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As the largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago, the Big Island is a magnificent destination for nature lovers, water sports enthusiasts, and history buffs. While most ships only stop here for a short duration, booking a shore excursion gives you the chance to make the most of your time here.

For example, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America ship leaves every week from Honolulu, Oahu, and makes its way to Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island. It docks in two different places here – first in Hilo and then in Kailua-Kona. This means you’ll have two opportunities to disembark and explore two distinct sides of the island.

However, cruise passengers need to be aware of the ship’s arrival and departure schedule, so it’s crucial to only book excursions that fit this timing. To help make planning easier, we’ll share everything you need to know about booking an exhilarating shore excursion on your Hawaiian cruise!

Want to cut right to the best of Big Island Shore Excursions? We’ve got you covered:
From Hilo visit Volcanoes National Park or try stargazing from Mauna Kea
While you’re in Kona, tour a Kona Coffee Farm, go snorkeling with manta rays, and if you’re cruising in the winter, go whale watching!

Can’t Miss Big Island Shore Excursions

While there are many different types of excursions to choose from, some experiences are simply too good to pass up. Click the links below to learn more about the most popular tours to book while you’re on the island:

Volcanoes National Park (Hilo): Home to two of the world’s most active volcanoes, Volcanoes National Park is an otherworldly landscape of lava fields, rainforests, and rugged coastlines. Even if the volcanoes aren’t active (you can check the status on the USGS website), the park is still worth a visit, especially if you’re a big hiker. However, it’s also possible to drive, as there are several interesting routes that you can do yourself with our Cruising Hawaii Itinerary or book with a guide.

Our favorite guided tours to Volcanoes National Hike are a trip to Volcanoes and Stargazing and a full Guided Tour of Volcanoes with Easy Hiking.

Kona Coffee Farm Tour (Kona): If you’re a coffee aficionado, then you won’t want to miss touring one of the many farms on the Kona coast. You’ll learn about how beans are grown and harvested, while also being treated to a delicious tasting.

Manta Ray Night Snorkeling (Kona): This is your own opportunity in Hawaii to swim with massive 6 to 10-foot-long wingspan manta rays! But because this is an evening event, you’ll need to stay overnight on land (we’ll explain more about that in the following section).

Mauna Kea Stargazing: Stargazing from atop a volcano in the middle of the Pacific Ocean is a once-in-a-lifetime event! You won’t believe how many stars you can see in the sky!

Whale Watching (Kona and South Kohala): This activity can only be done during the whale migration season, which is roughly between January and March. Kailua-Kona is world-renowned for whale watching, especially on Puako Bay in South Kohala District.

See more shore excursions for your cruise:
14 Incredible Honolulu Shore Excursions (cruise ship ready)
11 Incredible Kauai Shore Excursions (perfect for a cruise schedule)
The Best Maui Shore Excursions for Your Hawaii Cruise

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with the Hawaii cruise ports so you know what to expect at each stop. Some ports are central to a downtown area where you could spend all day (Kailua Pier) and others are far from anything you’ll want to do (Kahului Harbor).

Staying Overnight on the Big Island for Shore Excursions

There are some shore experiences that you can only do if you spend the night on the island, as they start after 6 PM. This includes night snorkeling with manta rays and stargazing at Mauna Kea. If your ship is docked overnight, we recommend booking one of these activities, as they are unique to the Big Island.

However, you can spend the night on land even if your ship changes port (as the NCL Pride of America does). To do this, you will need to book a hotel and also arrange for a rental car to pick up in Hilo and drop off in Kailua-Kona to make it back to the boat the next day. Or you can take public transportation by using the Hele-On Bus.

Keep in mind that different cruise lines have different policies when it comes to staying on land. In some cases, you may be charged a fine for “missing” the return time. Be sure to let the crew know your plans and keep the ship’s contact info handy.

There’s also a chance that the ship may not let passengers off in Kailua-Kona, as the ocean conditions could be too rough for the tenders to reach the port. If this happens, you’ll need to arrange your own way to return to the ship at the ship’s next port.

Where to Book Big Island Shore Excursions

Booking Big Island Shore Excursions with the Ship

It’s possible to book many land excursions with your cruise ship. This can be done once you’ve boarded, although most operators also allow you to book tours online before you leave.

Booking with the ship has its advantages:

• Guaranteed Return: When you book a tour with the ship, you’ll have assurance that you’ll make it back to the ship before departure. These excursions are structured around the ship’s schedule, so you won’t have to worry about them leaving without you.
• Transportation: Most tours booked with the ship include transportation to and from the dock. This takes the pain out of booking a taxi or organizing a ride for your excursion.
• Cost: You might notice that the cost of a cruise-organized excursion is more expensive than booking a tour independently. But this extra cost is often justified, considering they include transportation and a guaranteed return to the ship.
• Refunds: Weather can be unpredictable, which is why most cruise ships offer a refund in case the excursion has to be canceled. If it’s too windy or rough for the ship to dock, you’ll likely get a full reimbursement for your tour.
• Booking Flexibility: As mentioned earlier, you can book excursions either online before you leave or while you’re on board (just keep in mind they may fill up fast). Having this flexibility means you can make plans on the fly depending on how you feel during your travels.

Booking Big Island Shore Excursions with the Tour Operator

You’ll also have the option of booking excursions directly with the tour operator on the Big Island. While they may not guarantee an on-time return to the ship, you can mitigate this by informing them ahead of time of your schedule.

Other benefits of booking with the tour operating include:

• Supporting Local Businesses: By bypassing the middleman to book with the tour operator, you’ll be supporting local businesses on the Big Island and giving back to the community.
• Cost Savings: A huge perk of booking with the tour operator (instead of with the cruise ship) is the cost. These excursions tend to be much cheaper since the ship often adds fees or extra charges to the bill.
• Availability: Cruise ship excursions can sell out fast, so you’ll have more choices for activities and times when booking with a tour operator. We’ll share a few excursions that you can book a bit later.
• Small Groups: Local tours generally have smaller group sizes (or even private tour options), which is great if you want a more intimate and authentic experience. You’ll find that most tours have a maximum of 12 guests.
• Cancellation Policy: If you want flexibility with the excursion, then you’ll want to book with an operator that has a flexible cancellation policy. From our experience, most tours on the Big Island have a 24 to 72-hour policy.

We have shore excursion recommendations for other Hawaiian islands too:
14 Incredible Honolulu Shore Excursions (cruise ship ready)
11 Incredible Kauai Shore Excursions (perfect for a cruise schedule)
The Best Maui Shore Excursions for Your Hawaii Cruise

The Best Big Island Shore Excursions

If your ship makes two stops on the Big Island (Kailua-Kona and Hilo), then you’ll have two opportunities to explore the beautiful landscape and attractions the island has to offer. These excursions are booked with independent tour operators, which can be more cost-efficient compared to the tours offered by your cruise ship.

Big Island Shore Excursions: Port of Hilo

Located in East Hawaii, Hilo is a great jumping-off point for exploring some of Hawaii’s most notable sights. If you’re looking for fun things to do in the area, check out the following list of shore excursions.

Volcanoes National Park & Rainbow Falls

Because Hilo is only 45 minutes away from Volcanoes National Park, this excursion is one of the most popular options for cruise travelers. While there are many different park tours to choose from, this combination tour is our top pick, as it allows you to experience multiple attractions around the Big Island.

After being picked up at the port (round trip transfer is included), you’ll visit Banyan Drive, Liliuokalani Gardens, Richardson Black Sand Beach, and Rainbow Falls before heading to the national park. You’ll even get the chance to walk through a 500-year-old lava tube, which is arguably one of the coolest parts of this tour.

Legends of Hilo

This 6-hour tour is ideal for anyone who wants to learn about Hawaiian history and culture while also seeing some of the island’s most picturesque landscapes. On the Legends of Hilo excursion, you’ll visit the Hilo Bayfront, Waianeunue Falls, Kaumana Caves, Liliuokalani Gardens, and Moku Ola (Coconut Island).

Your knowledgeable tour guide will share stories and legends along the way so you can learn more about the cultural significance of every place you visit. This tour includes water, snacks, and transportation to and from the Hilo port.

Umauma Zip N Dip

This is the ultimate excursion for all you adventure seekers! It combines a thrill-seeking zipline trip with swimming in the refreshing pools of a cascading waterfall.

Once you make your way to Hakalau (you’ll need to take a taxi or arrange transportation as it’s a 30-minute drive away), you’ll start on the 9-line zipline course, soaring 65 miles an hour over the treetops. Then, you’ll have an hour to swim, kayak, or stand-up paddle board in the waters of the 70-foot-tall Umauma Falls.

Check out more from The Umauma Experience:
9-Line Zipline Course with The Umauma Experience
Umauma Waterfall Rappel and River Experience

Hilo Sea Turtle Lagoon and Black Sand Beach

You can’t visit the Big Island without going snorkeling, which is why we love this guided snorkeling tour in Hilo. There’s so much to see right offshore, including fish, corals, eels, rays, and even sea turtles!

While transportation is not included, the meeting point for the tour is just a mile away from the port. It’s just a short taxi ride away or a leisurely 20-minute walk. If you do plan on walking, just make sure to leave early and give yourself enough time to make it for the 9:30 AM start time.

Hilo Bay and Coconut Island Kayak Adventure

Enjoy the beauty of the Big Island from the water as you kayak along the coast of sparkling Hilo Bay. This is a guided tour with no more than six people, so you can paddle in a more personalized setting.

The tour makes its way from shore over to Coconut Island, a popular hang-out spot for swimmers, beachgoers, and picnickers. Best of all, the views of Mauna Kea from here are jaw-droppingly beautiful, so don’t forget to bring your camera!

For this tour, you’ll need to arrange your own transportation from the port. But if you’re up for the walk, you can always get here in just 20 minutes by foot.

For even more to do in Hilo, check out 1 Perfect Day in Hilo: Things to Do in Hilo for the Day

Big Island Shore Excursions: Kailua-Kona Tender

If your ship docks in the Kailua-Kona area, you’re in for a treat! This coast is known for its incredible snorkeling and water sports opportunities. And if you’re in town from January to March, you’ll also be able to go whale watching!

The following activities are some of our favorite shore excursions for experiencing Kona.

Kona Guided Tour

This full-day, 7-hour tour is the perfect mix of culture and history. You’ll get a little taste of Hawaiian history at the sacred Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park before embarking on a guided nature walk around Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park. Then, you’ll make stops at a bee farm and Kona coffee plantation to learn more about the local treats produced on the island!

This excursion is great for cruise passengers, as it includes lunch and pickup directly at the pier. And they guarantee that you’ll be back at the port by 3 pm (which is before the ship’s scheduled departure time).

Big Island in a Day

If you want to see as much of Kona’s beautiful landscapes as you can during your short time, then this is the tour for you. Big Island in a Day is a small group tour (maximum of 6 guests) that takes you to the rainforest, past flowing waterfalls, and even to the volcanos of Volcanoes National Park.

For those seeking a truly VIP experience, it’s also possible to book Big Island in a Day as a private tour.

Captain Cook Snorkel Tour

This is one of the best organized snorkeling tours for cruise ship passengers, as it’s timed exactly to your ship’s arrival and departure time. On top of that, the tour actually starts right at the pier, so you won’t have to worry about long transportation times!

Once you meet your guide, you’ll take a small boat to Kealakekua Bay for a 1-hour snorkeling adventure in the ocean. Expect to see tropical fish, turtles, and colorful corals. And if you’re lucky, you might also be able to spot Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins from the boat!

Captain Cook Snorkeling

On this Captain Cook Snorkeling excursion, you can go snorkeling and enjoy a leisurely 45-minute sail along the Kona coast. The boat leaves from Keauhou Bay, which is approximately a 20-minute drive from the cruise port. There are two different departure times (8:30 AM and 2 PM), so you can choose whichever fits you and your ship’s schedule.

We also love that snacks and meals are provided so you can indulge in traditional Hawaiian pupus after an hour of snorkeling!

Atlantis Submarine

A truly unique Big Island experience, this scenic ride on the Kona Atlantis submarine is guaranteed to delight everyone in your group. As you descend more than 100 feet below sea level, you’ll be able to see marine life up close and personal.

This tour leaves right from the pier, so you won’t have to worry about booking a taxi. And best of all, this tour is 30% cheaper than booking with your cruise ship!

Glass Bottom Reef Tours

You don’t have to get wet in order to experience the beautiful Hawaiian coastline! Hop onboard a glass bottom boat and enjoy a relaxing ride, admiring the tropical fish and colorful corals from above.

If you’re not into snorkeling, this is a great excursion as you can see underwater views and marine life. The boats also leave from the pier, which is super convenient for families or those short on time!

Kona Whale Watching

Whale watching is one of the best activities to do on the Big Island in winter. From December to March, this Kona Whale Watching tour jets through the ocean on a 20-passenger power raft. A vessel like this allows you to have a close encounter with humpback whales, which you can see from the shaded cabin or open sun deck.

The boat leaves from Honokohau Marina (10 minutes north of the pier), so make sure to give yourself enough time to get there before it departs.

Captain Zodiac Whale Watching

This is another one of our favorite whale watching tours. Also leaving from Honokohau Marina, this 16-person raft offers a fast-moving and exhilarating ride through the water, where you’ll see humpback whales, dolphins, and lots of other marine creatures. You can even listen to their whale song through the onboard hydrophones, which is one of the coolest things to experience!

Tours leave three times a day, so you can choose a departure time based around your schedule.

Surf Lessons

Surfing is a quintessential Hawaiian activity – and something you can learn how to do while in Kona! Lessons are conducted by Hawaii Lifeguard Surf Instructors and held at Kahalu’u Beach Park, a 15-minute drive from Kailua Pier.

Group lessons are with 3 or 4 students and include classroom coaching as well as 2 hours on the water. Private 1-on-1 lessons are also available and may be better suited for those who want more flexibility in terms of class start time.

For even more to do in Kona, check out The 21 Best Things to do in Kona (+ tips to know before you go) and our 5 Best Sandy Beaches in Kona (all within 30 minutes of Kailua-Kona)

Interested in more exciting shore excursions on the Big Island? We have the full list of activities in our Cruising Hawaii Guide.

Big Island Shore Excursions FAQ

Where do Big Island cruise ships dock for shore excursions?

Most cruise ships make two stops on the Big Island – in Kailua-Kona and Hilo.

The historic town of Kailua-Kona was once a thriving fishing village, although it’s now a popular resort area due to its sunny weather and abundance of outdoor activities. While it can feel a bit touristy (lots of bars and souvenir shops), it’s still a fun area to walk around and sightsee. The Kailua Pier is located right in town, which you can reach by taking a tender from the ship to shore.

The Port of Hilo is a bit outside of town, as it is mostly used as a cargo facility. It’s approximately a 7-minute drive from downtown and a 4-minute drive or 20-minute walk to the Lili-uokalani Gardens (where many excursions depart from). If you’re renting a car for the day, there’s also a free shuttle that takes you from the dock to the airport.

Can I get picked up by taxi, Uber, or Lyft from the dock for my Big Island cruise excursion?

Yes – you can take a taxi, Uber, or Lyft from the dock to wherever you need to go on the Big Island. You may also choose to rent a car (although this can be more expensive and/or time-consuming since you’ll have to get to the airport or satellite office).

We have more details about booking a rental car, taxi, or other types of transportation in our Cruising Hawaii Guide.

Do tour operators offer pickup at the dock?

In our experience, there are quite a few tour options that include transportation to and from the cruise ship dock. When booking with the tour operator, make sure to select the cruise ship pickup option. If this isn’t available online, we suggest calling the tour operator to provide your details for the pickup.

If your tour does not include transportation, you’ll need to take a taxi or ride share to your tour’s meeting point.

What should I know about booking tours in Hawaii?

Here are a few helpful tips to keep in mind when booking your tour on the Big Island (or in Hawaii in general):

• Don’t forget to tip your guide. For most guided tours, you can tip $10 to $20 per person, although feel free to give what you feel comfortable with based on your experience. Most tips are accepted in cash or via Venmo.
• Because of Hawaii’s temperamental weather, it’s possible for tours to get canceled due to bad weather. Tour operators will usually notify you in advance if this happens, but you can always call them if you’re concerned. Refunds for operator cancellations are standard.
• If you’re taking a boat tour, make sure to bring or take motion sickness medication if you’re prone to it!
• Make sure to check the age restrictions of your exact tour. While most tours have a minimum age of at least 5 years old, others may be older or younger.

Related reads:
Is There a Best Time to Visit the Big Island of Hawaii? Yes…and here’s when
The Best Time to Cruise Hawaii (Clouds, Crowds, and Cost)
The 10 Best Big Island Farm Tours You Won’t Want to Miss
The 6 Best Big Island Luaus by Location (2023)

We hope you have a better idea of how to plan your day on the Big Island. For more information, check out our Cruising Hawaii Guide for all the details, tips, and tricks to make your stop a memorable one!

Add the Oahu Wayfinder Itinerary to your cart with coupon code CRUISE to save $7. If you’re arriving early, staying after your cruise, or your cruise has Honolulu as a port of call, then the 7 self-guided excursion days in the Oahu Wayfinder Itinerary (Honolulu) are a must!