Hilo Akaka Falls and Black Sand Beach Tour 3 hr - Image 1
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Hilo Akaka Falls and Black Sand Beach Tour 3 hr

TourTruth score 8.1 out of 10

Very goodTop 21% in Big Island of Hawaii

23 reviews · Rated on 2 providers · How we score

  • Big Island of Hawaii
  • 3 hrs
  • Updated November 2, 2026

Walk rainforest trails to ʻAkaka Falls, explore Hilo’s black sand beaches, and look for sea turtles on a relaxed 3-hour tour.

About this tour

See Hilo’s lush windward coast on a relaxed afternoon outing that pairs rainforest scenery with striking shoreline stops. This Hilo Akaka Falls and Black Sand Beach Tour begins with a seaside Japanese garden and a drive past Hilo Town, then follows scenic country roads, bridges, creeks, and rivers toward beaches and waterfalls favored by locals.

Take a leisurely walk through tropical rainforest to ʻAkaka Falls, choosing the direct paved route or the more challenging 1/3-mile loop. Along the way, enjoy views of the island’s greenery and cascading water. The tour continues to distinctive black sand beaches, where you may spot sea turtles near the shore. If time allows, take a quick dip among colorful marine life while your guide leads other guests to nearby coves. Local sweets, complimentary drinks, water, and snacks add a taste of Hilo to the outing.

Cruise guests are picked up at the port, and the itinerary is planned around ship departure times for a guaranteed all-aboard return. Hilo vacationers can meet at Reeds Bay. Choose this Hilo Akaka Falls and Black Sand Beach Tour for an easygoing way to experience rainforest, waterfalls, and coast in one afternoon.

Highlights

  • Wander a tropical rainforest trail to the towering Akaka Falls
  • Admire Hilo’s seaside Japanese garden and scenic jungle roads
  • Explore distinctive black sand beaches and hidden local coves
  • Look for sea turtles along the shore
  • Sample local sweets and island snacks

What's included

Included

  • Port pickup and drop-off
  • Pickup and drop-off at Reeds Bay for Hilo vacationers
  • Park admission and parking fees
  • Complimentary water, drinks, and snacks
  • Guaranteed on-time return for ship departure

Not included

  • Gratuities
  • Lunch

Ratings on each provider

The ratings and review counts each booking site shows for this tour.

What reviewers mention

Themes that come up most in this tour's reviews.

Important information

  • Infants ages 0–3 ride free but may need to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Infants and small children can ride in a stroller
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • The tour is described as non-strenuous and suitable for most fitness levels
  • Wear comfortable shoes and bring rain gear
  • Bring a swimsuit, towel, and underwater camera if you plan to swim

Frequently asked questions

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts approximately 3 hours.

Where is pickup available?

Cruise passengers are picked up at Hilo port. Hilo vacationers can meet at Reeds Bay parking lot.

Is the return timed for cruise ship departure?

Yes. The tour is scheduled around ship departure times, with a guaranteed on-time return for all aboard.

Can I swim during the tour?

A quick swim may be possible if time permits. Bring a swimsuit and towel if you would like to swim.

Is the tour suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is described as non-strenuous and suitable for most fitness levels, though travelers with poor cardiovascular health are advised against it.

How this score is calculated

This tour scores 5.00 on Viator and 5.00 on GetYourGuide. Ratings on these sites cluster near the top of the 5-star scale, so we compare each one with all other ratings on the same site before combining them.

How the score works and rating distribution in Big Island of Hawaii
  • Each provider rating is turned into a percentile: the share of that provider's ratings it beats, weighted by review counts.
  • Listings on different providers are combined in proportion to their review counts.
  • Tours with few reviews are pulled toward the average until more reviews come in, so a handful of perfect reviews can't top the list.
  • The result is shown from 0 to 10: this tour scores 8.1. Top 21% in Big Island of Hawaii means it ranks in the top 21% of tours in Big Island of Hawaii by this score.

Provider rating distribution in Big Island of Hawaii

How many tours in Big Island of Hawaii have a provider rating at or below each value. The dashed line is this tour.

  • GetYourGuide
  • Viator

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