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Activity Hilo, USA

Hilo Private: Waterfalls and Mauna Kea Visitor Center Experience

7 hours Free cancellation Private tour
Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Hilo Private: Waterfalls and Mauna Kea Visitor Center Experience

About this activity

Discover the stunning natural beauty of Hawaiʻi on this immersive tour that highlights iconic waterfalls, unique lava formations, and the majestic Mauna Kea Visitor Center. Marvel at Rainbow Falls, where morning mist creates vibrant rainbows, and explore the swirling waters of the Boiling Pots. Walk through the historic Kaumana Caves for a glimpse into the island's volcanic history. This tour is family-friendly and doesn’t require a summit permit or 4x4 vehicle, making it accessible for all ages. Conclude your adventure with a relaxing picnic dinner surrounded by nature.

  • Experience Rainbow Falls and the dramatic Boiling Pots
  • Explore the historic Kaumana Caves and learn about volcanic history
  • Visit the Mauna Kea Visitor Center for cultural insights and views
Day Trips Nature and Wildlife Tours Full-day Tours Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Audio Guides Cultural Tours 4WD Tours

At a glance

Duration
7 hours
Confirmation
Instant confirmation
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group
Your group only
People per booking
1–15
Audio guide
English
Guide
English
Written guide
English
Operated by
BARBIL TOURS

What is included

Included

  • Included: Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Included: Bottled water
  • Included: All Fees and Taxes
  • Included: Expert Guide

Not included

  • Not included: Lunch
  • Not included: Tour Guide Gratuities
  • Not included: Breakfast

Itinerary

  1. Rainbow Falls

    one hour Admission included

    One of the most famous Rainbow Falls, also known by its Hawaiian name Waiānuenue (“rainbow water”), is located near Hilo on Hawaiʻi’s Big Island. It plunges about 80 ft (24 m) into a large pool fed by the Wailuku River, surrounded by lush tropical rainforest and vibrant vegetation. On sunny mornings, the mist from the falls refracts the sunlight to create brilliant rainbows — the sight that gives it its name. There’s also a natural lava cave behind the falls steeped in Hawaiian legend as the home of the goddess Hina.

  2. Boiling Pots

    one hour Admission included

    The Boiling Pots are a series of deep, circular river pools and cascades formed where the Wailuku River flows over ancient lava rock formations left behind by eruptions of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea. As the river water rushes through these eroded channels and lava tubes, the currents swirl and churn, creating an effect that looks like the water is boiling.

  3. Kaumana Caves Park

    one hour Admission included

    Kaumana Caves are a natural lava tube system on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi near Hilo — formed when an 1881 lava flow from the volcano Mauna Loa drained away and left behind long, hollow tunnels in the rock.

  4. Mauna Kea

    2 hours Admission included

    Ascend to the summit of Mauna Kea at 13,796 feet/4205 meters to arrive above the clouds and watch the sunset if the weather is permitting . See international telescopes along the way on this sacred mountain.

  5. Hilo

    2 hours

    Head back to Hilo

Meeting point and pickup

The operator picks every participant up from their accommodation or the points below.

Pickup points

  • Arnott's Lodge
  • Waiakea Villas
  • Hilo Bay Hotel
  • SCP Hilo Hotel
  • Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo - A Doubletree By Hilton
  • Hilo Hawaiian Hotel
  • Wild Blue Water

We will inform the guest by text message about the approximate location and time of

pick up in advance. We can plan to pick up and drop off from additional locations if

requested.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

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

If you cancel You get back
At least one day before 100%
Less than a day before 0%
  • The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

  • Specialized infant seats are available

  • Public transportation options are available nearby

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Options

  • Private Tour 1-3 Persons

    Pickup included

  • Private 1 to 5 Person's

    Private 1 to 5 Person's

    Pickup included

Activities, prices and reviews are from Viator. Booking and payment happen on Viator; Vacantier may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Hilo Private: Waterfalls and Mauna Kea Visitor Center Experience

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