Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcanic Experience, Lava Tubes, Waterfalls

5.0
(16 reviews)
Big Island of Hawaii, USA

5 hours 30 minutes (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English

Join BIG HAWAI'I TOURS captivating exploration of the Big Island's lush and volcanic windward side!

-Luxury van not a 25–60 passenger coach
-Pickup at the ship when disembarking allowed and return for a late, on-board lunch
-Owner-guided (Fred & Maryna)
-Itinerary flexed for weather/closures/eruptions
-Water, island drinks, and homegrown snacks included
-Suitable for all fitness levels

During active eruptions, witness the mighty Kīlauea - the world’s most active volcano. On dormant days, we'll skip the long drive to the crowded park to enjoy black sand coastlines with playful dolphin pods and unique lava formations hidden from tourists. See cavernous lava tubes, majestic waterfalls, and tropical jungles, and savor locally-raised macadamia sweets.

BIG HAWAII TOURS are daily curated to maximize your limited time in Hilo. This 5.5-hour morning tour can be bundled with our BIG HAWAII TOURS afternoon TROPICAL ESCAPE for a full, memorable day with guaranteed "all-aboard" for cruisers.

What's Included

Your booking includes admission/parking fees to all sites on tour
We Work With Ship Arrival/Departure Times
We pickup/drop-off inside Hilo Port (right next to ship)
We provide complimentary drinks (Hawaii-special soft drinks) and home-grown snacks (often including fresh fruit!), and will return cruisers to ship by 1:30PM for their on-board lunch
Gratuities

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

Luxurious van picks up Hilo Port cruisers right at the port (we will greet you in the terminal pavilion right next to the ship about 45 minutes after ship docks). For Hilo vacationers we can pickup right across the harbor from dock at Reeds Bay Beach Park gravel parking lot. If you're arriving via cruise ship, please provide the names of everyone in your group for port authority passenger manifest. We work with each cruise line on their specific disembarking times so don't worry about being late, and we guarantee "all aboard" return.

OR
Meeting point
You can choose from multiple locations at checkout.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 5 hours 30 minutes (approximately)
  • 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
  • 1
    Lili'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
  • 2
    Boiling 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
  • 3
    Rainbow Falls

    This beautiful waterfall is usually one of our first stops, depending on traffic and weather.

    10 minutes • Admission ticket included
  • 4
    Kaumana 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
  • Leilani Estates (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
    Isaac Hale Beach Park

    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
  • 7
    Hawaii 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
  • 8
    Mauna 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
Supplied by Big Hawai'i Tours

Tags

Day Trips
Half-day Tours
Bus Tours
Private and Luxury
Walking Tours
Ports of Call Tours
Underground Tours
Shore Excursions
Excellent Quality
Adventure Tours
Port Pickup
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Rating

5.0 Based on 16 16 reviews
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