Sightseeing cruise with waterfalls, sea cliffs, and Hilo history
1.5-2 hours
Captain and crew, refreshments
Cruise Hilo’s coastline on a small-group sightseeing tour with storytelling, waterfalls, and sea-cliff views. Learn about East Hawaiʻi’s culture and plantation-era past as you glide through the bay.
Ages 8+; minors under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. The cruise lasts about 1.5–2 hours.
Full refund if you cancel 48+ hours in advance; no refund if within 48 hours or no-show. Full refund if the operator cancels (for example, due to weather).
Check in 30 minutes before your tour start time. If your tour starts outside open hours (9 a.m.–5 p.m.), check in 15 minutes early at Wailoa Small Boat Harbor slip #4.
Bring a camera, reef-safe sunscreen, a rain coat, quick-dry clothing or a swimsuit, a towel, and motion sickness medication if you’re prone to seasickness (take it before you arrive so it has time to work).
Yes. Your cruise includes light refreshments, bottled water, and snacks and beverages.
Wailoa Small Boat Harbor, Slip #4
Hilo Ocean Adventures shines when it comes to their instructors and guides, who consistently earn glowing praise from visitors. Shayna, a PADI-certified Master Scuba Diver Trainer, gets mentioned repeatedly for making both beginners and experienced divers feel confident and comfortable. Other guides like Morgan, Alex, and Aulki also stand out for their knowledge, patience, and genuine enthusiasm. The staff accommodates solo travelers and small groups without hesitation, often personalizing tours when group sizes are minimal. The marine life around Hilo delivers too—multiple turtles spotted within minutes, beautiful reefs, and memorable underwater encounters. The operation offers variety beyond diving, including kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling trips around Hilo Bay and beyond. Equipment rentals receive positive marks overall, though there's mention of some aging gear like fin straps. One review noted a particularly rough day where safety concerns and operational issues converged, though this appears to be an isolated incident during challenging surf conditions. The front desk staff, including Natalia, earns appreciation for being welcoming and helpful with scheduling. Most visitors leave calling their experience a highlight of their Big Island trip.
My wife and I went for the sunset cruise and had a great time. The ocean views were fantastic and the crew were friendly and outgoing. They told us about the area and about the fishing in the area. I would do this again and hope to soon. I highly recommend them. Thanks for a great evening.
Steve Farley
June 24, 2026
My wife and I went for the sunset cruise and had a great time. The ocean views were fantastic and the crew were friendly and outgoing. They told us about the area and about the fishing in the area. I would do this again and hope to soon. I highly recommend them. Thanks for a great evening.
Steve Farley
June 24, 2026
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