Explore Kīlauea’s wonders and hidden waterfalls in Hilo. Discover lava tubes, savor local treats, and enjoy a tailored, stress-free adventure.
Explore Kīlauea’s wonders and hidden waterfalls in Hilo. Discover lava tubes, savor local treats, and enjoy a tailored, stress-free adventure.
- Hilo - On this unforgettable excursion, travelers have the rare opportunity to witness a live volcano during active eruptions and walk through an incredible underground lava tube. The journey continues with a perfect photo opportunity to capture a selfie beside the most iconic waterfalls in Hawai’i, followed by a delicious stop to enjoy locally…
- Hilo - On this unforgettable excursion, travelers have the rare opportunity to witness a live volcano during active eruptions and walk through an incredible underground lava tube. The journey continues with a perfect photo opportunity to capture a selfie beside 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 everyone is safely returned to the ship with plenty of time for an on-board lunch and a chance to freshen up before afternoon activities begin. The route passes through Hilo Town, offering a glimpse of King Kamehameha the Great.
- Liliuokalani Gardens - Take in the tropical beauty of this ocean-side Japanese garden and snap a quick picture of Hilo Town across the harbor, with Mauna Kea gazing down from its 14,000-foot elevation.
- Boiling Pots - Travelers will catch a couple of picturesque waterfalls while exploring the lush, green windward side of the Big Island.
- Rainbow Falls - This beautiful waterfall is usually one of the first stops, depending on traffic and weather.
- Kaumana Caves Park - On days when Kilauea is dormant, the tour avoids the long drive to the crowded National Park and instead experiences more peaceful but equally “volcanic” wonders, including this off-the-beaten-path lava tube surrounded by lush jungle (note: there are steep steps down into the lava tube, so less adventurous travelers can enjoy the view from the top).
- Lava Tree - On dormant volcano days, travelers get to see the unique “lava trees” created by a fast-moving lava flow, adding to the “volcanic experience” of the tour.
- Leilani Estates - See what a massive volcanic fissure in 2018 did to a residential neighborhood—a good reminder that the Big Island continues to grow through fire and molten lava.
- Isaac Hale Beach Park - A black sand beach with natural thermal-heated pools, showing how lava flow reached the ocean and eventually created black sand beaches.
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park - On days when Kilauea is erupting with Pele’s wrath, the tour prioritizes heading straight to the National Park. On dormant days, the long drive to the crowded park is saved, and travelers experience the impact of past eruptions, including recent lava flows that took out entire neighborhoods and added to the size of the Big Island.
- Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor Center - Time permitting, travelers have the opportunity to enjoy free samples and possibly purchase a box or two of the favorite, locally raised and packaged macadamia nut sweets.

- Admission fees
- We work with ship arrival/departure times
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Snacks
- Admission fees
- We work with ship arrival/departure times
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Snacks
- Gratuities
- Gratuities
Join Big Hawai’i Tours for a captivating exploration of the Big Island’s lush, volcanic windward side!
- Luxury van, not a 25–60 passenger coach
- Pickup at the ship upon disembarking, with return in time for a late on-board lunch
- Owner-guided (Fred & Maryna)
- Itinerary flexed for weather, closures, or eruptions
- Water, island drinks, and homegrown…
Join Big Hawai’i Tours for a captivating exploration of the Big Island’s lush, volcanic windward side!
- Luxury van, not a 25–60 passenger coach
- Pickup at the ship upon disembarking, with return in time for a late on-board lunch
- Owner-guided (Fred & Maryna)
- Itinerary flexed for weather, closures, or 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, the long drive to the crowded park is skipped in favor of 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 Hawai’i Tours are curated daily to maximize limited time in Hilo. This 5.5-hour morning tour can be bundled with the Big Hawai’i Tours afternoon Tropical Escape for a full, memorable day with a guaranteed “all-aboard” for cruisers.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.