Private tour in Hilo Laurence C

Ultimate 10 hour Big Island Private Tour

4.9

(9) reviews

-
Hours icon 10 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
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-
Hours icon 10 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

163

Reviews

Tours delivered

8 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, uniqueness, & magic 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 history, culture, language, trees, fruits, flowers, birds, animals, and more. 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. Big Island Brewhaus for those that love a good microbrew and casual settings are a must in my beautiful island! Local culture of a place and the music scene are in my blood, ask me why ;)

Recent Reviews

Nina D.United States
March 2024

What a treat it was to spend the day with Laurence! We did a full day tour with our two daughters and it was perfect for all of us. He tailored our trip to fit what big kids and little kids alike would enjoy. We made so many memories to last a life time. Do yourself a favor and book a tour with Laurence!

Hollie U.United States
September 2022

Laurence made us feel so comfortable and taught us so much. He took us so many gorgeous places and introduced us to "The Red Road" which is beyond special. We saw the lava flows, fissure 8, multiple unique parks with lave trees, and lava tubes where we had a picnic. We saw the longest black sand beach on the island, the botanical gardens (that were mind blowingly beautiful), and a natural sea arch with turtles swimming below. Thank you Laurence for introducing us to all the places that are special to you!

Christopher P.United States
June 2022

When I think "tour by local", I want someone who loves their home and wants to tell the world about it. Laurence is that guide. He was so nice and put together a custom itinerary. It was our third trip to the big island but we haven't seen much of the east (Hilo) side. He shows us a ton and some of his personal favorites. It was a great trip and we really appreciate him being so accommodating. His love for the east side really showed.

Martin U.Australia
December 2017

This full day tour provided us with great and magical insight into the beautiful world of the island of Hilo. It's natural beauty and diversity was breath taking. Our guide, Laurence now considered a local, provided us with the best experience possible. The tour was informative and provided us with a day focused on our interests. The tour day was comfortably managed and well coordinated. Best of all, it also including some time for surfing ! One of the best full day tours we have had !

Annie O.United States
July 2017

We toured the island of Hawaii recently with Laurence. He was promptly waiting for us and eager to get our tour started. He was very knowledgeable about the island - its culture and history. We visited Volcano National Park and learned a lot from his expertise. He was wonderful with our 5 kids and took us to some wonderful spots for them to see different areas of beaches and swim. He taught us all about the fruits and trees of Hawaii and took us to pick berries.

Joyce T.United States
February 2017

LAURENCE is top of the line, primo, A-1, "JUST THE BEST" !!!!!!!!!!!!!! Had an amazing tour of Volcanoes National Park, the Hilo area, great local beaches and restaurants, our own driver and best of all added a friend.

Your Hilo tour itinerary

To the 6 or 8 hour tour North itinerary we either add horseback riding up the Waipio Valley (a 3 hour, $85 dollar per person) or continue into Waimea which is famous for the Parker ranch and Hawaiian cowboys (Paniolos). Along the way you'll see hundreds of acres of the huge Eucalyptus tree farms. There are many great places to eat lunch here and the Big Island Brewhaus for those that love a good micro brew. From Waimea we continue down to Kawaihae Harbor, a beautiful harbor and great place for a swim. There is also another wonderful beach to swim with the turtles and/or beautiful Hapuna beach, the largest white sand beach on the Big Island. Another wonderful beach close by is Puako. From there we return to Hilo via the Saddle Road that runs between 2 of the largest of the 5 Hawaii Volcanos. To the South, Puna District 6 or 8 tour we add either a trip to the Volcano Winery, snorkeling, or more time at the most beautiful, protected area in Puna.

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

Well maintained, clean, 2022 Toyota Rav 4 SUV with air conditioning with room for 4 regular size adults. For groups larger than 4 a van will have to be rented at an additional cost. Please message me for additional information.

What's included
Other: -snorkel gear -snacks, water, & other drinks.
Private Guide
Private Transportation
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. Entrance fee to the Onemea Botanical Garden & Akaka falls if these are chosen. -Breakfast and/or lunch.
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location

Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide:

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
City Highlights
Layover
Nature Wildlife And Safaris
Day Trip
Tour reference number
54501
Languages
English
Activity level
Minimal
Accessibility
Kid Friendly

Traveller reviews

4.9

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Hilo best suited for?

This private tour in Hilo is perfect for travellers who want to experience the beauty, uniqueness, and magic of the Big Island. It's ideal for those interested in Hawaiian history, culture, and nature, as well as those who enjoy good microbrews and casual settings. The tour is also suitable for families, as it is kid-friendly and involves minimal physical 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?

What languages is this tour offered in?

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 10 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
-
Hours icon 10 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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