Best Big Island shore excursions - Candid ratings by Hillman

Best Big Island
shore excursions

Cruise tips you can trust

Note: The Big Island is officially named "Hawaiii Island". To avoid confusing the latter name with "Hawaiian Islands", most locals and visitors perfer to call the island by its nickname, "The Big Island" (which refers to the island's size).

Best 2
Big Island shore excursions

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

It is by far the #1 shore excursion on the Big Island.

The park is home to the world's most active volcano, Kilauea.

Tips & insights:

Live lava flows

These rivers and fountains of molten rock are the sightseeing highlight for most travelers. Try to view them at dusk because daylight visually subdues their intense reddish glow.

Caldera drive

If you're pressed for time, at least take the 11-mile Caldera Drive. Stop at its Crater Overlook for a distant view of the massive Mauna Loa and a nearby view of the smaller but striking Halema'uma'u Crater. The Thurston Lava Tube is another interesting attraction along the route.

Heli-seeing