Embark on a thrilling 6-hour Hilo shore excursion to explore volcano lava caves, waterfalls, and lava trees in a small group. Discover the beauty of Hawaii’s back roads and witness the 2018 lava destruction and the newly formed Black Sand Beach. Don’t miss this amazing experience!
Embark on a thrilling 6-hour Hilo shore excursion to explore volcano lava caves, waterfalls, and lava trees in a small group. Discover the beauty of Hawaii’s back roads and witness the 2018 lava destruction and the newly formed Black Sand Beach. Don’t miss this amazing experience!
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Liliuokalani Gardens - IMPORTANT: Starting June 1st, 2026, this location will be added as a stop, and Rainbow Falls will be removed.
This is the largest Japanese garden outside of Japan, gifted by Queen Liliʻuokalani in 1917. The gardens feature stone lanterns, gazebos, and torii gates, honoring the Japanese immigrants who settled in Hawaii.
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- Liliuokalani Gardens - IMPORTANT: Starting June 1st, 2026, this location will be added as a stop, and Rainbow Falls will be removed.
This is the largest Japanese garden outside of Japan, gifted by Queen Liliʻuokalani in 1917. The gardens feature stone lanterns, gazebos, and torii gates, honoring the Japanese immigrants who settled in Hawaii.
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Hilo - Drive through the historic downtown Hilo and learn about the devastating tsunamis of the past.
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Rainbow Falls - IMPORTANT: Starting June 1st, 2026, Rainbow Falls will be removed from this tour, and a stop at Liliuokalani Japanese Garden will be added.
Experience the breathtaking 80 ft Rainbow Falls, named for the rainbow often seen in the mist as the water cascades 80 feet to the rocks below.
- Kaumana Caves Park - Next, explore the lava caves! Descend into a lava cave through a skylight, also known as a lava tube. Kaumana Caves were formed by Mauna Loa, one of the largest volcanoes. The guide will explain how molten lava creates these spectacular lava tubes and the fascinating colors inside.
- Pahoa - Drive through the quaint town of Pahoa, once a thriving plantation town, now a laid-back hippie town with old-school artistry charm and wood-plank boardwalks. Witness the current lava flow that nearly erased this town from the map.
- Lava Tree State Park - Walk a trail among lava trees resembling a petrified forest and peer into a deep fissure. This unique volcanic site is a must-see.
- Pohoiki Bay - IMPORTANT As of June 12th, 2025, a project to dredge the lava-covered area and restore the boat ramp is underway. This black sand beach will be replaced with an alternative.
WALK ON THE NEWEST BLACK SAND BEACH IN HAWAII!! This incredible creation by Kilauea’s lava flow is a sight to behold. Discover the newest black sand beach, once the site of the old boat harbor and ramp, now cut off by the formation of a large black sand beach. Swimming is not permitted at this location.
- Leilani Estates - Witness the aftermath of several earthquakes that cracked open roads and spewed lava fountains 300 ft into the sky, leading to the evacuation of nearly 2,000 residents. This powerful force even evaporated Green Lake, Hawaii’s largest natural freshwater lake. Explore areas of mass destruction from the Kilauea Volcano.
Note: The order of stops on this tour may be adjusted to ensure the best experience.
- Malama Market - Enjoy a lunch stop at a local deli or vendor (depending on the day, different vendors are used for lunch stops).
Note: The order of stops on this tour may be adjusted to ensure the best experience for customers.

- Complimentary bottled water
- Expert professional guide
- Convenient port and hotel pickup/drop-off in Hilo
- Complimentary bottled water
- Expert professional guide
- Convenient port and hotel pickup/drop-off in Hilo
- Souvenirs
- Gratuities
- Lunch- Stop made by local vendor for customers to purchase
- Souvenirs
- Gratuities
- Lunch- Stop made by local vendor for customers to purchase
Approximately 6 hours in duration. Discover the hidden gems along Hawaii’s back roads near Kilauea volcano. Experience the thrill of exploring Lava Caves and Lava Trees within a vibrant volcanic rainforest. Witness the 2018 lava devastation and visit the newly formed Black Sand Beach. An unforgettable adventure awaits!
Cruise Ship Guests: Special permits…
Approximately 6 hours in duration. Discover the hidden gems along Hawaii’s back roads near Kilauea volcano. Experience the thrill of exploring Lava Caves and Lava Trees within a vibrant volcanic rainforest. Witness the 2018 lava devastation and visit the newly formed Black Sand Beach. An unforgettable adventure awaits!
Cruise Ship Guests: Special permits allow for direct pick-up from Hilo port of call. Departure times can be adjusted to align with your ship’s schedule.
Hilo Hotel Guests: Meeting point is at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel.
- 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.
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.