Best Big Island of Hawaii Shore Excursions — Our Top 15

1.Volcanoes National Park & Black Sand Beach

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,338 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $159Our pick

This six-hour Hilo shore excursion takes you to Kilauea’s steam vents, crater views, Thurston Lava Tube, Richardson Black Sand Beach, and a macadamia nut stop. Guides such as Robert, Jess, Donna, and Hannibal are known for lively island stories. Port pickup, park fees, and bottled water are included.

“Robert’s fascinating and energetic narration was terrific! He also shepherded us, took our group photos for us, and shared lots of interesting local tidbits of info. We could not have done this on our own. HIGHLY recommend Robert! His wife Jessica is also a tour guide.”

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2.Volcano Safari Lava Caves & Black Sand

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 363 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $154

Ride with a local guide such as Ellen, Troy, Dave, or Lori through Hilo’s volcanic country. Walk into a Mauna Loa lava tube, see lava tree molds, visit black-sand shores, and trace Kilauea’s destruction near Pahoa and Leilani Estates.

“It was really good the driver was really knowledgeable about the entire trip she was very helpful and friendly”

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3.Sea Turtles, Historic Kona & Coffee

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 324 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $149

From Kailua Pier, visit a Kona coffee farm, St. Benedict’s Painted Church, and Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park. You’ll stop for local poke, walk an uneven turtle trail, and learn about Hawaiian culture from guides such as BJ, Kelvin, Rusty, and Marissa. Turtle sightings are possible, not guaranteed.

“The tour was amazing, learned lots of local history and saw turtles!! Kelvin was an awesome tour guide.”

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4.Hilo Cruise Ship Excursion: Volcanoes National Park Rainbow Falls

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 130 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $154

From Hilo Pier, join Roberts Hawaii for a 4.5-hour excursion to Rainbow Falls, Big Island Candies, and Volcanoes National Park. Expect steam vents, the visitor center, Halema’uma’u Crater, and guides such as Grover, Derek, or Jeffrey. Bring water, food, a light jacket, and sturdy shoes.

“Great tour, way cheaper than booked from the ship and most efficient. On tours from ship we had to wait up to an hour, but with Viator we walked off the ship and onto a comfortable bus. Great tour guide and not rushed.”

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5.Hawaii Volcano National Park Shore Excursion

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 117 reviews · 7 to 8 hours (approx.) · from $168Top rated

From Hilo Harbor, a local English-speaking guide takes you through gardens, jungle bridges, waterfalls, macadamia country, and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Expect a fast-moving day in a minibus for up to 14 people, with time for lava tubes, steam vents, shopping, snacks, and black-sand beaches.

“Besides the Volcano, Dan was the star of the tour! He made sure we saw many sites on the way to and from Volcano National Park using local knowledge to describe what we were seeing and insure the shortest time traveling. And we received a botanical class as well. A great tour”

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6.Visit Volcano, Waterfall, Beach with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 80 reviews · 6 to 7 hours (approx.) · from $189

Join Anthony, Desmond, or another Shaka Braddah guide for a 6 to 7-hour Hilo shore excursion to Rainbow Falls, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Nahuku Lava Tube, and Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach. Lunch, local fruit, hotel or port pickup, and a group of no more than 12 are included.

“Such a great tour and an exciting day as Kilauea was percolating. Great stop at the lava tube, lookout points and tge black sand beach. Even better was the presentation in the van complete with photos on a screen and tons of island props to pass around.”

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7.Wild Dolphin Reefs Snorkel and Sea Caves

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 73 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $149

From Kailua Pier, you’ll ride a 32 or 45-foot Zodiac to Kealakekua Bay, stopping for sea caves, lava formations, and marine life. Captain Trevor, Chris, Christian, and other local crew members lead the outing, with about an hour to snorkel near the Captain Cook Monument.

“This was my teenagers favorite excursion of our trip! The boat ride to and from the diving sight was beautiful. We saw a whale and tons of dolphins. The snorkeling was breathtaking. There were a lot of boats there, but we didn’t feel over crowded. The crew was excellent and made the trip extremely enjoyable.”

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8.Cruise Ship Shore Excursion of Historic Kona

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 33 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $79Best value

Travel from Kailua Pier in a small, air-conditioned group to Royal Kona Coffee, Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau, and St. Benedict’s Painted Church. Local guides such as Kawika, Lincoln, and Dean add history and humor. The 3.5-hour tour is designed for Pride of America passengers.

“This is a good tour, that let's you see some parts of Kona you might not get to. Problem is that it is too short. You could use more time at most stops . Tours drivers are good, though and add a lot to the sights you are seeing through their knowledge of history of the island.”

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9.Volcano Adventure Tour & Waterfall – Shore Excursion from Hilo Harbor

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 10 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $199

From Hilo Harbor, visit Rainbow Falls, Liliuokalani Gardens, Richardson Beach, King Kamehameha’s statue, and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Guides such as Nate, Mickey, and Steve have led memorable outings, but volcano viewing time can depend on the day’s schedule.

“This tour was great. The price for all the things you get to see is pretty reasonable. Our driver, Nate, was friendly, informative, and fun. We were also very lucky to see lava flow. The only reason I'm rating this a 3/5 is because of the tour company. The price includes pick-up and drop-off from/to your hotel. However, you have to call the company 3 days before the tour to make these arrangements. This was not very clear from the site and emails. It was in the fine print so be sure to read your confirmation emails very carefully. I was wondering why I had not heard from the company…”

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10.Private Hilo Shore Excursion to Volcano Waterfall and Black Sand

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 9 reviews · 6 to 7 hours (approx.)

Spend 6 to 7 hours with a private guide exploring Hilo, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Rainbow Falls, Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach, and more. Adam can adjust the route to your interests, weather, and current volcano conditions. Pickup is available at Hilo port or local hotels.

“Adam was fantastic! We booked this excursion for our group of 12 during our recent visit to Hilo, and it ended up being the highlight of our trip. Our group had been closely watching the activity on the live cameras for a potential eruption of Mt. Kilauea, and when we saw lava flowing, we headed straight for Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Thanks to Adam’s quick planning and expert guidance, we were lucky enough to witness Mt. Kilauea fountaining in person—an absolutely breathtaking sight. His dedication to making sure we didn’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime moment was truly appreciated. Highly recommend this tour and Adam’s outstanding service!”

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11.Kona Cruise Ship Excursion Hapuna Beach Day & NHS

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 6 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $134

Spend about five hours touring the Kohala Coast from Kailua Pier with guide Adam or another Hawaii Island Time guide. You’ll visit Hapuna Beach, taste local macadamia nuts, hear about Puʻukoholā Heiau, pause at Kiholo Bay, and return to Kona in a small, air-conditioned vehicle.

“Adam was our driver. He was personable, interesting, and helpful. He was building a home on the Big Island. He was willing to alter the tour to please us. We were very impressed with his work ethic and kindness. Great tour guide!!”

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12.Private Shore Excursion Tour: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6 reviews

Travel from Hilo in a private Ford F-150 with a guide such as Scott, who can explain Kīlauea, steam vents, lava flows, and Chain of Craters Road. The five-hour outing includes park admission, Rainbow Falls, Big Island Candies, water, and pickup from Hilo hotels, the airport, or cruise port.

“Scott was an amazing guide. We saw more overwhelming volcano sites than I could imagine, and his depth of information was very impressive. Beautiful scenery - great guide.”

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13.Hilo Waterfall Swim and Hike with Hilo Cruise Ship Pickup

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 4 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $198

Meet your guide at Hilo’s cruise port for a four-and-a-half-hour outing along the Hamakua Coast. Walk a 300-acre working farm, see three private waterfalls, and swim at Kawainui Falls if conditions allow. The tour runs Tuesdays, includes dry packs, and suits beginners who can walk 3 miles on uneven ground.

“Abby was an exceptional guide. Very knowledgeable about the indigenous plant life and history of the island. The waterfalls are breathtaking love the whole experience.”

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14.Private Hilo Shore Excursion Volcano National Park up to 10

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · 7 hours 30 minutes (approx.)

Join Don for a 7.5-hour private Hilo shore excursion covering Liliʻuokalani Gardens, Rainbow Falls, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, a macadamia farm, Big Island Candies, the farmers market, and Richardson Ocean Park. Pickup and private transport are included.

“Don is very informative and seems to love his job. He was one of the best tour guides I have ever used. I will be back and I plan to use him again”

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15.Hilo and Volcano National Park Tour for Cruise Passengers at port

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $230

From Hilo Harbor, you’ll ride in an air-conditioned vehicle with a professional guide to black-sand beaches, Japanese gardens, Rainbow Falls, Big Island Candies, and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Guides Sean and Gabriel have earned praise for thoughtful, well-informed service, though the park schedule leaves limited time for longer walks.

“Nice 4.5 hr excursion. Plenty of time to see volcano and walk around a bit. If you want more time to hike some of the trails, maybe rent a car. Guide knowledgeable.”

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