
Big Island: Hawaii Volcanoes, Waterfalls and Hilo Adventure
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 27 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Big Island: Hawaii Volcanoes, Waterfalls and Hilo Adventure worth booking?
Big Island: Hawaii Volcanoes, Waterfalls and Hilo Adventure is a 6-hour experience in Hilo, United States, from $187 per person. It scores 74 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 27 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 74 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (27)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $187 per person
As a Native Hawaiian born and raised in Hilo on Hawaiʻi Island, I’m not just showing you the sights—I’m sharing the home I’ve known my entire life. Every stop on this tour holds history, stories, and personal connections only a lifelong local can share. From Kīlauea and Rainbow Falls to local macadamia farms and the Hilo Farmers Market, you’ll experience Hawaiʻi through the eyes of someone whose family and genealogy are deeply rooted here. I blend cultural knowledge, local history, and genuine aloha with a relaxed island style experience. When choosing a guide, there’s a difference between visiting a place and growing up in it. My goal isn’t just to show you Hawaiʻi—it’s to help you understand it through the perspective of someone who has lived its traditions, respected its history, and proudly calls Hilo home. You’ll leave with more than great photos—you’ll leave with meaningful stories and a deeper connection to Hawaiʻi that only a born and raised local can provide.
What you get
About this experience
As a Native Hawaiian born and raised in Hilo on Hawaiʻi Island, I’m not just showing you the sights—I’m sharing the home I’ve known my entire life. Every stop on this tour holds history, stories, and personal connections only a lifelong local can share. From Kīlauea and Rainbow Falls to local macadamia farms and the Hilo Farmers Market, you’ll experience Hawaiʻi through the eyes of someone whose family and genealogy are deeply rooted here. I blend cultural knowledge, local history, and genuine aloha with a relaxed island style experience. When choosing a guide, there’s a difference between visiting a place and growing up in it. My goal isn’t just to show you Hawaiʻi—it’s to help you understand it through the perspective of someone who has lived its traditions, respected its history, and proudly calls Hilo home. You’ll leave with more than great photos—you’ll leave with meaningful stories and a deeper connection to Hawaiʻi that only a born and raised local can provide.
What's included
Included
- HILO AIRPORT PICK UP AND DROP OFF
- Bottled water
- Entrance fees
- Snacks
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Hilo Hotels Pick Up & Drop Off
- HILO CRUISE SHIP PICK UP AND DROP OFF
What you'll see and do
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Overlooks of Kilauea Volcano, Steam Vents , Volcano House , Visitors Center , Kilauea Iki , Chain of Craters Road including Nahuku Lava Tube
120 minutes here
Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor Center
Visit a macadamia farm and try various flavored macadamia
20 minutes here · Admission included
Rainbow Falls
Witness an easily accessible 80ft waterfall on top of Hilo Town
20 minutes here · Admission included
Naha Stone
See the legendary Naha Stone, a sacred lava rock that tested the strength of Hawaiian chiefs—a unique glimpse into ancient Hawaiian culture and history.
Pass by without stopping
Hilo Farmers Market
Enjoy lunch with chances to try fresh local produce and walk through historic Hilo town with buildings dating back to 1910.
60 minutes here
King Kamehameha Statue
The King Kamehameha Statue in Hilo honors King Kamehameha I, the monarch who unified the Hawaiian Islands.
15 minutes here
Banyan Drive
Banyan Drive is a scenic, waterfront avenue in Hilo, Hawaii, famous for its long rows of banyan trees, many planted by visiting celebrities and dignitaries over the decades.
Pass by without stopping
Lili'uokalani Gardens
Stroll through a Japanese-influenced garden and have a chance to see Hawaii’s state bird, the rarest goose in the world, the Nene.
20 minutes here
Big Island Candies
Stop by this famous Hilo shop for handcrafted chocolates, cookies, and macadamia nut treats. Watch the candy-making process, sample local flavors, and pick up gifts or souvenirs to take a sweet piece of Hawaii home.
15 minutes here
Richardson Ocean Park
Walk along a black sand beach with possibility of seeing endangered Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles
30 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Hilo
White passenger van with business logo and the assigned guide will have a sign with the guest first and last name on it. Van will be parked adjacent to public parking lot.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Ends at
White passenger van with business logo and the assigned guide will have a sign with the guest first and last name on it. Van will be parked adjacent to public parking lot.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 14 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Pualena Tours
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 22 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
22 verified traveler reviews for Big Island: Hawaii Volcanoes, Waterfalls and Hilo Adventure. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great time with Aaron!
Great time with Aaron the host and owner. Very funny and knowledgeable guy! We visited black sand beaches, lava tubes, Hilo Farmers market, the Volcano, Big Island Candy factory, Mauna Loa nut farm. Highly recommend!
via Viator
Explore Hilo side
It was a full day of exploring Hilo and the volcano. Our guide was friendly, knowledgeable and a hoot
via Viator
A Fantastic Tour!
We had an absolutely wonderful experience with our tour guide Aaron on the Big Island. He was friendly, knowledgeable, and incredibly personable. He shared so much interesting information about the island, its history, culture, and beautiful scenery, making the entire tour both enjoyable and memorable. He was also very attentive to everyone in our group providing snacks and cold water. We were able to see all of our desired sights and he even took our photos at various locations. We would highly recommend him to anyone visiting Hawaii. He truly helped make our visit unforgettable! 🌺🌴☀️
via Viator
Volcanos and waterfall.
Great tour. Aaron was a great, informative guide with stories of island life. Take this tour you won’t regret it.
via Viator
Volcano adventure
Great experience! Highly recommended! You don't have to walk a lot but you are gonna get tired after the day!
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 6 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 9
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Pualena Tours, who run 4 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 65.4.
See everything Pualena Tours runsWhy this scores 74
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Big Island: Hawaii Volcanoes, Waterfalls and Hilo Adventure: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Hilo.
How much does Big Island: Hawaii Volcanoes, Waterfalls and Hilo Adventure cost?
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Prices start at $187 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Hilo usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Big Island: Hawaii Volcanoes, Waterfalls and Hilo Adventure take?
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Plan for about 6 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Hilo is not rushed.
Is Big Island: Hawaii Volcanoes, Waterfalls and Hilo Adventure worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 74 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 27 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Hilo, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Big Island: Hawaii Volcanoes, Waterfalls and Hilo Adventure?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Big Island: Hawaii Volcanoes, Waterfalls and Hilo Adventure suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Big Island: Hawaii Volcanoes, Waterfalls and Hilo Adventure?
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Around 9 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Hilo can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Hilo and add a light layer if any part of the 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Big Island: Hawaii Volcanoes, Waterfalls and Hilo Adventure start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Hilo within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Hilo?
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On Outty we rank every Hilo experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Hawaii Volcanoes, Waterfalls, Beaches & Hilo Highlights Day Tour, Hilo Shore Excursion: Active Volcano, Lava Tube, Waterfall and Gardens, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Hilo Highlights Small Group Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Hilo?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Hilo?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Big Island: Hawaii Volcanoes, Waterfalls and Hilo Adventure?
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Included: HILO AIRPORT PICK UP AND DROP OFF; Bottled water; Entrance fees; Snacks; and In-vehicle air conditioning. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Big Island: Hawaii Volcanoes, Waterfalls and Hilo Adventure include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 7 listed pickup locations in and around Hilo. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time.
What languages is Big Island: Hawaii Volcanoes, Waterfalls and Hilo Adventure offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Big Island: Hawaii Volcanoes, Waterfalls and Hilo Adventure?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Big Island: Hawaii Volcanoes, Waterfalls and Hilo Adventure wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Big Island: Hawaii Volcanoes, Waterfalls and Hilo Adventure if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Big Island: Hawaii Volcanoes, Waterfalls and Hilo Adventure?
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Across 27 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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