1.5 to 2 hours · Ages 8+
Onomea Waterfall Cruise
The Hamakua cliffs and waterfalls from the water.
| Adult | $139 |
|---|
Editorial spotlight · 1717 Kamehameha Avenue, Hilo, Big Island
2026 Golden Lei Awards nomineeBest Hilo Water Adventure
Hilo Ocean Adventures
Most Big Island boat operators work from the Kona and Kohala side, where the water is calm. Hilo Ocean Adventures works the wet east coast, and the trip that sets it apart is the waterfall cruise along the Hamakua cliffs. It is a women-owned dive shop first, and it has added snorkel, kayak, whale watch and swim-school programs since 2012.
- Waterfall cruise
- $139
- Boat snorkel
- $179
- Tripadvisor
- 4.5
- Hilo rank
- #2 of 17
Editorial spotlight. Hilo Ocean Adventures is a nominee in the 2026 Golden Lei Awards. They did not pay for this page and had no say in it. We earn a commission when you book through the links here; your price is the same.
The company
A dive shop that kept adding programs
According to the operator's About page, Hilo Ocean Adventures was founded in 2012 by Jenna, who grew up in a family of divers and studied business on Maui. The scuba operation came first. Snorkel, kayak and paddle tours, whale watching, fishing charters and a swim school were added over the years. Tripadvisor lists the business as women-owned.
The page says Ryan manages operations with support from his aunt and uncle. Its staff list, shown by first name and last initial, includes instructors, a front-desk manager, two boat captains and a first mate. The operator runs a heated indoor pool for swim lessons and scuba refreshers. The boat trips run on a Scarab jet boat that seats up to six.
“Grew up in a family of divers.”
Director of Operations
Ryan L.
Front Desk Manager
Alex T.
PADI Staff Instructor
Mark Y.
Boat Captain
Kevin U.
Boat Captain
Kaliko Z.
Names and titles as the operator lists them on its About page, which shows last initials only.
The one to book
Onomea Waterfall Cruise
A boat ride up the Hamakua coast to see the sea cliffs and waterfalls that spill straight into the ocean, with a guide narrating and snacks aboard. The trip runs 1.5 to 2 hours; transport from the check-in shop to the boat harbor is part of the price. Ages 8 and up, and minors need an adult.
Expect spray. The operator does not recommend it for guests with spinal injuries, pregnancy or cardiovascular conditions.
| Adult | $139 |
|---|
Checked against FareHarbor on September 30, 2026. The booking page also lists a child rate that must be booked with a participating package; check the page.
Check AvailabilityThe boat
One Scarab
The boat trips run on one small, fast vessel, so groups stay small.
The Scarab
- Type
- Twin-engine Scarab jet boat, listed at 36 ft by the operator
- Guests
- Up to 6
- Used for
- Waterfall cruise, snorkel, dives, whales, charters
Book it
Tours
Per person at list price; only trips with open dates at this check are listed. Checked against FareHarbor on September 30, 2026.
2 hours · Ages 8+
Boat Snorkel: Tropical Reef & Wildlife
A boat snorkel on the reef off Hilo.
| Snorkeler | $179 |
|---|
3 hours · Ages 8+ · Guided
Beach Snorkel: Sea Turtle Lagoon
The turtle lagoon and a black-sand beach, with a guide.
| Snorkeler | $119 |
|---|---|
| Ride-along | $59 |
2 hours · Ages 8+
Sunset Cruise in Hilo Bay
Hilo Bay in the evening.
| Adult | $99 |
|---|---|
| Child, under 18 | $39 |
1.5 hours · Dec 16 to Apr 30 · Ages 8+
Royal Humpback Whale Experience
A small-boat whale trip in season; first open date Dec 15 at this check.
| Adult | $139 |
|---|
2.5 hours · Ages 10+ · Certified
1 Tank Boat Dive
A boat dive from Hilo; a non-diver can ride and snorkel with a paying diver.
| Certified diver | $189 |
|---|---|
| Snorkeler with diver | $139 |
4 hours · Ages 10+
Discover Scuba Diving
A first dive with an instructor, no certification needed.
| Introductory diver | $325 |
|---|
More on the booking page: shore dives at Wai'olena Beach, a Hilo Bay and Coconut Island kayak tour, private boat charters and fishing charters, PADI courses, rentals and swim school.
Before you go
Know before you go
Where to check in
The shop at 1717 Kamehameha Avenue, Hilo, open 9 am to 5 pm daily per the operator. On harbor tours you are shuttled from check-in to the boat.
Limits
Boat tours start at age 8, and minors need an adult. Whale watches ask guests to be able to climb back aboard by ladder and to weigh under 300 pounds, per a reseller listing; ask the operator for its own rule.
Bring
A rain layer and a towel; it is Hilo. The operator provides snorkel gear, showers and a changing room.
Whale season
Royal Humpback Whale Experience runs December 16 to April 30.
Cancellation
Policies vary by reseller. Direct bookings show the terms at checkout; the operator's waterfall cruise lists a full refund 24 hours or more ahead.
Reviews
What guests say
- 4.5Tripadvisor416 reviews as of September 30, 2026
- #2of 17Boat tours and water sports in Hilo, Tripadvisor
- 2012FoundedWomen-owned, per Tripadvisor; PADI and SSI instruction
Reviewers praise knowledgeable, professional guides and captains, wildlife sightings, waterfalls, clean gear, showers and a changing room. A few older reviews complained about the small dock, the price of snorkel rental and the ride on the small boat.
Questions
Good to know
What makes Hilo Ocean Adventures different?
It works the wet Hilo side of the Big Island, where the waterfall cruise and black-sand beaches are. It is a dive shop with an indoor pool and swim school.
How big are the boat groups?
The jet boat seats up to six.
What does it cost?
Waterfall cruise $139, boat snorkel $179, beach snorkel $119, sunset cruise $99, whale experience $139, Discover Scuba $325. Checked September 30, 2026.
When is whale season?
The whale experience runs December 16 to April 30.
Can kids come?
Boat tours and snorkels start at age 8, with an adult for minors.
See Hilo from the water
Waterfall cruises, reef snorkels and dives from a women-owned Hilo dive shop.
Check Availability