Exploring Big Island of Hawaii by cruise offers a chance to discover some of the most unique landscapes and cultural sites in the Hawaiian Islands. This island isn’t just about lounging on beaches; it’s a geologist’s paradise, a wildlife lover’s dream, and a history buff’s treasure trove. With active volcanoes, lush rainforests, ancient archaeological sites, and vibrant marine life, Big Island is tailor-made for shore excursions that pack a punch in a short amount of time. Whether you’re interested in Hawaiian history, volcano watching, or snorkeling with sea turtles, there’s an experience to match your curiosity and energy level.
Many tours include round-trip transportation, so you can relax and enjoy the sights without worrying about navigating narrow roads or parking. Some excursions are private, offering personalized attention, while others cover a broad range of sights in a single day. With options from half-day cultural walks to full-day private safaris, you can choose what fits your schedule and interests best. To help you navigate this selection, we’ve compiled the 10 best shore excursions in Big Island, highlighting what makes each one special and who it’s best suited for.
Quick Overview
This list features guided tours exploring volcanoes, waterfalls, coffee farms, and marine life. Some tours like the Hawaii Volcano National Park Shore Excursion focus on Hawaii’s fiery landscape, while others like the Kona Shore Excursion: Sea Turtles, Historic Kona & Coffee combine wildlife viewing with cultural stops. Private options, such as Hilo Volcano Waterfall and Black Sand and Hilo Volcanoes National Park, offer tailored experiences for small groups. For marine lovers, the Wild Dolphin Reefs Snorkel and Sea Caves provides unforgettable underwater encounters. Budget-conscious travelers can opt for more affordable half-day options like the Historic Kona. Ready to explore? Let’s dive into these top picks.
1. Kona Shore Excursion: Sea Turtles, Historic Kona & Coffee
Starting with a full-day adventure, this tour offers a well-balanced taste of wildlife, history, and local flavor. You’ll visit Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, famous for its white sand beaches and black lava landscapes, where green sea turtles often bask in the sun. The guide will take you to archeological sites such as ancient fishponds and reconstructed Hawaiian huts, giving you a glimpse of traditional life.
A highlight is a visit to Greenwell Farms or Bay View Farm to learn how Kona coffee is grown, harvested, and roasted. Sampling fresh Kona coffee is a must — it’s the only U.S. state that produces coffee beans by hand. The tour also includes a visit to St. Benedict’s Painted Church, known for its vivid biblical murals painted directly onto wooden walls with house paint.
Many reviews praise this tour for its informative guiding and variety, with one noting, “Our driver, Marissa, was engaging and knowledgeable about Kailua-Kona, and seeing the turtles was the highlight.” It’s an excellent choice for travelers wanting a comprehensive, relaxed day that covers wildlife, culture, and scenery.
Bottom Line: Great for those who want a personalized experience with a diverse itinerary, including wildlife, archaeology, and coffee.
2. Hawaii Volcano National Park Shore Excursion
At number 2, this tour is a must-do for volcano enthusiasts. It takes you north from Hilo into the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where you’ll see Kilauea’s active caldera, steam vents, and lava flows. The guide will share stories about the geology, volcano activity, and historic eruptions, making the landscape come alive.
What makes this tour stand out is its exclusion of cookie-cutter routes — the guide takes you onto less-visited paths, including drives over old bridges with waterfalls, and provides native plant and wildlife insights. You’ll also have time to explore devastated lava fields and lava tubes like Thurston Lava Tube.
Guests consistently praise the guide’s passion and local knowledge — one reviewer called Don “fabulous,” noting that he managed to make a full day fun and educational despite weather challenges. The tour lasts about 7 to 8 hours, making it perfect for geology buffs or adventure travelers eager to see Hawaii’s volcanic heartbeat.
Bottom Line: An immersive, educational experience ideal for those wanting an up-close look at Hawaii’s fiery landscape without feeling rushed.
3. Kona Shore Excursion: Wild Dolphin Reefs Snorkel and Sea Caves
For about 3 hours, this tour maximizes your time with an adventure-packed snorkeling trip. You’ll be picked up directly from the port and taken out to Kealakekua Bay and Captain Cook Monument, where clear waters teem with spinner dolphins, sea turtles, and a rainbow of tropical fish.
Snorkeling gear, snacks, and lunch are included, making it easy to relax and focus on the marine marvels. One of the tour’s unique features is the opportunity to explore sea caves and lava tubes, providing a glimpse into the island’s volcanic history beneath the waves.
Reviewers appreciate the well-coordinated logistics and friendly guides, with one noting, “We saw whales, dolphins, and an abundance of fish — this was a highlight of our trip.” While some noted that sea caves are sometimes not accessible, the overall experience is highly valued for its marine diversity and hassle-free setup.
Bottom Line: Perfect for snorkelers short on time but eager to see marine life and volcanic formations from a boat.
4. Private Hilo Shore Excursion to Volcano Waterfall and Black Sand
This private tour offers a customized experience for up to 14 travelers, giving you a flexible itinerary that includes Punalu’u Black Sand Beach, renowned for its turtle sightings. You’ll also visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to explore Kilauea’s active lava flows and steam vents.
What sets this tour apart is its personal touch. The guide takes you to less-visited spots and tailors the stops to your interests. You’ll enjoy a leisurely drive along scenic routes, with commentary on Hawaiian culture, geology, and local stories. The Black Sand Beach is striking, and the park visit offers unforgettable views of lava fields and volcanic craters.
Guests rave about the professionalism and friendliness of the guide, with one reviewer saying, “We loved the personalized service and the chance to see areas other tours don’t visit.” This tour is ideal for small groups or families wanting an intimate connection with the island’s natural features.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers seeking a flexible, private adventure that covers the island’s volcanic and coastal highlights.
5. Private Shore Excursion Tour: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
If your time is limited but you crave a personalized volcano experience, this private 5-hour tour offers a tailored exploration of Hawaii’s famous volcanoes. It includes Kilauea’s caldera, Chain of Craters Road, and lava fields, with options to visit nearby volcanic beaches and waterfalls.
The advantage here is the customization — the guide adjusts the route based on your interests, skipping the crowds and focusing on the highlights you care most about. The entry fee is included, and round-trip transfers are arranged, so you don’t waste precious time on logistics.
Guests mention that the guide’s deep knowledge and flexibility make for an enriching experience. It’s perfect for geology enthusiasts or families with kids who want a more intimate tour without rushing. The price reflects a luxury, private experience, making it a worthwhile investment.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want a bespoke volcano tour and the convenience of private arrangements.
6. Private Hilo Shore Excursion Volcano National Park up to 14
This tour offers a personalized 7.5-hour journey through Hilo’s volcanic and lush landscape. The guide will take you off the beaten path, showing waterfalls, lava tubes, and local plant life. It includes stops at Liliuokalani Gardens, where you might see turtles and nene geese, and Onomea Bay, where lush jungle scenery surrounds a river flowing through a lava tube.
Reviewers appreciate the expert guiding and attention to detail, with one saying, “We learned a lot about local plants and history; the guide was extremely knowledgeable.” The flexibility and small group size allow you to see more than a typical tour and add extra stops if desired.
This is perfect for travelers who want a deep dive into Hilo’s natural beauty with a guide who can adapt the experience to your interests.
Bottom Line: Best suited for visitors wanting a customized, in-depth look at Hilo’s landscapes and wildlife.
7. Private Shore Excursion Hilo Land of Frozen Fire up to 14
Offering a 7-hour journey, this private tour combines visits to Lili’uokalani Gardens, Honoli’i Beach, Rainbow Falls, and lava tubes. The guide shows you turtles, nene geese, and shares stories about local fish and plants. You’ll explore lava formations and volcanic fissures, with options to visit Black Sand Beach and learn about Hawaiian culture.
Guests praise the friendly guide and the ability to customize the day, with reviews highlighting how the tour covers less-visited spots and offers insider stories. It’s a good fit for families or small groups wanting a personalized, educational experience.
Bottom Line: A flexible way to see Hilo’s main sights with a focus on local culture and volcanic features.
8. Cruise Ship Shore Excursion of Historic Kona
This 3.5-hour tour provides a crash course in Kona’s historic and cultural sites. It includes stops at the Royal Kona Coffee Center, where you can learn about the coffee processing process and sample some, and Puuhonua o Honaunau, a historic sanctuary for those breaking kapu laws. The tour culminates at St. Benedict’s Painted Church, famous for its vivid biblical murals.
Guests mention that the tour is a great value at $79 and offers ample time for photos and exploration. It’s a good choice for travelers wanting a short, informative overview without missing the island’s cultural highlights.
Bottom Line: Suitable for cruise passengers wanting a quick, comprehensive cultural tour with easy port logistics.
9. Volcano Adventure Tour & Waterfall – Shore Excursion from Hilo Harbor
This full-day tour combines volcano exploration, waterfalls, and black sand beaches. It visits Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to see active lava flows and steam vents, then continues to Rainbow Falls and Richardson Beach to spot sea turtles and enjoy the black sand.
The guide focuses on Hawaiian geology and natural beauty, making it especially appealing to outdoor enthusiasts. Travelers appreciate the balance of wildlife viewing, scenic drives, and geological features. The tour lasts approximately 6 hours and provides a good overview of Hawaii’s volcanic activity and coastal landscapes.
Bottom Line: A solid choice for those wanting a full-day adventure that highlights the geology, waterfalls, and coastal scenery.
10. Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcanoes National Park and Rainbow Falls
This highly-rated 6-hour tour is a comprehensive exploration of Hilo’s top sights. It includes stunning Rainbow Falls, Liliuokalani Gardens, and Richardson Black Sand Beach, along with a detailed visit to Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. The guide shows you smoking calderas, lava tubes, and fumaroles, providing insights into Hawaii’s volcanic activity.
Many reviews emphasize the professional guide, “Hannibal was very knowledgeable, funny, and considerate,” and the tour’s excellent value for money, with a full day packed with diverse sights and stories. It’s perfect for travelers who want a well-rounded, educational experience.
Bottom Line: An all-in-one tour suited for travelers eager to see volcanoes, waterfalls, and black sand beaches in one day.
How to Choose
Choosing the right shore excursion depends on your interests, budget, and schedule. If you want to see active volcanoes and explore lava fields, the Hawaii Volcano National Park Shore Excursion or the private Hilo Volcano Waterfall and Black Sand are excellent options. For a shorter, cultural experience, the Historic Kona provides a quick immersion in local history and coffee, making it perfect for travelers with limited time.
Those interested in marine life should consider the Wild Dolphin Reefs Snorkel, especially if snorkeling with turtles and exploring lava tubes excite you. If a bespoke experience appeals, private tours like Hilo Volcanoes National Park or Hilo Land of Frozen Fire can be tailored to your interests and pace.
Finally, consider cost — guided group tours range from around $79 to $153, while private experiences are more expensive but offer flexibility and exclusivity. Book early and confirm availability during your cruise’s booking window.
In summary, Big Island offers a variety of shore excursions that cater to geology enthusiasts, wildlife lovers, and cultural explorers alike. Whether you prefer a full-day private tour exploring lava flows and waterfalls or a half-day cultural walk through Kona’s historic sites, you’ll find options that match your travel style. For the best experience, plan ahead, choose based on your specific interests, and get ready for a memorable Hawaiian adventure.