that make these places sacred. Our expertly guided tours highlight the island’s natural beauty, rich history, and volcanic landscapes. We also offer custom and private tours!

Experience the Big Island of Hawaii through a local's perspective on a small-group tour led by a Native Hawaiian guide. Check off all the highlights of Volcanoes National Park, including Kilauea, the most active volcano in the world; visit Hilo Farmers Market, Rainbow Falls, and Lili'uokalani Gardens; marvel at a stunning black-sand beach; and learn all about local life from your guide.

See the best of the Big Island of Hawaii in one day on this tour of the island’s highlights that maximizes your trip. Travel with a small group and local expert who shares stories about Hawaiian history and culture—and deals with all the logistics. Visit Hilo, Rainbow Falls, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach—look out for sea turtles.

Make the most of your time on the Big Island of Hawaii on this 3-in-1 tour of the island’s top attractions. Your guide takes care of navigation and logistics on this small-group tour. You’ll walk the famous black sand at Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach, drive on the Chain of Crater Road and see various lookouts in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and visit the historic town of Hilo and Rainbow Falls.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is famous for its ever-flowing lava and the planet’s most massive active volcano. This tour journeys to top natural landmarks in and around the park. Visit Rainbow Falls, Richardson black sand beach, Historic Banyan Drive, Liliuokalani Gardens, Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory, Akatsuka Orchid Nursery, and the active volcano of Kilauea. You also get the opportunity to walk through a lava tube.

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is a blockbuster sight on the Big Island, but reaching the park from the Hilo port on your own can be time-consuming. On this small-group driving tour, save hours with port pickup and head straight to the park’s highlights, including the steam vents and Kilauea Caldera overlook. This leaves enough time to also visit the Japanese Lili'uokalani Gardens, Rainbow Falls, and Big Island Candies.

Discover the volcanic wonders of the Big Island on a 5.5 to 6-hour tour that showcases the best of Hilo. This small-group experience allows you to explore Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, walk on new lava fields, and venture through a 500-year-old lava tube. Led by certified local guides who share the island's cultural and geological stories, this tour guarantees a comfortable and flexible adventure. Ideal for cruise ship passengers, you’ll return to the Port of Hilo on time, ensuring no stress during your visit. - 6-hour guided tour of Big Island's top volcanic sites - Small group size of up to 7 guests for personalized attention - Expert local guides sharing unique cultural insights - Cruise ship friendly with guaranteed timely return to port

This express tour handles every single detail so you can safely witness Kīlauea’s raw power and still get back to port with plenty of time to explore downtown Hilo before your ship sets sail!

Embark on an epic adventure on this Volcanoes National Park tour from Hilo. Journey into the largest and most active volcano on earth with your friendly, professional guide, and pay a visit to the Richardson Blacksand Beach. Learn about the incredible landscapes that roll out before you and gain insight into the geological and ecological implications of Mother Nature on this stunning park. See the Akatsuka Orchid Nursery, Rainbow Falls, the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory and so much more on this memorable tour that hits so many of Hawaii's hot spots.

I work every Tuesday when the Pride Of America or any ship is in Hilo Harbor!!! We walk in lava fields looking at peacock lava and different formations. We will walk through lava tube, look at the crater overlook, and steam vents. Then go shopping, waterfalls, and Blacksands Beach. I am open every Tuesday or any day the ship is in Hilo!!!

Experience the Big Island’s lush Hamakua Coast on this half-day excursion. After a convenient hotel pickup, visit top destinations like Akaka Falls State Park, Rainbow Falls, and Richardson Beach Park. Capture memorable photos, watch for Hawiian Green Sea Turtles, and stop by Big Island Candies to satisfy your sweet tooth.

This tide pool is a local secret. It's off the beaten path. A miracle of nature. We'll use a jungle/lava rock coastal trail. Each way takes 15-20 minutes. Only your group will participate. You’ll learn about the pool's ecosystem and the local environment. You'll also have time to explore/relax privately. - The pool is like an infinity pool overlooking cliffs. The water is crystal clear. You’ll see amazing views of the island. Sea turtles are a common sight in the ocean in the distance. - The pool is like an aquarium with fish, hermit crabs, rock crabs, sea cucumbers, brittle stars, shrimp, snails, spaghetti worms, pink coralline algae, seaweed, shells, & cool rocks. - The pool is calm/safe with a deep (3-5ft.) & shallow (1-3 ft.) area.

Explore enchanting sights on the Big Island during this shore excursion exploring Volcanoes National Park, waterfall, black sand beach, and more. You'll make stops at Kilauea Crater and Thurston Lave Tube, plus Rainbow Falls and several other Hawaii highlights. Whether you're a first time visitor or returning to the Big Island for another look, this tour is right for you. Layers of lava stretch over moonscapes, collect in calderas, and put on an awesome show. A guide, park entrance fees, and round-trip port transport are included. Maximum tour size : 5 persons