Big Island Shore Excursions
Big Island shore excursions are the ideal way to experience the highlights of Hawaii's largest island when arriving by cruise ship. These guided adventures offer a variety of experiences, from visiting the awe-inspiring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where you can see active volcanic craters and unique geological formations, to lush rainforest hikes and stunning waterfalls along the Hamakua Coast. Cultural enthusiasts will appreciate excursions to historical landmarks like the Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, where traditional Hawaiian history and spirituality come alive in a beautifully preserved coastal village.
For those seeking coastal beauty, excursions along the Kona coast provide memorable snorkeling opportunities, where vibrant marine life thrives among pristine coral reefs. Alternatively, explore charming seaside towns such as Hilo, renowned for its botanical gardens and local markets. Shore excursions are conveniently organized with round-trip transportation from the harbor, ensuring cruise visitors maximize their time on land while experiencing the diverse natural and cultural wonders that the Big Island has to offer.
Featured Big Island Shore Excursions
Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcano Safari Lava Caves, Falls and More
Approx 6 hr long. Explore the places less traveled among Hawaii's back roads of Kilauea volcano. Explore exciting Lava Caves, waterfalls, and Lava trees in a lush volcanic rainforest. See the 2018 lava destruction and the newly formed Black Sand Beach just created. A...
Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcanoes National Park and Rainbow Falls
Cruise Ship Guests: We have special permits to pick up directly from Hilo port of call. Departure times may be adjusted to fit your ships arrival & departure. Hilo Hotel Guests: Meeting location is Hilo Hawaiian Hotel Tour grade: Easy Highlights of this tour...
Kona Shore Excursion: Sea Turtles, Historic Kona & Coffee
WANT TO SEE HAWAIIAN SEA TURTLES! Cruise ship-friendly tour is approx 5 hr long. This is truly a wonderful experience showing all the highlights in and around Kailua-Kona. Explore historical cultural sights, our famous Kona coffee, scenic sights, and best of all our...
Kona Shore Excursion: Wild Dolphin Reefs Snorkel and Sea Caves
Snorkel at a colorful protected reef known as Kealakekua Bay located next to Captain Cook's monument. A truly historical sight! Encounter wild dolphins, sea caves, and more! Your lunch is also included consisting of a deli wrap or sometimes BBQ hot dogs, fresh fruit,...
More Big Island Shore Excursions to Inspire Your Trip
Kona Cruise Ship Beach Shuttle to Kua Bay
Skip the hassle of unreliable and overpriced rideshares and glide directly from Kailua Pier to Kua Bay, a hidden gem of Hawaiʻi Island. With its soft white sand and vibrant turquoise waters, this beach beckons you to swim, relax, and soak up the sun. Enjoy round-trip...
Kona Port: Private History & Farmer's Market Excursion
For cruise ship guests arriving at Kona Port or travelers from Kona International Airport (KOA), our Private History & Market Excursion offers an unparalleled, hassle-free adventure. Forget rigid schedules and crowded buses; your dedicated guide ensures direct...
Hilo Cruise Ship Excursion: Volcanoes National Park Rainbow Falls
Explore Volcanoes National park, home to Kīlauea, the most active volcano in the world. Learn how volcanic events have impacted the landscape and the lives of the people that live here. Highlights of the tour include a stop at Rainbow Falls, a waterfall with an 80-foot...
Hawaii Volcano National Park Shore Excursion
What makes my tours special is that I will take you to places other tours will not go. We drive north of Hilo to see the surf spots were we will drive slowly down a narrow road. I will narrate to you about the surfers as they catching waves. We drive over old bridges...
Hilo Shore Excursion: Visit Volcano, Waterfall, Beach with Lunch
Make the most of your shore visit with our half-day adventure tour exploring the Big Island from summit to sea. We offer a unique tour including hands-on artifacts, fresh fruit, historical insights, and the significance of the places we visit. We'll take you on an...
Cruise Ship Shore Excursion of Historic Kona
Explore the Royal Kona Coffee Center, where you can savor Hawaii's renowned gourmet coffee and find the perfect souvenir to remember your journey. Afterward, venture to Pu’uhonua o Honaunau, also known as the Place of Refuge. This meticulously maintained National...
Hilo Highlights: Waterfall & Local Secrets on a Short Excursion
This tour is made for all guests for a short excursion, but see everything in Hilo. This tour will take you to all the highlights of Hilo and our experienced tour guides will show you the spots that only local tours would know.
2 Days Private Cruise Shore Excursions to Hilo and Kona
Private Big Island Adventure – Two Days of Pure Aloha Up to 14 Guests | Private Tour | Two Unforgettable Days Gather your friends or family and experience the Big Island your way — just your group, your pace, and your expert guide. Day 1 – Hilo Volcano, Black...
Hilo and Volcano National Park Tour for Cruise Passengers at port
Travelers coming on a cruise ship to Hilo can visit and enjoy the incredibly wonderful Big Island with this one-day tour. This tour is a full-day guided Hawaii Volcano National Park and Hilo town tour. The vast and majestic land of Big Island, Hawaii, is home to the...
Hilo Shore Excursion: Private Kilauea Volcano Tour
For cruise ship guests from Hilo Harbor, or travelers from Hilo Airport (ITO) and the Hilo area (within a 10-mile radius), our private Hawaii Volcanoes National Park excursion offers unparalleled, hassle-free adventure. Forget rigid schedules; your guide meets you...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are shore excursions on the Big Island?
Shore excursions are guided tours designed for cruise ship passengers, offering activities like sightseeing, snorkeling, volcano visits and cultural experiences during port stops.
Which ports offer shore excursions on the Big Island?
Most excursions depart from Hilo or Kailua-Kona, the two main cruise ports on the island.
Will I be back in time for my ship's departure?
Yes, reputable operators design tours around cruise schedules and ensure you return to the port with time to spare.
Do I need to book shore excursions in advance?
Advance booking is highly recommended, especially for popular tours, to secure your spot and ensure timely coordination with your ship's arrival.
What types of excursions are available?
Options include trips to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, waterfall hikes, snorkeling cruises, historical and cultural tours and coffee farm visits.