Hilo Shore Excursion: Akaka Falls, Volcano & Black Sand Beach

A 442-foot waterfall, a volcanic crater and a rainforest drive in one morning.

This guided shore excursion from Hilo combines three distinct landscapes: ʻAkaka Falls State Park with its 442-foot cascade, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park with self-guided stops at Kīlauea Crater and the Thurston Lava Tube, and historic Hilo town including the Onomea Bay scenic drive and Queen Liliuokalani Gardens. A local guide leads the tour, lunch is provided, and hotel pickup is included. The full itinerary takes 7 to 8 hours.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Hilo and Volcanoes National Park

• Visit ʻAkaka Falls State Park
• Drive through Chain of Craters Road
• Stop at Kīlauea Visitor Center
• View Halemaʻumaʻu Crater
• See Haʻakulamanu Sulphur Banks
• Visit Kīlauea Iki Overlook
• Walk Thurston Lava Tube
• Drive through Historic Hilo town
• Stop at Onomea Bay Scenic Drive
• Visit Reed’s Bay and Banyan Tree Drive
• See Richardson Ocean Park
• Visit Queen Liliuokalani Gardens
• View Rainbow Falls and King Kamehameha Statue
• Drive along Onomea Bay coastal route

The experience

The tour starts with ʻAkaka Falls, a 442-foot waterfall set inside a dense rainforest just north of Hilo. The walk to the falls follows a paved loop through the state park, passing native plants and smaller cascades before reaching the main drop. From there, the route moves to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where you drive Chain of Craters Road and Crater Rim Drive with stops at the Kīlauea Visitor Center, Halemaʻumaʻu Crater at the Uēkahuna Lookout, the steaming Haʻakulamanu Sulphur Banks, Kīlauea Iki Overlook, and the Thurston Lava Tube: a 500-year-old tunnel carved through lava forest.

The Hilo Discovery portion includes a scenic drive through historic Hilo town and the lush 4-mile Onomea Bay coastal route, with stops at Reed's Bay, the Banyan Tree Drive, Richardson Ocean Park, Queen Liliuokalani Gardens, Rainbow Falls, and the King Kamehameha Statue. A local style bento lunch is provided (vegetarian options available on request). Your guide is a local English speaker who shares the stories and cultural significance of the places you visit, not just the geology and geography.

Hotel pickup is included, and the tour is wheelchair accessible throughout. The itinerary mixes guided stops with self-guided exploration at the national park, so you set your own pace at each crater overlook and lava formation. Alcohol is not permitted on the van during the tour.

What’s included

• Local English-speaking guide.
• hotel pickup.
• local style bento lunch with vegetarian option available.
• entry to ʻAkaka Falls State Park and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
• scenic drives along the Hamakua Coast and through historic Hilo town.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to6h before

AgesAdult (15 and older) · Child (under 15)

GroupUp to 14

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 10 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Aloha Aina Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you're staying near Hilo or arriving by cruise and want to see waterfalls, volcanic landscape, and coastal views in one morning with a group following a fixed route.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 15).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How tall is ʻAkaka Falls?

ʻAkaka Falls drops 442 feet (135 meters) into a lush gorge within the state park rainforest north of Hilo.

What do I see at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on this tour?

You visit the Kīlauea Visitor Center, Halemaʻumaʻu Crater at the Uēkahuna Lookout, the steaming Sulphur Banks, Kīlauea Illi Overlook, and walk through the Thurston Lava Tube, a 500-year-old tunnel carved through lava forest. These are self-guided stops, so you explore at your own pace.

Is lunch included?

Yes, a local style bento lunch is included. Vegetarian options are available if you request one when booking.

What is the Onomea Bay scenic drive?

Onomea Bay is a lush 4-mile coastal route along the Hamakua Coast with ocean views and rainforest on both sides. It is part of the Hilo Discovery portion of the tour and includes stops at Reed's Bay, the Banyan Tree Drive, Richardson Ocean Park, and Queen Liliuokalani Gardens.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?

Yes, hotel pickup from your Hilo accommodation is included in the tour price.