
Hilo Cruise Tour: Volcanoes National Park, Waterfalls & Beaches
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 21 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Hilo Cruise Tour: Volcanoes National Park, Waterfalls & Beaches worth booking?
Hilo Cruise Tour: Volcanoes National Park, Waterfalls & Beaches is a 6-hour experience in Hilo, United States, from $170 per person. It scores 75 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 21 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 75 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (21)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $170 per person
Make the most of your Hilo cruise day with a small group adventure to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Explore crater viewpoints, steaming vents, native rainforest, and Nāhuku Lava Tube while your guide shares the stories behind the landscape. Beyond the volcano, visit Rainbow Falls, sample island flavors at Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor Center, browse Big Island Candies, stroll through Liliʻuokalani Gardens, and enjoy Richardson Ocean Park’s black sand coastline. Travel comfortably in our modern, air-conditioned Ford Transit with snacks, drinks, and all park admission fees included. Our small groups keep the day personal, with time for questions, photos, and enjoying each stop. We are fully licensed and insured, with pickup directly inside Hilo Cruise Port at Bay #5. We plan around your ship’s schedule to return you before all aboard. Stops and park features are subject to weather, closures, and ship schedules. Lava sightings are not guaranteed.
What you get
About this experience
Make the most of your Hilo cruise day with a small group adventure to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Explore crater viewpoints, steaming vents, native rainforest, and Nāhuku Lava Tube while your guide shares the stories behind the landscape. Beyond the volcano, visit Rainbow Falls, sample island flavors at Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor Center, browse Big Island Candies, stroll through Liliʻuokalani Gardens, and enjoy Richardson Ocean Park’s black sand coastline. Travel comfortably in our modern, air-conditioned Ford Transit with snacks, drinks, and all park admission fees included. Our small groups keep the day personal, with time for questions, photos, and enjoying each stop. We are fully licensed and insured, with pickup directly inside Hilo Cruise Port at Bay #5. We plan around your ship’s schedule to return you before all aboard. Stops and park features are subject to weather, closures, and ship schedules. Lava sightings are not guaranteed.
What's included
Included
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Admission fees
- Admission fees
- Snacks
What you'll see and do
Rainbow Falls
A beautiful 80 foot waterfall located just minutes from Hilo town. On sunny mornings, you can often see rainbows forming in the mist. Easy access and one of the most iconic waterfalls on the island.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Akaka Falls State Park
Walk through a lush rainforest trail leading to the breathtaking 442 foot Akaka Falls. One of the tallest and most scenic waterfalls in Hawaiʻi.
45 minutes here · Admission included
Hilo Town Market
Enjoy time in historic Hilo town. Grab lunch, explore local shops, and experience the laid back charm of this old Hawaiian plantation town.
60 minutes here
Lili'uokalani Gardens
Relax at a beautiful oceanfront park featuring Japanese style gardens, peaceful walking paths, and views of Hilo Bay.
45 minutes here
Big Island Candies
A beloved Hilo tradition, Big Island Candies is famous for its handcrafted shortbread cookies, chocolates, and island-inspired treats. Watch candies being made, sample local favorites, and browse a wide selection of premium Hawaiian gifts and souvenirs.
30 minutes here
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Explore one of Hawaiʻi Island’s most unforgettable landscapes at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, home to Kīlauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes. Experience dramatic volcanic scenery, historic lava flows, steaming vents, native rainforest, and incredible viewpoints while learning about the powerful forces that continue to shape the island.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 45 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
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 13 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Hawaii Island Insider Tours
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 17 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Value for money
3 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
17 verified traveler reviews for Hilo Cruise Tour: Volcanoes National Park, Waterfalls & Beaches. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Busy tour - lots to see
Highly recommend this tour! Rae was a knowledgeable & interesting guide! We saw so many wonders-volcanoes, lava tube & turtles!
via Viator
Fun day with Rae of HII
We had a great time with Rae of HII tours. We were able to see parts of Hilo, then Rainbow Falls and more. He provided commentary that helped his appreciate the culture and the physical beauty of the island
via Viator
Local Guide in Hilo Tour
We had a great time on the tour, can end with that. Tour was flexible, fun, and friendly. Support a local tour guide and family man and book here, you will not regret it.
via Tripadvisor
Rae was a knowledgeable...
Rae was a knowledgeable and fun tour guide, who took us to a variety of interesting locations and provided a value-for-money experience; and this was despite the inclement weather from a nearby hurricane and the closure of many state parks.
Response from the operator: Thank you for coming out with me, especially with the weather that day. I’m glad we could still make a good day of it and show you some great spots around Hilo. I really appreciate the review! Rae
via Viator
Best Volcano and local tour.
Everything was great! We had so much fun! Rae thought of everything from umbrellas to snacks! We loved the personal touches and stories that came with the tour. Must book when in Hilo.
Response from the operator: Thank you! I had a great time showing you around Hilo. I’m glad the stories and little extras made the day fun for you. I really appreciate you taking the time to leave a review. Rae
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
- Price range
- $170 to $180
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 7
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Hawaii Island Insider Tours, who run 3 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 57.1.
See everything Hawaii Island Insider Tours runsWhy this scores 75
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Hilo Cruise Tour: Volcanoes National Park, Waterfalls & Beaches: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Hilo.
How much does Hilo Cruise Tour: Volcanoes National Park, Waterfalls & Beaches cost?
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Prices start at $170 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 Cruise Tour: Volcanoes National Park, Waterfalls & Beaches 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 Hilo is not rushed.
Is Hilo Cruise Tour: Volcanoes National Park, Waterfalls & Beaches 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 (5/5 across 21 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 Cruise Tour: Volcanoes National Park, Waterfalls & Beaches?
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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 Cruise Tour: Volcanoes National Park, Waterfalls & Beaches 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 Cruise Tour: Volcanoes National Park, Waterfalls & Beaches?
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Around 7 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 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Hilo Cruise Tour: Volcanoes National Park, Waterfalls & Beaches 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 Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcano Safari Lava Caves & Black Sand, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Hilo Highlights Small Group Tour, Ultimate Big Island Experience: Volcano, Waterfall, Beach & 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 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 Cruise Tour: Volcanoes National Park, Waterfalls & Beaches?
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Included: In-vehicle air conditioning; Admission fees; Admission fees; and Snacks. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Hilo Cruise Tour: Volcanoes National Park, Waterfalls & Beaches include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 7 listed pickup locations in and around Hilo. Be ready about 45 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Hilo Cruise Tour: Volcanoes National Park, Waterfalls & Beaches 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 Cruise Tour: Volcanoes National Park, Waterfalls & Beaches?
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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.
What happens to Hilo Cruise Tour: Volcanoes National Park, Waterfalls & Beaches if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Hilo. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Hilo Cruise Tour: Volcanoes National Park, Waterfalls & Beaches?
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Across 21 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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