
Hilo Shore Excursion Tropical Escape: Akaka Falls & Black Sands
Pick your date
Highlighted days have spots open. Grey days are sold out or not running.
September 2026
Loading live availability
Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
Select a highlighted day to see live departure times and the exact price for your group.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 16 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Hilo Shore Excursion Tropical Escape: Akaka Falls & Black Sands worth booking?
Hilo Shore Excursion Tropical Escape: Akaka Falls & Black Sands is a 3-hour experience in Big Island of Hawaii, United States, from $119 per person. It scores 70 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 16 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 70 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (16)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $119 per person
Enjoy this 3-hour, late afternoon tour, where our BIG HAWAII TOURS van and service are premium-level and each day's itinerary is curated to maximize your time in Hilo. Designed with cruisers in mind, so return for "all a
What you get
About this experience
Enjoy this 3-hour, late afternoon tour, where our BIG HAWAII TOURS van and service are premium-level and each day's itinerary is curated to maximize your time in Hilo. Designed with cruisers in mind, so return for "all aboard" is guaranteed. We typically pass through a sea-side Japanese garden, reveal hidden beaches and waterfalls enjoyed by island locals, drive through a picturesque jungle, stop for a leisurely walk (some steps) through a tropical rainforest to world-renowned 'Akaka Falls, enjoy some local confectionaries, and then have some fun in the sun on the Big Island's unique black sand beaches. Time permitting (ship "all aboard"), you can take a quick dip amongst the most colorful sea life on the planet, while we guide less adventurers guests to nearby coves often teeming with sea turtles. Bundle this afternoon experience with BIG HAWAII TOURS' early morning VOLCANIC EXPERIENCE for a discounted, all-day adventure and guaranteed "all aboard" return for Hilo cruisers.
What's included
Included
- Admission fees
- We Work With Ship Departure Times (Guaranteed "all aboard" timing)
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Snacks
Not included
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
This 4-mile scenic drive through a dense, tropical jungle includes country bridges over cascading waterfalls. This is what an island paradise is all about.
Pass by without stopping
Akaka Falls State Park
Located on the lush, northeastern Hilo coast of Hawaii's Big Island, Akaka Falls stands as one of the state's most iconic and breathtaking natural wonders. The star attraction is the towering waterfall itself, which plunges a staggering 442 feet down a sheer, verdant cliff into a stream-eroded gorge below, making it more than twice the height of Niagara Falls.
30 minutes here · Admission included
King Kamehameha Statue
Meet the man who unified all the islands of Hawai'i, who was born on the Big Island, and now eternally watches over Hilo Harbor in golden splendor
5 minutes here · Admission included
Big Island Candies
Tasty and picturesque candies made, packaged, sold and even shipped in full view of our guests. This local favorite runs an impressive, savory business that is sure to delight.
15 minutes here · Admission included
Richardson Ocean Park
Black-sand beaches, lush green coves and resting giant sea turtles.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
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
- Big Hawai'i Tours
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- 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 16 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Good for families
3 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Traveler reviews
16 verified traveler reviews for Hilo Shore Excursion Tropical Escape: Akaka Falls & Black Sands. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Big Hawaii Tours Has Hilo Covered
Amazing views and perfect tour. Big Hawaii Tours (Fred/Marina) were superb!
via Tripadvisor
Recommend BHT All-Day Bundle ... Amazing!
WE fortunately bundled our entire day with Big Hawaii Tours, with a morning volcanic experience and then this picturesque aftgernoon Tropical Delight. Fred and Maryna were the best hosts and guides. Mahalo BHT!
via Tripadvisor
Loved BHT From Hilo
Big Hawaii Tours was excellent. Highly recommend
via Tripadvisor
The Best Tour of Hilo!!!
This was the best adventure my husband and I did while we were in Hawaii! Fred you were amazing and we enjoyed spending our tour with you. He provides snacks, and drinks, which is so accommodating. Akaka Falls was so beautiful to see in person, and the black sand beaches were captivating. Plus, it was a cherry on top to see the sea turtles. Fred was so knowledgeable, kind, compassionate, outstanding, charismatic, and just a stand up guy. Please book this tour, you and your family will enjoy it as much as we did.
Response from the operator: Mahalo, Benny. Really enjoyed the time together with your lovely wife, Shaun. You were very generous, including an unsolicited gratuity (always appreciated but never requested or expected). Love my new Southern friends ... came back, ya'll hear?!
via Viator
Awesome experience
Fred was an amazing guide! There were some last minute changes and he was really accommodating and easy to communicate with. Part of Akaka Falls was closed due to a landslide so he pivoted and showed us a couple other waterfall spots to make up for it. He provided water, snacks and some great information. It was a great way to explore a bit of Hilo.
Response from the operator: So enjoyed spending time with Mr/Mrs Davis. You were such fun guests and so willing to roll with the aftermath of Hurricane Lala. Thank you for the wonderful review and your generous gratuity.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 6
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 70
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Hilo Shore Excursion Tropical Escape: Akaka Falls & Black Sands: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Big Island of Hawaii.
How much does Hilo Shore Excursion Tropical Escape: Akaka Falls & Black Sands cost?
+
Prices start at $119 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Big Island of Hawaii 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 Tropical Escape: Akaka Falls & Black Sands take?
+
Plan for about 3 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 Big Island of Hawaii is not rushed.
Is Hilo Shore Excursion Tropical Escape: Akaka Falls & Black Sands worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 70 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 16 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Big Island of Hawaii, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Hilo Shore Excursion Tropical Escape: Akaka Falls & Black Sands?
+
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 Tropical Escape: Akaka Falls & Black Sands suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Hilo Shore Excursion Tropical Escape: Akaka Falls & Black Sands?
+
Around 6 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 Big Island of Hawaii 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?
+
Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Big Island of Hawaii and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Hilo Shore Excursion Tropical Escape: Akaka Falls & Black Sands start and how do I get there?
+
The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Big Island of Hawaii 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 Big Island of Hawaii?
+
The Big Island is volcano country: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park tours, Mauna Kea summit stargazing, night manta ray snorkels off Kona, Waipio Valley lookouts and coffee farm visits. Summit tours have real altitude rules, so we weight safety detail. On Outty we rank every Big Island of Hawaii experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include KONA Manta Ray Night Snorkel - FREE re-ride if no Sightings, Big Island: Captain Cook Snorkel On A Power Catamaran With Lunch, Big Island in a Day: Volcanoes Waterfalls Sightseeing and History. 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 Big Island of Hawaii?
+
April to October, though the island runs year round. 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 Big Island of Hawaii?
+
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?
+
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.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Hilo Shore Excursion Tropical Escape: Akaka Falls & Black Sands.
Pick your date




