What it is
Makaio Tours Hawaii is a Native Hawaiian-owned and operated tour company based in Hilo, on the Big Island of Hawaii. They specialize in guided day tours primarily focused on the East Hawaii (Hilo) side of the island. Their signature offering is a "Volcanoes, Waterfalls, Beaches & Hilo Highlights Day Tour," which includes visits to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Hilo waterfalls, black sand beaches, and historical Hilo town. The company emphasizes providing an authentic Hawaiian experience, led by a Native Hawaiian guide, Justin, who shares cultural insights, stories, and traditions. Makaio Tours Hawaii also offers private and custom-tailored tours.
Visitor experience
Travelers choose Makaio Tours Hawaii for a comprehensive and culturally immersive exploration of the Big Island's Hilo side. Guests can expect a personalized experience due to the small-group nature of the tours. The owner and guide, Justin, is frequently praised in reviews for his knowledge, engaging personality, and ability to share Hawaiian culture and natural history.
Typical tour experiences include:
- Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park: Visiting key sites such as Kilauea lookout at the Halemaumau Crater, steam vents, sulfur dioxide fissures, Kilauea Iki Crater, Laumanu Crater, and the Nāhuku lava tube.
- Hilo Highlights: Exploring Rainbow Falls, Liliuokalani Gardens, and a black sand beach. Tours often include a stop for lunch in historical Hilo town and a visit to Big Island Candies.
- Comfort and Amenities: The company provides snack baskets, beverages, umbrellas, flashlights, and other gear for varying weather conditions. Vehicles are noted for being clean and easy to board with low steps.
The tours cater to visitors seeking in-depth local perspectives and who prefer to have logistics handled by an experienced guide, rather than self-driving to multiple attractions.
Logistics
- Area & Focus: Tours primarily cover the Hilo side of the Big Island, including Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and surrounding natural and cultural sites.
- Access & Pick-up: Makaio Tours Hawaii offers convenient pick-up services from Hilo Airport, cruise ship terminals, and hotels in the Hilo area. For travelers driving from the Kona or Waikoloa side, a designated meeting point is available at Liliuokalani Gardens in Hilo, with free parking nearby.
- Reservations: Advance booking is highly recommended, as popular tours can sell out several days in advance.
- Timing: Standard tours typically last between 6 to 7 hours.
- Parking: For those meeting the tour in Hilo, free parking is available near the Liliuokalani Gardens meeting point.
- Permits: The tour operator manages access to sites within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
- Duration: This is a full-day activity, fitting well as an anchor experience for visitors exploring the Hilo side.
Safety and cautions
- Footwear: Closed-toe shoes are required for visitors participating in tours that enter Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park due to the volcanic terrain.
- Drones: Drones are strictly prohibited within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
- Alcohol: Consumption of or open containers of alcohol are not permitted in the tour vehicles, adhering to Hawaiʻi state laws.
- Weather: Tours operate even in wet weather conditions, though the itinerary may be adjusted in cases of severe weather for safety. The guides carry umbrellas and other gear for comfort.
- Vehicle Safety: Makaio Tours Hawaii LLC holds an active USDOT status and has no reported inspections or crashes in the US or Canada within the 24 months prior to April 15, 2026, indicating a clean safety record for their commercial operations.
Editorial take
Makaio Tours Hawaii is an excellent choice for travelers on the Big Island who want a guided, culturally rich, and hassle-free exploration of the Hilo side and Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. It is particularly well-suited for those who appreciate learning about Hawaiian culture and history directly from a Native Hawaiian guide in a small-group setting. It's a great option for cruise ship passengers arriving in Hilo or visitors staying in the Hilo area. Those staying on the Kona or Waikoloa side should be prepared for the drive to the Hilo meeting point, making it a longer day.
Travelers who prefer self-guided exploration or who are primarily interested in sights on the Kona/Waikoloa side of the island might consider other options. It is crucial to note that despite some initial search signals, Makaio Tours Hawaii specializes in land-based guided tours and does not offer helicopter tours. Visitors looking for aerial experiences should seek out dedicated helicopter tour operators. Do not confuse Makaio Tours Hawaii with the "Makaeo Walking Path" in Kailua-Kona, which is a simple paved trail, or with "Maika'i Ohana Tours," which focuses on escorted tours to Japan.
Source notes
- Makaio Tours Hawaii Official Website: https://www.makaiotourshawaii.com/
- Makaio Tours Hawaii - Big Island Hawaii Volcanoes & Hilo Highlights Tour: https://www.makaiotourshawaii.com/big-island-hawaii-volcanoes-hilo-highlights-tour/
- Hawaii Volcanoes, Waterfalls, Beaches & Hilo Highlights Day Tour - Viator: https://www.viator.com/tours/Big-Island-of-Hawaii/Hawaii-Volcanoes-Waterfalls-Beaches-and-Hilo-Highlights-Day-Tour/d673-376510P1
- Company Snapshot MAKAIO TOURS HAWAII LLC - SAFER Web: https://safer.fmcsa.dot.gov/query.asp?searchtype=ANY&query_type=USDOT&query_param=4322069&query_string=DOT+NUMBER
