Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Hilo Highlights Small Group Tour
Overview
Available languages
5 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
See two of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa, on a small group tour that features the natural wonders of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Learn the history, culture and geology of the Hawaiian islands with your personal guide. Take a walk along the crater rim as you feel the heat of the volcano from steam vents. Explore an ancient lava tube in the midst of the lush Hawaiian rainforest. Enjoy the sights around Hilo including Liliuokalani Gardens and Rainbow Falls with a stop for local chocolates and coffee along the way.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
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, please dress appropriately (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.
What To Expect
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
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.
Nahuku - Thurston Lava Tube
Enjoy a hike through the Hawaiian rainforest robust with native birds and tree ferns to Nahuku (Thurston lava tube). Traverse the 500 year old lava tube where molten lava once rushed through.
Options
Volcano and Hilo Small Group
Pickup included
What‘s Included
Private transportation
Island chips
Help protect our island environment and bring your own refillable water bottle!
Professional guide
National park admission fee
We 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.
Pickup points
Hilo Intl Airport
2450 Kekuanaoa St Hilo United States
SCP Hilo Hotel
126 Banyan Way Hilo United States
Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo - A Doubletree By Hilton
93 Banyan Drive, Hilo United States
Hilo Hawaiian Hotel
71 Banyan Drive Hilo United States
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
279 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Lots to see!
Gail S,Jun 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Jill was a great guide for Rainbow Galls, National Volcano Park, a walk through a lava tube and much more!
Jill was amazing!!
Hailey Q,Jun 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Jill was the most informative, pleasant and knowledgeable tour guide I could have asked for! What an amazing experience. As someone who has been to Big Island many many times and seen these places all at least once already, having Jill's insights and stories made everything feel brand new and exciting again. 10/10 stars, Jill you were amazing. Thank you for your time and dedication.
Was such an informative...
Martyn A,Jun 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Was such an informative tour as we got to see some of the highlights of the local area. Of course, nothing beats seeing the active volcano that day and its fountaining - so that was brilliant timing! Knowledge on local customs and the history of the island and towns was amazing. Would recommend to everyone.
Highlight on Big Island
Alfred S,Jun 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00A breathtaking tour. Thanks to our tour guide Jill, we learned a lot about the various volcanoes and their history. Also something about Hawaiian legends. Mahalo, Jill
Fun, educational tour from a local
Gail S,May 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an excellent and very informative day going to Rainbow Fall, Volcano National Park, walking through a lava tube, visiting the Queen’s garden , trying local chips, and enjoying local sweet cookies and chocolate. Fun 5 hour trip in AC van with small group. Couldn’t have been any better. Thank you Jill!
Volcano National Park
Randy F,May 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Unique experience to see the big island and the most incredible active volcano. Jill, a Hilo native, loves it and knows all!
Perfect day
Declan W,May 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We started our tour with Josh, our driver, from the port of Hilo. We were very lucky to have a view to an eruption on our tour. Our driver, Josh, knew the volcano was erupting that morning and changed our route to get there as early as possible before the heavy traffic caused long delays. We arrived quickly with no delays and were amazed to see nature at work, an experienced we will never forget. Josh was a great tour guide with a depth of knowledge that was above and beyond our tour, friendly and professional. We really enjoyed our trip and would highly recommend this trip and Mauka Makai Adventures Declan & Bernie Walsh Ireland
Irene
Sunshine,May 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Extremely nice guide Jill! Very patient and knowledgeable and helpful. Volcanoes are beautiful. Strongly Recommend to everyone
Josh was a great host. ...
Gerald M,May 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Josh was a great host. We were so privileged to see the volcano fountain. The rest of the tour was great, but nothing can top the eruption.
One of the Best
naykorinne,May 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00You will learn so much about the cycles and effects of active volcanoes from your guide who has lived on the island all her life. She also shares her vast knowledge about the lush vegetation, domestic and wild animals. Her vehicle for the small group tour was comfortable and exactly what we expected. We all agreed this was one of the best excursions!
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Operated by Mauka Makai Adventures