Big Island: Volcanoes, Waterfalls & Hilo Day Tour with Local Guide

Summary

Hilo’s wild volcano steam, black sand beaches, and market flavors in one day

You’ll feel volcanic heat beneath your feet at Kilauea Crater, taste fresh poke at Hilo Farmers Market, watch rainbows shimmer over Rainbow Falls, and spot sea turtles on black sand beaches—all with a local Hawaiian guide who brings every stop to life.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit — we almost missed the van because I thought I’d have time for a second coffee. But our guide (Kaleo, who grew up just outside Hilo) just grinned and waved us over anyway, no rush. The air that morning was thick with that wet-earth smell you get after rain, and honestly my hair never stood a chance. We set off towards Hawaii Volcanoes Park, windows fogging up as Kaleo started telling stories about Pele and how the land here is always changing. He pointed out these steam vents along the road — you could actually feel the warmth if you leaned close enough. It’s not like anything I’ve seen before; the ground sort of breathes.

We spent ages at Kilauea overlook. There’s this hush when you look into the crater — even with tourists around, it’s weirdly quiet except for wind and birds. The sulfur in the air made my nose tingle (not my favorite part), but it felt real, like you’re standing somewhere alive. Later at Rainbow Falls, sunlight hit the spray just right and yeah, there was an actual rainbow arching through the mist. A couple of local kids were climbing this massive banyan tree nearby — one of them yelled down to try swinging from a root but I chickened out. Maybe next time.

Lunch was at Hilo Farmers Market — so many colors and smells it made my head spin a bit. Fresh poke bowls, fruit I couldn’t pronounce (Li laughed when I tried to say “rambutan” in Hawaiian), macadamia cookies still warm from the oven. We wandered past stalls where aunties sold leis and little jars of lilikoi jam. After that we stopped by a candy factory; watching workers dip cookies in chocolate behind glass made me hungrier than I expected. Free coffee samples helped though.

The last stop was Richardson Ocean Park — black sand underfoot, sea turtles drifting in tide pools like they owned the place. Some locals were surfing while others just sat under coconut trees doing nothing much at all. I tried to take it all in before heading back to Hilo: salt on my skin, wind in my ears, that feeling you get when you know you’ll remember this day even if your shoes are full of sand.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Volcano, Hilo Market, Waterfalls, and Beaches

• Visit Volcano House and Visitor Center
• See Kilauea overlook and steam vents
• Explore Kilauea Iki and Laumanu Craters
• Walk through Nahuku lava tube
• Lunch at Hilo Farmers Market area
• Visit Rainbow Falls and Banyan Tree
• Explore 24-acre Botanical Garden
• Sample treats at local candy factory
• Relax at Richardson Black Sand Beach

Top questions

How long is this Big Island volcanoes & waterfalls tour?

The tour lasts a full day with multiple stops around Hilo including volcanoes, waterfalls, beaches, and markets.

Is hotel pickup included for this Hilo highlights day trip?

Yes, pickup is available from hotels in Hilo as well as Port of Hilo and Hilo Airport.

Are meals or snacks provided during the tour?

No set meal is included but there’s an hour for lunch at Hilo Farmers Market where you can buy local food.

Will we see sea turtles on this Big Island day trip?

You may spot Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu) relaxing in tide pools at Richardson Ocean Park.

Is this tour suitable for small children or infants?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are allowed and specialized infant seats are available.

Does the tour include entry fees for Hawaii Volcanoes Park?

Yes, National Park fees are covered as part of your booking.

Are service animals allowed on this Big Island tour?

Yes, service animals are permitted during the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel or port pickup in Hilo (or from the airport), bottled water throughout the journey, all National Park entry fees covered up front, umbrellas if it rains (which it probably will), plus a native Hawaiian guide leading every step—so you don’t have to think about logistics or driving at all.