Rainbow Falls, a short drive from downtown Hilo, anchors most first visits, and the tours here treat it as one stop on a longer loop to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Six outings share 4,343 reviews, averaging 4.8, so check what park entry covers.
Related: Hilo, Hawaii Travel Guide: Best Tours, Sights and How to Plan Your Trip
Top-Rated Hilo Hawaii Tours & Experiences
The Ultimate Hilo Day Tour Guided By Native Hawaiians
A day tour led by Native Hawaiian guides, which adds cultural context and place names to the sightseeing. Check the stops, group size and whether lunch and park entry are included.
Hilo Zipline Over KoleKole Falls
Ziplines in a gulch near Kolekole Falls, aimed at active travelers. Check weight and age limits, wear closed shoes and expect wet ground, since Hilo’s frequent rain can make the forest slick.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Big Island Highlights Small Group Tour
A small-group day covering the national park and other Big Island highlights. Small groups tend to allow more flexible stops; confirm the park time, hiking length and what is included.
Hilo Shore Excursion Exclusive Volcanoes National Park and Rainbow Falls
Built around cruise passengers, with timing tied to the ship’s schedule. Confirm the return time to the pier and whether park entry is covered; the tour pairs the volcano with Rainbow Falls.
Ultimate Hilo Adventure
The title is broad, so read the itinerary for stops and duration. It is likely a sampler of Hilo-area sights; compare it with the other tours on length and group size.
Prices and availability can change quickly during peak travel season, so it’s worth reserving your spot in Hilo Hawaii early — especially for the more popular options above.
Browse more Hilo Hawaii tours on Viator →
Best Time to Book Hilo Tours
Hilo is wet in every season, with winter usually the rainiest, so a rain jacket belongs in your daypack. Mornings are often clearer, which makes waterfalls and gardens a better early stop.
At the park’s higher elevation it is cooler, and fog is common.
Hilo’s place on the island
Hilo is the windward town on the Big Island’s east coast, lush and relaxed, with Liliuokalani Gardens, Coconut Island and a farmers market that peaks on weekends. Akaka Falls and the Tropical Botanical Garden lie north, while the volcano is roughly 45 minutes south.
Kilauea’s activity changes, and trails or viewpoints can close, so check the National Park Service for current conditions.
A tight price band
Prices bunch together, with a median of $165 and the cheapest listing, Hilo Cruise Ship Excursion, at $154. Shore excursions dominate, so they are priced to include transport and timing for ships.
Hilo Shore Excursion is the most reviewed outing with 3,035 reviews at 4.8.
Best Area to Base Yourself in Hilo
Downtown Hilo and the Banyan Drive hotels sit near the bay and the farmers market. Volcano Village offers lodging closer to the park, which saves a drive at dawn.
A rainy-day plan
If showers set in, the Pacific Tsunami Museum downtown and the farmers market stalls offer dry stops, and waterfalls often look their best after rain. Keep your afternoon flexible, because cloud can lift quickly, and ask the operator how weather changes the route.
Before You Book in Hilo
Bring layers, since the park can be 10 to 15 degrees cooler than the coast. Pack water, snacks and closed shoes, and charge your camera.
If you arrive by cruise ship, confirm the all-aboard time and leave a cushion of at least an hour.
Which Hilo Tour Fits You
Driving yourself costs less and lets you linger, but park lines and parking can slow the day. Guided tours handle the driving, which is worth it after a flight or a long cruise day.
Quick Questions About Visiting Hilo
How much do Hilo tours cost?
The 6 priced tours run from $154 to $189, with a median of $165. Shore excursions cluster in the middle of that range.
Which Hilo tour has the most reviews?
Hilo Shore Excursion leads with 3,035 reviews at 4.8. Across all tours, 4,343 reviews back the list.
How far is Hawaii Volcanoes National Park from Hilo?
Roughly 30 miles, usually 45 minutes to an hour by car. Allow extra time for park entry and stops.
Does it rain a lot in Hilo?
Yes, showers are common year-round, and the town is one of the wettest in the country. Pack a rain jacket and plan flexible stops.
Write Your Review
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!