Private Hilo Shore Excursion – Volcanoes, Waterfalls, & Beaches

Discover the Private Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcanoes, Waterfalls, & Beaches

The Private Hilo Shore Excursion offers a tailored 7-hour adventure around the Big Island of Hawai’i, priced at $1,210 per group of up to 2 people. This exclusive tour is operated by Big Island Backroad Adventures and departs from the Port of Hilo at 9:00 am. Unlike group tours, this private experience allows for full customization, giving your group control over which sights to explore and how long to spend at each location.

Most bookings are made 6 days in advance, highlighting its popularity among travelers seeking a personalized and flexible way to see the island’s highlights. With admission tickets included for the volcano and lava tube stops, and pickup offered from the cruise port, this tour combines comfort, convenience, and a focus on nature’s most striking sights. While it’s a full day of exploration, the tour’s pace is manageable, making it suitable for most travelers who want a relaxed yet comprehensive experience.

Key Points

• Private tour for up to 2 people with flexible scheduling and itinerary customization
• 7-hour tour starting from the Port of Hilo at 9:00 am
• Includes visits to Rainbow Falls, Black Sand Beach, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and more
• Admission tickets included for the volcano park and Thurston Lava Tube
• Highly praised guides known for their knowledge and friendly approach
• Free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the experience

Start Your Day at Richardson Ocean Park for Black Sand Beach Experience

Your adventure begins with a visit to Richardson Ocean Park, where you can walk along a black sand beach known for its beauty and the chance to see Hawaiian green sea turtles. The 30-minute stop is perfect for stretching your legs and taking photos of the striking volcanic sand and ocean vistas. Best of all, there’s no admission fee for this stop, making it an accessible way to enjoy the coastline.

This spot offers a glimpse into the unique volcanic activity that shaped the island, with the black sand as a reminder of the active volcanic landscape just offshore. Travelers appreciate the opportunity to photograph the rugged shoreline and observe sea turtles in their natural habitat without feeling rushed.

Wailuku River State Park and Rainbow Falls: Iconic Waterfalls and Legends

After leaving Richardson Ocean Park, the tour continues to Wailuku River State Park for about an hour. The main highlight here is Rainbow Falls, a picture-perfect waterfall that cascades over a lush cliffside. The park is also home to the Boiling Pots, where the river creates natural pools and bubbling surfaces — an exciting sight for nature lovers.

Visitors are encouraged to walk out to Rainbow Falls, where the mist and sunlight often create a vivid rainbow, making it an ideal photo opportunity. This stop combines scenic beauty with the chance to learn about the area’s volcanic origins and local stories, all led by guides known for their knowledge and friendliness.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Witness Active Volcanoes and Crater Landscapes

The centerpiece of the tour is Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve. Here, you’ll spend about 1 hour and 30 minutes exploring the park’s dramatic landscapes, which include the summit of two of the world’s most active volcanoes.

Admission is included, allowing access to key sites within the park, with guides often sharing insights into the volcanic activity that continues to shape the island. Visitors can expect to see crater vistas, volcanic landscapes, and possibly steam vents or lava flows depending on current activity. This stop is ideal for those interested in geology, natural wonders, and the raw power of Earth’s volcanic processes.

Wahinekapu Steaming Bluff: Natural Steam Vents and Geological Phenomena

Next, the tour heads to Steaming Bluff, where heated groundwater escapes through earth cracks, creating natural steam vents. This 30-minute stop offers a unique chance to observe these geothermal features firsthand, with no admission fee. The sight of steam rising from the earth provides a visceral connection to the volcanic activity beneath the surface.

Guides typically explain how these vents form and their significance in the island’s volcanic landscape. This stop adds an element of natural wonder, emphasizing the ongoing geological processes that make the Big Island so fascinating.

Thurston Lava Tube: Walk Through a Massive Volcanic Formation

A highlight for many is the Nahuku – Thurston Lava Tube, where a guided walk takes visitors through a 600-foot-long underground lava tunnel. The tube reaches over 20 feet in height in some areas, and the lush rainforest surrounds the entrance, creating a striking contrast.

This 45-minute experience provides a tangible connection to volcanic activity, demonstrating how lava once flowed beneath the surface. Admission is included, and the guides are often praised for their insights into the formation and history of the lava tube.

Additional Stops Within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

If time permits, the tour can include several additional sights within the park, such as Devastation Trail, Kilauea Iki crater, Haakulamanu sulphur banks, Maunaulu lava field, and the upper portions of Chain of Craters Road. These locations offer more opportunities to see volcanic landscapes, steam vents, and lava fields, with the flexibility to focus on areas of most interest to your group.

Each of these sites provides a different perspective on the island’s volcanic history and ongoing activity, often with scenic walking paths and interpretive signs. Customization is a key feature of this private tour, ensuring your experience aligns with your interests and pace.

The Comfort and Convenience of a Private Tour Experience

Starting from the Port of Hilo, the tour’s private nature means you won’t be part of a large group. Only your family or group participates, giving you the flexibility to adjust the schedule, spend more time at favorite locations, or skip others if desired. This personalized approach is especially valuable when traveling with children or if specific interests, like geology or waterfalls, are a priority.

Guides are known for their knowledgeable and friendly style, making the day both educational and enjoyable. The tour includes pickup from the cruise port and mobile tickets, simplifying logistics and reducing stress.

Practical Details and Booking Considerations

This tour typically costs $1,210 per group, accommodating up to 2 people comfortably, which makes it ideal for couples or a small family. The 7-hour duration is balanced to cover all key sites without feeling rushed, although travelers should be prepared for a full day of sightseeing.

Most travelers book their tour 6 days in advance, showing its popularity. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before, providing peace of mind. Travelers should bring suitable clothing for outdoor activities, and note that children’s car seats are not provided, so bring your own if needed.

Weather can influence the experience, with cancellations possible in poor conditions. In such cases, a different date or full refund is typically offered, ensuring flexibility and reliability.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most?

This private excursion suits travelers who value customization and flexibility. It appeals particularly to those interested in volcanoes, waterfalls, and beaches, with a focus on natural landscapes. The tour’s detailed stops and included admission tickets make it a practical choice for visitors who want an in-depth look at the island’s geological wonders without the constraints of a group schedule.

Couples or small families will find the private setting ideal, while adventurers eager to explore Hawaii’s volcanic sites will appreciate the guide’s expertise and the opportunity to tailor the experience.

Final Thoughts on the Private Hilo Shore Excursion

The Private Hilo Shore Excursion delivers a comprehensive and personalized way to see the Big Island’s best natural sights. The combination of black sand beaches, waterfalls, geothermal vents, and active volcanoes ensures a varied and memorable day. The inclusion of admission tickets and professional guides adds convenience and educational value.

While the price reflects its exclusivity and customization, the private nature makes it well worth the investment for those seeking a relaxed, informative, and tailored experience. It’s especially suitable for small groups who want to avoid crowded tours and enjoy Hawaii’s natural beauty at their own pace.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour does not provide children’s car seats, so parents should bring their own if necessary. It is generally suitable for most ages, but physical activity should be considered.

What is included in the price?
Admission tickets for Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Thurston Lava Tube are included. The tour also offers pickup from the cruise port.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes, as a private tour, it allows for itinerary adjustments based on your interests and timing preferences.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 7 hours, starting at 9:00 am from the Port of Hilo.

What are the main stops?
Stops include Richardson Ocean Park, Rainbow Falls and Boiling Pots, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Wahinekapu Steaming Bluff, and Thurston Lava Tube, with possible additional volcanic sites.

What makes this tour different from others?
Its private, customizable nature and included admission tickets set it apart, providing a more intimate and flexible experience with expert guidance.

Is the tour suitable for those with mobility issues?
Most stops involve walking, but the physical requirements are minimal. Travelers with mobility concerns should inquire further before booking.

What should I bring?
Weather-appropriate clothing, sunscreen, water, and any personal items needed for outdoor activities.

What happens if the weather is poor?
The tour is subject to weather conditions; cancellations due to bad weather are fully refundable or can be rescheduled.

How early should I book?
Most travelers book 6 days in advance to secure their preferred date, especially during peak seasons.