Private Tour: Experience Active Kilauea Volcano & Hilo Rainbow Falls

5.0 (14 reviews) 5 h 30 min Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

14 reviews

5.0

Kilauea Caldera — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Hilo Rainbow Falls — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Treat yourself to an exclusive private tour of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Hilo's tropical beauty.

Travel to the summit of Hawaii Island's youngest and most active volcano, Kilauea. If the timing is right you may witness the incredible show of an eruption! Experience the steaming Kilauea caldera, misty rainforest of Nahuku (Thurston lava tube), and the Chain of Craters Road. Enjoy short hikes along the way as you learn about past and present volcanic eruptions, different lava formations, and the history and Hawaiian culture of the area.

As a private tour, you will have the option of spending the duration of your tour in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park with optional hiking or heading down to Hilo with stops at the majestic Rainbow Falls, Liliuokalani Gardens and a local chocolate factory.

The Hilo & Volcano private tour begins in Hilo. If you choose the Volcano Only private tour, you may opt to meet in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

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At a glance

Duration: 5 h 30 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–12
Guide: English
Operated by: Mauka Makai Adventures

What is included

Included

Included: National park entry fee
Included: Private transportation
Included: Snacks: Island chips
Included: Bottled water: Help protect our island environment and bring your own refillable water bottle!
Included: Professional guide

Not included

Not included: Lunch: We are sorry there are no options for meal purchases along the way. You are welcome to bring your own snacks for the trail, however we do not allow eating in our vans.
Not included: Gratuities
Not included: We DO NOT provide transportation from Kona or Waikoloa. Please meet us in Hilo or Volcano.

Itinerary

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

2 hours Admission included

Explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park including a visit to Kilauea caldera where you will witness the dramatic changes from recent or perhaps current volcanic eruptions within Halema'uma'u crater. Feel the heat of steaming bluffs and enjoy the cool mist of the Hawaiian rainforest. Enjoy short hikes and Hawaiian cultural interpretation throughout Hawaii Volcanoes National Park with your certified national park guide.
Nahuku - Lava Tube

30 min Admission included

Enjoy a walk through the Hawaiian rainforest to Nahuku (Thurston Lava Tube). Explore the 500 year old underground tube where hot molten lava once rushed through.
Chain of Craters Road

one hour Admission included

Explore volcanic formations amongst frozen fields of lava and peer down into once active volcanic craters. Learn the history, culture and geology of Kilauea volcano on this small group guided tour.
Rainbow Falls

20 min

View the majestic 80 foot waterfall of Waianuenue or Rainbow Falls. Enjoy the tropical landscape as you learn the legends of Hawaii.
Big Island Candies

15 min

Get your pep in your step with tasty hand-made chocolates, locally grown macadamia nuts and island fresh coffee!
Lili'uokalani Gardens

Passing by

Enjoy the scenic drive through Liliuokalani Gardens with large banyan trees, fishponds, pagodas and picture perfect landscaping along Hilo bay.

Meeting point and pickup

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

Pickup points

Hilo Intl Airport
SCP Hilo Hotel
Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo - A Doubletree By Hilton
Hilo Hawaiian Hotel

CRUISE SHIP PICKUP INSTRUCTIONS:

Upon disembarking the cruise ship in Hilo, head through the passenger terminal and look for your guide standing to the left near the pre-arranged tour operators with a sign that reads "Mauka Makai Adventures". Please check in with your guide 15 minutes prior to tour start time.

HILO AIRPORT PICKUP INSTRUCTIONS:

Please schedule your flight to arrive at the Hilo Airport a minimum of 30 minutes prior to the tour start time. We require your airline flight number and arrival time to schedule pickup at the airport. As you disembark the airplane head towards Baggage Claim “D”. Look for the tour operator parking area near the restrooms. Our vans are marked with the logo "Mauka Makai Adventures".**

HILO HOTEL PICKUP INSTRUCTIONS:

We provide pick up service at Hilo Hotels along Banyan Drive only. Please meet your tour guide near the front entrance to the lobby, our vans are marked with the logo "Mauka Makai Adventures." We may also contact you prior to the tour to make arrangements for a meeting location.

ALL OTHERS STAYING ON ISLAND:

If you are driving from Kona, Waikoloa, or another part of the island, please meet us at the Hilo Mo'oheau Bus Terminal (329 Kamehameha Avenue, Hilo, HI 96720). There is free parking adjacent to the bus terminal. Look for our van parked in the parking lot with the "Mauka Makai Adventures" logo on it.

OR MEET US AT THE VOLCANO:

You may choose to meet us at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Kilauea Visitor Center. This option would be for a Volcano Only Private Tour (all of the tour time will be in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the sites in Hilo will not be included). Park entrance fees will apply to your vehicle and the tour start and end time may be adjusted.

Using your ticket

Covered Walking Shoes are required for all participants.

Need to contact us for any reason?

Please email [email protected] or call +1-808-640-7557.

Mahalo!

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

Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Youth ages 10 years and older only are allowed on this tour. All participants must have a paid seat. We do not allow children under the age of 10 years old.
Covered walking shoes are required and a jacket is highly recommended.
Operates in all weather conditions (be prepared for sun, wind and rain).
We do not guarantee you will see molten lava on this tour.
HOTEL pick-up is offered for select HILO HOTELS ONLY. If you are staying outside of Hilo, please plan to meet at the Hilo Mo'oheau Bus Terminal (please confirm at time of booking).
CRUISE SHIP passengers, we pick-up directly at the PORT OF HILO and will adjust the tour time as needed to accommodate your ships time in port.
For a one DAY TRIP to the Big Island, please make your travel arrangements to and from the HILO AIRPORT. Schedule your flight arrival a minimum of 30 minutes prior to the tour start time AND provide your flight details at time of booking.
Kilauea volcano is an active volcano, you may be exposed to volcanic gas on this tour.
This tour cannot accommodate guests with wheelchairs, scooters or oxygen tanks.