Hilo Shore Excursion Volcanoes National Park and Black Sand Beach
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 3,117 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Hilo Shore Excursion Volcanoes National Park and Black Sand Beach worth booking?
Hilo Shore Excursion Volcanoes National Park and Black Sand Beach is a 6-hour experience in Big Island of Hawaii, United States, from $169 per person. It scores 91 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “90+ Club”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 3,117 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing. It sits in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.
- Outty Ranking
- 91 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (3,117)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $169 per person
Cruise Ship Guests: We have special permits to pick up directly from Hilo port of call. Departure times may be adjusted to fit your ships arrival & departure. Hilo Hotel Guests: Meeting location is Hilo Hawaiian Hotel Tour grade: Easy Highlights of this tour include Black Sand Beach, Rainbow Falls, Liliuokalani Japanese Garden, Drive through Down Town Hilo, Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Farm Volcanoes National Park - Steam Vents, Sulfur Banks Thurston Lava Tube, Kilauea Visitor Center & Exhibits Kilauea Crater lookout. The visitor center in National Park is currently closed for renovation and all gifts and exibits have been moved to KMC Lunch: Stop will be made by a local vendor
What you get
About this experience
Cruise Ship Guests: We have special permits to pick up directly from Hilo port of call. Departure times may be adjusted to fit your ships arrival & departure. Hilo Hotel Guests: Meeting location is Hilo Hawaiian Hotel Tour grade: Easy Highlights of this tour include Black Sand Beach, Rainbow Falls, Liliuokalani Japanese Garden, Drive through Down Town Hilo, Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Farm Volcanoes National Park - Steam Vents, Sulfur Banks Thurston Lava Tube, Kilauea Visitor Center & Exhibits Kilauea Crater lookout. The visitor center in National Park is currently closed for renovation and all gifts and exibits have been moved to KMC Lunch: Stop will be made by a local vendor
What's included
Included
- Professional guide
- National Park fees
- Port / Hilo Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Bottled water
- Visit to Volcanoes National Park
Not included
- What to bring/wear: Walking shoes. Light sweater due to cooler climate at Volcano Park
- Souvenirs
- Gratuities
- Stop is made to purchase food
What you'll see and do
Richardson Ocean Park
This Black Sand Beach is a local favorite, and is a great way to see how the ocean and volcanoes make fine black sand.
20 minutes here
Lili'uokalani Gardens
Drive by.This is the largest Japanese garden outside of Japan donated by Queen Liliʻuokalani in 1917. Throughout the gardens are stone lanterns, gazebos, and torii gates, recalling the Japanese immigrants who came to Hawaii.
Pass by without stopping
Rainbow Falls
Breathtaking 80 ft waterfall, Rainbow Falls. These beautiful falls get their name from the rainbow that is often visible in the mist that rises as the water cascades to the rocks 80 feet below.
15 minutes here · Admission included
Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor Center
Drive through scenic orchards of Macadamia Nut Trees, sample tasting, browse, and select from an array of locally made island gifts. * This location is closed on Sundays if no cruise ship is in port. This stop will be replaced by Big Island Candies.
30 minutes here
Manono Street Marketplace
Local Deli for a lunch stop or a local vendor ( depending on the day, we use a different vendors for our lunch stop) Note: The order of stops on this tour may be adjusted to help provide the best experience for customers.
35 minutes here
Pass through the historic town of Hilo and see the King Kamehameha Statue learning the story how he has conquered Hawaii.
Pass by without stopping
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
We will then make our way to the summit of Kilauea volcano at the Volcanoes National Park, the most highly regarded and revered volcanic area on Earth. The Park highlights two of the world's most active volcanoes--Kilauea and Mauna Loa--and offers insights on the birth of the Hawaiian Islands and views of dramatic volcanic landscapes. At the park, you will stop at the Visitor Center, witness the spectacular collapsed caldera, steam vents, sulfur banks, and fascinating scenic lookouts. No trip to Hawaii is complete without a trip to Volcanoes National Park. THE VISITOR CENTER IS CURRENTLY CLOSED DUE TO RENOVATION. EXHIBITS AND GIFTS HAVE BEEN MOVED TO KMC Guests may present a valid Park Pass at the entrance on our 14-passenger tours. Our company is still required to pay the commercial vehicle entrance fee and insurance. No refunds or credits will be issued
90 minutes here · Admission included
Nahuku - Lava Tube
We will walk through a lava tube and the guide will share information with you on how it was formed by lava. This lava tube is .4 of a mile loop trail with low lighting. Gradual stairs descending into the tube ascending stairs coming out. Not all passengers may be physically fit in which they may stay in the vehicle or outside natural scenery for this portion of the tour.
20 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Big Island of Hawaii
HOTEL GUESTS: Castle Hilo Hawaiian Hotel located at 71 Banyan Dr. Hilo HI There is free parking at this hotel, on the street or across the street. Please wait in lobby for pick up. The lobby also has a cafe lounge if needing something to drink.
Meeting point
Big Island of Hawaii
CRUISE SHIP MEETING LOCATION: Pick up location is at the port inside the terminal building. Look for sing #5 : Please Check in 15 to 20 minutes. Due to every ship having a different itinerary we set the proper departure time. You are also welcome to call us at 1-800-901-0468
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
HOTEL GUESTS: Castle Hilo Hawaiian Hotel located at 71 Banyan Dr. Hilo HI There is free parking at this hotel, on the street or across the street. Please wait in lobby for pick up. The lobby also has a cafe lounge if needing something to drink.
Ends at
CRUISE SHIP MEETING LOCATION: Pick up location is at the port inside the terminal building. Look for sing #5 : Please Check in 15 to 20 minutes. Due to every ship having a different itinerary we set the proper departure time. You are also welcome to call us at 1-800-901-0468
Options you can book
Borealis 2:00 pm
Borealis: 2:00 pm departure. Check in 15-20 min prior. Tour 5.5 hr. MAC NUT FARM WILL BE CLOSED. - NO STOP Starting point: Port of Hilo, 80 Kuhio St, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
Holland America 10:30 am
Holland America - Koningsdam: Special departure time for this ship 10:30 am Starting point: Port of Hilo, 80 Kuhio St, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
Hilo Cruise Ship Passenger
We are a SHORE EXCURSION company. We have permits to pick you up directly from the Hilo port. Accessibility : If you have a walker or wheelchair you need to contact us before your arrival in order to accommodate you
NCL SPIRIT 8:30 am
Duration: 5 hours NCL SPIRIT: We understand that customs and immigration can take time. If there is a delay, don't worry—we will wait for all guests. Starting point: Port of Hilo, 80 Kuhio St, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
NCL SPIRIT Aug 14th
Departure Time: 10:00 AM departure. We are aware of the delayed ship disembarkation and will accommodate guests accordingly. Starting point: Port of Hilo, 80 Kuhio St, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
Hilo Hawaiian Hotel Meeting
Hilo Hawaiian Hotel: Meeting location lobby of Hilo Hawaiian Hotel 71 Banyan Dr. Hilo, HI 96720 Starting point: Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, a Trademark Collection by Wyndham, 71 Banyan Dr, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
Oceania Riviera 11:30 am
Special Time : This will be a special departure time for this ship's arrival time Starting point: Port of Hilo, 80 Kuhio St, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
NCL SPIRIT
8:00 am-10:00 am pick up time: Please do not worry about the 8:00 AM departure time. We use multiple vehicles and will wait for guests as they clear customs Duration: 5 hours Port return : Tour itinerary may vary slightly due to timing or traffic conditions to make a comfortable return time to the port. Starting point: Port of Hilo, 80 Kuhio St, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
OCEANIA RIVIERA 11:30 am
Duration: 5 hours: Due to ship arrival and departure time this tour will be approx 5-5.5 hr 11:30 am: We are aware your ship doors will open at 11:00 am, and we would like to depart at 11:30 am Starting point: Port of Hilo, 80 Kuhio St, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
Norwegian Spirit 9:00 am
Duration: 6 hours 9:00 am depart: Check in 15-20 min prior. return time 3:00 pm
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 29 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- C Big Island Tours
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Vehicle: 12-14 passenger van or mini bus max 25, 29 pass mini bus
- HOTEL : You can meet us at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel to join this tour.
- CRUISE PASSENGERS : We have special permits to pick up directly from Hilo port
- We will ensure your timely return back to the ship in Hilo Pier for this activity. If your ship does not come into port , your money will be refunded. If is delayed we will adjust our departure time to the ships itinerary. See our terms and conditions for full details
- DEPARTURE TIMES: Because we are a shore excursion company we schedule our departure times around a ships arrival and departure.
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Easy tour - Involves walking over relatively level terrain, possible gravel or uneven ground in some areas. Lava tube is .4 of mile long with descending and ascending steps. Comfortable walking shoes & light jacket recommended
- WHEELCHAIR / WALKER or SCOOTER ? We must know prior to the tour date if you are bringing a mobility device in order to accommodate. (Please add note to comments box) The mobility unit must not exceed 45 lbs. For various reasons our guides cannot assist with mobility units. Guests must have someone with them to move the mobility device in and out of the vehicle. Our vehicles do not have a lift, so any mobility device must be collapsible to fit through the mini bus doors which is 32” wide.
- Mobility Restrictions: Mobility devices cannot go into the lava tube, a trail to the crater is dirt path. Trail to black sand beach in ok but the beach is sand. Customers can stay in the vehicle at any time if they wish. Call us if you have further questions.
- Infants (Under 24 Months): Hawaii law allows infants under 24 months to ride on a parent's lap. A child ticket is required to purchase if a separate seat is preferred
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 3,068 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
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
3,068 verified traveler reviews for Hilo Shore Excursion Volcanoes National Park and Black Sand Beach. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Amazing experience; the...
Amazing experience; the steam vent and lava tube !! Macadamia farm was excellent. Beautiful gardens and the flowers.
via Viator
Very knowledgeable and...
Very knowledgeable and friendly driver helped to make this a memorable experience. Seeing the volcano erupting was amazing. And the Thurston lava tube was something we are glad we were able to experience.
via Viator
A day with Hannibal and bad jokes.
The whole day was a memorable experience. Hannibal with his lectures and Dad jokes was really good company. Loved all the venues, even if the lunch stop at the macadamia cost me money as their products were so morish. The crater and the lava tube were especially memorable. Only point I would make is that the lunch stop only took CC so that should be mentioned in the tour description. All in all a great day out.
via Viator
Fun tour of Hilo area.
Very enjoyable and informative tour with Hannibal. He was extremely entertaining.
via Tripadvisor
Outstanding tour that exceeded expectations.
Outstanding tour with an excellent and knowledgeable guide. Comfortable shuttle bus. Far exceeded our expectations!
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
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 1,091
- Verdict
- 90+ Club
Who runs this experience
Operated by C Big Island Tours, who run 10 experiences we rank across 4 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 66.2 and 1 in the 90+ Club.
See everything C Big Island Tours runsWhy this scores 91
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Hilo Shore Excursion Volcanoes National Park and Black Sand Beach: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Big Island of Hawaii.
How much does Hilo Shore Excursion Volcanoes National Park and Black Sand Beach cost?
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Prices start at $169 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 Volcanoes National Park and Black Sand Beach 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 Big Island of Hawaii is not rushed.
Is Hilo Shore Excursion Volcanoes National Park and Black Sand Beach worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 91 out of 100, which we label "90+ Club". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 3,117 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Big Island of Hawaii, and how flexible the cancellation terms are. Scoring 90 or above puts it in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.
Can I cancel or reschedule Hilo Shore Excursion Volcanoes National Park and 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 Volcanoes National Park and Black Sand Beach 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 Hilo Shore Excursion Volcanoes National Park and Black Sand Beach?
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Around 1,091 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?
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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 Big Island of Hawaii and add a light layer if any part of the 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Hilo Shore Excursion Volcanoes National Park and 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 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?
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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 Big Island: Captain Cook Snorkel On A Power Catamaran With Lunch, KONA Manta Ray Night Snorkel - FREE re-ride if no Sightings, 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?
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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?
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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 Volcanoes National Park and Black Sand Beach?
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Included: Professional guide; National Park fees; Port / Hilo Hotel pickup and drop-off; Bottled water; and Visit to Volcanoes National Park. Not included: What to bring/wear: Walking shoes. Light sweater due to cooler climate at Volcano Park; Souvenirs; Gratuities; and Stop is made to purchase food. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Hilo Shore Excursion Volcanoes National Park and Black Sand Beach?
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HOTEL GUESTS: Castle Hilo Hawaiian Hotel located at 71 Banyan Dr. Hilo HI There is free parking at this hotel, on the street or across the street. Please wait in lobby for pick up. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Hilo Shore Excursion Volcanoes National Park and 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 Volcanoes National Park and 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 Volcanoes National Park and Black Sand Beach wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; WHEELCHAIR / WALKER or SCOOTER ? We must know prior to the tour date if you are bringing a; Mobility Restrictions: Mobility devices cannot go into the lava tube, a trail to the crate; and Infants (Under 24 Months): Hawaii law allows infants under 24 months to ride on a parent's. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Hilo Shore Excursion Volcanoes National Park and 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 Volcanoes National Park and Black Sand Beach?
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Across 3,117 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Hilo Shore Excursion Volcanoes National Park and Black Sand Beach?
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There are 10 options to choose from, including Borealis 2:00 pm, Holland America 10:30 am, Hilo Cruise Ship Passenger, NCL SPIRIT 8:30 am. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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