Hilo Travel Guides

Practical, ground-level guides to Hilo's own attractions: the farmers market, the black sand beach, and a first-timer's orientation to the town beyond the volcano.

Hilo Farmers Market: What to Expect, When to Go, and What's There Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach: What to Know Before You Go Things to Do in Hilo: A First-Timer's Guide to the Town

Popular Hilo tours

Booked through the operators' own GetYourGuide, Viator and TripAdvisor listings, with live prices, pickup details and cancellation windows shown there.

Hilo Day Tour: Volcanoes, Waterfalls & Black Sand Beaches

The Big Island feels raw and alive in a way the other islands don’t, and this family-run tour from Hilo shows you why without the big-company feel. Your Native Hawaiian guide drives a spotless luxury van, sharing real stories and insider spots most visitors miss. You’ll stand at the edge of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park feeling the heat from recent lava flows, chase rainbows at towering waterfalls tucked in lush valleys, relax on black-sand beaches that look like another planet, and wander Hilo’s charming highlights – colorful markets, historic spots and that easy local vibe. Pride in every detail means comfortable pacing, clean rides and the kind of genuine aloha that turns a good day into memories you’ll talk about forever. Small groups, big heart – the real Big Island experience.

★ 5
7 hours
665+ booked

$197Check availability →

Punalu’u Black Sand Beach, Volcanoes National Park & Hilo Tour

Punaluʻu’s jet-black sand beach feels like something from another planet – shiny volcanic grains where endangered green sea turtles (honu) often haul out to bask in the sun, completely unfazed by visitors. You’ll stroll the shoreline, dip toes in cool water, peek into tide pools full of little marine life, and just soak in one of Hawaii’s most striking natural wonders. This all-inclusive day bundles it with the best of the Big Island: dramatic lava landscapes in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Hilo’s charming highlights. A locally owned family company runs it, sharing real Hawaiian stories, language and spirit that turn beautiful scenery into something deeper. Available in English, Taiwanese, Mandarin and Japanese, with private options too. The kind of immersive day that mixes raw volcanic power, quiet beach magic and genuine aloha without feeling rushed.

★ 5
8 hours
433+ booked

$179Check availability →

Private Hilo & Big Island East Side Custom Tour

The Big Island feels wild and diverse in a way that’s hard to beat, and this private day (6–7 hours) keeps it personal for up to 10 people with pickup right in the Hilo area. You’ll start at Rainbow Falls, where mist and rainbows make the drop feel magical, then dive into Hawaii Volcanoes National Park for steaming craters, lava tubes and that raw volcanic power up close. The black-sand beauty of Punalu’u Beach comes next – shiny volcanic grains where green sea turtles often bask in the sun. Your guide shares real island history and stories the whole way, keeping things insightful without feeling like a lecture. Lunch is proper local-inspired food with vegan and gluten-free options, plus fresh fruit snacks to keep you going. Small-group vibe means plenty of time at each spot and attention tailored to your crew – the perfect relaxed way for families or friends to see the Big Island’s must-sees without the crowds.

★ 5
7 hours
733+ booked

$1499Check availability →