Hilo Shore Excursion: Active Volcano, Lava Tube, Waterfall and Gardens
Overview
A day trip to Hilo is not complete without a visit to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home to one of the world's most active volcanoes. Witness the current volcanic eruption at the summit of Kilauea volcano, learn of past geologic events and the effects on this ever changing landscape. Feel the heat of steam vents, then traverse an ancient lava tube nestled in the cool mist of the Hawaiian rainforest. Conclude your day indulging your senses around Hilo town including the majestic Rainbow Falls, Liliuokalani Gardens, and tasty locally made chocolates and coffee on this small group tour.
Inclusions
- Professional guide
- Private transportation
- Bottled water - Help protect our island environment and bring your own refillable water bottle!
- Hotel Pick-up for Select Hotels (all others please plan to meet at the Hilo Mo'oheau Bus Terminal)
- Hilo Harbor Port pick-up and drop-off
- Hilo Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Entry/Admission - Nahuku - Thurston Lava Tube
- Entry/Admission - Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
- Entry/Admission - Chain of Craters Road
What to expect
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Volcano National Park, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Island of Hawaii, HI
Explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park including a visit to Kilauea caldera where you will witness the dramatic changes from our recent eruption, experience the steam vents and other volcanic formations from past lava flows.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Nahuku - Thurston Lava Tube, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Island of Hawaii, HI 96718
Enjoy a walk through the Hawaiian rainforest to Nahuku (Thurston Lava Tube). Explore the 500 year old underground tube where hot molten lava once rushed through.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Chain of Craters Road, Island of Hawaii, HI
Explore frozen fields of lava from past volcanic eruptions and peer down into once active volcanic craters. Learn about the history, culture and geology of Kilauea volcano.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Rainbow Falls, Waianuenue Avenue, Hilo, Island of Hawaii, HI 96720
View the majestic 80 foot waterfall of Waianuenue or Rainbow Falls. Enjoy the tropical landscape as you learn the legends of Hawaii.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Big Island Candies, 585 Hinano St, Hilo, Island of Hawaii, HI 96720-4428
Get your pep in your step with tasty hand-made chocolates, locally grown macadamia nuts and island fresh coffee!
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Liliuokalani Gardens, Banyan Drive, Hilo, Island of Hawaii, HI 96720-4680
Immerse yourself in tranquility with a short stroll around Liliuokalani Gardens as you enjoy the fishponds, pagodas and picture perfect landscaping along Hilo bay.
Duration: 20 minutes
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Volcano National Park, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Island of Hawaii, HI
Explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park including a visit to Kilauea caldera where you will witness the dramatic changes from our recent eruption, experience the steam vents and other volcanic formations from past lava flows.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Nahuku - Thurston Lava Tube, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Island of Hawaii, HI 96718
Enjoy a walk through the Hawaiian rainforest to Nahuku (Thurston Lava Tube). Explore the 500 year old underground tube where hot molten lava once rushed through.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Chain of Craters Road, Island of Hawaii, HI
Explore frozen fields of lava from past volcanic eruptions and peer down into once active volcanic craters. Learn about the history, culture and geology of Kilauea volcano.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Rainbow Falls, Waianuenue Avenue, Hilo, Island of Hawaii, HI 96720
View the majestic 80 foot waterfall of Waianuenue or Rainbow Falls. Enjoy the tropical landscape as you learn the legends of Hawaii.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Big Island Candies, 585 Hinano St, Hilo, Island of Hawaii, HI 96720-4428
Get your pep in your step with tasty hand-made chocolates, locally grown macadamia nuts and island fresh coffee!
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Liliuokalani Gardens, Banyan Drive, Hilo, Island of Hawaii, HI 96720-4680
Immerse yourself in tranquility with a short stroll around Liliuokalani Gardens as you enjoy the fishponds, pagodas and picture perfect landscaping along Hilo bay.
Duration: 20 minutes
Additional information
- Operates in all weather conditions (be prepared for sun, wind and rain).
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Covered walking shoes are required and a jacket is highly recommended.
- Participants must be able to walk a minimum of 1.5 miles on uneven terrain.
- We do not guarantee you will see molten lava on this tour.
- HOTEL pick-up is offered for select HILO HOTELS ONLY. If you are staying outside of Hilo, please plan to meet at the Hilo Mo'oheau Bus Terminal (please confirm at time of booking).
- CRUISE SHIP passengers, we pick-up directly at HILO HARBOR and will adjust the tour time as needed to accommodate your ships time in port.
- For a one DAY TRIP to the Big Island, please make your travel arrangements to and from the HILO AIRPORT. Schedule your flight arrival a minimum of 30 minutes prior to the tour start time AND provide your flight details at time of booking.
- Children ages 8 years and up may participate in tour. All participants must have a paid seat. We do not allow any "lap" children.
- Kilauea volcano is an active volcano, you may be exposed to volcanic gas on this tour.
- This tour cannot accommodate guests with wheelchairs, scooters or oxygen tanks.
- We welcome our guests to wear a face mask covering the mouth and nose while traveling in the vehicle. This is optional, however we encourage everyone to bring their own mask for the health and safety of all!
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Ticket delivery
You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.
Kieran K
February 2022
Positive - great way to see parts of Hilo, Josh was very knowledgeable and learnt quite a lot. Negative - no food stops on the way, no snacks provided and unfortunately we came straight from the airport in the morning where there was no food options available. Would definitely recommend but bri...
Positive - great way to see parts of Hilo, Josh was very knowledgeable and learnt quite a lot. Negative - no food stops on the way, no snacks provided and unfortunately we came straight from the airport in the morning where there was no food options available. Would definitely recommend but bring your own snacks and bring a jacket because it gets cold.blfaassen
May 2022
The owner and tour guide, Josh was a wealth full of knowledge about the Hawaiian Islands and it’s history! Our tour was fabulous to say the least. He delivered the best of the best! Thank you Josh for your amazing adventure! Plus our group of tourists were fantastic group!
The owner and tour guide, Josh was a wealth full of knowledge about the Hawaiian Islands and it’s history! Our tour was fabulous to say the least. He delivered the best of the best! Thank you Josh for your amazing adventure! Plus our group of tourists were fantastic group!O960XQsharons
May 2022
Jill was an amazing tour guide. You could tell that she loved what she did, and loved talking about her home and culture. My son and I learned a lot from the tour, and was able to see some activity from the volcano. Highly recommend.
Jill was an amazing tour guide. You could tell that she loved what she did, and loved talking about her home and culture. My son and I learned a lot from the tour, and was able to see some activity from the volcano. Highly recommend.Karen_C
April 2022
Jill did a SUPER job as tour guide, we loved her stories!! The falls were awesome, but the Kilauea crater and eruption occurring was absolutely amazing! The caves and lava trees were outstanding too! We loved the chocolate factory too! Yum!!
Jill did a SUPER job as tour guide, we loved her stories!! The falls were awesome, but the Kilauea crater and eruption occurring was absolutely amazing! The caves and lava trees were outstanding too! We loved the chocolate factory too! Yum!!annasH1977CY
April 2022
It was really fun and informative, and our group went at our own pace! We never felt rushed or left out.
It was really fun and informative, and our group went at our own pace! We never felt rushed or left out.DRGoupil
April 2022
Our guide, Josh, was fantastic. He was friendly, knowledgeable and attentive to our needs and questions. Josh added his personal experiences to the cultural and geographical history of the island. We highly recommend Maura Makai Adventures. You will not be disappointed.
Our guide, Josh, was fantastic. He was friendly, knowledgeable and attentive to our needs and questions. Josh added his personal experiences to the cultural and geographical history of the island. We highly recommend Maura Makai Adventures. You will not be disappointed.