Hilo, Hawaii

Welcome to the Big Island of Hawaii - a paradise of black-sand beaches, tropical rainforest and volcanic mountains. Mauna Loa, the largest mountain on the planet, soars above the bleak lava fields of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. In the heart of the Big Island's lush rainforest lies the remote and stunning Wai'po Valley (Valley of the Kings). Hawaii's history matches its incomparable landscape - it is a saga of mighty Polynesian kings, sugar barons, war and treachery.

The landscape of the Big Island ranges from black-sand beaches to tropical rain forest to the alpine terrain of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea. At 13,796 feet above sea level, the summit of Mauna Kea is the highest point in the entire Pacific basin.

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Points of Interest

  • Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
  • Tropical Botanical Gardens
  • Rainbow Falls
  • Waipi'o Valley
  • Maunakea
  • Akaka Falls
  • Black Sand Beaches
  • Outdoor Adventures

More about Hilo, Hawaii Points of Interest

  • Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

    See two of the world's most active volcanoes, dramatic lava landscapes and get insight into the birth of the Hawaiian Islands from 70 million years of volcanic activity.

  • Tropical Botanical Gardens

    The Big Island is home to numerous garden wonderlands. Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden is rich with fertile volcanic soil and protected from trade winds. Find more than 2,000 plant species in this unique garden situated in a 40-acre valley. Nani Mau Gardens, does not disappoint with 20 acres of tropical flora as well as picturesque waterfalls and walking paths. Panaewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens showcases animals from rainforest climates around the world in a lush garden setting.

  • Rainbow Falls

    The picturesque Rainbow Falls get its name for the rainbows that appear when the 80-foot cascade hits the water below and the mist creates a prism of color in the dazzling sunlight.

  • Waipi'o Valley

    This lush green valley is one of the Big Island's most beautiful areas. Once a meeting place of Hawaiian kings, legend claims an otherworld gate is here and a spiritual "mana" can be felt.

  • Maunakea

    Its summit rises to 14,000 feet and is the only place on the Hawaiian Islands that snows in the winter. View the stars from the Onizuka Center for International Astronomy located at 9,000 feet.

  • Akaka Falls

    Hike a half-mile loop on the walking path through lush tropical vegetation to a scenic vista overlooking the Akaka Falls cascading 442 feet down to the gorge below.

  • Black Sand Beaches

    Created when flowing lava touches ocean waters and explodes, the inevitable forces of nature caused by the island's volcanoes result in stunning beaches of black sand.

  • Outdoor Adventures

    Hiking, caving, snorkeling, and kayaking amidst waterfalls are just some of the incredible outdoor activities you can participate in on Hilo.

20 EXCURSIONS

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Hawaii Volcanoes National Park & Orchid Garden

4.5 hours | Hilo | I T O - 1 2 5
  • Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Take in nature's bounty on this half-day excursion. Explore spectacular Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, see the amazing Kilauea Volcano - home of Pele, the legendary Goddess of Fire, and visit the Akatsuka Orchid Garden.

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Moderate Activity

From

$69.95

Average Guest Rating

Easy Hilo: Explore Hilo Town Highlights

3.5 hours | Hilo | I T O - 1 2 0
  • Rainbow Falls
  • Black Sand Beaches

Short and sweet, this delightful half-day adventure includes a relaxed drive around Hilo with stops at its famed black-sand beach, dazzling Rainbow Falls, a local farmer's market, and shops that offer samples and tasty treats to bring home. On the way, you'll also take in sights such as Liliuokalani Garden, the King Kamehameha Statue, and historic downtown Hilo.

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Moderate Activity

From

$79.95

Average Guest Rating

Akaka Falls, Macadamia Nut Shop & Tropical Garden Zoo

4 hours | Hilo | I T O - 2 0 5
  • Tropical Botanical Gardens
  • Akaka Falls

Experience the Big Island's tropical splendors on a drive along the scenic coastline. Visit Akaka Falls, Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Farm and the Pana'ewa Rainforest Gardens & Zoo on this half-day excursion.

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Moderate Activity

From

$79.95

Average Guest Rating

Waterfalls Spectacular: Akaka Falls & Rainbow Falls

3.5 hours | Hilo | I T O - 4 8 0
  • Rainbow Falls
  • Akaka Falls

Discover the Big Island's rainforest waterfalls. Travel to Akaka Falls, a free-falling waterfall that plummets 442 feet into the rainforest. Explore views along the Wailuku River and see Rainbow Falls, surrounded by orchids and wild ginger.

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Moderate Activity, Includes snack

From

$99.95

Average Guest Rating

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park & Rainbow Falls

4.5 hours | Hilo | I T O - 1 6 0
  • Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
  • Rainbow Falls

Admire the natural splendor of the Big Island and two of its iconic eco-sites. Take in the dramatic views of Kilauea Caldera on a driving tour of a portion of the Crater Rim in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Then photograph dazzling Rainbow Falls, a dramatic cascade in a lush setting.

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Moderate Activity

From

$139.95

Average Guest Rating

Volcano Winery Tasting Experience

3 hours | Hilo | I T O - 3 1 0

Raise a glass and say cheers to a premium wine tasting at the Volcano Winery-the southernmost winery in the United States. Located 4,000 feet above sea level on the slopes of the Mauna Loa volcano, you'll sample wine straight from the vine accompanied by gourmet cheese and crackers.

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Moderate Activity, Includes snack

From

$139.95

Average Guest Rating

Jungle Falls Bike Adventure

6.5 hours | Hilo | I T O - 4 5 5
  • Tropical Botanical Gardens
  • Outdoor Adventures

Put the pedal to the petals with a bike ride around Botanical World Adventures. Your coach trip back to the pier includes a stop at Low Store, where you can purchase Hawaiian shaved ice, and Big Island Candies, famous for handmade macadamia nut shortbread cookies dipped in chocolate!

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Strenuous Activity, Includes snack

From

$139.95

Average Guest Rating

Hilo's Waterfalls & Gardens Experience

7 hours | Hilo | I T O - 1 1 5
  • Tropical Botanical Gardens
  • Rainbow Falls
  • Akaka Falls
  • Black Sand Beaches

Take in nature's bounty on this full-day excursion. Explore spectacular waterfalls; stroll the Nani Mau Gardens, home to a wide variety of tropical plants; and visit the only black sand beach in the Hilo region. Lunch is included.

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Moderate Activity, Includes meal

From

$149.95

Average Guest Rating

Hilo's Waterfalls & Gardens Experience

7 hours | Hilo | I T O - 1 1 6

Take in nature's bounty on this full-day excursion. Explore spectacular waterfalls; stroll the Pana'ewa Zoo and Gardens, home to a wide variety of tropical plants and animals; and visit the only black sand beach in the Hilo region. Lunch is included.

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Moderate Activity, Includes meal

From

$149.95

Average Guest Rating

Land of Frozen Fire

4 hours | Hilo | I T O - 2 1 5
  • Black Sand Beaches

Experience the land of frozen fire, firsthand, on this half-day excursion. Witness the vast destruction and creation of the Volcano Goddess, Pele, as you visit sites of past and recent eruptions. Step foot on new land at one the island's black sand beaches. Enjoy a short stop to shop for local products.

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Shopping Opportunities, Moderate Activity, Includes snack

From

$149.95

Average Guest Rating

Ultimate Hilo: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park & Tastes of Hawaii

6.5 hours | Hilo | I T O - 3 0 0
  • Rainbow Falls
  • Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Experience the Big Island on an outing that combines scenic beauty with tropical island treats. A specialty picnic lunch is included on this full-day excursion.

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Moderate Activity, Includes meal

From

$169.95

Average Guest Rating

Rainbow Falls, Orchids & Black Sand Beach

6.75 hours | Hilo | I T O - 3 2 0
  • Rainbow Falls
  • Black Sand Beaches

A full day of spectacular sights and attractions features the natural beauty and flavors of this vibrant island, including such highlights as Hilo's famous waterfall, a colorfol garden and exotic Punalu'u Black Sand Beach. A deli-style picnic lunch and souvenir shopping complete the day.

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Shopping Opportunities, Moderate Activity, Includes meal

From

$179.95

Average Guest Rating

Waterfalls & Highlights of the Hamakua Coast

7.5 hours | Hilo | I T O - 2 3 5
  • Rainbow Falls
  • Waipi'o Valley
  • Akaka Falls
  • Outdoor Adventures

The Hamakua Coast is studded with breathtaking waterfalls, stunning valleys, and eccentric towns reminiscent of "old Hawaii." Visit the Hawaiian Islands' most famous waterfalls and travel the Hamakua coastline before enjoying a deli-style picnic lunch followed by a swim or snorkel at historic Hilo Bay.

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Shopping Opportunities, Moderate Activity, Includes meal

From

$179.95

Average Guest Rating

Hilo Bay Kayak Adventure - Single Kayak

3 hours | Hilo | I T O - 7 6 5
  • Outdoor Adventures

Explore the natural beauty and history of old Hawaii on a guided kayak tour. Discover the glories of Hilo Bay from a unique perspective, fill your camera with breathtaking images, and enjoy fascinating ancient stories. You'll glide by Coconut Island and the sparling Wailuku waterfalls before stopping for a refreshing swim.

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Moderate Activity

From

$189.95

Average Guest Rating

Kilauea Lava Fields & Hilo Bay Snorkel

6.5 hours | Hilo | I T O - 5 0 5
  • Black Sand Beaches
  • Outdoor Adventures

Explore Hawaii's explosive side with a walk along the altered coastline of MacKenzie State Recreation Area, views of Hawaii's new black beach at Isaac Hale Beach Park and learn how Star of the Sea Painted Church was saved from lava flows. Plus lunch, swimming in Hilo Bay and shopping!

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Shopping Opportunities, Moderate Activity, Includes meal

From

$189.95

Average Guest Rating

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park & Waterfall Explorer

7 hours | Hilo | I T O - 1 5 0
  • Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
  • Rainbow Falls
  • Akaka Falls

The spectacular natural beauty of Hilo is on full display at both the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the island's famed waterfalls. Your small-group adventure is led by trained park rangers and features interpretive nature walks. A picnic-style lunch and a little shopping completes the day.

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Shopping Opportunities, Moderate Activity, Includes meal

From

$219.95

Average Guest Rating

Hilo Bay Kayak Adventure - Double Kayak

3 hours | Hilo | I T O - 7 7 0
  • Outdoor Adventures

Explore the natural beauty and history of old Hawaii on a guided kayak tour. Discover the glories of Hilo Bay from a unique perspective, fill your camera with breathtaking images, and enjoy fascinating ancient stories. You'll glide by Coconut Island and the sparling Wailuku waterfalls before stopping for a refreshing swim.

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Moderate Activity

From

$349.95

Average Guest Rating

Hilo by Private Car with Driver - Full Day

7 hours | Hilo | I T O - 9 0 0

Explore at your own pace with a private vehicle and driver at your service. A perfect solution for guests who wish to tour privately or who want the flexibility of designing their own itinerary. Private car maximum capacity is 3 guests.

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Easy Activity

From

$799.95

Average Guest Rating

Hilo by Private Van with Driver - Full Day

7 hours | Hilo | I T O - 9 1 0

Explore at your own pace with a private vehicle and driver at your service. A perfect solution for guests who wish to tour privately or who want the flexibility of designing their own itinerary. Private van maximum capacity is 6 guests.

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Easy Activity

From

$999.95

Average Guest Rating

Hilo by Private SUV with Driver - Full Day

7 hours | Hilo | I T O - 9 0 5

Explore at your own pace with a private vehicle and driver at your service. A perfect solution for guests who wish to tour privately or who want the flexibility of designing their own itinerary. Private SUV maximum capacity is 4 guests.

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Easy Activity

From

$1099.95

Average Guest Rating