Private tour in Hilo Laurence C

Amazing Hilo & Puna, or Hamakua Coast Private Tour

4.9

(47) reviews

-
Hours icon 6 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
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-
Hours icon 6 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

Laurence C.

4.9

Guide rating

162

Reviews

Tours delivered

7 hrs

Avg. response time

Aloha, My first trip to Hawaii was when I was 12 years old and I fell instantly in love with it the moment I stepped off the plane. I kept coming back every chance I got until I finally got the opportunity to move here. I made many trips over the years to all the islands and in 2005 I made the move to Oahu and have given many tours there. In June of 2012 I moved to the Big Island and currently reside in Leilani Estates in the district of Puna, also known as the east cape, 22 miles from Hilo. I have both a deep love and a great respect/reverence for everything Hawaiian from the beautiful land and ocean, to the history and culture, to the people and music as well as the beautiful Aloha Spirit which I strive to incorporate into my tours. In the years I've lived and worked all around Oahu & the Big Island, I've discovered many very wonderful, spectacular places, hikes with truly breath-taking views and photo ops, and beaches that the large, major tour companies don't go to with the best snorkeling ever, some of these places I found on my own and some I learned about from locals that have lived here their whole lives. Whenever friends or family came over, I would take them on these circle island tours to these places and eat at these less known, less expensive, but very, very good places and they absolutely loved the tour so I decided to offer this same wonderful, more private/intimate island experience to smaller, more eco-friendly (I have a Ford Escape Hybrid) or sustainable groups at a very reasonable price. They are really and truly are "the hidden Big Island" tours. When I took family and friends around, we would leave at 8am and end up returning by between 6 & 8pm in the evening. It was so enjoyable that it never seemed like 10 or 12 hours, not even close. It seemed to take that long to really be able to see/experience most of the island without being rushed but then I realized that many people visiting won't have that much time or want to spend that much time so I decided to also offer tours and hikes of lesser lengths (10, 8, and 6 hour tours just by either leaving some parts out that might not be of as much interest, covering only part of the island, by shortening the amount of time we spend at certain spots and/or just focus on a couple of areas, activities, and/or hikes. If you feel any or all of the hikes are too much for you physically, we can spend the extra, more time, on covering more of the island, seeing more things and/or spending some time at one of the many really wonderful, uncrowded beaches. Since I'm a certified sailing instructor I'm going to be joining the Hilo Sailing club so that I'll have access to several sizes and types of sailboats in case you'd rather go sailing or just make that a 2 hour part of your tour, let me know. During your tour I will answer any and all questions about other parts of the Island that we haven't covered. I look forward to hearing from you, discussing which options you're interested in, and planning your ideal tour with you. You are in for a really great treat, something you will cherish and remember always, have you wanting to come back for more soon to see and do more in this Island Paradise. I sincerely hope you decide to join me on one of my tours so that I can share with you the amazing beauty, wonder, and some of the great food of the land (Aina) that I love and so that you can return home with wonderful memories, photos, and a real sense of the Aloha Spirit. During the tours I will also share some of the history, stories, and stats of the islands. If you decide to join me I guarantee that you will experience the best views, waterfalls, beaches/snorkeling, and photo opportunities, as well as have a great time, eat some great food, get some great photos, and be very glad that you joined me for an experience you'll always remember & cherish. With warmest Aloha, your Private Island guide in Paradise, Laurence ITMI Certified Tour Director/Guide, US Sailing Certified Sailing Instructor, Red Cross First Aid and CPR certified for both adults and children, Advanced Scuba certification. Hawaii Exise Tax license for my company.

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Laurence C.

Overview of your Hilo tour

You will experience the beauty & magic of this side/part of the Big Island, why it unique in the Hawaiian chain, and why I have chosen to live here. You will learn a lot about Hawaiian interesting statistics & educational information on Culture, trees, fruits, flowers, animals, birds, and our volcanos. There will be many great photo ops. It will be a very educational, informative, interesting, fun, and memorable tour that you will remember & cherish the rest of your life.

Your Hilo tour itinerary

In Hilo the highlights and choices are Banyan Drive, the Kamehameha Statue, & Rainbow Falls, which is nice but pales in comparison to Akaka falls which is up the Hamakua coast. From Hilo we either head north over the "singing bridge" up the spectacular Hamakua Coast, take the incredibly beautiful 4 mile Onomea scenic route along the tropical rainforest coast that has several one lane bridges over rivers including 1 that flows through a lava tube. Next is Akaka Falls, one of the tallest, most beautiful waterfalls in Hawaii. Alternativealy after Hilo the 2nd option, and really my favorite, is the breathtakingly beautiful Puna district where I live. We will experience the 2018 lava flows, Lava tree state park, learn about flank/fissure eruptions and time allowing a sea arch and other beautiful coastal spots. We will have a great lunch at a really great local restaurant either in Hilo or Pahoa.

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

For up to 4 regular to small passengers travel will be in a clean, well maintained, 2022 Toyota Rav 4 SUV with air conditioning. For groups larger than 4, a well maintained 7, 12, or 15 pax van with air conditioning will have to be rented at an additional cost. Please message for further details.

What's included
Other: -Other beverages, & snacks.
Private Guide
Private Transportation
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. $20 p/p entrance fee to Onemea Bay Botanical garden $20 p/p, $5 for Akaka Falls if either of those are chosen as part of the desired itinerary and lunch.
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location

Hilo, Hawaii, 96720, United States

Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide: KTA parking lot right next to Puainako St. (50 E.) in Hilo.

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
Layover
Nature Wildlife And Safaris
Tour reference number
53638
Languages
English
Activity level
Minimal
Accessibility
Kid Friendly
Wheelchair Accessible
4.9

Traveller reviews for this private tour in Hilo

47 reviews

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Hilo best suited for?

This private tour in Hilo is perfect for travellers who want to explore the unique beauty of the Big Island's tropical rainforest and coastline. It's ideal for those interested in Hawaiian culture, nature, and photography, as well as anyone looking to connect with a local guide like Laurence C. for deeper insights into the area. The tour is also suitable for families, including kids and seniors, as it is wheelchair accessible and involves minimal activity.

What should I bring or wear?

Can this private tour in Hilo be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?

How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?

Is this private tour in Hilo suitable for cruise ship passengers as a shore excursion?

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What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?

Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 6 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 6 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
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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