Volcano Adventure: Hilo Sightseeing w/ Optional Helicopter Tour

Hilo , United States

Volcano Adventure: Hilo Sightseeing w/ Optional Helicopter Tour

Active

(408 reviews)

10h

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime Volcano Adventure tour on Hawaii's "Big Island," focusing on the lush, northeastern Hilo side. Explore the dynamic landscapes of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home to active volcanoes and historic craters. Delight in the charming vistas of Hilo Town. Your knowledgeable driver-guide will enrich your journey with tales of the area's legends, history, and culture, highlighting scenic wonders throughout the tour.

Note: This tour is available with hotel pickups exclusively in the Hilo area (Not Kona).

Available options

Sightseeing Tour (no heli)

Pickup included

Sightseeing + Helicopter Tour

Optional Helicopter Ride<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Pick-up and drop-off at specific Hilo hotels

Tour narration by a professional driver/guide

Lunch

Air-conditioned vehicle

All Admission Fees

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

Drive through quaint Hilo Town along magnificent Banyan tree-lined streets along Hilo's coastline known as the "Hilo Walk of Fame".

Stop 2

Home to Hawaii's active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa.

Stop 3 Pass by

Chain of Craters Road is a 19-mile (31 km) long winding paved road through the East Rift and coastal area of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the island of Hawaii. Some areas are inaccessible.

Stop 4

Active shield volcano housed in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Latest eruption in June 2023! Vents spew lava from within Halema'uma'u, a pit crater in the volcano's summit caldera.

See and feel the power of the volcano through the steam vents, where ground water seeps into volcanic rock.

Stop 6

Tropical forest area featuring a long, subterranean cave formed by ancient flowing lava.

Stop 7

Beautiful waterfall, easily viewable from a lookout point and surrounded by a verdant jungle.

Drive through historic Hilo Town, where tsunamis in 1946 and 1960 caused cataclysmic damage and forced the town to be rebuilt further inland. Today, wooden storefronts remain in the laid-back, town that manages to keep the country vibe alive.

Stop 9 Pass by

Renowned for it's lush Japanese gardens.

Stop 10

Witness rainbows forming in the mist at one of Hilo's most magnificent waterfalls.

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.2

105 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.9

303 reviews

5★

278

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

A light sweater may be needed at the volcano area and sturdy walking shoes are required

Passengers with asthma and other respiratory problems should please consider other tour offerings to avoid potential health problems resulting from exposure to fumes

As we cannot predict volcanic activity, features may vary daily depending on conditions. In an effort to make this an unforgettable experience, the tour operators will take you as close as possible to the volcanic activity

Lava sightings not guaranteed

Please contact the tour provider at minimum of 7 days prior to the tour date for ADA and all special requests.

Important notes

Your tour provider is Polynesian Adventure Tours 1-800-622-3011 or sales@polyad.com. At least (2) days prior to your tour date, you must call or email to schedule your pickup and receive your exact pickup time and meeting spot. Pickups are offered from the Hilo (northeastern) side of the Big Island of Hawaii - not the Kona side.

About Hilo

Hilo, located on the eastern side of the Big Island of Hawaii, is known for its lush rainforests, stunning waterfalls, and vibrant culture. The city offers a unique blend of natural beauty, historic charm, and authentic Hawaiian hospitality.

Top Attractions

Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

This national park is home to Kīlauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes. Visitors can explore lava tubes, craters, and scenic overlooks.

Nature Full day $30 per vehicle (7-day pass)

Rainbow Falls

A beautiful waterfall located in a lush, tropical setting. The falls are especially stunning in the early morning light.

Nature 30-60 minutes Free

Liliuokalani Gardens

A beautiful, historic park with Japanese-inspired gardens, ponds, and bridges. It's a peaceful retreat in the heart of Hilo.

Historical 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Poke

A traditional Hawaiian dish made with raw fish, soy sauce, and sesame oil. It's often served over rice.

Lunch/Dinner Contains fish, gluten (soy sauce)

Loco Moco

A Hawaiian comfort food dish made with rice, hamburger patty, fried egg, and gravy.

Lunch/Dinner Contains beef, eggs, gluten (gravy)

Shave Ice

A popular Hawaiian treat made with finely shaved ice and flavored syrups. It's often topped with sweetened condensed milk or ice cream.

Dessert Vegan options available (ask for no condensed milk or ice cream)

Popular Activities

Hiking Volcano exploration Stargazing Beach lounging Spas Scenic drives Museum visits Historical sites

Best Time to Visit

April to October

This period offers the most pleasant weather with lower rainfall and ideal temperatures for outdoor activities.

22-30°C 72-86°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)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Hilo is generally a safe destination for travelers. However, as with any destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of your surroundings, especially at night
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious of strong currents and rip tides when swimming or engaging in water activities

Getting there

By air

Hilo International Airport • 3 miles (5 km) from city center

By bus

Hilo Transit Center

Getting around

Public transport

The bus system is affordable and convenient for getting around Hilo, but schedules may be limited.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Hilo Pana'ewa

Day trips

Mauna Kea Summit

30 miles (48 km) north of Hilo • Full day

The Mauna Kea summit offers stunning views, stargazing opportunities, and a unique alpine environment.

Akaka Falls State Park

11 miles (18 km) north of Hilo • Half day

This state park is home to the stunning Akaka Falls, a 442-foot waterfall surrounded by lush rainforest.

Hawai'i Tropical Bioreserve & Garden

25 miles (40 km) south of Hilo • Half day

This private garden and reserve offers a variety of tropical plants, exotic birds, and scenic views.

Festivals

Hilo International Festival • Late September to early November Merrie Monarch Festival • April

Pro tips

Visit the Hilo Farmers Market for fresh produce, local crafts, and Hawaiian souvenirs
Explore the city's historic sites and museums to learn about Hilo's rich cultural heritage
Take a guided tour of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park to learn about the park's geology and history
Try local foods and support local businesses to get a taste of authentic Hawaiian cuisine
Be prepared for rain and bring a rain jacket or umbrella, especially during the wet season