The 15 best things to do in Hilo (November 2026)

We rank 57 experiences in Hilo, United States, on the same 0 to 100 Outty Ranking. The best right now is Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcano Safari Lava Caves & Black Sand at 86/100, and 0 experiences here make the 90+ Club. Updated Nov 2026.

Quick picks

The ranked list

  1. 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 86/100, 4.8/5 from 451 traveler reviews, 6h from $160, free cancellation.

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  2. 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 86/100, 5.0/5 from 154 traveler reviews, 6h from $180, free cancellation.

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  3. 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. Visit the summit of Kilauea with a chance to witness a volca. Exceptional at 86/100, 4.9/5 from 294 traveler reviews, 5.5h from $189, free cancellation.

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  4. 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 85/100, 4.7/5 from 435 traveler reviews, 10.5h from $182, free cancellation.

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  5. 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 83/100, 5.0/5 from 105 traveler reviews, 6h from $189, free cancellation.

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  6. 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. Exceptional at 81/100, 5.0/5 from 71 traveler reviews, 6h from $187, free cancellation.

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  7. 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 79/100, 4.9/5 from 213 traveler reviews, 4h from $230, free cancellation.

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  8. 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 79/100, 5.0/5 from 47 traveler reviews, 7h from $188, free cancellation.

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  9. 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 78/100, 5.0/5 from 44 traveler reviews, 6h from $185, free cancellation.

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  10. 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 76/100, 4.9/5 from 41 traveler reviews, 7h from $188, free cancellation.

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  11. 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 72/100, 4.6/5 from 90 traveler reviews, 6h from $175, free cancellation.

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  12. Mauna Kea Arnott's Adventures in Hilo, United States

    Our Mauna Kea Summit Tour is designed to showcase the beauty and wonder of one of the most impressive mountains in the world. Mauna Kea (meaning “white mountain”) is historically and culturally very significant to the Ha. Strongly Recommended at 71/100, 4.8/5 from 157 traveler reviews, 7h from $255.

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  13. Elite Volcano Hike From Hilo

    13. Elite Volcano Hike From Hilo

    Outty Ranking69

    Elite Volcano Hike Hike down into Kilauea Caldera on the 2 mile Halema’uma’u Trail, and visit aftermath of the historic 2018 eruption along Kilauea’s coastline. Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park including Kilauea Visi. Solid Choice at 69/100, 4.8/5 from 20 traveler reviews, 9h from $198, free cancellation.

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  14. Evening Volcano Explorer from Hilo

    The original volcano lovers tour. Start with a drive through quaint Hilo town where you’ll drive along the historic waterfront before heading out to the old fishing village of Kalapana. Your National Park Service certifi. Solid Choice at 68/100, 4.5/5 from 70 traveler reviews, 6h from $177, free cancellation.

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  15. Maunakea Stellar Explorer HILO

    For an out-of-this-world experience, check out Maunakea Stellar Explorer from KapohoKine Adventures. This thrilling adventure is the only Big Island star tour to feature nighttime astronomical observing AND safe daytime. Solid Choice at 67/100, 4.4/5 from 107 traveler reviews, 7h from $198, free cancellation.

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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?

Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcano Safari Lava Caves & Black Sand is the top ranked experience in Hilo right now, with an Outty Ranking of 86 out of 100 from 451 traveler reviews, from $160 per person. It leads a field of 57 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 $192 per person. The cheapest of them is Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcano Safari Lava Caves & Black Sand from $160, and 14 of the 15 offer free cancellation.

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

Most of the top experiences suit older kids; check the minimum age listed on each activity 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.