Hilo Shore Excursion: Active Volcano, Lava Tube, Waterfall and Gardens
Overview
Available languages
5 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
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.
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 (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 walk through the Hawaiian rainforest to Nahuku (Thurston Lava Tube). Explore the 500 year old underground tube where hot molten lava once rushed through.
Options
Volcano & Hilo Adventure
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
430 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great tour and guide
tomcE7679NJ,Jun 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Josh was a great tour guide. He was very knowledgeable and catered to our small group. We got to see a good bit of places in a short time. Josh also knew less visited spots so we weren't crowded by other tourists. Would recommend.
Fantastic Excursion
ERIC H,Jun 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Take lots of pictures and videos. The sights are amazing and Jill did a magnificent job telling the history of the island.
Great Tour!
Robin H,May 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our tour, led by Jill, was very informative and fun. We enjoyed Jill’s stories of life on a volcano and her kindness. We saw much more in one day than we could have on our own and had so much fun!
A must see
Lois L,May 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great tour great tour guide!! Rainbow falls was beautiful and the volcano was awesome. Relaxing tour with lots of interesting stories and history.
Our guide, Jill, was very...
Mark T,May 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide, Jill, was very knowledgeable and a great storyteller! We saw some great sights and had a wonderful experience.
Great tourguide
Bethany K,May 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Josh was an amazing tour guide, super knowledgeable and funny!! Very attentive and the snacks were a bonus
Very easy to find the...
Gretchen F,May 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very easy to find the tour guide at the Hilo cruise terminal and Josh was an excellent guide. Rainbow Falls is very pretty but I’m originally from Buffalo, NY so Niagara Falls makes me pretty biased on the magnificence of other falls. Great experience at Volcanoes National Park, and I enjoyed the brief stops at the Gardens and macadamia nut factory.
Eruption!
Perry W,May 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Jill was great and when we told her that Kilauea was erupting she took us straight to it! We had great views of it and got out of the park befor it got crazy busy!
Great company and guide
mitchellh757,May 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our wonderful guide Josh made this a great trip beginning with the Botanical Garden in Hilo, visiting the Volcano National Park, and ending with a visit to the Hawaii Cookie Company in Hilo.
Volcano and other sights
LouL356,Apr 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Missed the eruption by a day but what we saw and what was explained was excellent. The best part might have been listening to Jill tell us about her experiences growing up near the volcano. Might have been better than seeing the actual eruption. OK - maybe not. Jill and her husband are the owners, nice to support a small business.
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Operated by Mauka Makai Adventures