Top Hilo Day Trips

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 Richardson Black Sand Beach, 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, Richardson 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.

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.

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 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!

Make the most of your day on the Big Island of Hawaii with this full-day tour—and leave the logistics and driving to your local guide. Join a small-group to see the highlights of the Big Island, including stops at Volcanoes National Park, Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitors Center, Rainbow Falls, Lili'uokalani Gardens, and the Black Sand beach at Richardson Ocean Park.

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.

Simplify seeing some of the world's most active volcanoes on this small-group tour to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park from Hilo. Whether you're looking for a shore excursion or staying nearby, relax with this tour package that covers all of your transportation and entry fees. Enjoy an itinerary that includes a walk along a crater rim, exploration of an ancient lava tube, and visits to Rainbow Falls and Liliuokalani Gardens.

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.

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.

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!!!

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 Richardson Black Sand Beach—look out for sea turtles.

There's nowhere better to explore the fascinating world of active volcanism, than on the Big Island, but knowing what to see and where to see it can be a challenge if you go on your own. This tour takes you a village destroyed by advancing lava, black-sand beaches, and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park with a guide to provide commentary.

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.

Discover the stunning natural beauty of Hawaiʻi on this immersive tour that highlights iconic waterfalls, unique lava formations, and the majestic Mauna Kea Visitor Center. Marvel at Rainbow Falls, where morning mist creates vibrant rainbows, and explore the swirling waters of the Boiling Pots. Walk through the historic Kaumana Caves for a glimpse into the island's volcanic history. This tour is family-friendly and doesn’t require a summit permit or 4x4 vehicle, making it accessible for all ages. Conclude your adventure with a relaxing picnic dinner surrounded by nature. - Experience Rainbow Falls and the dramatic Boiling Pots - Explore the historic Kaumana Caves and learn about volcanic history - Visit the Mauna Kea Visitor Center for cultural insights and views

Explore the stunning landscapes of the Big Island on this exclusive day tour. Visit iconic sites like Rainbow Falls, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and Richardson Ocean Park while learning about the island's rich history. Enjoy a locally inspired lunch, fresh fruit snacks, and insightful commentary from experienced guides. This small-group experience ensures personalized attention and ample time at each location, making it perfect for families and groups who want a private tour experience. - Duration: 6 to 7 hours, with convenient pick-up in the Hilo area - Visit Rainbow Falls, lava tubes, and a unique black sand beach - Enjoy a delicious island-inspired lunch with vegan and gluten-free options - Accommodates groups of up to 10 people.

Explore the breathtaking landscapes of Hilo on this immersive 7 hour adventure. Journey into Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, where the mighty Kīlauea showcases lava fountains, steaming vents, and lush rainforest trails through lava tubes. Along the way, marvel at the island’s most iconic waterfalls—Rainbow Falls and Akaka Falls—and stroll the serene Liliʻuokalani Gardens. With fun stops at the Hilo Farmers Market and Big Island Candies, this tour is sure to be one of the highlights of your vacation! This small‑group experience ensures personalized attention and authentic storytelling from your friendly, fun‑loving local guides. Between natural wonders, enjoy stops at a local farmers market and a chocolate factory, where you’ll taste island flavors and meet artisans. Snacks, drinks, and all park entrance fees are included, so you can relax and fully embrace the aloha spirit.

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!

Explore enchanting sights on the Big Island during this shore excursion exploring waterfalls, black sand beach and more .You'll make stops at Akaka Waterfalls, plus Rainbow Falls and several other Hawaii highlights. Blink and you may think you’re in Japan as you stroll through peaceful Liliʻuokalani Gardens, named after Hawaiʻi's last reigning monarch, Queen Liliʻuokalani. Located on Hilo's Banyan Drive. Whether you're a first time visitor or returning to the Big Island for another look, this tour is right for you. Akaka Waterfalls will take you through a lush rainforest filled with wild orchids, bamboo groves and draping ferns.. A guide, park entrance fees, and round-trip port transport are included. Maximum private tour size : 5 persons

The Fissure 8 Tour is an unforgettable, guided journey to the site of the 2018 Kīlauea eruption, where Fissure 8 – the most powerful fissure – forever changed the landscape of Lower Puna. 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!

Discover the volcanic side of Hilo, Hawaiʻi with a guide to show you around on this private tour. Explore on your own terms and in your own time thanks to the flexibility of this tour that’s tailored to you and your needs. See Richardson Ocean Park, Lili'uokalani Gardens, Rainbow Falls, and more.

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.