Best way to signtsee in Hawaii in April

Question

My husband and I will be cruising into all of the islands in Hawaii at the end of April and all of the excursions on our ship are already booked. What is the best way for us to arrange sightseeing? Is it possible to hire a taxi driver on each island to guide us? For example on Hilo we are interested in seeing AKaka Falls, the Gardens and the Rainforest Zoo. Would prefer not to have to spend hundreds of $ on a bus tour. Any suggestions appreciated.

Answer

Aloha! It’s great that you’ll be cruising through Hawaii at the end of April—there's so much to see! Since you already have excursions booked through your cruise, but are looking for a more personalized and cost-effective sightseeing experience, there are several great options available for arranging your tours on each island, especially if you're interested in exploring on your own schedule without paying for large, expensive bus tours.

Here are some suggestions for organizing your sightseeing in Hawaii, including how to hire local guides or taxi drivers without breaking the bank:

Taxi or Private Driver Hire: Yes, it’s absolutely possible to hire a taxi driver or private guide on each island. Many taxi drivers offer sightseeing tours or can be hired for a few hours to take you to specific places. In Hilo, for example, you can arrange a local driver to take you to Akaka Falls, the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, and the Rainforest Zoo without needing to join a large tour group. Rates will vary, but a half-day private taxi tour could cost anywhere from $100 to $150, depending on the driver and time.
Ride-Sharing Services: Another option to consider is using ride-sharing apps like Uber or Lyft, which are available on most islands. While not a tour guide service, you can hire a driver for a day (or a few hours) to take you around specific sights. This may cost slightly less than a private taxi, and some drivers are happy to offer recommendations and insights as they drive you around.
Local Tour Guides: If you prefer a more structured experience with a local guide, many independent tour guides offer half-day or full-day tours for a reasonable price. They can cater to your specific interests, like visiting waterfalls, gardens, and wildlife spots. Websites like Viator or even local Hawaii tourism boards can help you find experienced guides who offer small group or private tours. You can typically expect to pay between $75 to $150 per person for private tours, depending on the duration and scope of the tour.
Self-Guided Tours: If you’re comfortable driving yourself, you might also want to consider renting a car and doing a self-guided tour. Many islands, including the Big Island (Hilo), have great maps and apps with suggested routes for scenic drives, which will allow you to visit the sights at your own pace. For example, you could visit Akaka Falls and the botanical gardens without needing a tour guide, which would save money and give you flexibility with time. Rental cars are relatively affordable and allow you to see the island at your own pace.

In Hilo, here’s a suggested itinerary for your interests:

Akaka Falls State Park: This is one of the must-see waterfalls on the Big Island, and it’s easily accessible with a short hike through a lush rainforest.
Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden: A beautiful and peaceful spot, this garden showcases a wide variety of tropical plants and is perfect for a scenic walk.
Panaewa Rainforest Zoo: A small, free zoo located just outside Hilo, great for seeing native Hawaiian animals and wildlife.

Overall, hiring a taxi or private driver for a few hours is a great way to see the sights without the cost of a large tour, and many drivers are happy to share their knowledge about the area. If you prefer a more flexible schedule, you can opt for a self-guided tour by renting a car or using ride-sharing services. Whatever you decide, there are plenty of ways to explore the beauty of Hawaii while keeping costs reasonable!

Hope this helps, and enjoy your trip to Hawaii!