Location: Hilo
Top Things to do in Hilo
Countries
Things to do in Hilo, Hawaii (HI): The Best Sightseeing Tours
The landscape of Hilo, on the Big Island of Hawaii, is diverse. Beaches of black, gray, brown and white sand give way to mountains and dramatic waterfalls. Hilo's Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo is the only U.S. zoo in a tropical rainforest. A day trip away are snow-capped Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, with observatories near 11,000 feet on both mountains, and Kilauea Caldera, an active volcano. Back in town are a farmer's market, restaurants, shopping and banyan trees planted by celebrities and politicians.
Restaurants in Hilo
1. Private Tour: Hawaii Island Adventure
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 12 reviews
Experience the best of the Big Island's natural beauty on a full-day private tour with an experienced guide. Explore Hawaii's active Kilauea volcano, lush tropical valleys, mystical waterfalls, and scenic coastlines. Enjoy the flexibility to spend more time in locations that interest you most with the option to customize this island adventure.
Inclusions: Bottled water, Snacks, Hilo area hotel pick-up (we will contact you directly if we need to arrange a meeting location), Hilo airport pickup and drop-off, Professional Guide, Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation
Exclusions: Gratuities, Food (stops will be offered)
Reviewed By patleach17
This was one of our best tours. The vehicle was more than adequate - everyone was comfortable.Jill was very informative and took us to many local businesses we wouldn't have gone to on our own. Really enjoyed the Donkey Balls candy shop! Also, Coffee Plantation was a wonderful - yummy coffee, and this was the Beautiful side of the Big Island. Will come back!
2. Private Shore Excursion Tour - Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Discover Volcanoes National Park on this private and personal tour. Allowing you to see what you want and do what fits your interests, this tour does not have mixed groups. Come across amazing sights inside the park that the tour buses do not visit. Choose from a variety of optional stops on the way back to Hilo.
Inclusions: National Park fees, Water, Hilo / Pahoa area Hotel pickup and drop-off, Hilo Airport and cruise port pickup and drop-off, Transport by private vehicle
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities, Hiking to see active lava
Reviewed By D9605PHrandyc
Scott was the most informed tour guide. He answered all of our questions, and showed us things that we would have never seen or knkwn.
3. Private VAN Tour Hilo
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
This exclusive tour is designed to allow you the chance to customize your time and discover the most interesting sights in the comfort and privacy of your own vehicle. With your private van, and the personalized attention of your driver-guide, you will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary according to your own interests, and take in the sights at your own pace. See the famous sights, or go beyond to create your own intimate connections and unique cultural encounters. Private Touring is recommended for the single/solo traveler, couples, family, friends, and special interest groups traveling together. It can also be an excellent choice for guests with mobility limitations.
Inclusions: National Park fees, Beverages, Snacks, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Private tour
Exclusions: Activities not included in private tour, entrance fees to private locations, zipline, helicopter and meals.
Reviewed By Chris H
Our guide Rich had an excellent background in Astronomy, and was able to show us many wonders of the night sky. At nearly 7000 feet, we had an amazing view of the heavens, and cannot recall when I saw so many stars!! The tour had 9 participants, so this limited the time that you could spend looking through the single telescope that was available. There were no places to sit during the stargazing, so everyone had to stand for 1 1/2 hours. Camp chairs would be a nice addition to this tour. Other points to improve was that the tour description talked about a stop at a plantation for a incredible dinner, which in reality was limited to a rest stop by the road (due to COVID) and consisted of a basic sandwich, chips and water. Also, pick up of all tour participants took almost 1 1/2 hour along the Kona coast, before the actual tour started.
4. From Hilo 5 Hour Custom Private Tour where you can see and do what you want
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
This is a custom, private tour starting on the east side of the Big Island of Hawaii. Some of the suggested sights include: Rainbow Falls, drive thru a rainforest, Akaka Falls, lava tube exploration (flashlights provided), black sand beach and Coconut Island. Time permitting, we could even drive to Pahoa to see the 2014 lava flow. Being a private tour means there is no set itinerary. It is my goal to send you home with a sense of wonder after visiting this gorgeous island.
Inclusions: Bottled water, Local guide, Hilo Hotel pickup and drop-off, Hilo Port pickup and drop-off, Transport by private vehicle
Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities
Reviewed By D9605PHrandyc
Scott was the most informed tour guide. He answered all of our questions, and showed us things that we would have never seen or knkwn.
5. Kona Shore Excursion: Wild Dolphin - Reefs -Sea Caves -Kealakekua Bay Snorkel
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 18 reviews
SMALL GROUP minimum 6 passengers Max 16 Depart from the Kailua Kona Pier at 9 am for your 3 to 3.5 hour sailing adventure on your Zodiac vessel that holds up to 16 passengers. **While most of the time we depart at 9:00 am, there are some dates we must adjust departure time in order to accommodate cruise ship guest according to their ship itinerary *** Swim the Hawaii's wild spinner dolphins! Cruise into the famous Captain Cook Monument while on the look-out for Wild Spinner Dolphins, Hawaiian Sea Turtles, and exotic fish. Spend approximately one hour at Kealakekua Bay enjoying the reef and sea caves. Your lunch is also included consisting of a deli wrap, fresh fruit, chips, granola bars, juice, and water. All snorkel gear and flotation devices are included.
Inclusions: Snorkel gear equipment, Lunch wraps, snacks & refreshments, Flotation devices, Professional local captain and crew, Port pickup from Kailua Kona Pier, Worry-Free Shore Excursion Guarantee
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By GreenThumb331
Kona is the second stop in Hilo on our cruise. We booked a whole day tour with C Big. We started seeing green turtles at the Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park. Our next stop at the famous Royal Kona Coffee Center was very informative. Aside from free sampling of the many types of coffee, a guided tour was available. We learned how the coffee bean was carefully handpicked in this farm. The stages how the coffee bean goes from the tree to your coffee cup was also explained. Since this visit, the knowledge i gained gave me a better appreciation when I take my coffee. After a lunch stop, we visited the painted church. The tour’s last activity was a drop off at the Kahaluu beach for some snorkeling. I had about 45 minutes to see the fish very near the shore before we were picked up and brought back to the ship. We did most of the activities that Kona had to offer in one day.
6. Hawai'i's Volcanoes National Park from Hilo Only
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
Get the most of your time in Hilo by having a local driver get you to the most popular attractions on Hawai'i Island. Get all your questions answered and have a new friend by the end of the day. This tour may be customized if communicated before hand. Duration time is considered as the importance when customizing.
Inclusions: Bottled water
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By justinsZ8465GX
This was our first time to Hilo, we got off the cruise ship and didn’t know what we were going to do. We ended up taking the free shuttle to rainbow falls and followed up with their tour to one of the 2018 fissure sites, macadamia nut tour, and black sand beach. We have been to many different destinations and been on many tours and Dan provided some of the best service and information. They went above and beyond to ensure everyone had a great time and was comfortable. We definitely recommend them to anyone visiting Hilo.
7. Private Kona Coast to Hilo & Volcanoes National Park Mercedes Sprinter Van
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
The price listed is for the entire vehicle, the entire day and customized to you. All 11 seats in our new Mercedes Sprinter are yours and you explore at your pace, a great value if you have 5 or more in your group. The tour starts coastal town of Hilo, the Big Island's famous Waterfall Rainbow falls, and legendary Volcanoes National Park on this unique private adventure from the Kona Coast. Ride in a Mercedes Benz 11-passenger Sprinter van across the island between its two largest volcanoes, going from sea level to over six thousand feet and from dry sandy coasts to lush rain forest and moonlike volcanic territory. See simmering calderas and walk through a lava tube. This private tour. led by a professional guide photographer, is flexible to allow you to see all your top wish-list sites on the Big Island. This Tour is Private you have all 11 Seats in the Mercedes Sprinter van with DVD Media player, so you can see what you want to see when you want to see it.
Inclusions: Hotel/port pickup and drop-off, Professional guide, Bottled water, Chips, Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, Photography of the days Tour on our cloud Free of Charge
Exclusions: Volcanoes National Park entrance fee $15 Per Person, Gratuities
Reviewed By Angus2002
We had a great day touring the Big Island with Rob. He worked with us prior to our visit to customize our time together and maximize our day. We were picked up at our resort in Waikoloa and took the southern route around the island making stops along the way to end up at Volcanoes National Park. After a fabulous day, Rob and Jodi got us safely back to our resort while we relaxed and watched some great videos in the van. We appreciated Rob’s knowledge of the island and the places we visited. His van was very comfortable and we enjoyed snacks and beverages brought along. We will definitely tour with Rob again on our next visit to the Big Island.
8. Kilauea Eruption Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
This tour will take you to private property that is now mostly covered in lava from the Kilauea eruption of 2018. Your guide lived thru the even from start to finish and will share with you some amazing stories.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By dingymon
Our family of 4 kids, 10 years to 20 years old, had a fantastic private tour. Our youngest loves geology and our second oldest is passionate about chemistry & biology. This experience gives them first hand interactions which will continue to fuel their interests. One of the best parts was visiting Scott's lava lot. Where else can you witness what Mother Nature did just 2 years ago!? Any questions then feel free to email me! [email protected] +1 513 594 8223
9. Deluxe Daytime Volcano Guided Charter (Cruise Ship or Hilo Hotel)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
This is a fully guided small group charter tour or hike to see the highlights of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and various sights via Mercedes Benz Luxury Van with a local guide. Since it's a charter, you choose from the menu of highlights you'd like to see and we do out best to maximize your time. Because the Volcano is the most popular destination, we typically try to see Rainbow Falls, Downtown Hilo, Big Island Candies, and then head up to the volcano to spend the bulk of the time in the Park. If you are interested in hiking, we can arrange the best hike in the crater area for your level, or just move from crater to crater by vehicle. If you are coming off the Pride of America or any cruise that arrives in Hilo, we can arrange in advance for meals. Variations include going as far as the Punaluu Black Sand Beach, wine tasting at the Volcano winery, or even heading all the way to South Point and tasting famous Ka'u Coffee, Macadamia Nuts and Honey.
Inclusions: Entertaining and informative local guide, Bottled water, Binoculars, Walking Sticks, Jackets, Rain Gear, Snacks, Water
Exclusions:
Reviewed By GlobalTrekkerTbird
I started off the New Year in 2020 with a couple great hikes in Hawaii! I joined a tour with Mike Nelson of Hawaii Adventures Now! I am happy to say that my decision to tag along with Mike was definitely one of the best decisions for the entire year! Mike Nelson is an outstanding guide and an expert on the Big Island. He made our 9 mile trek an extraordinary experience. The day was full of local history, plant and fruit identification, mythical stories of the ancient Hawaiian Gods and Goddesses and a history lesson regarding the Kings and Queens of the Ancient Kingdom. As a bonus, he told us the entire story of how Captain Cook was killed on the shores of the Big Island more than a century ago. He took us to two volcanoes. Both of which are still active but taking a respite. In addition to it all, he took us to amazing restaurants with the freshest fish available and good solid local food and drink. Not only did we have a great outdoor experience, at the end of the tour, I felt like I could fake being a local with all the knowledge he gave us. Five Stars! Thank you so much Mike!! P.S. Mike is also a talented polyglot. Don’t forget to ask Mike to teach you some local Hawaiian pidgin and Japanese if you wish! ハワイ・アドベンチャー・ナウのマイク・ネルソンのツアーに参加しましたことによって私の2020年の新年はハワイで最高なハイキングで始まりました。これは間違いなく今年の最高な経験の一つです。マイクは優れたガイドで、ハワイ島の専門家です。彼は2つの火山(現在は休火山らしい)にも連れて行ってくれ、14.5 kmのトレッキングを忘れられない体験にしてくれました。ツアー中もローカルの歴史、植物や果物の識別、古代ハワイの神と女神の物語や古代王国の王と女王に関する歴史などいっぱい教えてもらい、おまけに、1世紀以上前にハワイ島の海岸で起こったクック船長の殺害についても詳しく語ってくれました。レストランも、新鮮な魚やローカルの食べ物と飲み物がある素敵な場所に連れて行ってもらい、この日は最高なアウトドア体験ができ、ツアーの最後にはマイクが教えてくれ情報で、ローカル人に成りきれる感じがしました。Five Stars! マイク、ありがとう！！ 追加情報：マイクは才能あるマルチリンガルです。マイクに地元ハワイのピジン語と日本語を教えてもらってください。
10. Hāmākua Historical Hawai‘i Afternoon Cruise
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
In the winter months we will take you on a search for Hawaii's gentle giants, the Humpback Whales, as they make their yearly migration through the islands. During the summer months we will take you on a tour of our stunning tropical Hamakua Coast complete with waterfalls, sheer sea cliffs, and more!
Inclusions: Refreshments
Exclusions: Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop-off
Reviewed By Jessica B
We were so excited to find a Stand Up Paddle Board rental walking distance from the water (Reeds Bay). The rental was a reasonable price ($45 for 3 hrs). The transaction went off without a hitch. When we picked up our boards we noticed that the boards did not have fins. I asked the employee about the missing fin and she assured us it was okay and all we had to do was shift our weight on the board. I believed her. Needless to say, she was wrong! The fin is super important to stay straight in still water. I have my own smaller board and felt that if she said it was ok (this is a much bigger board than what I own) I would follow her advice. We had just SUP’d to Cook Monument 2 days before, so we know how to paddle! Today we were spinning with every stroke having to continually correct our course. It was beyond frustrating! We never made it to the mouth of the bay, we turned back and immediately called the store telling them about our frustrations. They initially wanted us to come back and pick up the fins. After we had already lugged our boards 2 blocks to the water?!?! Really?!?! So we asked for a refund. They changed their tone and said they could bring us the fins. By that point we were too frustrated to continue. It ruined our day! To top it all off, they would not give us a refund, saying that we were offered a remedy. It was too late! Do NOT rent paddle boards from this place! Unless you like being frustrated, use poorly maintained SUP boards, and spending most of your time correcting your course!!!
TAGS
