Private Hilo Shore Excursion to Volcano Waterfall and Black Sand
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September 2026
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Who is going?
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
5.0/5
Based on 11 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private Hilo Shore Excursion to Volcano Waterfall and Black Sand worth booking?
Private Hilo Shore Excursion to Volcano Waterfall and Black Sand is a 6-hour experience in Big Island of Hawaii, United States, from $1699 per person. It scores 57 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 11 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 57 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (11)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $1699 per person
Experience a unique shore excursion departing from Hilo Port, where we take you to the renowned Punalu'u Black Sand Beach, setting us apart from other cruise tours on the island. Enjoy a leisurely 1 hour and 30-minute sc
What you get
About this experience
Experience a unique shore excursion departing from Hilo Port, where we take you to the renowned Punalu'u Black Sand Beach, setting us apart from other cruise tours on the island. Enjoy a leisurely 1 hour and 30-minute scenic drive to this iconic destination, where you'll marvel at the striking contrast of the black sand against the azure waters of the Pacific Ocean. Our journey continues into Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where the majestic peaks of Kilauea Volcano await exploration. Then, immerse yourself in the beauty of Rainbow Falls, a picturesque cascade straight out of a tropical paradise. Each destination promises unforgettable experiences and breathtaking vistas. As the day winds down, we'll return you to Hilo Port, leaving you with memories of a day filled with exploration, wonder, and the natural beauty of the Big Island. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure that will make your cruise experience truly special.
What's included
Included
- Port of Hilo/ Hotels pick up
- Bottled water
- Snacks
Not included
- Gratuities
- Lunch
What you'll see and do
Banyan Drive
Banyan Drive is a scenic, historic stretch in Hilo lined with giant banyan trees planted by famous figures such as Amelia Earhart, Babe Ruth, and Franklin Roosevelt. Often called Hilo’s “Walk of Fame,” the drive offers a leafy tunnel of shade and history—its iconic trees having survived the tsunamis that once reshaped the town.
Pass by without stopping
Established in 1917 by Queen Liliʻuokalani, this expansive park stands as the largest Authentic Japanese garden of its kind beyond Japan's shores. Dotted throughout the serene landscape are stone lanterns, gazebos, and torii gates, serving as poignant tributes to the Japanese immigrants who made Hawaii their home.
Pass by without stopping
Big Island Candies
Big Island Candies is a beloved Hilo-based shop known for its buttery shortbread cookies, chocolate-dipped treats, and playful local flavors. Visitors can browse through beautifully packaged confections while sampling fresh-brewed Kona coffee, seasonal candies, and signature shortbread. The store has the feel of a small factory boutique—warm, aromatic, and filled with gifts that travel well—making it an easy stop for both locals and travelers stocking up on sweets.
15 minutes here · Admission included
Punalu'u Black Sand Beach
Our journey now takes us to the renowned Punalu'u Black Sand Beach, where numerous Honu (Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles) reside. Here, we have a great opportunity to witness these majestic creatures basking in the warm sun.
25 minutes here
Ka'u Coffee Mill
Have a taste of the underrated “south of Kona” brew known as Kaʻū Coffee—grown in the volcanic soils just outside Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Rich, smooth, and award-winning, it’s a great way to sample a different side of Hawaiʻi’s coffee culture. This stop is doable if we head toward Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach.
15 minutes here · Admission included
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Next, we journey to the summit of Kīlauea within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, a world-renowned volcanic site tied to the Hawaiian goddess Pele. The park is home to Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, two of the world’s most active volcanoes, offering dramatic volcanic scenery and insight into how the islands formed. We’ll stop at the visitor center, view the collapsed caldera, explore steam vents and sulfur banks, and enjoy scenic overlooks. Lava activity is unpredictable—there is no guarantee of glowing lava, and there is no ocean entry, as the last one occurred in 2018. For those prone to being cold, please bring comfortable shoes and a jacket; summit temperatures can be 20+ degrees cooler than the coast. A visit to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is an unforgettable highlight. (Entrance fees not included; national park passes are valid for use on commercial tours for your immediate party.)
120 minutes here · Admission not included
Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor Center
The Mauna Loa Macadamia Visitor Center is a fun stop for anyone who wants to taste Hawaiʻi’s famous mac nuts right where they’re grown and roasted. Surrounded by lush orchards, the center offers samples of classic and flavored macadamias, chocolate-covered treats, and other island snacks. Visitors can glimpse parts of the processing operation, browse gifts, and enjoy a casual atmosphere that mixes learning with plenty of tasting—plus lots of chances to stock up before heading home (time allowing and if this is a preference).
15 minutes here · Admission included
Rainbow Falls
As for one of our last stops we take photos at this iconic waterfall, for iconic postcard worthy photos
15 minutes here · Admission not included
Nahuku - Lava Tube
We'll embark on a walk through a lava tube, where your guide will provide insights into its formation by lava. This loop, approximately 600 meters or .4-mile trail, features low lighting, with gradual stairs leading into and out of the tube. While this portion of the tour may not be suitable for all passengers due to physical fitness, alternative options include remaining in the vehicle or exploring the natural scenery outside. Additionally, you'll have the choice to bring headlamps along for enhanced visibility within the dimly lit lava tube, allowing you to appreciate intricate cave details and observe the formation of tiny stalactites.
20 minutes here · Admission included
Akaka Falls State Park
ʻAkaka Falls is a showstopper—plunging more than 400 feet through a lush rainforest gorge alive with birdsong, greenery, and mist. The paved loop trail takes most visitors about 20–30 minutes and winds past smaller waterfalls and scenic overlooks before revealing the grand view of ʻAkaka itself. It’s a vibrant, postcard-perfect stop for nature lovers and photographers alike (admission not included). This stop can also be selected as an alternative to Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach and the Kau Coffee plantation as these are opposite directions from one another. Please note that the order of stops may vary and will be determined by our expert guides to provide the best overall experience. As this is a private tour, we can also tailor the day to your preferences (within reason) and within the time allotted.
30 minutes here · Admission not included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Big Island of Hawaii
Please ensure your phone is readily available with your confirmation details. This will also allow your guide to contact you and easily locate you and your group.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Please ensure your phone is readily available with your confirmation details. This will also allow your guide to contact you and easily locate you and your group.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, pl, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Hawaii Island Time
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Travel time is already included to the total duration set
- What to Bring: Walking shoes, a Hat, a light sweater or a Rain Jacket just in case
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 11 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Good for families
3 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
11 verified traveler reviews for Private Hilo Shore Excursion to Volcano Waterfall and Black Sand. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Volcano & Japanese Gardens. Bayon trees planted by famous people.
Adam was very knowledgeable. He was flexible and made sure we saw what we wanted. If we had to turn around to see something. He was very accommodating.
via Viator
Exceptional Tour Guide
Adam was an exceptional tour guide, incredibly knowledgeable about the island and highly attentive to everyone’s needs. We could not have asked for a better experience! Fully exceeded our expectations!!
via Viator
Unforgettable Experience in Hilo!
Adam was fantastic! We booked this excursion for our group of 12 during our recent visit to Hilo, and it ended up being the highlight of our trip. Our group had been closely watching the activity on the live cameras for a potential eruption of Mt. Kilauea, and when we saw lava flowing, we headed straight for Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Thanks to Adam’s quick planning and expert guidance, we were lucky enough to witness Mt. Kilauea fountaining in person—an absolutely breathtaking sight. His dedication to making sure we didn’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime moment was truly appreciated. Highly recommend this tour and Adam’s outstanding service!
via Viator
Great tour- highly recommended!
We had an amazing time on this tour. Adam was fantastic and made the trip very enjoyable. We learned a lot about Hilo and the Island of Hawaii. The stops were well spaced out and we had a lot of time to enjoy everything. I would highly recommend this tour!
via Viator
An outstanding tour that was worth every penny!
Everything went perfectly! Our guide arrived on time in a clean Ford 14-passenger van. He was personable, articulate, knowledgeable, engaging, and delightful. He took us everywhere the tour said we’d go to, did it in an unhurried and efficient manner, told us everything about each place we visited, and made the entire experience enjoyable and memorable. He returned us to the ship very close to the scheduled time, and was an excellent driver. This tour was worth every penny!
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
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 4
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 57
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Hilo Shore Excursion to Volcano Waterfall and Black Sand: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Big Island of Hawaii.
How much does Private Hilo Shore Excursion to Volcano Waterfall and Black Sand cost?
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Prices start at $1699 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 Private Hilo Shore Excursion to Volcano Waterfall and Black Sand 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 Private Hilo Shore Excursion to Volcano Waterfall and Black Sand worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 57 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 11 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 Private Hilo Shore Excursion to Volcano Waterfall and Black Sand?
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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 Private Hilo Shore Excursion to Volcano Waterfall and Black Sand 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 Private Hilo Shore Excursion to Volcano Waterfall and Black Sand?
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Around 4 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 Private Hilo Shore Excursion to Volcano Waterfall and Black Sand 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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