From Big Island Hilo - Enchanting Mauna Kea & Waterfalls Tour
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
3.3/5
Based on 7 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is From Big Island Hilo - Enchanting Mauna Kea & Waterfalls Tour worth booking?
From Big Island Hilo - Enchanting Mauna Kea & Waterfalls Tour is a 6-hour experience in Hilo, United States, from $450 per person. It scores 43 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.3/5 rating across 7 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 43 / 100
- Rating
- 3.3/5 (7)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $450 per person
The travelers will be safe on the whole tour and will be provided with bottled water. They don't need to pay any taxes or fees because everything will be paid by us. You can stop anywhere for photos and pictures of the s
What you get
About this experience
The travelers will be safe on the whole tour and will be provided with bottled water. They don't need to pay any taxes or fees because everything will be paid by us. You can stop anywhere for photos and pictures of the scenic drive.
What's included
Included
- Bottled water
- All Fees and Taxes
- In-vehicle air conditioning
Not included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
What you'll see and do
Rainbow Falls
Visit Hilo's local Rainbow Falls and Monkey pod tree (Hilo departures only). If you're lucky you'll see the rainbow also known as the Anuenue.
30 minutes here
Onizuka Astronomy Complex
Visit exhibits in this cozy station and acclimate at the elevation of 9,000 feet/2743 meters before ascending to the summit of Mauna Kea. 1 hour drive from rainbow falls
120 minutes here · Admission included
Mauna Kea Summit
Ascend to the summit of Mauna Kea at 13,796 feet/4205 meters to arrive above the clouds and watch the sunset if the weather is permitting . See international telescopes along the way on this sacred mountain.
120 minutes here
Hilo
Drop the guests back to hotel
90 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
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 6 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- BARBIL TOURS
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 7 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
7 verified traveler reviews for From Big Island Hilo - Enchanting Mauna Kea & Waterfalls Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Not good tour
Terrible tour and very overpriced for tour.
via Tripadvisor
It was an excellent...
It was an excellent journey and had great experiences. Tourist guide is awesome, he had plenty of knowledge about area as well as the history of island. I would definitely refer to my friends n family.
Response from the operator: Hi Devendar Gandra, Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! We're thrilled our tourist guide could share his passion for the island's history and culture with you. It's great to hear he'll be recommended to your loved ones. Mahalo for choosing us, and we hope to welcome you back soon! Best Regards, Khitish BarbilTours/Platformpoints LLC
via Viator
Illegal Fake Tour - Beware don't lose your money
This tour is an illegal unpermitted tour. They don't have a permit to take tours to the summit of Mauna Kea and will be turned around by Rangers at the Visitor Center. If you book a tour with them, you won't see the summit. I would advise using a reputable permitted tour company.
Response from the operator: Hi nahuag, Thank you for sharing your concern about our tour operations. We appreciate your feedback and would like to clarify that we operate all our tours in compliance with the relevant authorities and regulations. We hold all necessary permits, including those required for summit tours of Mauna Kea, and work closely with park authorities to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for our guests. Our guides are experienced and knowledgeable, and we prioritize the safety and satisfaction of our clients. We would be happy to address any further questions or concerns you may have. Best Regards, Khitish BarbilTours/Platformpoints LLC
via Tripadvisor
Great views and lots of pictures
Zach was very informative and provided ample opportunities to see the fantastic views, and take photos. Mauna Kea was a great place to see a lot, radio telescopes were actually being repositioned while we watched. Zach was great
Response from the operator: Thank you for the glowing review! We're thrilled to hear that Zach provided an informative and memorable experience for you on Mauna Kea! The summit's stunning views and unique attractions, like the radio telescopes, make it a truly special destination. We're glad you got to witness the telescopes being repositioned – what a fascinating sight! Thanks again for sharing your experience with us. We'll pass on your kind words to Zach, and we can't wait to welcome you back on another adventure! Best Regards Khitish (Barbil Tours)
via Tripadvisor
A great day of sightseeing and getting to know our guide.
This was a great tour! Our tour guide Anni picked us up on time. Anni was a great source of the island geographic and cultural elements paying special attention to our needs. She transported us to the Mauna Kea visitor center first where we spent about 45 minutes acclimatizing to the elevation (about 9000feet). Then it was on to the top, almost 14000 feet (you need a 4 wheel drive vehicle for this). It was an unusually clear and calm day according to Anni so we got some great pictures. Then back to the visitor center where Anni shared some of the local fruits with us she had brought. From there we headed back to Hilo and visited a couple of local art galleries and a beautiful downtown park. Anni then returned us to our condo by mid afternoon. An especially enjoyable tour made special by our guide Anni.
Response from the operator: Hi Traveller, Thank you for your wonderful review! We truly appreciate your feedback and are excited to have had the chance to serve you. We look forward to the opportunity to work with you again in the future! Best regards, Khitish Helpdesk Team(Barbil Tours)
via Tripadvisor
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
- Price range
- $450 to $500
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 43
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
From Big Island Hilo - Enchanting Mauna Kea & Waterfalls Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Hilo.
How much does From Big Island Hilo - Enchanting Mauna Kea & Waterfalls Tour cost?
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Prices start at $450 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 From Big Island Hilo - Enchanting Mauna Kea & Waterfalls Tour 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 From Big Island Hilo - Enchanting Mauna Kea & Waterfalls Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 43 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.3/5 across 7 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 From Big Island Hilo - Enchanting Mauna Kea & Waterfalls Tour?
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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 From Big Island Hilo - Enchanting Mauna Kea & Waterfalls Tour 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 From Big Island Hilo - Enchanting Mauna Kea & Waterfalls Tour?
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Around 2 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 From Big Island Hilo - Enchanting Mauna Kea & Waterfalls Tour 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, Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcano Safari Lava Caves & Black Sand. 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.
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