Hilo Shore Excursion: Exploring Volcano Lava Caves and Waterfalls in a Small Group
4.7
164 Ratings
Hilo
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!
Duration: 6 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Liliuokalani Gardens - This is the largest Japanese garden outside of Japan donated by Queen LiliÊ»uokalani in 1917. Throughout the gardens are stone lanterns, gazebos, and torii gates, recalling the Japanese immigrants who came to Hawaii.

  • Hilo - Drive through the historical downtown Hilo as you will learn about the devastating tsunamis of the past

  • Rainbow Falls - 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.

  • Kaumana Caves Park - 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.

  • Pahoa - 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.

  • Lava Tree State Park - 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.

  • Pohoiki Bay - 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

  • Pohoiki - VOLCANICALY HEATED HOT POOL
    If conditions permit, as a special highlight we will be walking a small trail to a volcanicaly heated hot pool where you can feel the warm water as the guide explains how it is heated volcanically. This small hot pool is quite special since the last lava flow as wiped out all other volcanicaly heated hot ponds. After this wonderful experience enjoy the sights back to port. There is no swimming at this location

  • Leilani Estates - 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.

What's Included
  • Complimentary bottled water
  • Expert professional guide
  • Convenient port and hotel pickup/drop-off in Hilo
What's Not Included
  • Souvenirs
  • Gratuities
  • Lunch- Stop made by local vendor for customers to purchase
Additional Information

** KAUMANA CAVE IS SHUT DOWN * As of October 2024, a collapse occurred within the cave. The local authorities are arranging for a geologist to inspect the site promptly to assess the cave’s solidity. In the interim, the diversion will be to the Lilioukalani Japanese Gardens and the King Kamehameha Statue.

Lasting roughly 6 hours, come with us to discover the hidden nooks of Kilauea volcano’s back roads. Embark on an exciting adventure through Lava Caves, cascades, and Lava trees in a vibrant volcanic rainforest. Witness the aftermath of the 2018 lava destruction and the recently formed Black Sand Beach. It is an astonishing experience truly!

Cruise Ship Guests: We possess special permissions to pick up guests directly from the port of call in Hilo. We can adjust departure times to synchronize with your ship’s arrival & departure schedules.

Hilo Hotel Guests: The meeting area 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.
Location
Port of Hilo
Kuhio Street
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.7
(164 Ratings)
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Vacation66354516143
May 21, 2024
AMAZING!!! - Gio is amazing!!! Loved this tour !!! Definitely will be doing it again, Thank you thank you Gio for such an amazing experience!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
202allyh
May 14, 2024
Waterfall and volcano exploration! - Very beautiful! Lots a good things to see! Guide was very kind and fun to be with the whole time! Even with rainy weather we still had a blast!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Morgan_w
May 8, 2024
great tour - We enjoyed seeing so many different parts of the island. The driver was friendly and helpful with any questions we had.
Review provided by Viator
Et1862
May 7, 2024
Great experience - Ernesto is a great driver. Very mindful and just feel that you are family ohana. I would highly recommend this company. Very safe. Thank you Great company
Review provided by Tripadvisor
John_k
May 5, 2024
Highlight of our trips thumb up - Our driver junior was fantastic with lots of details about each highlight trips along the way and we really did enjoy every sightseeing . Found witnesses of the lava flow harden on the road side . Very interesting story. Gladly we went - was very worthwhile trips
Review provided by Viator
David_l
May 4, 2024
Great tour. - Lori, our guide, was very knowledgeable. She took us to all the places we wanted to see. Would recommend this tour.
Review provided by Viator
Elizabeth_w
May 3, 2024
Volcano aftermath - The lava cav was so cool- but hard to walk through. You definitely need the right shoes/ but the walking stick and head lamps were a big help. Also- it was so interesting seeing the destruction and aftermath of the volcanoe. Karen did a great job explaining life on the island and the volcanoes impact.
Review provided by Viator
Leslee_u
Apr 30, 2024
Great experience! - Really enjoyed our driver Ellen. She had a lot of information to share and kept us laughing. Great driver and really enjoyed the sites too.
Review provided by Viator
W6626zlchrisc
Apr 30, 2024
Tour to the volcano with Ernie - Ernie is awesome, very informative. We went to many places around the island, and saw some very amazing things. Also learned alot about the history amd landscape of the island. We had a great time. And I would recommend this tour
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Maria_c
Apr 29, 2024
Amazing Hilo - Excellent tour with Karen our tour guide who really knew her stuff and was clearly passionate about her Island home.Seen so much of Hilo Would definitely recommend
Review provided by Viator
Select Date and Tickets
up to 14 guests
1 Adult
June 2024
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