Hilo tour with sea turtles, waterfalls & black sand beach

Green sea turtles share a protected lagoon with swimmers on this Hilo tour.

A four-hour guided tour of Hilo visits Akaka Falls and Rainbow Falls in the rainforest, the Hilo Farmers Market, a black-sand beach at Richardson Ocean Park, and ends with snorkeling in a coastal lagoon where Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu) live. The tour includes parking fees and a live guide in English or Spanish. Children are welcome from age five. Akaka Falls and Rainbow Falls entry fees are paid on site.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Akaka Falls45m
2. Rainbow Falls30m
3. Hilo Farmers Market1h
4. Richardson Ocean Park30m

Explore Hilo's Nature and Culture

• Walk through tropical rainforest at Akaka Falls
• Enjoy scenic views at Rainbow Falls
• Browse local produce at Hilo Farmers Market
• See black sand at Richardson Ocean Park
• Swim with green sea turtles in lagoon

The experience

What makes this tour different is where it ends: instead of turning back after the waterfalls, you descend to a peaceful coastal lagoon at Richardson Ocean Park where you can snorkel alongside green sea turtles in their own habitat. The day starts in the rainforest at Akaka Falls, a 442-foot waterfall that drops into a misty gorge, then moves to Rainbow Falls for its own scenic vantage. Between the two, you browse the Hilo Farmers Market to taste local produce and island treats, then walk across a black-sand beach formed by volcanic rock before the water entry begins.

The snorkeling portion happens in calm, clear water inside a protected lagoon, not open ocean, which is why the turtles stay there and why the water stays manageable for swimmers of varying comfort levels. You bring your own snorkel and towel. The guide handles the route and timing. The tour runs four hours total and includes parking. A live guide leads in English or Spanish, and children from age five can join, though infants must sit on an adult's lap during any seated portions.

Entry to Akaka Falls and Rainbow Falls is paid separately at each site, not bundled into the tour price. Public transportation options exist nearby if you don't have a rental car. The tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries.

What’s included

• Parking fees.
• a live guide in English or Spanish.
• entry to the Hilo Farmers Market, Richardson Ocean Park's black-sand beach and the coastal lagoon for snorkeling with sea turtles.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDeparts at 08:45

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (5 to 17 years) · Under 5: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 7

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 5 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.

Paid on siteUS$ 10

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by The Pele Express

Is this one for you?The tour moves at a steady pace with rainforest walking, market browsing, and water time all in one four-hour loop, so it suits travelers who want variety and don't mind moving between stops. If you're planning to snorkel, bring your own gear and a towel. The lagoon is calm and protected, which is why the turtles stay there.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 17 years). Under 5: they can't be included in the booking.

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.

What's the 442-foot waterfall at Akaka Falls actually like when you get there?

Akaka Falls plunges into a misty gorge at the end of a rainforest walk, and the mist and spray create the conditions for rainbows on clear days. The waterfall is one of Hawaii Island's most photographed natural features, and the surrounding rainforest and towering bamboo make the hike itself part of the draw.

Do I need my own snorkel gear, or is it provided?

Bring your own snorkel and towel. The tour ends with snorkeling in the protected coastal lagoon at Richardson Ocean Park, so you'll want gear you're comfortable with.

How likely am I to see the green sea turtles?

The tour visits a peaceful coastal lagoon where Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu) live, and the description notes you can meet them "if you're lucky". They are residents of the lagoon, but sightings depend on the day and the turtles' own movements.

Is the Hilo Farmers Market stop long enough to actually buy something?

The itinerary includes time to browse local produce, snacks, crafts and island treats at the market, which is described as the lively heart of Hilo. The stop is built into the four-hour tour, so it's part of the planned day, not a rushed detour.