Hilo Shore Excursion: Active Volcano, Lava Tube, Waterfall and Gardens
Recommended by 99% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Big Island of Hawaii, USA
- 5 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Experience some of the Big Island’s top attractions during this day trip to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the sights around Hilo. Learn all about volcanoes as you marvel at Halema'uma'u crater and explore the massive Kilauea Volcano. Visit Rainbow Falls around the town of Hilo and stop to indulge in local chocolates and fresh island coffee. Receive personalized attention on a small-group tour.
- Explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park without having to drive
- Get an up-close look at Hawaii's volcanic activity
- See historic lava flows along the 'Chain of Craters’ Road
- Includes the national park admission fee, for no costly surprises
What's Included
- Professional guide
- Private transportation
- National park admission fee
- SnacksIsland chips
- Bottled waterHelp protect our island environment and bring your own refillable water bottle!
- LunchWe are sorry there are no options for meal purchases along the way. You are welcome to bring your own snacks for the trail, however we do not allow eating in our vans.
- Gratuities
- We DO NOT provide transportation from Kona or Waikoloa. Please meet us in Hilo at the bus terminal.
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Pickup details
CRUISE SHIP PICKUP INSTRUCTIONS: Upon disembarking the cruise ship in Hilo, head through the passenger terminal and look for your guide standing to the left near the pre-arranged tour operators with a sign that reads "Mauka Makai Adventures". Please check in with your guide 15 minutes prior to tour start time. We have scheduled the tour to coincide with the cruise ship’s arrival and will be waiting for you onshore. HILO AIRPORT PICKUP INSTRUCTIONS: Please schedule your flight to arrive at the Hilo Airport a MINIMUM OF 30 MINUTES PRIOR TO THE TOUR START TIME. We require your airline flight number and arrival time to schedule pickup at the airport. As you disembark the airplane head towards Baggage Claim “D”. Look for the tour operator parking area near the restrooms. Our vans are marked with the logo "Mauka Makai Adventures". HILO HOTEL PICKUP INSTRUCTIONS: We provide pick up service at Hilo Hotels along Banyan Drive only. Please meet your tour guide near the front entrance to the lobby, our vans are marked with the logo "Mauka Makai Adventures." We may also contact you prior to the tour to make arrangements for a meeting time and location. ALL OTHERS MEET AT HILO MOʻOHEAU BUS TERMINAL: If you are driving from Kona, Waikoloa, or another part of the island, please meet us at the Hilo Mo'oheau Bus Terminal (329 Kamehameha Avenue, Hilo, HI 96720). There is free parking adjacent to the bus terminal. Look for our van parked in the parking lot with the "Mauka Makai Adventures" logo on it.
Itinerary
Receive a morning pickup from your Hilo hotel, Hilo Airport, or Hilo Port. You’ll continue on a drive through some of the Big Island’s historic sugar plantation towns as you make your way to Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Explore this unique volcanic area with your group, stopping to visit attractions including the steam vents and Halema'uma'u Crater. You may even witness a volcanic eruption. Trek through the nearby rainforest to visit Thurston Lava Tube, where you can learn more about how volcanoes form, erupt and cool. You will see additional lava flows as you continue on a drive along the ‘Chain of Craters’ Road.
After stopping to enjoy the beauty of locally grown orchids, continue to Hilo, where you'll sample island treats at a chocolate factory and visit Rainbow Falls. Finish the day with a drop-off back at your original pickup location.
Explore this unique volcanic area with your group, stopping to visit attractions including the steam vents and Halema'uma'u Crater. You may even witness a volcanic eruption. Trek through the nearby rainforest to visit Thurston Lava Tube, where you can learn more about how volcanoes form, erupt and cool. You will see additional lava flows as you continue on a drive along the ‘Chain of Craters’ Road.
After stopping to enjoy the beauty of locally grown orchids, continue to Hilo, where you'll sample island treats at a chocolate factory and visit Rainbow Falls. Finish the day with a drop-off back at your original pickup location.
1
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
2 hours • Admission Ticket Included
2
Nahuku - Thurston Lava Tube
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
3
Chain of Craters Road
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
4
Rainbow Falls
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
5
Big Island Candies
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
6
Lili'uokalani Gardens
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- 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
- Youth ages 10 years and older only are allowed on this tour. All participants must have a paid seat. We do not allow children under the age of 10 years old.
- Covered walking shoes are required and a jacket is highly recommended.
- Participants must be able to walk a minimum of 1 mile on uneven terrain.
- Operates in all weather conditions (be prepared for sun, wind and rain).
- 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 the PORT OF HILO 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.
- 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.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.9
based on 408 reviews
John_E, Apr 2026
The tour guide was amazing. Although the Volcano had erupted the day before and we were not able to access the entire park, he made sure we had an opportunity to see it and the lava tubes. I had a great time. Highly recommend.
Christine_G, Mar 2026
Bucket List♥️This was one of the best times of my life. I could have not imagined having a better ambassador for your island. Thank you for sharing your culture and knowledge with us.
Lee_R, Mar 2026
This volcano tour was absolutely incredible—easily one of the highlights of our trip! The landscapes were unlike anything we’ve ever seen, from dramatic lava fields to breathtaking crater views. Our guide was knowledgeable, friendly, and made the whole experience both fun and informative.
Robin_C, Mar 2026
Jill was a fabulous tour guide. Highlight of our tour was seeing the March 10 eruption at Volcano National Park! Rainbow Falls was breathtaking as was Liliuokalini Gardens. The Big Island chocolate factory was a great stop too - especially all the delicious samples. Jill was great with communication pre-tour. Highly recommend this company & tour!
Catherine_N, Mar 2026
Jill was an informative guide and pointed out the sights on the tour. Her directions were accurate and I would certainly be happy to take another tour with her
Keith_H, Feb 2026
Jill was our driver. Our tour was within a Mercedes van, and both were wonderful! First stop was Rainbow Falls. This was a very nice, picturesque waterfall, but unfortunately, due to the recent drought, there wasn't enough water spray to create the "rainbow" effect. The Volcanoes were really interesting to walk near the caldera's and see the craters edge. The Volcano House offered an additional perspective on the caldera, and was a cool place to see. We missed the most recent eruption by about a week. Although, there was still residue from the previous eruption on the roofs of the buildings. Next up was the Lava Tubes, which are the caves left behind from a lava flow. Very interesting to see this and how it was formed. The gardens were very nice, with a view of the bay in Hilo.
I would suggest this tour, as it covers a variety of different locations.
Bobby_H, Feb 2026
Josh was awesome! He had a great personality and was so informed about the sites we saw as well as historical information about the island. Probably the best guide ever. He was so knowledgable about each place we went. The entire trip was a learning experience. Kilauea Volcano was my favorite. Use his excursion.
Scott_S, Feb 2026
Josh was the best guide ever!! He was very knowledgeable and kind. We saw a lot and learned a lot along the way. Found out we love taro chips! From the volcano stops, park, lava beds to the chocolate store, it was a wonderful experience.
Kelvin_L, Feb 2026
We highly recommend this excursion! Our tour guide Jill was very knowledgable and gave us lots of history about Hilo and the Hawaiian Islands. She was born and raised there, so she knows her stuff! We were on the Pride of America cruise and we saw a nd learned a lot more than we would have through a ship sponsored excursion. The price was well worth it!
Momathan, Feb 2026
Very scenic, rainy but delightful thanks to the trip person who commandeered the van and provided wonderful perspective historically and locally.
MIchael_E, Feb 2026
Tour guide/driver is very knowledgeable and fun. Ask questions! Our guide was Julie and she took great care of us. Opportunities to walk and explore were provided at each stop. (Made sure we had bathroom opportunities too). Kind and fascinating. Excellent start to exploring the Big Island.
Chad_S, Feb 2026
Our guide Josh was very informative of not just the volcanoes, but of the island as well. Very convenient pickup up from Port, and also brought us back after the tour. Big van with plenty of room, and he even had water and snacks. Would definitely recommend!
Paula_H, Feb 2026
Jill was an excellent tour guide. She was very knowledgable and shared history, culture as well as specific information about each stop.
Eric_C, Feb 2026
Great tour with a small group. Saw all the sights and so much more. Lots of local knowledge of the Big island as well as the other islands. Highly recommend
Rene_G, Jan 2026
This was a great experience. Jill, our tour guide was very knowledgeable and responsive to our wants and needs. She has lived in Hilo her whole life and gave us her perspective on the volcano’s impact on the community. Plus showed us hidden gems once we were in the park. The coach was new and lovely. She allowed us time to explore and gave us great suggestions for meals. Don’t miss the Kula shaved ice in Hilo it was the perfect end to a perfect day
Shaun_B, Jan 2026
Jill was awesome and very knowledgeable and truly loved the experience! A local with alot of knowledge!!
Rhonda_B, Jan 2026
This tour was excellent! Perfect amount of time spent at each site. The variety of sites were great. Felt like you got a good sense of this side of the Island. The tour guide was friendly, knowledgeable, and entertaining! She was native of the Island and wealth of knowledge. We really enjoyed the tour!
Tina_P, Jan 2026
Jill was fabulous! Told us tales from Hawaiian folklore, facts about everything, and I do mean everything. The volcano was erupting and the most awe inspiring thing I’ve ever seen.
Marcus_F, Jan 2026
Simply brilliant trip, the tour company was first class and was very knowledgeable about everything we wanted to see. Only thing that would have made it better is seeing the lava fountain but I guess mother nature does her own thing.
sheri, Jan 2026
Husband and wife owned business. Very nice, knowledgeable tour guide. Relaxed pace activities that cover a lot. Max size of group is around 12. Ours was 8
Tammy_F, Dec 2025
I can’t believe I didn’t leave my review earlier. This was in hindsight even more incredible considering we were there a year before the eruption. I have pictures in the same exact place where it happened. Kinda surreal
Julie_G, Dec 2025
Visiting an active volcano (spewed lava 3 days prior) was amazing. Enjoyed walking through a lava tube, seeing lava fields, and the beautiful flora and fauna of the rain forest. Our guide, Jill, was extremely knowledgeable and provided wonderful stories of her life growing up with volcanoes eruptions, sunamies, earthquakes, and hurricanes.
Jared_C, Dec 2025
Our tour guide Jill was fantastic! She was very knowledgeable about Hilo, the volcanoes, and just about everything about the Big Island. We enjoyed her stories and gave a tour of the Hilo area. She was also kind enough to give us local food recommendations and other spots to visit in Hilo.
The tour itself was great and included some great spots around Hilo including the Volcano National Park, the Thurston lava tube, the Volcano House lodge, Big Island Candies chocolate factory, and more.
Both my wife and I highly recommend this experience and this tour guide!
Patty_S, Dec 2025
Great location.. not close to everything but close enough to see the black sands beach and turtles, the southern most point of the United States and the volcano!!
The unit was well maintained with everything we needed.
Thank yooo!
MartiOrtiz, Nov 2025
Great tour in a small group. Time spent at attractions was good however more time could be requested. Operator was knowledgeable about the sights. He was flexible to requests for stops.
Marisa_O, Nov 2025
Amazing experience! I went with my mom, sister & her bf. It was the perfect trip to take to get the sightseeing we wanted complete! It’s always the best when you go on a tour and the tour guide is actually a native with stories from the island. I would 100% go on another tour and recommend this travel booking for anyone coming to the island. The tour guide gauged how we were feeling about each place and allotted some extra time based on what the group wanted. We all loved it!
Kelley_H, Nov 2025
The tour guide was very good, quick witted, and knowledgeable. Her real-life experiences helped us understand the reality of living on a live volcano. She was a delight!
Julianne_A, Nov 2025
Our guide Jill was excellent and that makes a huge difference to a tour experience. She was so knowledgeable and a genuinely kind and friendly person. Unfortunately we didn’t see any lava but walking through the lava tube was amazing , as was seeing the Banyan trees. So much relevant information provided in an interesting and engaging way.
Charles_D, Nov 2025
Wonderful, driver very knowledgeable and kept things interesting, comfortable and had plenty of restroom stops
Dorothy_G, Oct 2025
Great day exploring the volcano national park. Josh was very knowledgeable. The chocolate candy at the Hawaii candy store was fabulous. Highly recommend!
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Hilo Shore Excursion: Active Volcano, Lava Tube, Waterfall and Gardens
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