Step into Hawaii’s volcanic black sand beach lagoons with Hilo Ocean Adventures. Swim alongside sea turtles and vibrant reef life on this small-group, guided snorkel tour ideal for all skill levels.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should be comfortable swimming in open water and able to walk short distances over sand and rocks.
Wildlife
History
The black sand beaches formed from volcanic lava flows that cooled rapidly along the coastline, sculpting the unique terrain visitors see today.
Conservation
Hilo Ocean Adventures promotes reef-safe practices and educates visitors on protecting turtle habitats and coral health to support the fragile marine ecosystem.
Hilo Ocean Adventures
Step into Hawaii’s volcanic black sand beach lagoons with Hilo Ocean Adventures. Swim alongside sea turtles and vibrant reef life on this small-group, guided snorkel tour ideal for all skill levels.
Hilo Ocean Adventures is a Hilo, Hawaii-based ocean activity operator offering a diverse selection of guided and rental experiences designed for visitors and locals. Trips include private big game fishing charters in Hilo Bay with a professional crew focusing on mahi mahi and ahi tuna, kayak rentals and guided paddles on the Wailoa River and Hilo Bay, surfboard and boogie board rentals, one-tank boat dives to explore tropical reefs, and cultural and scenic cruises such as the Cliffs of Hawai’i Onomea Waterfall Cruise. Seasonal event cruises include front-row 4th of July fireworks cruises and a festive New Year’s Eve cruise from Wailoa Boat Harbor. Kayak options range from self-guided three-hour rentals to 2-hour guided routes like the beginner-friendly Wailoa River paddle to the King Kamehameha Statue, the Hilo Bay and Coconut Island guided tour led by a knowledgeable local guide (limited to six guests), and the Myths & Legends Waterfall Adventure that covers roughly 2.5 miles and highlights Wailuku River waterfalls.
Safety and guest comfort are emphasized with complimentary life vests and maps for kayak rentals, snacks, drinks provided on select charters, and certified crews or dive professionals on boat trips. Fishing charters note sustainable practices to minimize local impact. Clear departure points near Wailoa Boat Harbor and a focus on local history, marine life, and experienced guides make Hilo Ocean Adventures a trusted provider of ocean experiences in Hilo.
Location
Hilo, Hawaii
Departures near Wailoa Boat Harbor
Tours Offered
10
Guided trips and rentals available
Small-Group Option
6 guests
Limited group size on select tours
Trip Lengths
1–3+ hrs
One-hour cruises to multi-hour rentals
Reserve private charters, guided kayaks, dives, and holiday cruises — departures commonly leave from Wailoa Boat Harbor.
Arrive Early for Gear Fitting
Plan to get to the meeting point early to allow time for snorkel gear fitting and safety briefings.
Wear Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Protect both your skin and the marine environment by using reef-friendly sunscreen before the tour.
Stay Within Designated Areas
Respect protected habitats by snorkeling only in guided zones to avoid disturbing wildlife or coral.
Bring a Waterproof Camera
Capture vibrant marine life and black sand beach landscapes with waterproof photography gear.
Snorkel Mask and Fins
A well-fitting mask and fins improve underwater mobility and visibility.
Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Protects skin without harming coral reefs.
summer
Waterproof Camera
Allows you to capture underwater moments and volcanic beach scenes.
Light Rash Guard
Provides UV protection and helps reduce chill in cooler months.
spring|fall|winter