Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcano Safari Lava Caves, Falls and More
Active
6h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Approx 6 hr long. Explore the places less traveled among Hawaii's back roads of Kilauea volcano. Explore exciting Lava Caves, waterfalls, and Lava trees in a lush volcanic rainforest. See the 2018 lava destruction and the newly formed Black Sand Beach just created. A truly amazing experience!
Cruise Ship Guests: We have special permits to pick up directly from Hilo port of call. Departure times may be adjusted to fit your ship's arrival & departure.
Hilo Hotel Guests: Meeting location Hilo Hawaiian Hotel
Available options
MSC Magnifica 11:30 am
Duration: 6 hours<br/>11:30 am: 11:30 am departure, if there is any ship delay, we will wait for passengers<br/>Starting point:<br/>Port of Hilo, 80 Kuhio St, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
Hilo Hotel Pick up
Hilo Hawaiian Hotel : Meeting location Hilo Hawaiian Hotel 71 Banyan Dr. Hilo, HI 96720<br/>Starting point:<br/>Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, a Trademark Collection by Wyndham, 71 Banyan Dr, Hilo, HI 96720, USA<br/>Pickup included
Hilo Cruise Ship Passenger
Cruise Ship Passenger: We are a SHORE EXCURSION company. We have permits to pick you up directly from the Hilo port. <br/>Starting point:<br/>Port of Hilo, 80 Kuhio St, Hilo, HI 96720, USA<br/>Pickup included
Disney Wonder 8:30 am -1:30 pm
Duration: 5 hours<br/>No Lunch Stop: There will be no lunch stop on this tour due to time ship is in port <br/>Stops : All stops will be included except for the drive-by Lilioukanali garden and Lunch stop due to ship time in port<br/>Starting point:<br/>Port of Hilo, 80 Kuhio St, Hilo, HI 96720, USA<br/>Pickup included
Coral Princess - 11:00 am
Duration: 6 hours<br/>Starting point:<br/>Port of Hilo, 80 Kuhio St, Hilo, HI 96720, USA<br/>Pickup included
Oceania Regatta 12:00 pm
Duration: 6 hours<br/>Oceania - Regatta: Special departure time for this ship 12:00 noon ( check in 15 min prior) <br/>Pickup included
Disney Wonder 8:30 am 5.5 hr
8:30 am departure: We understand your ship doors will open at 8:00 am. We would like to depart as early as possible by 8:30 am <br/>Starting point:<br/>Port of Hilo, 80 Kuhio St, Hilo, HI 96720, USA<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Bottled water
Professional guide
Port pickup and drop-off / Hilo Hotel pickup and drop-off
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Pass by
This is the largest Japanese garden outside of Japan donated by Queen Liliʻuokalani in 1917. Throughout the gardens are stone lanterns, gazebos, and torii gates, recalling the Japanese immigrants who came to Hawaii.
2
Drive through the historical downtown Hilo as you will learn about the devastating tsunamis of the past
3
Stop 3
Breathtaking 80 ft waterfall, Rainbow Falls. These beautiful falls get their name from the rainbow that is often visible in the mist that rises as the water cascades to the rocks 80 feet below.
4
Stop 4
Time to explore lava caves is next! We walk you down into a lava cave through a skylight, also locally known as a lava tube. Kaumana Caves was created by one of our largest volcanoes, Mauna Loa. The guide will explain how molten lava makes these spectacular lava tubes and the fascinating colors inside.
5
On our drive we will drive through a quaint town called Pahoa. Once a booming plantation town and now a laid-back hippie town with old school artistry charm and wood-plank boardwalks. You will see the current lava flow that nearly wiped this town off the map.
6
We will walk a trail among lava trees that looks somewhat of a petrified forest and look down into a deep fissure. This unusual volcanic sight is one stop that shouldn’t be missed.
7
**IMPORTANT ** As of June 12th 2025, there is a project to dredge the lava-covered area and restore the boat ramp. We will be replacing this black sand beach with an alternate
WALK ON THE NEWEST BLACK SAND BEACH IN HAWAII!! is truly an amazing creation by Kilauea’s lava flow. Let us show you the newest created black sand beach. Once in this location was the old boat harbor and ramp that you can still see and has now been cut off from the creation of a large black sand beach. There is no swimming at this location
8
Several earthquakes cracked open the roads, lava fountains started spewing lava 300 ft into the sky and nearly 2,000 residents we evacuated. This amazing force even evaporated Green Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake in Hawaii. We will be showing you areas of mass destruction from Kilauea Volcano.
Note: The order of stops on this tour may be adjusted to help provide the best experience.
9
Local Deli for a lunch stop or a local vendor ( depending on the day, we use a different vendors for our lunch stop)
Note: The order of stops on this tour may be adjusted to help provide the best experience for customers.
What's not included
Souvenirs
Gratuities
Lunch- Stop made by local vendor for customers to purchase
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.7
239 reviews
5★
200
4★
21
3★
12
2★
2
1★
4
Tripadvisor
4.7
91 reviews
5★
78
4★
8
3★
1
2★
2
1★
2
Important information
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
Moderate tour - Involves walking over relatively unlevel terrain, possible gravel, lava, uneven ground and steep steps. Comfortable walking shoes recommended.
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately; light rain jacket or poncho
A stop is made to purchase food
Worry-free Shore Excursion Guarantee
Exact departure time may vary depending on the cruise ship's disembarkation time
We will ensure your timely return back to the ship in Hilo Pier for this activity. If your ship does not come into port , your money will be refunded. If is is delayed we will adjust our departure time to the ships itenerary. See our terms and conditions for full details
Not recommended for those who cannot walk over uneven ground or with poor health
Lava Tube: The steps to get into the lava tube are steep and the ground is uneven. You do not have to go into the lava tube if you feel it is too much for you.
We are NOT able to accommodate customers with walkers or wheel chairs.
Meeting point
HOTEL GUESTS: Castle Hilo Hawaiian Hotel located at 71 Banyan Dr. Hilo HI . Please wait in lobby for pick up. The lobby also has a cafe lounge if needing something to drink.
Important notes
We do not require a printed-off voucher or ticket. Check-in with name.
Note: The order of stops on this tour may be adjusted to help provide the best experience.
**IMPORTANT ** As of June 12th 2025, there is a project to dredge the lava-covered area and restore the boat ramp at the Pohoiki Black Sand beach. We will be replacing this black sand beach with an alternate black sand beach until it reopens.
CRUISE SHIP GUESTS
CHECK IN TIME: 15 minutes before the tour departure time
LOOK FOR SIGN #1
When departing the ship, you will enter a large terminal building. Please look for your guide, who will be holding a sign with the number 1 on it.
⚠️ Important: If you have exited the terminal building, you’ve gone too far.
⏰ Please note: Tours must depart at the scheduled time, and unfortunately, we are unable to wait for late passengers. Unless there is a verified delay caused by the ship.
TRAVELING TOGETHER: if you are traveling with another group that has booked separately, please contact your tour supplier before your tour date to ensure that you can be seated together in the same vehicle 1-800-901-0468.
HOTEL:
We ask all guests to please plan to be at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel located at 71 Banyan Dr. Hilo HI 96720 10 minutes before the PICK UP time listed above.
About Big Island of Hawaii
The Big Island of Hawaii is the largest and youngest of the Hawaiian Islands, known for its diverse landscapes, including snow-capped mountains, active volcanoes, and lush rainforests. It offers a unique blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences.
Top Attractions
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
This national park is home to two active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa. It offers hiking trails, scenic drives, and the opportunity to witness volcanic activity up close.
Nature/Adventure
Full day
Moderate ($30 per vehicle)
Mauna Kea Summit
Mauna Kea is the highest point in Hawaii and offers stunning views, stargazing opportunities, and a unique alpine environment.
Nature/Adventure
Half day to full day
Free (but requires acclimatization)
Waipio Valley
Waipio Valley is a lush, scenic valley known for its taro farms, waterfalls, and black sand beach. It is also a significant cultural site for Native Hawaiians.
Nature/Cultural
Half day
Free (but parking fee applies)
Hapuna Beach State Park
Hapuna Beach is one of the largest white sand beaches on the Big Island, offering swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing opportunities.
Beach
Half day
Free (but parking fee applies)
Akaka Falls State Park
Akaka Falls is a stunning 442-foot waterfall surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. The park offers a scenic loop trail leading to the falls.
Nature
1-2 hours
Moderate ($5 per person)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Poke
A raw fish salad marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions, often served with rice.
Appetizer
Contains fish, can be made with various types of seafood
Loco Moco
A hearty dish consisting of white rice topped with a hamburger patty, a fried egg, and brown gravy.
Main Course
Contains beef, eggs, and gluten (from the gravy)
Shave Ice
Finely shaved ice flavored with syrups and often topped with sweetened condensed milk or ice cream.
Dessert
Vegetarian, can be made with various toppings
Kona Coffee
A premium coffee grown in the Kona region, known for its rich and smooth flavor.
Drink
Caffeinated, can be decaffeinated
Popular Activities
Hiking
Volcano exploration
Water sports
Beach lounging
Spa treatments
Scenic drives
Traditional Hawaiian luaus
Local markets
Best Time to Visit
April to June, September to October
This is the best time to visit the Big Island, with pleasant weather and fewer tourists. The ocean is warm, and the weather is generally dry and sunny.
21-30°C
70-86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: Hawaiian, Japanese, Tagalog
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time (HST, GMT-10:00)
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
The Big Island is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, visitors should be aware of natural hazards such as volcanic activity and ocean conditions.
Important Precautions:
- • Rent a car with full insurance coverage
- • Be cautious when purchasing souvenirs and tours, and research options in advance
- • Be aware of ocean conditions and currents when swimming and snorkeling
Getting there
By air
- Kona International Airport • 20 km from Kona
- Hilo International Airport • 10 km from Hilo
By bus
Hilo, Kona
Getting around
Public transport
The Hele-On Bus is the public bus system on the Big Island. It is affordable but has limited routes and schedules.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Kona
Hilo
Waimea
Day trips
Mauna Kea Summit
30 km from Waimea • Half day to full day
Mauna Kea is the highest point in Hawaii and offers stunning views, stargazing opportunities, and a unique alpine environment.
Waipio Valley
60 km from Hilo • Half day
Waipio Valley is a lush, scenic valley known for its taro farms, waterfalls, and black sand beach. It is also a significant cultural site for Native Hawaiians.
Hapuna Beach State Park
30 km from Waimea • Half day
Hapuna Beach is one of the largest white sand beaches on the Big Island, offering swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing opportunities.
Festivals
Merrie Monarch Festival • April
Kona Coffee Cultural Festival • November
Ironman World Championship • October
Pro tips
- Rent a car to explore the island at your own pace and access remote areas
- Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park early in the day to avoid crowds and see the best views
- Pack layers, as temperatures can vary significantly depending on the elevation and location
- Try local dishes like poke, loco moco, and shave ice for an authentic taste of the Big Island
- Respect the environment and local culture, and follow guidelines for visiting protected areas and sacred sites
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
