Overview
Explore Hilo and the Big Island’s east side with a full-day guided tour that blends coastline, waterfalls, local culture, and Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Your guide handles all the driving while you relax, take photos, and learn about marine life, native birds, tropical plants, and island history. Along the way you’ll visit black sand beaches, lookout points, a lava tube, a macadamia nut farm, local markets, and more.
Duration
8 hours
Meeting point
We provide pick-up—no need to drive yourself. Pick-up is typically arranged from the cruise ship pier, Hilo area accommodations, or a convenient central meeting point.
Group size
Up to 14 people
Activity details
Your day starts along Hilo’s waterfront, passing landmarks like Ice Pond and Banyan Drive while your guide scans for turtles and nēnē geese. You’ll learn about the fish and marine life that inhabit the area, then head out over scenic old bridges framed by jungle and waterfalls. From there, the tour continues toward the base of the volcano and on to black sand beaches. Throughout the day, you’ll meet local vendors, hear stories about island culture, and have time for shopping, exploring a lava tube, and hunting for colorful volcanic glass.
What’s included
Transportation throughout the tour
Professional local tour guide
Park entry fees where applicable
What’s not included
Lunch (food and beverages purchased along the way are at your own expense)
Itinerary
Liliʻuokalani Gardens & Ice Pond – Wildlife and Waterfront Views
You’ll begin by driving past Ice Pond and Liliʻuokalani Gardens, a peaceful oceanfront park. Your guide keeps an eye out for honu (sea turtles) and nēnē geese and points out distinctive plants along the shoreline. You’ll also see a sign showing local reef fish species and learn about the marine life that lives just offshore. If turtles are resting nearby, there’s time to hop out and grab a few photos.
Approximate stop time: 15 minutes
Honoliʻi Beach Park – Surf Spots and Jungle Coastline
Next, the tour heads north of Hilo toward Honoliʻi Beach, a popular surf break. Your guide will carefully drive down the narrow access road at a relaxed pace so you can photograph surfers riding the waves. From there, you’ll continue over historic bridges surrounded by lush rainforest, with views of multiple waterfalls along the way. These are mostly drive-by scenic stops: the focus is on seeing as much coastline and jungle scenery as possible while your guide shares insights about local plants, history, and even island real estate.
Approximate stop time: 25 minutes
Rainbow Falls & Surroundings – Waterfalls, Treats, and Wildlife
At Rainbow Falls, you’ll have time to enjoy the famous 80-foot waterfall and surrounding greenery while your guide takes photos and shows you a fun optical illusion at the viewpoint. Depending on availability, you may also:
Pause for chilled coconuts from a local vendor
Stop for a whipped ice cream treat
Visit an area where wild pigs sometimes appear, with a chance to spot and observe them safely
Combined, this section of the tour offers a mix of scenery, snacks, and light exploration.
Approximate total time in this area: 1 hour 20 minutes
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park – Craters, Steam Vents, and Lava Features
From Hilo, you’ll travel up toward Volcano village, often with Hawaiian music playing as you climb in elevation (about 35 minutes). In the village, you can browse a local gift shop for handmade items and pick up food from the general store to take with you.
Time in village area: around 45 minutes
Inside Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, your guide leads you through a series of key stops:
Crater Overlook: Take in expansive views of Kīlauea’s summit while hearing stories of Hawaiian mythology and recent volcanic changes.
Steam Vents (Wahinekapu Steaming Bluffs): Feel warm steam rising from the ground and learn how rainwater interacts with the hot earth below the surface.
Volcano House: Brief time to browse, shop, or enjoy the lookout area.
Lava Field & Fissure: Visit a lava field where you can safely explore near a fissure, search for “peacock” lava (colorful, iridescent rock), and take photos standing inside the fissure for a dramatic backdrop.
Lava Tube: Walk through a lava tube and a short native forest trail as your guide points out birds and plants that are unique to Hawaiʻi.
You’ll spend ample time in the park seeing a variety of volcanic features without feeling rushed.
Approximate time in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park: 2 hours (plus drive time)
After leaving the park, it’s about a 35-minute drive to the macadamia nut farm.
Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor Center – Nut Tasting and Factory Insight
At the macadamia nut farm, you’ll sample different macadamia flavors and learn how they are harvested and processed. There’s also time to browse the shop for snacks or souvenirs to take home.
Approximate stop time: 20 minutes
Big Island Candies – Island Treats and Kona Coffee
Next, you’ll visit Big Island Candies, where you can taste chocolates, cookies, and Kona coffee. Large windows provide a view into the production area, so you can watch chocolatiers at work while you sample or shop. Drinks and light food options are also available.
Approximate stop time: 20 minutes
Hilo Farmers Market – Local Shopping and Island Products
The tour continues to Hilo Farmers Market, a lively open-air marketplace. Here you can pick up fresh tropical fruit, locally made shirts, jewelry, crafts, and other island specialties. It’s a great place to interact with local vendors and find unique souvenirs.
Approximate stop time: 30 minutes
Richardson Ocean Park – Black Sand Beach and Marine Life
To finish the day, you’ll visit a black sand beach at Richardson Ocean Park. You’ll have time to take photos, look for sea turtles resting near the shore, watch reef fish in the shallows, and possibly spot nēnē geese in the area. After enjoying the scenery, your guide will drive you back to the cruise ship or drop-off point.
Approximate stop time: 30 minutes
