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
Operates in all weather conditions (be prepared for sun, wind and rain).
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 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.
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.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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.
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
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
Reviews
369 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
None
debrao939,
Oct 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00After ringing your support staff team more than once on our way to the pick up point. they couldn't contact the driver to tell them we were running late . We ended up missing our pickup by 2min.. If we could of told him we were still coming he might have stayed. Then when we were defeated. We didn't receive a refund or a credit for another tour.
Volcano 🌋 Chocolate 🍫 Waterfalls ⛲️
Dorothy G,
Oct 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great day exploring the volcano national park. Josh was very knowledgeable. The chocolate candy at the Hawaii candy store was fabulous. Highly recommend!
Don’t miss this!!
Melissa V,
Oct 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00You’ll get your money’s worth on this one! And even more if Jill is your tour driver! Though there was a time scheduled for each stop, we never felt rushed. If you are or were a science teacher, the amount of detail and descriptions will make it memorable for you!! Can’t emphasize more how wonderful Jill was and how comfortable vehicle for 12 felt!
Surprises throughout Hilo
Tudylou,
Oct 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Jill was an amazingly knowledgeable guide for our visit in Hilo. We were in a small groups and had the opportunity to learn and experience much about the volcanoes, waterfalls, national park, gardens, flora, and fauna. A surprise trip to The Chocolate Factory was a tasty surprise that left our pockets lighter! We would HUGHLY recommend this native couple’s company!
Great experience, just...
Anna D,
Oct 18, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience, just the right duration. Tour guide was very informative, We highly recommend this tour
Very good tour but things to improve
Julie C,
Oct 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00This was a good tour but some improvements could be made. For example our guide was very friendly and welcoming but talked way too much. It was very interesting but at the end we no more listened because he talked non stop. Also too much time spent at some places in volcanoes park (volcano house and echo crater) that could be used to do the whole chain of craters road until the sea arch. Would have appreciated a stop a volcanoes np entrance sign. Candy store, waterfall and gardens were nice stops. Enjoyed the local chips provided. Tour guide was easy to find at port and tour started on time. Appreciated that.
Excellent guide and...
LEANNE S,
Oct 11, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent guide and excursion. Driver was informative and very knowledgeable. He was very fun and entertaining too! Well worth it.
Great tour!!!!!
tina h,
Oct 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour. Very informative. Guide went above and beyond to help clients. Very reliable . Book ASAP Very popular and value for money.
Great Tour!
peterkA9169VC,
Oct 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Jill was a terrific tour guide... very knowledgeable and pleasant to deal with. Worth the price of the tour.. good value.
The terrain is a bit...
Liz B,
Oct 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00The terrain is a bit dicey for those with gait/balance issues. We saw most of the sights from areas near the bus but chose not to climb to the waterfall or volcano top.
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Operated by Mauka Makai Adventures