The 15 best things to do in Hilo (2026)

We rank 60 experiences in Hilo, United States, on the same 0 to 100 Outty Ranking. The best right now is Hawaii Volcanoes, Waterfalls, Beaches & Hilo Highlights Day Tour at 90/100, and 0 experiences here make the 90+ Club. Updated Sep 2026.

Quick picks

The ranked list

  1. Hawaii Volcanoes, Waterfalls, Beaches & Hilo Highlights Day Tour

    Native Hawaiian guided tours, get the best and the most of what people truly want to experience in the Big Island! Being that we are a family operated business means super clean luxury vans and pride in our work & attitu. Exceptional at 90/100, 5.0/5 from 597 traveler reviews, 6h from $187, free cancellation.

    See prices and availability
  2. Hilo Shore Excursion: Active Volcano, Lava Tube, Waterfall and Gardens

    A day trip to Hilo is not complete without a visit to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home to one of the world's most active volcanoes. Witness the current volcanic eruption at the summit of Kilauea volcano, learn of pa. Exceptional at 86/100, 4.9/5 from 451 traveler reviews, 5.5h from $188, free cancellation.

    See prices and availability
  3. Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcano Safari Lava Caves & Black Sand

    Approx 6 hr long. Explore the places less traveled among Hawaii's back roads of Kilauea volcano. Explore exciting Lava Caves and Lava trees in a lush volcanic rainforest. See the 2018 lava destruction and the newly forme. Exceptional at 84/100, 4.8/5 from 441 traveler reviews, 6h from $160, free cancellation.

    See prices and availability
  4. Ultimate Big Island Experience: Volcano, Waterfall, Beach & Lunch in Hilo, United States

    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. Exceptional at 84/100, 5.0/5 from 145 traveler reviews, 6h from $189, free cancellation.

    See prices and availability
  5. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Hilo Highlights Small Group Tour

    See two of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa, on a small group tour that features the natural wonders of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Learn the history, culture and geology of the Hawaiian islan. Exceptional at 84/100, 4.9/5 from 285 traveler reviews, 5.5h from $188, free cancellation.

    See prices and availability
  6. Volcano Adventure: Hilo Sightseeing w/ Optional Helicopter Tour

    Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime Volcano Adventure tour on Hawaii's "Big Island," focusing on the lush, northeastern Hilo side. Explore the dynamic landscapes of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home to active volcanoes and. Exceptional at 83/100, 4.7/5 from 431 traveler reviews, 10.5h from $203, free cancellation.

    See prices and availability
  7. Big Island Scenic Tour: Volcano Hilo Town Waterfall Beach & Lunch

    Explore the captivating beauty of the Big Island on this immersive day tour that dives into its natural wonders and rich culture. Guided by locals who embody the Aloha spirit, discover highlights like Hawaiʻi Volcanoes N. Exceptional at 83/100, 5.0/5 from 110 traveler reviews, 7h from $199, free cancellation.

    See prices and availability
  8. Hilo Shore Excursion: Visit Volcano, Waterfall, Beach with Lunch

    Make the most of your shore visit with our 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 Rainbow Falls. Exceptional at 82/100, 5.0/5 from 103 traveler reviews, 6h from $189, free cancellation.

    See prices and availability
  9. Big Island Waterfalls, Blacksand Beaches, Lava Tubes & Volcanoes in Hilo, United States

    Dear Future Attendee! Just wanna cut to the chase! We offer the Ultimate Volcano and Hilo Highlights Day Tour period! Because we get you to the best stops that people truly want to see in the 6-7hr time frame including t. Strongly Recommended at 79/100, 5.0/5 from 60 traveler reviews, 6h from $187, free cancellation.

    See prices and availability
  10. Hawai'i's Volcanoes National Park from Hilo Only

    Get the most of your time in Hilo. Have a local driver get you to the most popular attractions on Hawai'i Island. The best scenes of Hawai’i’s active volcano. Ask any questions and have a new friend by the end of the day. Strongly Recommended at 78/100, 4.9/5 from 205 traveler reviews, 4h from $230, free cancellation.

    See prices and availability
  11. Hilo Shore Excursion: Akaka Falls, Volcano, & Black Sand Beach

    Experience the lush beauty of Big Island’s Hamakua Coast on our tour to ʻAkaka Falls State Park, where the Island’s tropical splendor is on full display. Akaka Falls is a towering waterfall, cascading 442 feet (135 meter. Strongly Recommended at 77/100, 5.0/5 from 40 traveler reviews, 7h from $188, free cancellation.

    See prices and availability
  12. Discover Hilo’s Natural Wonders:Volcano,Waterfall,Punalu’u Beach

    Discover Hilo’s Natural Wonder’s Join us to explore our island's must-see places with hands-on artifacts, historical insights, and cultural stories along the way. We'll drive you through Liliuokalani Gardens and historic. Strongly Recommended at 76/100, 5.0/5 from 40 traveler reviews, 6h from $185, free cancellation.

    See prices and availability
  13. Hilo Shore Excursion: Punaluu Black Sand Beach, Volcano, & Hilo

    Discover one of Hawaiʻi’s most unique and visually striking natural wonders on this unforgettable visit to Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach. Stroll along the shoreline where endangered Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu) often ba. Strongly Recommended at 75/100, 4.9/5 from 37 traveler reviews, 7h from $188, free cancellation.

    See prices and availability
  14. Volcano National Park and Rainbow Fall in Hilo, Hawaii

    Experience the best of Hilo and Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park on this unforgettable tour. Pass by the serene Liliʻuokalani Gardens, the largest Edo-style Japanese garden outside of Japan, then take in the scenic coastl. Strongly Recommended at 74/100, 4.7/5 from 84 traveler reviews, 6h from $175, free cancellation.

    See prices and availability
  15. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Adventure in Hilo, United States

    As a Native Hawaiian from Hawaiʻi Island, these aren’t just tour stops — they’re part of my home. From walking the grounds of Kīlauea to exploring through a Lava Tube, I blend local knowledge, cultural insight, and real. Strongly Recommended at 73/100, 5.0/5 from 36 traveler reviews, 4h from $140, free cancellation.

    See prices and availability

Traveler ratings are provided by Viator and Tripadvisor. The Outty Ranking is our own independent evaluation. How the ranking works.

When to go

Frequently asked questions

What is the number one thing to do in Hilo?

Hawaii Volcanoes, Waterfalls, Beaches & Hilo Highlights Day Tour is the top ranked experience in Hilo right now, with an Outty Ranking of 90 out of 100 from 597 traveler reviews, from $187 per person. It leads a field of 60 experiences we rank in the city.

What are the must-see attractions in Hilo?

How much do things to do in Hilo cost?

The 15 best experiences average $186 per person. The cheapest of them is Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Adventure from $140, and 15 of the 15 offer free cancellation.

What are the best things to do in Hilo with kids?

Hawaii Volcanoes, Waterfalls, Beaches & Hilo Highlights Day Tour are the highest ranked family-friendly picks. Check the minimum age on each before booking.

When is the best time to visit Hilo?

How is this list ranked?

Every experience is scored 0 to 100 by the Outty Ranking, which blends traveler sentiment, review depth, booking momentum, value against comparable options in Hilo, quality signals and cancellation flexibility. The list updates automatically as new reviews and bookings arrive.