Private Hilo Shore Excursion - Volcanoes, Waterfalls, & Beaches

Big Island of Hawaii , United States

Private Hilo Shore Excursion - Volcanoes, Waterfalls, & Beaches

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(2 reviews)

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About this experience

You don’t want to miss this private adventure tour on the Big Island of Hawai'i! Beautiful lush rainforest, towering waterfalls, picturesque black sand beaches, and stunning active volcanoes; this tour takes you to both these spectacular destinations on this Hilo cruise ship shore excursion! Visit a black sand beach, see the waterfalls of Hilo, and then venture down to Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Don't be confined to a set schedule or with a group of people that you don't know. This is a private tour with only your group or family. Customize the itinerary and make the day your personalized adventure!

Available options

6 Guests

6 Guests Pickup included

5 Guests

5 Guests Pickup included

4 Guests

4 Guests Pickup included

3 Guests

3 Guests Pickup included

7 Guests

7 Guests Pickup included

Private Hilo Shore Excursion - Volcanoes and Waterfalls

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Umbrellas

trail mix, fruit snacks, Clif bars, beef jerky, chips, chocolate

Patagonia rain jacket and Nano puff

Nikon ProStaff binoculars

All Fees and Taxes

Air-conditioned vehicle

All non-alcoholic beverages: water, juice, soda, hot tea, coffee and hot chocolate

Enjoy a picnic style lunch surrounded by the beauty of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Experience a black sand beach and keep a look out for Hawaiian green sea turtles that frequent the area!

Stop 2

After pick up at the Hilo cruise ship pier, our first stop will be at Rainbow Falls and and Boiling Pots in the Wailuku River State Park. Walk out to see Rainbow Falls, a picturesque waterfall that cascades over a legendary cave. Rainbow Falls got its name by a rainbow that is created in the mist of the water by sunlight. Approximately one mile from the falls lies Boiling Pots, an intriguing feature of the Wailuku River. Walk out at this location to see the unique water feature created by lava formations in the river.

Stop 3

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and an International Biosphere Reserve, this iconic park encompasses the summit of two of the world’s most active volcanoes and extends from sea level up to the summit of Mauna Loa at 13,677 feet. It’s home to critically endangered wildlife and some of the most unique geological, biological and cultural landscapes on earth. Upon entering the park, enjoy a walk along the rim Halema‘uma‘u Crater for unique views of the current eruption. The crater is the legendary home of Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of fire and volcanoes.

Stop and see the natural steam vents at Wahinekapu Steaming Bluff. Here, heated groundwater escapes from cracks in the earth as steam.

Stop 5

Take a guided walk through the lush native rainforest and walk through the massive Thurston lava tube which is 600 feet long and over 20 feet tall in some places.

Stop 6

Additional stops in the Park can include: Devastation Trail, Kilauea Iki, Ha’akulamanu sulphur banks, Maunaulu lava field, and upper portions of Chain of Craters Road . These fascinating locations are fun to explore in your Big Island volcano and waterfalls tour.

Available languages

Guide guide

Written guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Guests must provide their own children's car seat if needed.

Wheelchairs and strollers can be accommodated but must be collapsable and wheelchair guests must be able to get into the vehicle on their own.

About Big Island of Hawaii

The Big Island of Hawaii is the largest and youngest of the Hawaiian Islands, known for its diverse landscapes, including snow-capped mountains, active volcanoes, and lush rainforests. It offers a unique blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences.

Top Attractions

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

This national park is home to two active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa. It offers hiking trails, scenic drives, and the opportunity to witness volcanic activity up close.

Nature/Adventure Full day Moderate ($30 per vehicle)

Mauna Kea Summit

Mauna Kea is the highest point in Hawaii and offers stunning views, stargazing opportunities, and a unique alpine environment.

Nature/Adventure Half day to full day Free (but requires acclimatization)

Waipio Valley

Waipio Valley is a lush, scenic valley known for its taro farms, waterfalls, and black sand beach. It is also a significant cultural site for Native Hawaiians.

Nature/Cultural Half day Free (but parking fee applies)

Hapuna Beach State Park

Hapuna Beach is one of the largest white sand beaches on the Big Island, offering swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing opportunities.

Beach Half day Free (but parking fee applies)

Akaka Falls State Park

Akaka Falls is a stunning 442-foot waterfall surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. The park offers a scenic loop trail leading to the falls.

Nature 1-2 hours Moderate ($5 per person)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Poke

A raw fish salad marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions, often served with rice.

Appetizer Contains fish, can be made with various types of seafood

Loco Moco

A hearty dish consisting of white rice topped with a hamburger patty, a fried egg, and brown gravy.

Main Course Contains beef, eggs, and gluten (from the gravy)

Shave Ice

Finely shaved ice flavored with syrups and often topped with sweetened condensed milk or ice cream.

Dessert Vegetarian, can be made with various toppings

Kona Coffee

A premium coffee grown in the Kona region, known for its rich and smooth flavor.

Drink Caffeinated, can be decaffeinated

Popular Activities

Hiking Volcano exploration Water sports Beach lounging Spa treatments Scenic drives Traditional Hawaiian luaus Local markets

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

This is the best time to visit the Big Island, with pleasant weather and fewer tourists. The ocean is warm, and the weather is generally dry and sunny.

21-30°C 70-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Hawaiian, Japanese, Tagalog
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time (HST, GMT-10:00)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

The Big Island is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, visitors should be aware of natural hazards such as volcanic activity and ocean conditions.

Important Precautions:

• Rent a car with full insurance coverage
• Be cautious when purchasing souvenirs and tours, and research options in advance
• Be aware of ocean conditions and currents when swimming and snorkeling

Getting there

By air

Kona International Airport • 20 km from Kona
Hilo International Airport • 10 km from Hilo

By bus

Hilo, Kona

Getting around

Public transport

The Hele-On Bus is the public bus system on the Big Island. It is affordable but has limited routes and schedules.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Kona Hilo Waimea

Day trips

Mauna Kea Summit

30 km from Waimea • Half day to full day

Mauna Kea is the highest point in Hawaii and offers stunning views, stargazing opportunities, and a unique alpine environment.

Waipio Valley

60 km from Hilo • Half day

Waipio Valley is a lush, scenic valley known for its taro farms, waterfalls, and black sand beach. It is also a significant cultural site for Native Hawaiians.

Hapuna Beach State Park

30 km from Waimea • Half day

Hapuna Beach is one of the largest white sand beaches on the Big Island, offering swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing opportunities.

Festivals

Merrie Monarch Festival • April Kona Coffee Cultural Festival • November Ironman World Championship • October

Pro tips

Rent a car to explore the island at your own pace and access remote areas
Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park early in the day to avoid crowds and see the best views
Pack layers, as temperatures can vary significantly depending on the elevation and location
Try local dishes like poke, loco moco, and shave ice for an authentic taste of the Big Island
Respect the environment and local culture, and follow guidelines for visiting protected areas and sacred sites