Hilo Big Island Hawaii Things to Do

Hilo Activities

choose your activity below

Polynesian Adventure Tours - Big Island Volcano Adventure
hourglass_top10-11 hours

Departing from Hilo, this tour takes you to top attractions within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, as well as to Rainbow Falls, Akaka Falls and other island sights. A to-go picnic lunch is included.

Ocean Encounters Morning Reef Snorkel
hourglass_top4 hours

The Ocean Encounters Morning Reef Snorkel is a scenic Kona Coast snorkel tour to Kealakekua Bay, one of the Big Island's most beautiful marine sanctuaries. Enjoy clear water, colorful coral reefs, tropical fish and possible spinner dolphin sightings near the Captain Cook Monument, with extra support for first-time snorkelers from the experienced crew. Snorkel gear, flotation devices, light snacks and drinks are included.

Halemaumau Crater
hourglass_top4.5 hours

Visit the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and see all the top attractions, including the Visitors Center, steam vents and Kilauea overlook. This tour also includes a stop at Big Island Candies.

Hilo Ocean Adventures - Certified 2 Tank Dive
hourglass_top4 hours

Come aboard Hilo's only commercial dive boat to experience an unforgettable 2-tank adventure exploring the volcanic reefs of Hilo Bay. This tour is for open water certified divers only.

Divers
hourglass_top4 hours

The perfect diving tour for non-certified divers! This is an introductory diving tour from the beach in Hilo that includes classroom instruction, instruction in a pool, and then an open water dive at one of Hilo's pristine ocean reefs.

Hilo Ocean Adventures - Certified Scuba Shore Dive
hourglass_top2.5 or 4 hours

Choose a 1- or 2-tank guided shore dive at Wai'olena Reef near Hilo and explore volcanic lava formations, coral growth and diverse Hawaiian marine life. The 1-tank option offers a shorter reef adventure, while the 2-tank tour provides more time underwater for experienced divers.

KapohoKine Adventures - Evening Volcano Explorer (From Hilo)
hourglass_top8 hours

Departing from the Hilo side of the island, this sightseeing tour takes you to some of the most beautiful places on the Big Island. From lava tubes and lush waterfalls to the glow of the current volcanic eruption – this adventure has it all!

Activity must have a file with Key=Card to satisfy this template.
hourglass_top7 hours

Departing from Hilo, this exciting adventure is the only Big Island star tour featuring nighttime stargazing AND safe daytime solar viewing! A delicious dinner is included!

Hilo Ocean Adventures - Certified Beach Night Dive
hourglass_top3 hours

Explore Wai'olena Reef after dark on a guided 1-tank night shore dive near Hilo. Dive lights reveal dramatic lava formations, vivid reef colors and nocturnal marine life such as octopus, eels, crabs and shrimp, with the possibility of seeing natural bioluminescence when the lights are briefly turned off. This tour is for certified divers who are comfortable with shore entries and night diving.

Hilo Ocean Adventures - Royal Humpback Whale Experience
hourglass_top1.5 hours

This seasonal whale watching tour departs from Hilo and cruises along the scenic Hamakua Coast in search of humpback whales. Watch for blows, breaches, tail slaps and spyhops while learning about whale behavior, migration, conservation and the cultural significance of koholā in Hawaii.

Guided Elite Volcano Hike near Hilo with expert narration and up-close volcano views
hourglass_top9 hours

Departing from Hilo, your adventure starts with a stop at Kaumana Caves, which are part of the lava tube system that brought lava as close as 1.5 miles from downtown Hilo in 1881. Take a peek inside the dramatic cathedral-like space.

Onomea Waterfall Cruise with Cliffs of Hawaiʻi – Big Island ocean adventure with views of waterfalls and sea cliffs
hourglass_top1.5 hours

Hilo Ocean Adventures' Cliffs of Hawaii Onomea Waterfall Cruise is a leisurely sightseeing tour along the Hilo and Hamakua coastline. Cruise past lush sea cliffs, hidden waterfall coves, ancient Hawaiian village sites and plantation-era sugar mill ruins while your guide shares stories about the area's history and culture.

Coconut Island in Hilo – scenic stop on a Big Island kayak tour across Hilo Bay
hourglass_top2 hours

This beginner-friendly Big Island kayak tour takes you across scenic Hilo Bay. Kayak to Coconut Island, enjoy views of Mauna Kea and the Hilo coastline, and learn about the history of the bay along the way. With calm waters, nearby landmarks like Queen Lili'uokalani Japanese Gardens, and chances to see reef fish, tide pools, sea urchins, and other marine life, this tour is a relaxed way to experience Hilo from the water.

Hilo Ocean Adventures - Wailoa River to King Kamehameha Statue Kayak Adventure
hourglass_top1 hour

This is a beginner-friendly Big Island kayak tour through the calm waters of Hilo's Wailoa River. Paddle past mangrove scenery and Japanese-style dragon arch bridges before stopping near the King Kamehameha Statue. With peaceful river views and local history along the way, this tour offers a relaxed way to experience Hilo from the water.

Hilo Ocean Adventures - Reeds Bay Oceanfront Stand Up Paddleboarding Lesson
hourglass_top1 hour

This is a beginner-friendly stand-up paddleboarding lesson in the calm, protected waters of Reeds Bay in Hilo. Learn essential skills such as balance, paddling technique, board control and water safety before practicing at a relaxed pace with an experienced instructor.

Hilo Ocean Adventures - Wailoa River Statue Stand Up Paddleboard
hourglass_top1 hour

Experience Hilo from a new perspective on this fun stand up paddleboarding tour! This guided SUP tour is ideal for beginners and takes you to the calm waters of the Wailoa River.

Hilo sea turtle lagoon – Hawaiian green sea turtles near a calm coastal lagoon on the Big Island
hourglass_top3 hours

Hilo Ocean Adventures' Beach Snorkel is a beginner-friendly guided experience at Sea Turtle Lagoon and Black Sand Beach. Explore shallow coral gardens, volcanic rock formations and waters filled with tropical reef fish, eels and other marine life. Hawaiian green sea turtles are frequently seen resting or feeding, and all necessary snorkeling gear is included.

Hilo Waterfall Experience
hourglass_top55 minutes

The Hilo Waterfall Experience with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters is a scenic aerial tour from Hilo that showcases the beauty of the Kohala and Hamakua Coast. Enjoy sweeping views of Waipio and Waimanu valleys, towering sea cliffs and spectacular waterfalls cascading into lush rainforest below, with excellent photo opportunities throughout the flight.

Blue Hawaiian “Discover Hilo” helicopter tour – scenic flight above Hilo’s rainforest and waterfalls on the Big Island
hourglass_top50 minutes

The Discover Hilo tour with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters highlights Hilo's dramatic volcanic landscapes, black sand beaches, lush rainforests and waterfalls. This exciting flight offers a unique look at the ever-changing scenery shaped by Kilauea, along with outstanding photo opportunities along the way.

Private tour highlights – Maunakea vistas and Rainbow Falls near Hilo on the Big Island
hourglass_top4 hours

Departing from the Hilo Pier, this private and customizable tour takes you to Mauna Kea, also known as the "White Mountain" due to the snow that often coats its peak.

Roberts Hawaii - Hilo Volcano Tour
hourglass_top10 hours

Spend the day exploring the remarkable geography of Hawaii’s Big Island. Departing from Hilo, this tour highlights the top attractions at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, as well as attractions around the Hilo area.