Best Big Island of Hawaii Shore Excursions — Our Top 6

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.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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4.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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5.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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6.Wild Dolphin Reefs Snorkel and Sea Caves

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

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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