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Offered languages
- English
Join our captivating exploration of the Big Island's lush, windward side in BIG HAWAII TOURS' luxury, small-group van. During active eruptions, you'll witness the mighty Kīlauea - the world’s most active volcano. But on dormant days, we'll skip the long drive to the crowded park to enjoy black sand coastlines and unique lava formations hidden from most tourists. We'll also explore cavernous lava tubes, majestic waterfalls, and tropical jungles and savor locally-raised macadamia nuts/sweets.
Our BIG HAWAII TOURS are daily curated to maximize visitors/cruise passengers limited time in Hilo. This 5.5-hour morning tour has no strenuous hikes, and can be bundled with our BIG HAWAII TOURS afternoon TROPICAL ESCAPE for a full, memorable day with guaranteed "all-aboard" for cruisers.
- Volcanic lava formations/tubes and tropical waterfalls
- Black-sand/lava-cliff coasts (non-eruption days)
- Daily-tailored itinerary
- Suitable for all fitness levels
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Luxurious van picks up Hilo Port cruisers right at the port or across the harbor at Reeds Bay Beach parking lot
Itinerary
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Hilo (Pass by)
On this unforgettable excursion, you will have the rare opportunity to see a live volcano during active eruptions and walk through an incredible underground lava tube. Your journey continues with a perfect photo opportunity where you can take a selfie by the most iconic waterfalls in Hawai'i, followed by a delicious stop to enjoy locally grown and packaged Big Island sweets right in Hilo. Designed with cruise passengers in mind, the tour ensures you will be safely returned to your ship with plenty of time for an on-board lunch and an opportunity to freshen up before your afternoon activities begin. We will only pass through Hilo Town and catch a glimpse of King Kamehameha the Great.
Admission ticket free -
1Lili'uokalani Gardens
Take-in the tropical beauty of this ocean-side Japanese garden and take a quick picture of Hilo Town across the harbor with Mauna Kea staring down from it's 14,000 foot elevation.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2Boiling Pots
We will catch a couple picturesque waterfalls as we explore the lush, green windward side of the Big Island.
10 minutes • Admission ticket included -
3Rainbow Falls
This beautiful waterfall is usually one of our first stops, depending on traffic and weather.
10 minutes • Admission ticket included -
4Kaumana Caves Park
On days the Kilaeau is dormant, we will avoid the long drive to the crowded Nat'l Park and experience more peaceful but equally "volcanic" wonders, including this off-the-beaten path lava tube surrounded by lush jungle (does have steep steps down into the lava tube, so less adventurous travelers can enjoy the view from the top).
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5
On dormant volcano days, travelers will get to see the unique "lava trees" caused by a fast-moving lava flow, adding to the "volcanic experience" of our tour.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
See what a massive volcanic fissure in 2018 did to a residential neighborhood. A good reminder that the Big Island continues to add to its mass through fire and molten lava.
Admission ticket free -
6
Black sand beach with natural thermal heated pools. See how the lava flow reached the ocean, eventually creating black sand beaches.
10 minutes • Admission ticket included -
7Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
On days that Kilauea is erupting with Pele's wrath, we will prioritize heading straight to the Nat'l Park. On dormant days, we will save the long drive to the crowded park and experience the impact of past eruptions, including recent lava flows that took out entire neighborhoods and added to the size of the BIG Island.
2 hours • Admission ticket free -
8Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor Center
Time permitting, you will have the opportunity to enjoy some free samples and possibly purchase a box of two of our favorite, locally raised/packaged macadamia nut sweets.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- 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.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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