• Banyan Drive - Banyan Drive is a picturesque and historic avenue in Hilo, adorned with towering banyan trees planted by notable personalities like Amelia Earhart, Babe Ruth, and Franklin Roosevelt. Often referred to as Hilo’s “Walk of Fame,” this drive offers a shaded, leafy tunnel rich in history, with its iconic trees having withstood the tsunamis that once reshaped the town.
• Liliʻuokalani Gardens - Founded in 1917 by Queen Liliʻuokalani, this vast park is the largest authentic Japanese garden outside of Japan. The tranquil landscape is adorned with stone lanterns, gazebos, and torii gates, serving as heartfelt tributes to the Japanese immigrants who made Hawaii their home.
• Big Island Candies - Big Island Candies is a cherished Hilo-based shop celebrated for its buttery shortbread cookies, chocolate-dipped delights, and playful local flavors. Visitors can explore beautifully packaged confections while enjoying fresh-brewed Kona coffee, seasonal candies, and signature shortbread. The store exudes the charm of a small factory boutique—warm, aromatic, and brimming with gifts that travel well—making it a delightful stop for both locals and travelers stocking up on sweets.
• Punalu’u Black Sand Beach - The journey continues to the famous Punalu’u Black Sand Beach, home to numerous Honu (Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles). Here, visitors have a wonderful opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures basking in the warm sun.
• Ka’u Coffee Mill - Experience the underrated “south of Kona” brew known as Kaʻū Coffee—cultivated in the volcanic soils just outside Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Rich, smooth, and award-winning, it’s an excellent way to explore a different facet of Hawaiʻi’s coffee culture. This stop is feasible if heading toward Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach.
• Hawaii Volcanoes National Park - Next, the journey leads to the summit of Kīlauea within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, a globally renowned volcanic site associated with the Hawaiian goddess Pele. The park houses Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, two of the world’s most active volcanoes, offering dramatic volcanic landscapes and insights into the islands’ formation. Visitors can stop at the visitor center, view the collapsed caldera, explore steam vents and sulfur banks, and enjoy scenic overlooks. Lava activity is unpredictable—there is no guarantee of glowing lava, and there is no ocean entry, as the last one occurred in 2018. For those sensitive to cold, comfortable shoes and a jacket are recommended; summit temperatures can be over 20 degrees cooler than the coast. A visit to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is an unforgettable highlight. (Entrance fees not included; national park passes are valid for use on commercial tours for your immediate party.)
• Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor Center - The Mauna Loa Macadamia Visitor Center is a delightful stop for anyone eager to taste Hawaiʻi’s famous mac nuts right where they’re grown and roasted. Surrounded by lush orchards, the center offers samples of classic and flavored macadamias, chocolate-covered treats, and other island snacks. Visitors can glimpse parts of the processing operation, browse gifts, and enjoy a casual atmosphere that blends learning with plenty of tasting—plus ample opportunities to stock up before heading home (time allowing and if this is a preference).
• Rainbow Falls - As one of the final stops, visitors can capture photos at this iconic waterfall, perfect for postcard-worthy images.
• Nahuku - Thurston Lava Tube - Embark on a walk through a lava tube, where the guide will provide insights into its formation by lava. This loop, approximately 600 meters or .4-mile trail, features low lighting, with gradual stairs leading into and out of the tube. While this portion of the tour may not be suitable for all passengers due to physical fitness, alternative options include remaining in the vehicle or exploring the natural scenery outside. Additionally, headlamps can be brought along for enhanced visibility within the dimly lit lava tube, allowing for appreciation of intricate cave details and observation of tiny stalactites.
• Akaka Falls State Park - ʻAkaka Falls is a breathtaking sight—plunging more than 400 feet through a lush rainforest gorge alive with birdsong, greenery, and mist. The paved loop trail takes most visitors about 20–30 minutes and winds past smaller waterfalls and scenic overlooks before revealing the grand view of ʻAkaka itself. It’s a vibrant, postcard-perfect stop for nature lovers and photographers alike (admission not included).

This stop can also be chosen as an alternative to Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach and the Kau Coffee plantation as these are in opposite directions. Please note that the order of stops may vary and will be determined by expert guides to provide the best overall experience. As this is a private tour, the day can also be tailored to preferences (within reason) and within the time allotted.

• Port of Hilo/ Hotels pick up
• Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Fees
• Headlamps
• Bottled water
• Snacks

• Gratuities
• entrance fees
• Lunch

Experience a unique shore excursion departing from Hilo Port, where we take you to the renowned Punalu’u Black Sand Beach, setting us apart from other cruise tours on the island. Enjoy a leisurely 1 hour and 30-minute scenic drive to this iconic destination, where you’ll marvel at the striking contrast of the black sand against the azure waters of the Pacific Ocean.

Our journey continues into Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where the majestic peaks of Kilauea Volcano await exploration. Then, immerse yourself in the beauty of Rainbow Falls, a picturesque cascade straight out of a tropical paradise. Each destination promises unforgettable experiences and breathtaking vistas.

As the day winds down, we’ll return you to Hilo Port, leaving you with memories of a day filled with exploration, wonder, and the natural beauty of the Big Island. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure that will make your cruise experience truly special.

• Travel time is already included to the total duration set
• What to Bring: Walking shoes, a Hat, a light sweater or a Rain Jacket just in case

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.