Private Hilo Shore Excursion to Volcano Waterfall and Black Sand

9 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 9 traveler reviews collected by Cool Hawaii and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers | Big Island of Hawaii, USA

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On average, this is booked 106 (90) days in advance.

6 to 7 hours (approx.)
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Instant confirmation
Offered in: English
and 2 more
Spanish, Polish

Overview

Experience a unique shore excursion departing from Hilo Port, where we take you to the renowned Punalu'u Black Sand Beach, setting us apart from other cruise tours on the island. Enjoy a leisurely 1 hour and 30-minute scenic drive to this iconic destination, where you'll marvel at the striking contrast of the black sand against the azure waters of the Pacific Ocean.

Our journey continues into Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where the majestic peaks of Kilauea Volcano await exploration. Then, immerse yourself in the beauty of Rainbow Falls, a picturesque cascade straight out of a tropical paradise. Each destination promises unforgettable experiences and breathtaking vistas.

As the day winds down, we'll return you to Hilo Port, leaving you with memories of a day filled with exploration, wonder, and the natural beauty of the Big Island. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure that will make your cruise experience truly special.

What's Included

  • Snacks
  • Bottled water
  • Port of Hilo/ Hotels pick up
  • Lunch Meal is not provided but we have snacks and drinks provided throughout the tour
  • Gratuities
  • Entrance fees
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Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point

Kuhio Street
Hilo, HI 96720, USA

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Pickup details

Leave the Port of Hilo gate and we will have our shuttle bus come pick you up.

OR
Meeting point

Kuhio Street
Hilo, HI 96720, USA

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your activity begins.
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Banyan Drive (Pass By)

Banyan Drive is a scenic, historic stretch in Hilo lined with giant banyan trees planted by famous figures such as Amelia Earhart, Babe Ruth, and Franklin Roosevelt. Often called Hilo’s “Walk of Fame,” the drive offers a leafy tunnel of shade and history—its iconic trees having survived the tsunamis that once reshaped the town.
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Liliʻuokalani Gardens (Pass By)

Established in 1917 by Queen Liliʻuokalani, this expansive park stands as the largest Authentic Japanese garden of its kind beyond Japan's shores. Dotted throughout the serene landscape are stone lanterns, gazebos, and torii gates, serving as poignant tributes to the Japanese immigrants who made Hawaii their home.
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Big Island Candies

Big Island Candies is a beloved Hilo-based shop known for its buttery shortbread cookies, chocolate-dipped treats, and playful local flavors. Visitors can browse through beautifully packaged confections while sampling fresh-brewed Kona coffee, seasonal candies, and signature shortbread. The store has the feel of a small factory boutique—warm, aromatic, and filled with gifts that travel well—making it an easy stop for both locals and travelers stocking up on sweets.
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Punalu'u Black Sand Beach

Our journey now takes us to the renowned Punalu'u Black Sand Beach, where numerous Honu (Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles) reside. Here, we have a great opportunity to witness these majestic creatures basking in the warm sun.
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25 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Ka'u Coffee Mill

Have a taste of the underrated “south of Kona” brew known as Kaʻū Coffee—grown in the volcanic soils just outside Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Rich, smooth, and award-winning, it’s a great way to sample a different side of Hawaiʻi’s coffee culture. This stop is doable if we head toward Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach.
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Next, we journey to the summit of Kīlauea within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, a world-renowned volcanic site tied to the Hawaiian goddess Pele. The park is home to Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, two of the world’s most active volcanoes, offering dramatic volcanic scenery and insight into how the islands formed. We’ll stop at the visitor center, view the collapsed caldera, explore steam vents and sulfur banks, and enjoy scenic overlooks. Lava activity is unpredictable—there is no guarantee of glowing lava, and there is no ocean entry, as the last one occurred in 2018. For those prone to being cold, please bring comfortable shoes and a jacket; summit temperatures can be 20+ degrees cooler than the coast. A visit to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is an unforgettable highlight. (Entrance fees not included; national park passes are valid for use on commercial tours for your immediate party.)
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2 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor Center

The Mauna Loa Macadamia Visitor Center is a fun stop for anyone who wants to taste Hawaiʻi’s famous mac nuts right where they’re grown and roasted. Surrounded by lush orchards, the center offers samples of classic and flavored macadamias, chocolate-covered treats, and other island snacks. Visitors can glimpse parts of the processing operation, browse gifts, and enjoy a casual atmosphere that mixes learning with plenty of tasting—plus lots of chances to stock up before heading home (time allowing and if this is a preference).
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Rainbow Falls

As for one of our last stops we take photos at this iconic waterfall, for iconic postcard worthy photos
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Nahuku - Thurston Lava Tube

We'll embark on a walk through a lava tube, where your guide will provide insights into its formation by lava. This loop, approximately 600 meters or .4-mile trail, features low lighting, with gradual stairs leading into and out of the tube. While this portion of the tour may not be suitable for all passengers due to physical fitness, alternative options include remaining in the vehicle or exploring the natural scenery outside. Additionally, you'll have the choice to bring headlamps along for enhanced visibility within the dimly lit lava tube, allowing you to appreciate intricate cave details and observe the formation of tiny stalactites.
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20 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Akaka Falls State Park

ʻAkaka Falls is a showstopper—plunging more than 400 feet through a lush rainforest gorge alive with birdsong, greenery, and mist. The paved loop trail takes most visitors about 20–30 minutes and winds past smaller waterfalls and scenic overlooks before revealing the grand view of ʻAkaka itself. It’s a vibrant, postcard-perfect stop for nature lovers and photographers alike (admission not included).This stop can also be selected as an alternative to Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach and the Kau Coffee plantation as these are opposite directions from one another. Please note that the order of stops may vary and will be determined by our expert guides to provide the best overall experience. As this is a private tour, we can also tailor the day to your preferences (within reason) and within the time allotted.
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30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Travel time is already included to the total duration set
  • What to Bring: Walking shoes, a Hat, a light sweater or a Rain Jacket just in case

Frequently Asked Questions

(7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Private Hilo Shore Excursion to Volcano Waterfall and Black Sand?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the activity for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the activity start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the activity start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the activity local time (HST). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the activity for a full refund.

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Activity code: C-438061P3

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.00
9 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 9 traveler reviews collected by Cool Hawaii and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
9
4 stars
0
3 stars
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2 stars
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1 star
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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 106 (90) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • Snacks
  • Bottled water
  • Port of Hilo/ Hotels pick up
  • LunchMeal is not provided but we have snacks and drinks provided throughout the tour
  • Gratuities
  • Entrance fees

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Travel time is already included to the total duration set
  • What to Bring: Walking shoes, a Hat, a light sweater or a Rain Jacket just in case

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Free Cancellation

100% refund
No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the activity for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the activity start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the activity start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the activity local time (HST).
  • This activity requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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Cool Rewards Terms & Conditions

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Cool Rewards

  • Cool Rewards is a loyalty program operated by Cool Destinations. Rewards may be earned by any eligible person holding a Cool Destinations account, subject to the Cool Destinations customer Terms of Use.

Earning rewards

  • Rewards can be earned by making bookings on the Cool Destinations website. You will be able to see the value of the rewards you can earn during the booking process.
  • Earned rewards will be issued in a pending state and will move to a confirmed state 24 hours after the start time of the experience.
  • Earned rewards will be available to redeem once they are no longer in a pending state.
  • For bookings that are moved to a different travel date, the rewards will be redeemable after the amended travel date.
  • If a booking where rewards were issued is canceled, the earned rewards will not be redeemable and will be moved to a canceled state.

Redeeming rewards

  • To redeem rewards, you must be logged into your Cool Destinations account.
  • Any available rewards will be automatically applied the next time you make a booking, and their value will be deducted from your order at checkout, unless you choose not to apply them, which requires you to indicate this via the toggle switch. Bookings made using rewards are subject to the standard Cool Destinations Customer Terms of Use.
  • You will not be able to redeem only a portion of your available rewards at checkout. It is only possible to redeem all or none of your available rewards.
  • There is no minimum order value required to redeem your rewards. This means that you can pay for 100% of your order with rewards.
  • Rewards are non-transferable and cannot be redeemed for cash.
  • If rewards are redeemed against a booking that is canceled or refunded, the rewards will be reissued to your account.

Miscellaneous

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  • By earning and redeeming rewards, you agree to these Terms and Conditions, as well as any subsequent changes made to them.