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Cultural & heritage · Hilo

Top 10 cultural & heritage things to do in Hilo

Heritage walks, museum days, temple complexes, and the kind of guides who explain why a place matters rather than reciting dates. The cultural side of Hilo, paced for actual seeing.

  1. Akaka Falls and Volcanoes National Park tour from Hilo, Hilo1

    1. Akaka Falls and Volcanoes National Park tour from Hilo

    5.0· 30 reviews

    Full-day guided tour covering Akaka Falls, Volcanoes National Park, and Hilo's scenic spots, featuring local storytelling and insights into Hawaiian culture.

    This experience was truly one of a kind. Witnessing the volcano erupt was a blessing, and Akaka Falls was stunning. I loved exploring the Thurston Lava Tube. It was an incredible day. Dave was fantastic—honest and knowledgeable. Thank you!Enid_H
  2. Private tour of Kilauea Volcano and Hilo's Rainbow Falls, Hilo2

    2. Private tour of Kilauea Volcano and Hilo's Rainbow Falls

    5.0· 12 reviews· 5.5 hours

    Half-day private tour — Kilauea Volcano highlights, optional Island sights, short hikes, and insights into Hawaiian culture.

    This was a fantastic experience with Jill. I learned a lot about the volcanoes and the history of Hawaii. We visited Rainbow Falls and toured a chocolate factory. Pickup was right at the port. I highly recommend it!kdd28970
  3. Kīlauea Volcano and Lava Tube tour in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hilo3

    3. Kīlauea Volcano and Lava Tube tour in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

    5.0· 4 reviews· 4 hours

    Four hours exploring Kīlauea and Lava Tube with a local guide, sharing cultural insights and island stories.

    The tour was excellent. Our guide Aaron ensured we reached the volcano with ample time to witness the eruption, which was truly awesome.Theresa_M
  1. Hilo tour: Volcanoes, waterfalls, and local culture, Hilo4

    4. Hilo tour: Volcanoes, waterfalls, and local culture

    5.0· 3 reviews

    Seven hours exploring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Rainbow Falls, and the Hilo Farmers Market — guided by a local Hawaiian with deep cultural insights.

    Aaron served as an excellent tour guide and driver. He was not only professional and knowledgeable but also delivered exceptional customer service throughout our trip. He truly went the extra mile to ensure we enjoyed our visit to the active volcano and other attractions in Hilo. Highly recommended! Mahalo, Aaron!E3115PTjohnl
  2. Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach and Volcanoes National Park tour, Hilo5

    5. Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach and Volcanoes National Park tour

    5.0· 27 reviews

    Visit Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach and explore Volcanoes National Park — a full-day guided tour including stops at Hilo's notable sites and local insights.

    We organized this Big Island tour with Aloha Aina Tours and spent a wonderful day visiting Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach (where we saw turtles!), Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Hilo, Pāhoa/Keaʻau Lava Tube, Rainbow Falls, the King Kamehameha Statue, and the stunning Akaka Falls. Our guide Amanda was personable and informative, providing fascinating details about Hawaiian culture and nature along the way. The inclusion of lunch and drinks made for a hassle-free experience. I highly recommend this tour.stephanie c
  3. Hilo Volcanoes and Waterfalls tour with black sand beach, Hilo6

    6. Hilo Volcanoes and Waterfalls tour with black sand beach

    5.0· 26 reviews

    Approximately six hours, with lunch included — visit Kīlauea volcano, Rainbow Falls, and Punaluʻu black sand beach, with pick-up and drop-off in Hilo only.

    This was the most amazing tour I’ve ever experienced. Our guide was not only kind and humorous but also made the entire experience truly memorable. I wholeheartedly recommend it!P6835ZJ_
  4. Half-day Big Island tour — volcanoes, waterfalls, and beaches, Hilo7

    7. Half-day Big Island tour — volcanoes, waterfalls, and beaches

    5.0· 123 reviews

    Four hours of guided exploration — Kilauea Volcano, Thurston Lava Tube, Punaluʻu Beach, and Rainbow Falls with lunch at a local restaurant included.

    Anthony and Ariel provided an exceptional experience. They were both enjoyable and knowledgeable, allowing us to learn a great deal about the islands while exploring wonderful locations.Kenneth_L
  5. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Hilo highlights small group tour, Hilo8

    8. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Hilo highlights small group tour

    4.9· 275 reviews· 5.5 hours

    Eight hours, small group size — explore Kilauea and Mauna Loa, walk the crater rim, visit Rainbow Falls and Liliuokalani Gardens, including local chocolate and coffee stops.

    Josh was fantastic and really contributed to the success of this trip. His extensive experience with the island and passion for sharing his stories about living near an active volcano made it even more special.David_Z
  6. Hilo and Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park tour, Hilo9

    9. Hilo and Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park tour

    4.8· 68 reviews

    Six hours by coach — visit Rainbow Falls, explore Downtown Hilo, and tour Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, including Thurston Lava Tube and Chain of Craters Road.

    Marissa was fantastic. She took us to see the volcano while it was erupting! Her knowledge was impressive, and she made each of us feel special.Todd_M
  7. Hilo sightseeing tour with optional helicopter ride, Hilo10

    10. Hilo sightseeing tour with optional helicopter ride

    4.7· 417 reviews· 10.5 hours

    A half-day tour of Hilo's lush landscapes and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, including optional helicopter views of the volcanic terrain and historic sites.

    Albert was both enjoyable and knowledgeable, making him an excellent tour guide. Throughout our bus journey, he pointed out various sights, shared stories, and provided insights into Hawaii's history.Steve M

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