Hilo Shore Excursion: Punaluu Black Sand Beach, Volcano, & Hilo
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 35 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Hilo Shore Excursion: Punaluu Black Sand Beach, Volcano, & Hilo worth booking?
Hilo Shore Excursion: Punaluu Black Sand Beach, Volcano, & Hilo is a 7-hour experience in Hilo, United States, from $188 per person. It scores 75 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 35 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 75 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (35)
- Duration
- 7 hours
- From
- $188 per person
Discover one of Hawaiʻi’s most unique and visually striking natural wonders on this unforgettable visit to Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach. Stroll along the shoreline where endangered Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu) often ba
What you get
About this experience
Discover one of Hawaiʻi’s most unique and visually striking natural wonders on this unforgettable visit to Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach. Stroll along the shoreline where endangered Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu) often bask in the sun. Dip your toes in the cool waters, explore tide pools teeming with marine life. 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
- Admission fees
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Meals
Not included
- No Alcohol
What you'll see and do
Punalu'u Black Sand Beach
Discover one of Hawaiʻi’s most unique and visually striking natural wonders on this unforgettable visit to Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach on this all-inclusive tour. Located on the Big Island’s southeastern coast, and known for its jet-black shoreline formed by cooled lava fragments, Punaluʻu offers a rare and captivating sight that perfectly blends natural beauty with cultural significance. 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
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 - Volcano House - Halemaʻumaʻu Crater (Uekahuna 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: - Reed’s Bay - Banyan Tree Drive - Queen Liliuokalani Gardens - Rainbow Falls - King Kamehameha Statue - Big Island Candies
90 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Hilo
You will be contacted regarding pick up instructions
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations.
Ends at
You will be contacted regarding pick up instructions
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
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 35 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
35 verified traveler reviews for Hilo Shore Excursion: Punaluu Black Sand Beach, Volcano, & Hilo. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Excellent and a must take tour!
This was one of the best tours I have ever been on. My husband and I flew in from Oahu to Hawaii just for the day. The tour guide, Amanda, was incredible. She was waiting for us when we got off the plane and from the moment she picked us up was engaging and accommodating. She has so much knowledge of Hilo and the island of Hawaii and shares it in an understanding and very interesting manner. She took us everywhere and informed us of the best views and photo spots at the beach and waterfalls. She shared the history of the volcano, the current and past eruptions, the makeup of the volcano and the chemical reaction that is currently happening. She knows the landscape of Hilo, the vegetation and migration of the plants. She knows history of what country and people contributed to the development of Hawaii. She is so interesting and what she shares is fascinating. She is proud of her tours and loves the company she works for praising them for treating her so well and providing tours that people enjoy. The van was clean and comfortable. She is a great driver. The bento box lunch was delicious. She provided beverages and made the day very comfortable. This is a tour worth taking and I hope all of the guides are as enjoyable as Amanda. Working with Viator is very easy too.
via Tripadvisor
Take the tour with Aloha for Sure
Our guide Ken was very interesting and informative. He took the time to answer all questions and make sure that we were safe and aware of our surroundings. Good tour guide for all ages. Educated us on the culture, but didn't talk to excess.
via Tripadvisor
EXCELLENT COMPANY TOUR TO GO WITH.
This company goes above and beyond, excellent service. We were collected from the ship for tour, through no fault of Company Immigration held us up on boat so tour got severely delayed by 2half hours, plus the ship wanted us back by 3.30pm so instead of 9 to 11 hr tour it was crammed into a very short time. Because of shorter time this company also gave us a slight refund. Again brilliant. Nothing to much bother with this company. The lady guide whom drove was so brilliant trying to let us see all major areas to enjoy albeit shorter times.
Response from the operator: Mahalo so much for your wonderful review! 🌺 We truly appreciate your understanding regarding the unexpected immigration delay. While it was completely beyond anyone’s control, we know how disappointing it can be to lose valuable time on the island. We’re so glad our guide was able to make the most of the shortened day and still show you many of the highlights of the Big Island. We always do everything we can to take care of our guests, including adjusting the tour and providing a partial refund when circumstances significantly shorten the experience. Thank you again for choosing Aloha ʻĀina Tours Hawaiʻi and for your kind words about our team. It was a pleasure having you with us, and we hope to welcome you back to Hawaiʻi someday for an even longer adventure! Mahalo and aloha! 🌴🌋 — Aloha ʻĀina Tours Hawaiʻi
via Tripadvisor
Great time!
Holly was a fantastic guide and driver. It was one of the highlights of our trip! So amazing to see a live volcano. And the black sand beach is truly different than the other black sand beaches we saw earlier.
Response from the operator: Aloha, Mahalo so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear Holley helped make your tour one of the highlights of your trip. She loves sharing the beauty and stories of the Big Island, and we’re so glad you enjoyed your day with her. Seeing an active volcano is truly a unique experience, and we’re happy you also enjoyed the beauty of Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach. It really is a special place with its striking black sand and incredible scenery. Thank you for choosing Aloha ʻĀina Tours. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back to the Big Island again someday!
via Viator
Fantastic tour!
Holley was absolutely amazing! We ended up being the only group on the trip and she took us everywhere we wanted to go. She was so personable and a great tour guide through the national park. She was able to provide great stories and facts about the history of the volcanoes and the islands. Highly recommend this tour!
Response from the operator: Aloha, Mahalo so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear you had such a fantastic experience with Holley. She truly loves sharing the history, culture, and natural beauty of Hawaiʻi, and we’re so glad her stories and knowledge made your day at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park memorable. We’re also happy you enjoyed the flexibility of having a private experience that day. Thank you for recommending Aloha ʻĀina Tours—it means so much to our small, local business. We hope to welcome you back to the Big Island 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
- 12
- 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 75
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Hilo Shore Excursion: Punaluu Black Sand Beach, Volcano, & Hilo: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Hilo.
How much does Hilo Shore Excursion: Punaluu Black Sand Beach, Volcano, & Hilo 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: Punaluu Black Sand Beach, Volcano, & Hilo 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: Punaluu Black Sand Beach, Volcano, & Hilo worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 75 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 35 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: Punaluu Black Sand Beach, Volcano, & Hilo?
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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: Punaluu Black Sand Beach, Volcano, & Hilo 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: Punaluu Black Sand Beach, Volcano, & Hilo?
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Around 12 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: Punaluu Black Sand Beach, Volcano, & Hilo 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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