2 Tank Shore Dive – Wai'olena Beach

This shore dive with Hilo Ocean Adventures takes certified divers to two reef sites along the East Hawaii coast, entering the water directly from shore. The reefs sit where freshwater springs meet the ocean, and the listing notes coral formations, volcanic lava terrain, sea turtles, octopus, eels, and reef fish such as butterflyfish, tangs, and Moorish idols among what divers may encounter. The tour is rated moderate difficulty and suits Open Water certified divers or those with a higher certification. Divers who have been out of the water for a while are encouraged to complete a refresher before joining. No hotel pickup is available, so divers make their own way to the meeting point on Kamehameha Avenue in Hilo. The price includes tanks, weights, a divemaster guide, bottled water, and light snacks. Mask, fins, wetsuit, BCD, and regulator are available to rent. The tour is weather dependent, so conditions on the day can affect whether it runs.

Beach Snorkel - Sea Turtle Lagoon and Black Sand Beach

This shore-based snorkel tour from Hilo Ocean Adventures takes guests along a volcanic black sand beach and into the brackish water lagoons that border Hilo. A narrated guide explains how the black sand beaches and volcanic islands formed, so the tour works as both a nature outing and a short geology lesson. First-time snorkelers are welcome; guides cover the basics and stay with the group throughout. Children are welcome with an accompanying adult. This is a land and water tour, not a boat trip, so guests should be comfortable swimming unassisted in the open ocean. The tour is not suitable for those who are pregnant, have back or mobility problems, or cannot swim independently. The group meets at a fixed address in Hilo, and tours depart on time, so arriving early enough to have gear fitted is important.

Discover Scuba Diving

Discover Scuba Diving by Hilo Ocean Adventures introduces first-time divers to the underwater world off Hilo through a shore-based experience that moves from classroom to pool to open ocean. The session starts with gear fitting and a brief presentation covering the basics, then moves to a pool training session where participants practice hands-on skills in a low-pressure setting. After the pool session, everyone heads into the ocean for an actual scuba dive. This experience suits anyone curious about scuba diving who wants to try it before committing to a full certification course. Participants must be able to swim unassisted in water too deep to stand. This is not a certification course, and completing it does not allow independent diving. PADI medical forms must be signed and submitted before the session begins. Completing paperwork in advance keeps the full session time available for training.

Royal Humpback Whale Experience

North Pacific humpback whales migrate from Alaska to Hawaii each winter to breed, give birth, and care for their young in the calm bays surrounding the islands. The Royal Humpback Whale Experience departs from Hilo and travels along the East Hawaii coastline, where the captain and crew watch for whale spouts, tail slaps, pectoral fin waving, and full breaches. The crew provides narration on humpback whale behavior, migration patterns, and the cultural significance of these animals to the Hawaiian Islands. The tour runs from mid-December through early April, with peak activity varying by year. Light refreshments and water are included. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, a towel, rain gear, and a camera. Departures leave promptly, so plan to arrive early.

2 Tank Boat Dive - Hilo Horizons

The volcanic terrain includes pinnacles, lava shelves, swim-throughs, and coral-covered canyons. The tour departs from Hilo Harbor and is rated moderate difficulty. The price covers two air tanks, weights, a divemaster guide, bottled water, and light snacks. Tank and weights, wetsuit, mask, and fins are provided. BCDs and regulators are available to rent separately. No hotel pickup is offered, so divers arrange their own way to the harbor. Guests who need rental gear should plan to arrive early to allow time for fitting before the boat leaves. Divers must present proof of Open Water certification or higher at check-in, carry equipment without assistance, and submit a medical questionnaire before the trip date. The tour is not suitable for pregnant guests, those over a certain weight, those with back or mobility problems, or anyone who cannot swim unassisted in open ocean. After completing two dives, divers should wait before traveling to elevations above a certain altitude.

Kayak - Hilo Bay & Coconut Island Adventure

This guided kayak tour sets out from Hilo onto the calm, protected waters of Hilo Bay, paddling toward Coconut Island, known in Hawaiian as Moku Ola. The tour begins with a safety briefing and paddling orientation, so no prior kayaking experience is needed. Along the route, a local guide shares the history of Hilo's plantation era, the tsunamis that reshaped its shoreline, and the cultural ties between the land, sea, and people of Hawaii. The paddle passes by Queen Liliuokalani Gardens, a Japanese-style park honoring Hawaii's last reigning monarch, before reaching Coconut Island, where tide pools and a calm lagoon invite a closer look. Kayak, paddle, life jacket, safety gear, instruction, bottled water, and light snacks are all included. Participants should bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, water shoes or sandals, a towel, dry clothes, and a camera or waterproof phone case. Minors must be accompanied by an adult.

Kayak - Wailoa River to King Kamehameha Statue Adventure

This guided kayak tour launches from the Wailoa boat ramp in Hilo and follows the calm, gentle waters of the Wailoa River, whose name means "long water" in Hawaiian. Paddlers glide beneath Japanese-style bridges and through overhanging tree branches while a guide shares stories about Hilo's history, including the ancient Hawaiian kingdom and the tsunamis that shaped the land. The route pauses near the King Kamehameha Statue and passes an arboretum with notable tree species. The tour suits beginners and families, as the river moves at an easy pace with no demanding conditions. A kayak, paddles, safety gear, bottled water, and light snacks are all provided. The tour is weather dependent, so conditions may affect whether it runs on a given day. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, water shoes or sandals, a towel, a dry change of clothes, and a camera or waterproof phone case. Minors must be accompanied by an adult.

1 Tank Shore Dive – Wai'olena Beach

This shore dive with Hilo Ocean Adventures takes certified divers into the reef at Wai'olena Beach, where freshwater springs meet the ocean along the East Hawaiʻi coast. The entry is from shore, and the dive moves through coral-covered lava terrain where Hawaiian green sea turtles graze and rest on lava shelves. A natural cleaning station on the reef draws turtles while reef fish tend to them. Octopus, eels, butterflyfish, tangs, and Moorish idols live in the lava formations throughout the site. The tour is rated moderate and is open to divers holding an Open Water certification or equivalent. A refresher is recommended for anyone who has been out of the water for a while. Gear rental is available but not included in the price. The package does include one air tank, weights, a divemaster guide, bottled water, and light snacks. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. The tour runs on a firm schedule, so arriving early matters.

Boat Snorkel - Tropical Reef & Wildlife Adventure

This boat snorkel tour departs from Hilo and heads out to snorkeling spots in Hilo Bay, with the crew selecting locations each day based on weather and ocean conditions. Snorkelers explore colorful coral reefs, lava rock formations, and underwater ledges filled with tropical fish. The tour suits ocean lovers at various experience levels and is described as family-friendly, with a relaxed and supportive atmosphere. Guests who are pregnant, have back or mobility issues, or cannot swim unassisted in open water should not book this tour. Bringing reef-safe sunscreen, a towel, dry clothes, and a reusable water bottle is recommended. A waterproof camera is handy for underwater shots, and motion-sickness medication is worth considering for those who are sensitive to boat movement.

1 Tank Boat Dive - Hilo Horizons

This boat dive with Hilo Ocean Adventures takes certified divers out along the East Hawaii coast to explore coral reefs and volcanic reef structures formed by ancient lava flows. After a short cruise from Hilo, a divemaster guide leads the group below the surface, where reef fish, coral heads, and lava crevices make up the underwater landscape. The tour includes an air tank, weights, divemaster guidance, bottled water, and light snacks. Mask, fins, wetsuit, BCD, and regulator rentals are available for those who need them. Open Water certification or higher is required, and proof must be presented at check-in. Divers should be able to carry a substantial amount of gear unassisted and must be able to follow detailed instruction in English. A PADI or NAUI medical questionnaire must be submitted before the tour date. Hotel pickup is not provided, and the boat departs on schedule, so arriving with enough time to set up rental gear matters. After the dive, divers should avoid traveling to higher elevations for a period of time before flying or ascending to altitude.

Cliffs of Hawai’i Onomea Waterfall Cruise

The Cliffs of Hawai'i Onomea Waterfall Cruise takes passengers along Hilo's coastline on a sightseeing cruise that combines natural scenery with Hawaiian history and storytelling. The boat travels past sea cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and coastal coves, with views of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa visible from the water. A professional captain and crew are on board throughout, and a guide shares narration about ancient Hawaiian villages, cultural landmarks, and the sugar plantation communities that once lined the Hamakua Coast, including the remains of early sugar mills. Light refreshments and bottled water are included. Dolphins are sometimes spotted along the route. Before going, bring reef-safe sunscreen in non-spray or tinted form, sunglasses, a hat, and a light jacket or rain gear. A camera is worth packing for the coastal scenery and waterfalls. Hilo Ocean Adventures operates the cruise out of Hilo on the Big Island.

Private Big Game Fishing Charter

The captain and CPR-trained crew handle all the on-water instruction, walking guests through techniques for targeting pelagic species such as Mahi Mahi, Ono, and Ahi tuna. All rods, reels, tackle, and safety gear come included, along with light snacks and cold beverages. Guests are welcome to bring a packed lunch and any extra refreshments for the trip. The charter is private, so the experience is tailored to the group on board. The crew guides anglers through each step, from setting the lines to bringing in a catch, making it accessible for first-timers and comfortable for experienced anglers alike. Anyone prone to seasickness should take motion sickness medication before departure. Minors must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the trip.