
Ultimate Big Island Experience: Volcano, Waterfall, Beach & Lunch
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 145 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Ultimate Big Island Experience: Volcano, Waterfall, Beach & Lunch worth booking?
Ultimate Big Island Experience: Volcano, Waterfall, Beach & Lunch is a 6-hour experience in Hilo, United States, from $189 per person. It scores 85 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 5/5 rating across 145 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 85 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (145)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $189 per person
Join us for a half-day adventure tour exploring the Big Island from summit to sea. Enjoy hands-on artifacts, fresh fruit, and stories about the places we visit. We'll start with a drive through Liliʻuokalani Gardens and Downtown Hilo before arriving at the picture-perfect of Rainbow Falls. Next, journey through Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, home to Kīlauea—the world's most active volcano. You'll travel from the visitor center to Kīlauea crater for panoramic views of the smoking caldera and steaming volcanic vents, and walk inside an ancient lava tube. For lunch, enjoy an island-inspired meal on us at a local restaurant. Afterward, we'll drive past sweeping lava fields and coffee and macadamia nut farms on our way to Punaluʻu, a renowned black sand beach where green sea turtles come to rest. Please note: We provide pick-up & drop-off in the Hilo area only. This tour is not wheelchair accessible and includes moderate walking and climbing (About 15 stairs during the lava tube tour).
What you get
About this experience
Join us for a half-day adventure tour exploring the Big Island from summit to sea. Enjoy hands-on artifacts, fresh fruit, and stories about the places we visit. We'll start with a drive through Liliʻuokalani Gardens and Downtown Hilo before arriving at the picture-perfect of Rainbow Falls. Next, journey through Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, home to Kīlauea—the world's most active volcano. You'll travel from the visitor center to Kīlauea crater for panoramic views of the smoking caldera and steaming volcanic vents, and walk inside an ancient lava tube. For lunch, enjoy an island-inspired meal on us at a local restaurant. Afterward, we'll drive past sweeping lava fields and coffee and macadamia nut farms on our way to Punaluʻu, a renowned black sand beach where green sea turtles come to rest. Please note: We provide pick-up & drop-off in the Hilo area only. This tour is not wheelchair accessible and includes moderate walking and climbing (About 15 stairs during the lava tube tour).
What's included
Included
- Fresh fruit samples
- All Fees and Taxes
- Cultural artifacts
- Pick-up and drop-off in the Hilo area only
- Guide
- Lunch
Not included
- Alcoholic beverages
- We do not offer pick-up/drop-off outside of Hilo at this time.
What you'll see and do
Lili'uokalani Gardens
Drive through Banyan Drive the largest Edo-style ornamental garden outside of Japan. Liliʻuokalani Gardens is a peaceful park of towering banyan trees, ponds, bridges, and pagodas.
Pass by without stopping
Hilo
Drive through Downtown Hilo, a charming mix of historic architecture, local shops, and lush greenery set against the backdrop of Hilo Bay.
Pass by without stopping
Rainbow Falls
Rainbow Falls is named after the colorful rainbows that appear in the mists of its waters. Signs in the viewing area relate some interesting historical facts about the waterfall, as well as the legend of the “Battle of the Wailuku River”.
20 minutes here
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park starting at the visitor center and exhibit hall, followed by views of Kilauea caldera and Kilauea Iki, the steam vents, and sulfur banks. Walk inside the ancient Nahuku (Thurston Lava Tube) followed by lunch at Kilauea Lodge.
120 minutes here
Punalu'u Black Sand Beach
Discover a beautiful black sand beach on the Kaʻū coast. This renowned local beach is frequently visited by green sea turtles.
30 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Hilo
Meet at Hilo Bayfront Beach Park. Please meet us in the parking lot directly next to the main road.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Meet at Hilo Bayfront Beach Park. Please meet us in the parking lot directly next to the main road.
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 12 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Shaka Braddah Tours Llc
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 143 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
8 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Food and drink
4 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
143 verified traveler reviews for Ultimate Big Island Experience: Volcano, Waterfall, Beach & Lunch. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
This was a great...
This was a great experience and we had a wonderful time. They went OUT OF THEIR WAY to make sure we saw what we wanted and even took us to a slightly different spot when part of the volcano was clouded in. They even got us local treats to try.
via Viator
Amazing, outstanding a must do on the big island
The tour was outstanding! Our tour guide Anthony was amazing. Very knowledgeable about the culture and history of the island. Very engaging and informative. Very upbeat, positive, accommodating and fun. The overall timing of the stops were adequate. We didn’t feel rushed and the lunch was fantastic local fare at a local restaurant. Overall it was one of the better tours in my travels. Anthony went above and beyond to ensure a great experience.
via Tripadvisor
Volcano Erupted!!!
Anthony and Desmond were outstanding tour guides! They had so much knowledge and even had like a little hands on museum in the van during traveling. It was so enjoyable! To top it off we did see the Volcano erupting for real! It was life changing. Lunch was amazing at a cute Hawaiian spot. I got the Loco Moco!!! Wonderful day!
via Viator
Best Big Island Tour
Knowledgeable tour guides, extremely professional. Food was scrumptious. Need to wear comfortable shoes.
via Viator
Highly Recommended. Great one day overview
If you want a great general tour of the east side of Hawaii, this is a great way to do it. Town of Hilo, Rainbow Falls, Black Sand Beach and multiple stops at the Hawaii Volcanos NP. Our guide Desmond was top notch, helping with all need of his riders, very knowledgeable and gave us some memorabilia and take home items. This is a smaller group, there were only eight of us. No lag time, he was flexible on time at each stop. Just a wonderful day.....
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
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 51
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Shaka Braddah Tours Llc, who run 4 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 74.9.
See everything Shaka Braddah Tours Llc runsWhy this scores 85
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Ultimate Big Island Experience: Volcano, Waterfall, Beach & Lunch: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Hilo.
How much does Ultimate Big Island Experience: Volcano, Waterfall, Beach & Lunch cost?
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Prices start at $189 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 Ultimate Big Island Experience: Volcano, Waterfall, Beach & Lunch 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 Ultimate Big Island Experience: Volcano, Waterfall, Beach & Lunch worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 85 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 145 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 Ultimate Big Island Experience: Volcano, Waterfall, Beach & Lunch?
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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 Ultimate Big Island Experience: Volcano, Waterfall, Beach & Lunch 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 Ultimate Big Island Experience: Volcano, Waterfall, Beach & Lunch?
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Around 51 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 Ultimate Big Island Experience: Volcano, Waterfall, Beach & Lunch 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 Hawaii Volcanoes, Waterfalls, Beaches & Hilo Highlights Day Tour, Hilo Shore Excursion: Active Volcano, Lava Tube, Waterfall and Gardens, Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcano Safari Lava Caves & Black Sand. 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 Ultimate Big Island Experience: Volcano, Waterfall, Beach & Lunch?
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Included: Fresh fruit samples; All Fees and Taxes; Cultural artifacts; Pick-up and drop-off in the Hilo area only; and Guide. Not included: Alcoholic beverages; and We do not offer pick-up/drop-off outside of Hilo at this time. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Ultimate Big Island Experience: Volcano, Waterfall, Beach & Lunch include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 14 listed pickup locations in and around Hilo. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Ultimate Big Island Experience: Volcano, Waterfall, Beach & Lunch 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 Ultimate Big Island Experience: Volcano, Waterfall, Beach & Lunch?
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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 Ultimate Big Island Experience: Volcano, Waterfall, Beach & Lunch wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Ultimate Big Island Experience: Volcano, Waterfall, Beach & Lunch 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 Ultimate Big Island Experience: Volcano, Waterfall, Beach & Lunch?
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Across 145 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, food and drink. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
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