
Hilo Shore Excursion: Akaka Falls, Volcano, & Black Sand Beach
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 45 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Hilo Shore Excursion: Akaka Falls, Volcano, & Black Sand Beach worth booking?
Hilo Shore Excursion: Akaka Falls, Volcano, & Black Sand Beach is a 7-hour experience in Hilo, United States, from $188 per person. It scores 78 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 45 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 78 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (45)
- Duration
- 7 hours
- From
- $188 per person
Experience the lush beauty of Big Island’s Hamakua Coast on our tour to ʻAkaka Falls State Park, where the Island’s tropical splendor is on full display. Akaka Falls is a towering waterfall, cascading 442 feet (135 meters) down into a lush gorge. Your all inclusive tour includes the Hilo Discovery and Volcanoes National Park Explorer packages. As a locally owned and operated tour company based on Hawaiʻi Island, we offer immersive, guided experiences while sharing not just the breathtaking beauty of volcanoes, waterfalls, and valleys – but the stories, language, and spirit that make these places sacred. Our expertly guided tours highlight the island’s natural beauty, rich history, and volcanic landscapes. We also offer custom and private tours!
What you get
About this experience
Experience the lush beauty of Big Island’s Hamakua Coast on our tour to ʻAkaka Falls State Park, where the Island’s tropical splendor is on full display. Akaka Falls is a towering waterfall, cascading 442 feet (135 meters) down into a lush gorge. Your all inclusive tour includes the Hilo Discovery and Volcanoes National Park Explorer packages. As a locally owned and operated tour company based on Hawaiʻi Island, we offer immersive, guided experiences while sharing not just the breathtaking beauty of volcanoes, waterfalls, and valleys – but the stories, language, and spirit that make these places sacred. Our expertly guided tours highlight the island’s natural beauty, rich history, and volcanic landscapes. We also offer custom and private tours!
What's included
Included
- Meals
Not included
- Alcohol – Consumption and possession of alcohol on the van is strictly prohibited on the tour.
What you'll see and do
Akaka Falls State Park
On this all-inclusive tour, you will experience the lush beauty of Big Island’s Hamakua Coast on our tour to ʻAkaka Falls State Park, where the Island’s tropical splendor is on full display. Nestled within a dense rainforest just north of Hilo, this scenic wonder is home to one of the most iconic waterfalls in all of Hawai‘i – ‘Akaka Falls.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Also included in the excursion is the Volcano Explorer which is a drive through Chain of Craters Road and Crater Rim Drive, scenic stops, as well as a self guided visit to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: - Kīlauea Visitor Center - Halemaʻumaʻu Crater (Uēkahuna Look Out) - Steamy Haʻakulamanu (Sulphur Banks) - Kīlauea Iki Overlook - Thurston Lava Tube
120 minutes here
Hilo
Included in the excursion is the Hilo Discovery which includes a drive through Historic Hilo town and stops at: - Onomea Bay Scenic Drive - Reed’s Bay - Banyan Tree Drive - Richardson Ocean Park - Queen Liliuokalani Gardens - Rainbow Falls - King Kamehameha Statue - Continue with a scenic drive along Onomea Bay’s lush 4-mile coastal route, offering ocean views and rainforest beauty.
90 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Hilo
contact us regarding other designated pick up locations
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Ends at
contact us regarding other designated pick up locations
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
- Aloha Aina Tours
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 40 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
40 verified traveler reviews for Hilo Shore Excursion: Akaka Falls, Volcano, & Black Sand Beach. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Excellent
Excellent tour, our guide Amanda was terrific. Could not fault entire tour from meeting at port to return to ship, would recommend this tour to every one visiting Hilo.
via Tripadvisor
Excellent one day tour
Great way to see A LOT in one day .. all the main highlights of Hilo. Our tour operator was born & raised there so it was great to have that much knowledge leading us.
via Viator
Great day
Amanda was good fun, knowledgeable and entertaining. The day was just perfect
via Tripadvisor
Very good and informative...
Very good and informative tour! Highly recommend! Picked us up right at the cruise terminal. Guide was very good!
via Viator
Great Experience!
Amanda was an excellent tour guide! She was very knowledgeable about the island’s history. She was very accommodating and offered refreshments when needed. I highly recommend this trip!
Response from the operator: Mahalo so much for the wonderful review! 🌺 We’re so happy to hear you had a great day with Amanda. She truly enjoys sharing the history, culture, and beauty of the Big Island with our guests. We really appreciate your recommendation and thank you for choosing Aloha ʻĀina Tours Hawaiʻi. We hope to welcome you back again someday!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 7 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
- 16
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Aloha Aina Tours, who run 4 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 69.0.
See everything Aloha Aina Tours runsWhy this scores 78
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Hilo Shore Excursion: Akaka Falls, Volcano, & Black Sand Beach: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Hilo.
How much does Hilo Shore Excursion: Akaka Falls, Volcano, & Black Sand Beach cost?
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Prices start at $188 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 Hilo Shore Excursion: Akaka Falls, Volcano, & Black Sand Beach take?
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Plan for about 7 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 Hilo Shore Excursion: Akaka Falls, Volcano, & Black Sand Beach worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 78 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 45 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 Hilo Shore Excursion: Akaka Falls, Volcano, & Black Sand Beach?
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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 Hilo Shore Excursion: Akaka Falls, Volcano, & Black Sand Beach suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 7-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Hilo Shore Excursion: Akaka Falls, Volcano, & Black Sand Beach?
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Around 16 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 7-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Hilo Shore Excursion: Akaka Falls, Volcano, & Black Sand Beach 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.
What is included in Hilo Shore Excursion: Akaka Falls, Volcano, & Black Sand Beach?
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Included: Meals. Not included: Alcohol – Consumption and possession of alcohol on the van is strictly prohibited on the t. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Hilo Shore Excursion: Akaka Falls, Volcano, & Black Sand Beach include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 10 listed pickup locations in and around Hilo. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time.
What languages is Hilo Shore Excursion: Akaka Falls, Volcano, & Black Sand Beach 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 Hilo Shore Excursion: Akaka Falls, Volcano, & Black Sand Beach?
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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 Hilo Shore Excursion: Akaka Falls, Volcano, & Black Sand Beach wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Specialized infant seats are available; and All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Hilo Shore Excursion: Akaka Falls, Volcano, & Black Sand Beach 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 Hilo Shore Excursion: Akaka Falls, Volcano, & Black Sand Beach?
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Across 45 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, value for money. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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