Robert R.United States
Such an awesome day! Shawn is extremely knowledgeable about the park and the history of the area. The information he provided and the stories he told very much enriched our experience. It was a truly fantastic tour!
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Private tour in Hilo Shawn M
All Inclusive Hilo Cruise Special - Volcanoes, Waterfalls, Black Sand Beaches!
5.0
(5) reviews
-
7 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
7 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size
1
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
Shawn M.
5.0
Guide rating
31
Reviews
Tours delivered
15 hrs
Avg. response time
I have always had an immense passion for the outdoors. I spent my youth hiking, backpacking, canoeing and surfing. All this time outside has given me a great appreciation for the natural world. I first attended San Diego State University as an Ecology and Natural History major. After a few years at SDSU, I felt drawn to a more immersive educational experience and transferred to Humboldt State University on the North Coast of California. There, in the beautiful redwood forest, I found my calling in adventure tourism and graduated with a degree in outdoor adventure education and minored in business administration. With an educational background in both ecology and tourism, guiding guests on adventures became the perfect fit. After college, I worked at Humboldt Redwoods State Park as a park aid and naturalist. I thought about a career as a fishing guide and started transitioning into the fishing industry, when I decided to relocate to Hawaii. Since living in Hawaii, I have worked as a boat captain and tour guide, taking guests from all over the world, all around this beautiful island. In my free time, I still love to do all my favorite outdoor activities: hiking, camping, backpacking, surfing, and diving. I love exploring and learning about all the beautiful places the Big Island has to offer. One of my favorite things to do is to look at maps, find new locations to explore, and then figure out how to get there. The Big Island's diverse ecosystem is constantly drawing me to learn more about this beautiful place. I love to share my passion, leading and teaching guests all about this diverse island that I call home. BA - Recreation Administration: Outdoor Adventure Education; Cal Poly Humboldt American Red Cross - Lifeguarding with CPR/AED For Professional Rescuers, First Aid, Administering Emergency Oxygen, and Waterfront Skills United States Coast Guard 100 ton Master State of Hawaii - Public Utilities Commission 1-7 Passenger Vehicle Permit State of Hawaii - Public Utilities Commission 8-25 Passenger Vehicle Permit Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park Commercial Use Permit Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park Commercial Use Permit Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park Commercial Use Permit State of Hawai’i - Department of Land and Natural Resources Commercial Trail Access Permit State of Hawai’i - Harbors Division, Hawai’i District Ground Transportation Permit
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Shawn M.
Visit Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, Wailuku River State Park, and Richardsons Beach Park!
Overview of your Hilo tour
This private Hilo shore excursion is a great way for guests arriving by boat to see the of the most requested destinations on the Big Island: volcanoes, waterfalls, and black sand beaches!. Visit Richardsons Beach Park, the Wailuku River State Park, and Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park on this custom tailored Hilo shore excursion! Start the day visiting a black sand beach; look for sea turtles and feel the black sand under your feet at Richardsons Beach Park. Explore the tropical landscape that surrounds Rainbow Falls and Boiling Pots in the Wailuku River State Park. If we are lucky, catch a glimpse of a rainbow created in the mist of Rainbow Falls! Then we venture to Volcanoes National Park to see one of the most unique geological, biological and cultural landscapes on earth! With our outstanding naturalist guide leading your tour, you will learn about all the natural wonders, endemic wildlife, and volcanic landscape that makes up the Big Island on this Hilo shore excursion!
Recent Reviews
Gary S.United States
Shawn is an excellent guide. His well appointed vehicle is exceptionally clean and well-stocked with snacks and supplies including binoculars. A great story teller, Shawn brings to life the history and culture of the sights we see. Taking the time to learn about what you are trying to get out of the tour, he expertly crafts an experience that fulfills that rather than just hitting the tourist spots. I can highly recommend his services.
Gloria P.United States
Shawn gave our group of 5 a great half day tour of volcano national park with great views of the volcano, boiling pots, and the lava tube! He also showed us some beautiful waterfalls along the way! Shawn was very knowledgeable about the area, took professional pictures that he shared and provided suggestions on local eats and treats in Kona! Would highly recommend for others visiting the area!
Kevin W.United States
Excellent tour. Really enjoyed Shawn's knowledge of the geology, plant life and animals surrounding the waterfalls and the Volcano National Park. Shawn is also an excellent photographer and provides great shots of the scenery from the tour.
Matthew K.United States
We had an amazing day with Shawn exploring the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. From the communication prior to our arrival to the drop off, the entire trip was 1st class. Shaw provided a wealth of information, but it wasn't like a college lecture. He is easy to get along with, we had really great conversations, and overall we had a fantastic day together. Would highly recommend this tour for any couple or small group who want a personalized, immersive experience with Hilo and the national park.
Your Hilo tour itinerary
- Start your Hilo shore excursion with convenient pick up directly from the boat! Start your day with a short drive to Richardsons Beach Park. This unique destination offers a rare black sand beach, formed by volcanic activity. -Next, it is a short drive to our first stop at iconic Wailuku River State Park. Here we will take in the majestic beauty of Rainbow Falls and Boiling Pots. A rainbow often forms in the waterfall's mist in the early morning hours. - Next, we will venture over to Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. We will stop in the town of Volcano and pickup some lunch for us to enjoy inside the park. Upon entering the park, enjoy a walk along the rim Halema'uma'u Crater for unique views of the current eruption. See the natural steam vents at Wahinekapu Steaming Bluff. From there, take a short guided walk and experience the massive Thurston lava tube which is 600 feet long and over 20 feet tall in some places.
Want to customize this tour?
Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.
Transport details
Type: Private Transportation / Category: Suv
Have more than 4 people in your group? I can accommodate up to 11 guests, please contact me for additional guest rates. Private SUV or Mercedes Van depending on group size. Wheelchairs can be accommodated but guests must be able to enter the vehicle on their own and wheelchairs must be collapsable. Children of all ages are welcome but if they require a car seat, one must be provided by the guests.
What's included
Private Guide
Private Transportation
Tickets: Entrance fees into all Parks.
Equipment: Patagonia Jackets, Nikon ProStaff binoculars, Black Diamond trekking poles, flashlights
Services: Complimentary Professional Photo Package
Perks: Included Lunch in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
Food Drinks Snacks
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. All locations accept credit cards if you would like to purchase a souvenir or a personal item while on the tour.
Meeting location
80 Kuhio Street, Hilo, Hawaii, 96720, United States
I am permitted to enter the Port of Hilo facilities so I will pick you up directly from the cruise ship terminal.
Other details
Tour categories
History
Nature Wildlife And Safaris
Day Trip
Tour reference number
1185469
Languages
EnglishActivity level
Minimal
Accessibility
Kid Friendly
Wheelchair Accessible
Traveller reviews
5.0
FAQs
Who is this private tour in Hilo best suited for?
This private tour in Hilo is perfect for cruise ship passengers looking for a shore excursion that covers some of the most requested destinations on the Big Island, including volcanoes, waterfalls, and black sand beaches. It's also ideal for families, as it is kid-friendly and wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for travellers of all ages and mobility levels.
Where does the tour start and end?
Is transportation included?
Is this private tour in Hilo suitable for cruise ship passengers as a shore excursion?
What languages is this tour offered in?
What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?
AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide
-
7 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
7 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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Book with a deposit
If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a deposit!
How it works
- Your credit card will be authorized only for the deposit amount.
- Funds will not be withdrawn until your tour booking is fully processed.
- 30 days before your tour date, the remaining balance is automatically charged.