Cultural Tours in Hilo
Browse the available activities in this category and open each page for full details.
From USD 189“Ultimate Big Island Experience” Volcano,Waterfall,Beach & Lunch
Join us for a half-day adventure tour exploring the Big Island from summit to sea. We offer a unique tour including hands-on artifacts, fresh fruit, historical insights, and the significance of the places we visit. We'll take you on an unforgettable journey through Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home to the world's most active volcano, Kilauea. You'll travel from the visitor center to Kilauea crater for panoramic views of the smoking caldera and steaming volcanic vents, and walk inside iconic Nahuku (Thurston Lava Tube). For lunch, enjoy an island-inspired meal on us at a local restaurant. Later, we'll visit Punaluʻu black sand beach (The Most Famous Black Sand Beach on the Big Island ) and discover the picture-perfect scenery of Rainbow Falls in Hilo. Please note: We provide pick-up & drop-off in the Hilo area only. This tour is not wheelchair accessible and includes moderate walking, including climbing roughly 15 stairs during the lava tube tour.
From USD 189Hilo Shore Excursion: Visit Volcano, Waterfall, Beach with Lunch
Make the most of your shore visit with our half-day adventure tour exploring the Big Island from summit to sea. We offer a unique tour including hands-on artifacts, fresh fruit, historical insights, and the significance of the places we visit. We'll take you on an unforgettable journey through Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home to the world's most active volcano, Kilauea. You'll travel from the visitor center to Kilauea crater for panoramic views of the smoking caldera and steaming volcanic vents, and walk inside iconic Nahuku (Thurston Lava Tube). For lunch, enjoy an island-inspired meal on us at a local restaurant. Later we'll visit (The Most Famous Black Sand Beach on the Big Island)Punaluʻu black sand beach and discover the picture-perfect scenery of Rainbow Falls in Hilo. Please note: We offer pick-up & drop-off in the Hilo area only. This tour is not wheelchair accessible and includes moderate walking, including climbing roughly 15 stairs during the lava tube tour.
From USD 186Big Island: Hawaii Volcanoes, Waterfalls and Hilo Adventure
As a Native Hawaiian born and raised in Hilo on Hawaiʻi Island, I’m not just showing you the sights—I’m sharing the home I’ve known my entire life. Every stop on this tour holds history, stories, and personal connections only a lifelong local can share. From Kīlauea and Rainbow Falls to local macadamia farms and the Hilo Farmers Market, you’ll experience Hawaiʻi through the eyes of someone whose family and genealogy are deeply rooted here. I blend cultural knowledge, local history, and genuine aloha with a relaxed island style experience. When choosing a guide, there’s a difference between visiting a place and growing up in it. My goal isn’t just to show you Hawaiʻi—it’s to help you understand it through the perspective of someone who has lived its traditions, respected its history, and proudly calls Hilo home. You’ll leave with more than great photos—you’ll leave with meaningful stories and a deeper connection to Hawaiʻi that only a born and raised local can provide.
From USD 175Volcano National Park and Rainbow Fall in Hilo, Hawaii
Experience the best of Hilo and Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park on this unforgettable tour. Pass by the serene Liliʻuokalani Gardens, the largest Edo-style Japanese garden outside of Japan, then take in the scenic coastline at Hilo Bayfront Beach Park. Enjoy the historic charm of Downtown Hilo, where plantation-era buildings and vibrant storefronts line the streets. Witness the breathtaking Rainbow Falls, cascading 80 feet into a lava cave steeped in Hawaiian legend. Treat yourself to handcrafted chocolates and macadamia nut cookies at Big Island Candies. Finally, explore the dramatic landscapes of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, home to the world’s most active volcano, Kīlauea. Walk through the Thurston Lava Tube, feel the heat from geothermal steam vents, and journey along Chain of Craters Road, surrounded by vast fields of hardened lava. This tour is the perfect blend of history, nature, and adventure!
From USD 160Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcano Safari Lava Caves & Black Sand
Approx 6 hr long. Explore the places less traveled among Hawaii's back roads of Kilauea volcano. Explore exciting Lava Caves and Lava trees in a lush volcanic rainforest. See the 2018 lava destruction and the newly formed Black Sand Beach just created. A truly amazing experience! Cruise Ship Guests: We have special permits to pick up directly from Hilo port of call. Departure times may be adjusted to fit your ship's arrival & departure. Hilo Hotel Guests: Meeting location Hilo Hawaiian Hotel
From USD 179Akaka Falls Tour - Volcanoes National Park and Hilo Discovery
Experience the lush beauty of Big Island’s Hamakua Coast on our tour to ʻAkaka Falls State Park, where the Island’s tropical splendor is on full display. Akaka Falls is a towering waterfall, cascading 442 feet (135 meters) down into a lush gorge. Your all inclusive tour includes the Hilo Discovery and Volcanoes National Park Explorer packages. As a locally owned and operated tour company based on Hawaiʻi Island, we offer immersive, guided experiences while sharing not just the breathtaking beauty of volcanoes, waterfalls, and valleys – but the stories, language, and spirit that make these places sacred. Our expertly guided tours highlight the island’s natural beauty, rich history, and volcanic landscapes. We also offer custom and private tours!
From USD 122Hilo Cruise Day Tours
Join Hawaii Island Insider Tours for an unforgettable journey through the natural beauty of East Hawaiʻi. This small group excursion visits Rainbow Falls, Akaka Falls, scenic coastlines, and historic Hilo, showcasing the island's lush rainforests, waterfalls, and local charm. At Hawaii Island Insider Tours, we keep our groups small, giving you more time to explore, take photos, and enjoy each stop without feeling rushed. Travel comfortably in our modern 2025 Ford Transit while your guide shares the history, culture, and stories that make the Big Island unique. As a fully licensed and insured Hawaiʻi tour operator, we're committed to providing safe, reliable adventures. Our itinerary is carefully timed for cruise ship guests, ensuring a worry-free return to the Hilo Cruise Port well before your ship departs.
From USD 185“Experience “Hawaii Volcano,Waterfall, Black Sand Beach & Lunch
If your time is limited and you want to see the best of the Big Island of Hawaiʻi, this tour is for you! Join us to explore some of our island's must-see places. Our tour is a unique experience including old artifacts, historical insights, and the cultural significance of the places we visit. We'll take you through Downtown Hilo to see the picture-perfect scenery of Rainbow Falls, followed by an unforgettable trip through Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. You'll meet the world's most active volcano, Kīlauea, visit steaming volcanic vents, and walk inside an ancient lava tube. Enjoy an island-inspired lunch on us at a local restaurant. Later, we'll show you Punaluʻu black sand beach—a landscape shaped by volcanic activity and frequently visited by sea turtles. PLEASE NOTE: We provide pick-up and drop-off in the Hilo area only. This tour is not wheelchair accessible and includes moderate walking, including climbing roughly 15 stairs during the lava tube tour.
From USD 255Mauna Kea Arnott's Adventures
Our Mauna Kea Summit Tour is designed to showcase the beauty and wonder of one of the most impressive mountains in the world. Mauna Kea (meaning “white mountain”) is historically and culturally very significant to the Hawaiian people, and because of its contributions to geology and astronomy, to the world as well. Our local guides will enlighten you with the sacredness and cultural aspect of Mauna Kea. A spiritual high for many locals and visitors. #1 rated tour for adventure and photography. This tour requires a minimum of 2 guests in order to run. Our tour only meets guests in HILO or at the Onizuka Visitor Center on Mauna Kea. We may be able to arrange pickups in Kona for groups of at least 4 guests, upon request. Please contact us before booking if you are looking for a Kona pickup. Please see additional info for restrictions on age, health, pregnancy, scuba diving, respiratory issues, heart issues, back issues, intoxicants etc. for this tour.
From USD 1,999Private Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Minivan Tour
Experience the best of Hilo and Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park on this unforgettable tour. Pass by the serene Liliʻuokalani Gardens, the largest Edo-style Japanese garden outside of Japan, then take in the scenic coastline at Hilo Bayfront Beach Park. Enjoy the historic charm of Downtown Hilo, where plantation-era buildings and vibrant storefronts line the streets. Witness the breathtaking Rainbow Falls, cascading 80 feet into a lava cave steeped in Hawaiian legend. Treat yourself to handcrafted chocolates and macadamia nut cookies at Big Island Candies. Finally, explore the dramatic landscapes of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, home to the world’s most active volcano, Kīlauea. Walk through the Thurston Lava Tube, feel the heat from geothermal steam vents, and journey along Chain of Craters Road, surrounded by vast fields of hardened lava. This tour is the perfect blend of history, nature, and adventure!
From USD 950Hilo Private: Waterfalls and Mauna Kea Visitor Center Experience
Discover the stunning natural beauty of Hawaiʻi on this immersive tour that highlights iconic waterfalls, unique lava formations, and the majestic Mauna Kea Visitor Center. Marvel at Rainbow Falls, where morning mist creates vibrant rainbows, and explore the swirling waters of the Boiling Pots. Walk through the historic Kaumana Caves for a glimpse into the island's volcanic history. This tour is family-friendly and doesn’t require a summit permit or 4x4 vehicle, making it accessible for all ages. Conclude your adventure with a relaxing picnic dinner surrounded by nature. - Experience Rainbow Falls and the dramatic Boiling Pots - Explore the historic Kaumana Caves and learn about volcanic history - Visit the Mauna Kea Visitor Center for cultural insights and views