Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Hilo Highlights Small Group Tour

4.9 (289 reviews) 5 h 30 min Free cancellation

out of 5

289 reviews

4.9

Waianuenue after Hilo rains — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Kilauea Volcano — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

See two of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa, on a small group tour that features the natural wonders of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Visit the summit of Kilauea with a chance to witness a volcano erupt or view an active lava flow. Learn the history, culture and geology of the Hawaiian islands with your personal guide. Take a walk along the crater rim as you feel the heat of the volcano from steam vents. Explore an ancient lava tube in the midst of the lush Hawaiian rainforest. Enjoy the sights around Hilo including Liliuokalani Gardens and Rainbow Falls with a stop for local chocolates and coffee along the way.

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At a glance

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

Ages: Youth (10–17 years) · Adults (18–99 years)

What is included

Included

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
Included: National park admission fee

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 at the bus terminal.

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 our recent eruption, experience the steam vents and other volcanic formations from past lava flows.
Nahuku - Lava Tube

30 min Admission included

Enjoy a hike through the Hawaiian rainforest robust with native birds and tree ferns to Nahuku (Thurston lava tube). Traverse the 500 year old lava tube where molten lava once rushed through.
Chain of Craters Road

30 min Admission included

Explore frozen fields of lava from past volcanic eruptions and peer down into once active volcanic craters. Learn about the history, culture and geology of Kilauea volcano.
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

20 min

Immerse yourself in tranquility with a short stroll around Liliuokalani Gardens as you enjoy the 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. We have scheduled the tour to coincide with the cruise ship’s arrival and will be waiting for you onshore.

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 time and location.

ALL OTHERS MEET AT HILO MOʻOHEAU BUS TERMINAL:

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.

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.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; 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.
Participants must be able to walk a minimum of 1 mile on uneven terrain.
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately (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.