Hawaii Volcano National Park Shore Excursion

Big Island of Hawaii , United States

Hawaii Volcano National Park Shore Excursion

Active

(96 reviews)

6h - 7h

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

What makes my tours special is that I will take you to places other tours will not go.

We drive north of Hilo to see the surf spots were we will drive slowly down a narrow road. I will narrate to you about the surfers as they catching waves.

We drive over old bridges through the lush jungle seeing many waterfalls. I will tell you about the plants, history, and real estate.

We stop for iced coconuts if the vendor is there, then we will stop for whipped icecream.

We stop to feed the wild pigs in one area if they're there. Then we will shop at the volcano village for things made in hawaii at the gift shop, and you can get food at the store to go.

In the Hawaii Volcano National Park we will walk in a lava field to look for peacock lava, and I will take pictures of you inside of a fissure. I will take photos of you at all of my stops, and I will tell you the hawaiian mythology story's.

I will bring fruit to sample from my farm, or stop at a fruit stand so you can buy fruit.

Available options

Hawaii Volcano National Park Shore Excursion

What's included

English Speaking Guide

Hawaii Volcano National Park fees

Detailed itinerary

I drive past the Ice Pond, and Liliuokalani Garden, looking for turtles, nene geese, and identifying plants. I will show you the sign with the local fish, and tell about them. We will get out to take photos of the turtles if they're there.

We will drive north of Hilo to see the surf spots were I drive slowly down a narrow road at Honolii Beach, so you can take pictures. I will narrate to you about the surfers as they catch waves. We will drive over old bridges through lush jungle seeing many waterfalls. I stop to let you take pictures, but we don't get out. I tell you about plants, history, and real estate. I like to keep a fast pace fun tour, so you see as much as possible. You will see things nobody else on the Cruise Ship will see on my tours.

Stop 3

At Rainbow Waterfalls, I will take photos, and show you an optical illusion for 20 minutes. We will stop for iced coconuts if the vendor is there for 15 minutes, and we stop for whipped icecream for 30 minutes. Then we stop to, and look for wild pigs to feed in one area for 10 minutes.

Stop 4

We will go to the Macadamia Nut Farm to sample macadamia nuts. I will tell you about the processing of macadamia nuts and let you shop.

Stop 5

We will listen to Hawaiian music on the way up to the Volcano village which is a 35 minute drive. We spend about 45 minutes there.The first stop in the Hawaii Volcano National Park is the Crater overlook, where I will tell you about Hawaiian mythology. The next stop is Steam Vents, where I will show you how to make the vent steam a lot more. Next, we will visit the Volcano House for shopping. After that, we will go to a Lava Field with a fissure, and there we will look for Peacock Lava, and I will take pictures of you standing inside of a fissure. The last stop in the park is a Lava Tube. We will take photos, and I will tell you about native birds and plants. We spend 2 hours in the Hawaii Volcano National Park. Then it is a 35 minute drive to the Macadamia nut farm.

We head to Big Island Candies to sample chocolate, candies, and Kona coffee. You can watch them make chocolate behind the glass. You can get drinks, and food.

Stop 7

We will go to the Hilo Farmers Market for shopping. You can get fruit, shirts, jewelry, and much more.

Stop 8

We will go to a Blacksand Beach to take photos, look for turtles, fish, and nene geese. Then back to the Cruise Ship.

What's not included

Bottled water

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.8

33 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.8

63 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

The total duration of the tour includes the travel time

Meeting point

I will meet you in the center of the building on the left side after you come off the ship at 8:30 am at Hilo Harbor.

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