What to do and see in Hilo, Hawaii (HI): The Best Cultural Tours

October 1, 2021 Malia Yoakum

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. Hawai'i's Volcanoes National Park from Hilo Only

Malahini Tours
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
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.

2. Big Island - North Island Jungle Driving Tour

Hilo, HI 96720, USA Shaka Guide: Audio Tour Apps
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2 reviews

Shaka Guide's driving tour app works like a tour guide in your car! On this tour drive along beautiful green coastlines, through tropical jungle roads, and go star gazing on the tallest mountain in the world. We've done our research so you will not miss a thing! Just sit back and listen to fun stories along the way. Skip the tour bus & explore Big Island at your own pace for a fraction of the cost with the best self-guided audio GPS tours for Hawaii! Rated the #1 best GPS tour app for Hawaii with over 6,000+ raving reviews and 200,000+ downloads. Why you need it: ✅ You don't need service because you can download the tours & use them offline ✅ Much cheaper than a tour bus at only $9.99 for lifetime access ✅ Save time planning your trip because we have the best stops lined up ✅ Freedom to stop and go as you please, unlike a tour bus where you are confined to the pre-determined route (no fun!) ✅ Hear cool and fun stories along the way (and some corny joke's that might make you laugh)

Inclusions: 6-8 hours of audio content, Offline map of the island, Audio that triggers based on location, Dozens of interesting stories of the island, Perfect itinerary of your entire vacation, Turn-by-turn navigation, Virtual tour guide

Exclusions: Crowded group tour

Reviewed By chanyu1

This is a good and inexpensive way to do the Haleakala sunset tour with audio narrative of things to see along the way to the mountain top. Good value for the price. A quick tip: this app burns through your phone battery fast so having a car phone cable is a must or else your phone battery will run out of juice pretty quick...

3. Circle Island Tour

Island of Hawai'i, Hawaii, USA Anuenue Rainbow Tours
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2 reviews

Our flexibility and accommodating style set Anuenue Rainbow Tours apart. We tailor each tour to the desires of the group – where we go and how long we stay at any stop along the way is up to you. (We've listed only typical attractions and times spent at each; we happily accommodate what you want to do.) Your attentive tour guide will point out features along the way and delight you with her knowledge of local culture and history. Your guide is a 38-year resident of the island with a degree in Hawai'ian culture and history, a passion for sharing her love of the island, a great sense of adventure, and an abiding aloha spirit. Our air-conditioned Honda Odyssey comfortably accommodates 2 to 7 guests as we traverse the beautiful Island of Hawai’i and experience the sights, sounds and flavors of this incomparable tropical paradise. We are committed to delivering an excellent customer experience! PLEASE NOTE: Your $75 payment through Trip Advisor covers the 1st hour ONLY, as time is flexible.

Inclusions: Private transportation, Air-conditioned vehicle, Good weather! (Tour will be rescheduled or cancelled and fully refunded if weather is bad.), Cost covers 1st hour of tour ONLY. Payment for additional hours arranged at time of booking.

Exclusions: Cost of additional hours beyond the 1st hour

Reviewed By Brisbeachmom

Shelby, the owner, is an amazing tour guide. We spent 2 days with her and was a highlight of our 2+ week Hawaiian adventure and she did our airport transportation as well. (See my North and South Island reviews.) These were some of the best private tours I have ever gone on. She is very reasonably priced, takes to places you want find on your own, tells the island's history in a really fun way - totally recommend if you want to really get a sense of the Big Island. Mahalo Shelby - Eva

4. Explore the Pit of Fire in Leilani Estates & Fissure 8 (Hawaii)

New Way Horizon Travel
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

Visit the destruction of the 2018 lava flow that destroyed parts of the quiet community of Leilani. Witness as survivors tell of their most intimate stories of losing their homes and for many, the loss of their livelihoods. Leilani Estates is 100% open to only two tours. Our company is certified so we do not trespass on the homeowners' property. You will see personal pictures and stories about this significant event.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Snacks

Exclusions: No Alochol, Lunch

Reviewed By katiecG3337PB

Do not book this tour. It is a total scam. Tour guide is unreachable. The phone numbers listed are false and we receive no response via text or phone.

5. Full-Day Coffee Farm and Hawaii Volcanoes Tour from Kona

KapohoKine Adventures
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

Visit a Kona Coffee Farm, explore the best sites at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the Punalu'e Black Sand Beach. Deli Style lunch is included.

Inclusions: Lunch

Exclusions:

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.

6. Mauna Kea Arnott's Adventures

Arnott's Lodge & Hiking Adventures, 98 Apapane Rd, Hilo, HI 96720, USA Arnott's Lodge and Hiking Adventures
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

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 4 guests in order to run.

Inclusions: All Fees and Taxes

Exclusions: Dinner, Telescopes, Jacket

Reviewed By tasmanxer

I have stayed at many backpackers'/hostels on the islands as well as some on the mainland, Australia and New Zealand. From a dump calling itself 'The Island' in Honolulu to Arnott's, the only one that would qualify as a genuine hostel. I only regret that they have a limit on the time one can stay, to avoid long-termers, I was told. It has a great staff and atmosphere. I plan to spend my last week on Hawaii there. It reminded me of the hostels in Oz, the owner/operator's origin.

7. Turtles, Whales, Waterfall & Volcano with Delicious Lunch & Bakery Stops

Hele-On Mo'oheau Bus Terminal, 329 Kamehameha Ave, Hilo, HI 96720, USA HANG OUT WITH A LOCAL
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 18 reviews

*A cruise ship-friendly activity. Contact Tara Pruett @ HANG OUT WITH A LOCAL with questions, for pickups outside of the range listed herein and for private tours! ALOHA! We offer a playful, genuinely local experience with a local guide. On this epic tour, you will see the major sites like the volcano, lava tube, and waterfall. You'll also enjoy lunch at an awesome lunch place and visit our beautiful Carlsmith Beach Park to scout for turtles and whales - all in one day - a rare find! As you're guided by our light-hearted, and knowledgeable local guide, you'll hear about daily living in Hawai'i and Hawaiian customs. You will be delighted with local snacks during the tour (the snacks are free), and we stop at the best place for lunch plus at a delicious bakery where we point out local favorites. Delicious and interesting! After that, we will go to a beautiful beach for spotting fish, turtles, and even humpback whales when in season! *Route may be altered based on the weather

Inclusions: Professional local guide, A visit to Kilauea Volcano on the Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, A stop at Kilauea volcano steam vents, A walk through the Nahuku - Thurston Lava Tube, A stroll to the Volcanoes National Park sulfur vents, A viewing of the Kilauea volcano eruption when open to the public, A stop at a beautiful beach for turtle and whale watching (whale season: Nov- early May), A stop at the scenic Rainbow Falls, A local’s insight - an orientation - into top things to see & places to eat on the island, A visit to a local bakery and a stop at a popular local spot for culinary delights (own expense), A free sampling of Hawaiian chocolate-covered macadamia nuts, and other local snacks, A small group size - a maximum of 14 guests - for a personalized experience, Transportation by air-conditioned car, minivan or passenger van, Convenient pickup and drop-offs from Hilo hotels, Bottled water, A stop at the historic King Kamehameha statue, A drive along they scenic Banyan Drive, A drive along Hilo’s beautiful beaches

Exclusions: Lunch (approximately $15-20), Gratuity, Route may be altered due to weather and when stops are closed to the public, Nature - lava, turtle and whale sightings - can not be guaranteed, Whale watching starts in November and ends in early May, Bakery goods

Reviewed By Resort735314

Toured with Tara and had a great time. Not only did we see fabulous spots in and near Hilo like the volcano, waterfalls and beaches with turtles but she explained a bit about the Hawaiian culture as well. The coffee, donut and candy shop interspersed were great little respites from the walking part if the tour. I highly recommend “Hanging with a local” to anyone visiting the Hilo area. You will not be disappointed.

8. PRIVATE Turtles, Whales, Waterfall & Volcano with Delicious Lunch & Bakery Stops

Hele-On Mo'oheau Bus Terminal, 329 Kamehameha Ave, Hilo, HI 96720, USA HANG OUT WITH A LOCAL
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2 reviews

A cruise ship-friendly activity. Contact Tara Pruett @ HANG OUT WITH A LOCAL with questions, for pickups outside of the range listed herein, and for more private tours! ALOHA! We offer a playful, genuinely local experience with a local guide. On this epic tour, you will see the major sites like the volcano, lava tube, and waterfall. You'll also enjoy lunch at an awesome lunch place and visit our beautiful Carlsmith Beach Park to scout for turtles and whales - all in one day - a rare find! As you're guided by our light-hearted, and knowledgeable local guide, you'll hear about daily living in Hawai'i and Hawaiian customs. You will be delighted with local snacks during the tour (the snacks are free), and we stop at the best place for lunch plus at a delicious bakery where we point out local favorites. Delicious and interesting! After that, we will go to a beautiful beach for spotting fish, turtles, and even humpback whales when in season! *Route may be altered based on the weather

Inclusions: All Fees and Taxes, Bottled water, Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, Port / Hilo Hotel pickup and drop-off, Professional local guide, Snacks

Exclusions: Gratuity, Pickups beyond Hilo avail (fee based on location) - Tara Pruett HANG OUT WITH A LOCAL for info

Reviewed By gregertel

Very customer oriented and friendly!! Tara was extremely helpful and friendly on the phone - she gave us some great advice and suggestions that led to an outstanding day. We have been to the Big Island several times, but would have missed out on a great experience if we had not received great advice from Tara, definitely recommend for your island trip, ALOHA Greg

9. PRIVATE Volcano-Turtles-Whales-Waterfall w Delicious Lunch Stop

Target, 74-5455 Makala Blvd, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA HANG OUT WITH A LOCAL
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

*A cruise ship-friendly activity. Contact Tara Pruett @ HANG OUT WITH A LOCAL with questions, for pickups outside of the range listed herein, for private tours & for last-minute tour requests! See the volcano, walk through a lava tube, visit a waterfall, plus scout for turtles and whales - all in one day - a rare find! We offer a playful, genuinely local experience with a local guide. As you're guided by our light-hearted, and knowledgeable local guide, you'll hear about daily living in Hawai'i and Hawaiian customs. You will be delighted with local snacks during the tour (the snacks are free), and we stop at the best place for lunch where we point out local favorites. Delicious and interesting! Search Tripadvisor for our listing: "Turtles, Whales, Waterfall & Lava Excursion with Epic Lunch & Bakery Stops" to find our glowing 5-star reviews.

Inclusions: Professional local guide, A visit to Kilauea Volcano on the Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, A stop at Kilauea volcano steam vents, A walk through the Nahuku - Thurston Lava Tube, A stroll to the Volcanoes National Park sulfur vents, A viewing of a Kilauea volcano eruption when open to the public, A stop at a gorgeous black sand beach for turtle and whale watching (whale season: Nov- early May), A stop at the beautiful Rainbow Falls, A walk back in time in Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau where we will experience the Hawaiʻi of yesterday., A local’s insight - an orientation - into top things to see & places to eat on the island, A free sampling of chocolate-covered macadamia nuts, and other local snacks, Transportation by air-conditioned car, minivan or passenger van, Convenient pickup and drop-offs from Kailua-Kona and Waikoloa hotels, Bottled water

Exclusions: Gratuity, Lunch, Route may be altered due to weather and when stops are closed to the public, Nature - lava, turtle and whale sightings - can not be guaranteed, Whale watching starts in November and ends in early May, Bakery goods

Reviewed By Resort735314

Toured with Tara and had a great time. Not only did we see fabulous spots in and near Hilo like the volcano, waterfalls and beaches with turtles but she explained a bit about the Hawaiian culture as well. The coffee, donut and candy shop interspersed were great little respites from the walking part if the tour. I highly recommend “Hanging with a local” to anyone visiting the Hilo area. You will not be disappointed.

10. Hawaii Big Island Circle Small Group Tour: Waterfalls - Hilo - Volcano - Black Sand Beach

Hawaii Outdoor Guides
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 64 reviews

This tour is perfect for the traveler that would like to see most of the island of Hawaii! We travel most of the climate zones and learn lots about the history, culture and geology! Our groups are kept small in our 15 passenger high roof van.

Inclusions: National Park fees, Lunch, Water, Snacks, Live commentary on board, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By ye0nmi85

Katie is a phenomenal tour guide. She asked what we would like to see (when I booked the reservation) then gave us an itinerary. We decided on 2 waterfalls, black sand beach, volcano, and Kaumana Caves. We got poured on at Akaka Falls but she said it was the best waterfall she has seen. She was totally prepared; an umbrella for me, a raincoat for my husband...she is super knowledgeable and a great person to spend the day with. We crammed a lot into 12 hours. I would definitely use her again! Thank you, Katie!

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.