Cruise Ship Favorite Hilo Excursion Volcanoes and Akaka Falls
Overview
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Discover the wonders of Hawaii on this shore excursion perfect for cruise ship travelers arriving in Hilo. Begin your adventure at the Kilauea Visitor Center to learn about the geological and cultural significance of the Hawaiian volcanoes. Enjoy a scenic drive along Crater Rim Drive, marvel at the active steam vents, and explore the enchanting Thurston Lava Tube. A visit to the breathtaking Akaka Falls offers stunning views of its 442-foot drop, while a stop at Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach provides a chance to relax and spot Hawaiian green sea turtles basking on the shore.
- Perfect for cruise ship passengers arriving in Hilo
- Visit the Kilauea Visitor Center and learn about volcanoes
- Scenic drive along Crater Rim Drive with breathtaking views
- Explore Akaka Falls and unwind at Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Akaka Falls State Park
Pleasant walk through lush tropical vegetation to scenic vista points overlooking the cascading Kahuna Falls and the free-falling ‘Akaka Falls, which plunges 442 feet into a stream-eroded gorge. The 0.4-mile loop footpath requires some physical exertion. (65.4 acres). The waterfall view is just a short walk down the path.
Kilauea Visitor Center
Our volcano tour begins at the Kilauea Visitor Center, where you'll learn about the park’s fascinating history, geology, and the cultural significance of volcanoes in Hawaiian culture.
Options
Cruise Ship Favorite Hilo Excursion Volcanoes and Akaka Falls
What‘s Included
Private transportation
Cold drinks
Volcanoes National Park Entrance Fee
Pickup points
Hilo Bay Hotel
121 Banyan Dr, Hilo United States
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
12 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Tour Operator did not show up. When I finally got a hold of someone we were told tour was canceled, but no one told us!
Steven T,Jan 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00Tour Operator did not show up at port, when we finally got hold of someone they just said tour was canceled. No one from Nomad Hawaii Tours or TripAdvisor bothered to contact us, just left us standing on the pier in the rain looking for them. TripAdvisor and operator pointing fingers at each other. Completely unprofessional, do not use!
Day at the Volcano National Park
158mihirt,Jul 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Rom was an excellent tour guide. We were a family of 4 with 2 kids. He was kind, patient, flexible and very informative. Kids had a blast. The amazing photos were a bonus!
An experience of Aloha and hospitality like no other
davidkY8509QF,Jul 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our family absolutely loved the Hilo excursions tour to Volcano, Akaka Falls, and the Black Sand Beach! Every stop was breathtaking, and as outdoor enthusiasts, we couldn’t have asked for a better adventure. What truly made the day unforgettable was our tour guide Romelo—his genuine Aloha spirit, deep local knowledge, and unmatched hospitality made us feel like part of the island ‘ohana. Highly recommended!
Nature, Knowledge, and Aloha! Thanks, Nomad Tours!
rominasS8043HW,Jul 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing Day with Nomad Tours! We had the best time on the Hilo Excursion! Akaka Falls was beautiful, and the volcano was so cool to see. We also loved walking on the black sand beach, we even saw turtles! Our guide was super friendly and knew so much about the island. The day was fun, relaxing, and full of great memories. We would 100% recommend Nomad Tours to anyone visiting the Big Island!
Breathtaking Big Island adventure!!!
jeffpK3798JN,Jul 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My wife and I wanted to see the Volcano, Black Sand beach and of course a waterfall and this tour was spectacular The Big island is amazing and the views are breathtaking. You can’t take a bad picture. Romulo our guide was fantastic and made us feel welcome and took very good care of us on our adventure!!! Mahalo Romulo!
Affordable !
Traveler07087991113,Jul 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was our first time in Hawaii cruising onboard the Pride of America. Tour prices onboard are a little higher than our budget, this guys offers a perfect and budget friendly tour. Our tour guide, Rom, was very professional.
Unforgettable Experience
804romuloa,Jul 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an incredible time with Rom on his Hilo Excursion: Volcanoes, ʻAkaka Falls, and Black Sand Beach. The tour was perfectly at our pace, full of stunning views and natural wonders, from the wonder ʻAkaka Falls to the wild beauty of Volcanoes National Park, and ending with the peaceful black sand beach where we even saw sea turtles! Rom was not only incredibly knowledgeable about the island’s geology, history, and culture, but also warm, thoughtful, and engaging. He made us feel like we were traveling with a close friend who genuinely cared about our experience. His storytelling, attention to detail, and passion for Hawaiʻi elevated the entire day.
Epic Adventure
gregorykC5496LW,Jul 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An Unforgettable Big Island Experience We took the Volcano, Akaka Falls, and Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach tour with Nomad Tours, and it was truly the highlight of our trip to Hawaiʻi. From start to finish, everything was smooth, well-organized, and full of breathtaking scenery. We explored the lush rainforest at Akaka Falls, walked through a lava tube at Volcanoes National Park, and ended the day relaxing at the stunning black sand beach—where we even saw sea turtles! Our guide, Rom, was outstanding. He’s incredibly knowledgeable about the island’s geology, culture, and history, and he shared everything with such passion and clarity. It’s obvious he truly loves what he does. He was also kind, professional, and made sure everyone was comfortable and engaged throughout the day. If you're visiting the Big Island and want a meaningful, scenic, and authentic experience, Nomad Tours with Rom is the way to go.
Amazing Tour – The Highlight of Our Trip!
Mayra P,Jul 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour with Nomad Tours was hands down the highlight of our time on the Big Island! Every stop was thoughtfully chosen and offered something special, Akaka Falls was absolutely breathtaking, and the black sand beach was unlike anything we’ve ever seen. Volcanoes National Park was incredible, we got to walk through the Thurston Lava Tube, see steam vents, and learn so much about Pele and the island’s volcanic history. Our guide Rom was not only knowledgeable he made us feel the experience personal and meaningful. Rom is really passionate about Hawaiian culture and encourages us to connect with it too. The pacing was perfect, the group was small, and the snacks and cold drinks were a great bonus. Highly recommend this tour to anyone wanting to experience the natural wonders and cultural beauty of Hilo and the Big Island. Five stars all the way!
Such an amazing experience
N7917NYsebastiana,Jul 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Rómulo is the perfect tour guide for the island, he is polite, kind, comprehensive and a great/safe driver. He took me and my partner to the volcanoes, black sand beaches and many secret beautiful trails I would have never imagined were there. We had the good luck of see a Kilahua explosion and he is also took us great pictures. (He is also an award-winning photographer) Totally recommended and fun experience to ride around with him!
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Operated by Nomad Hawaii Private Tours