Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcanoes National Park & Black Sand Beach
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September 2026
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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
4.8/5
Based on 2,974 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcanoes National Park & Black Sand Beach worth booking?
Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcanoes National Park & Black Sand Beach is a 6-hour experience in Big Island of Hawaii, United States, from $169 per person. It scores 90 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “90+ Club”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 2,974 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
- 90 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (2,974)
- 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 15 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 2,963 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
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
2,963 verified traveler reviews for Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcanoes National Park & Black Sand Beach. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Perfect day
Donna was amazing. Knowledgeable, dynamic, welcoming and funny. We had an amazing time. So well organized and schedule was respected.
Response from the operator: Mahalo Valerie for the 5 stars! We’re so happy you enjoyed your Big Island adventure with us.
via Viator
One of the best tours we have taken!
Our guide Ernie was extremely knowledgeable abd engaging! We actually got to see Kilauea erupting... A most amazing once in a lifetime experience. The van was clean, the air conditioning worked well, lunch was good. Loved the itinerary. Visit to the Black Sand Beach and Volcanoes National park was definitely a highlight of our trip. I would highly recommend this tour!
Response from the operator: Thank you Janis for joining us and for the amazing review our team loves hearing experiences! We loved sharing the island with you.
via Viator
Best of Hilo
This was an incredible excursion!! Highly recommend! Donna was a fantastic guide and provided so much insight and information. Seeing the volcano in action was incredible!!
Response from the operator: Thank you for leaving us a 5 star review we loved having you aloha!
via Tripadvisor
We saw an active volcano
Great day. The volcano was erupting a once in lifetime event. Awesome
via Tripadvisor
No thrills volcanoes
Total waste of money. A few stops around the rim to see a steam vent. A walk through an unpaved volcanoe tunnel where you can easily break an ankle. The photos of lavav flowing are misleading. There isn't any. Take a half day trip instead and then enjoy the beautiful beaches.
Response from the operator: We’re sorry the tour did not meet your expectations. Active lava is a natural occurrence that cannot be predicted or guaranteed, and our tour description does not promise that flowing lava will be visible. The photos represent Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and its volcanic landscape over time. The itinerary includes several park highlights, scenic overlooks, steam vents, and a walk through a natural lava tube. Because the lava tube has uneven, unpaved terrain, guests are advised to wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes and use caution. We understand that a full-day volcano tour may not suit every traveler. However, the extended itinerary allows guests to experience more of the island and national park than a shorter half-day visit. We appreciate your feedback and are sorry this experience was not the right fit for you.
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
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 1,041
- Verdict
- 90+ Club
Why this scores 90
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcanoes National Park & 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 & 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 & 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 & Black Sand Beach worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 90 out of 100, which we label "90+ Club". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 2,974 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 & 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 & 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 & Black Sand Beach?
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Around 1,041 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 & 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 KONA Manta Ray Night Snorkel - FREE re-ride if no Sightings, Big Island in a Day: Volcanoes Waterfalls Sightseeing and History, Big Island: Captain Cook Snorkel On A Power Catamaran With Lunch. 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.
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