Magpie
4.7(406 reviews)

Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcano Safari Lava Caves, Falls and More

From$160
6 hours
Island of Hawaii, USA

About this activity

Experience Hawaii's volcanic wonders on a guided tour of Volcanoes National Park, Rainbow Falls, and more, including black sand beaches and lava tubes.

Highlights

  • Explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
  • Visit Rainbow Falls and Akaka Falls
  • Discover Thurston Lava Tube
  • Experience black sand beaches
  • Learn about volcanic history from expert guides

Full description

Dive into the heart of Hawaii's volcanic landscape with this exciting shore excursion. Your adventure begins with a convenient hotel pickup, whisking you away to the renowned Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Here, you'll traverse the Kīlauea Iki Crater, marvel at the Thurston Lava Tube, and stand in awe before the towering Kīlauea Caldera. Next, journey to the stunning Rainbow Falls and Akaka Falls, where cascading waters create mesmerizing rainbows. Feel the unique texture of black sand beneath your feet at Punalu'u Black Sand Beach, a haven for sea turtles. Throughout the day, your knowledgeable guide will share captivating insights into the island's geological history, ensuring an unforgettable experience. This tour offers a perfect blend of adventure, education, and natural beauty, making it a must-do for any visitor to the Big Island.

Included / Excluded

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Professional guide
  • Transportation in air-conditioned vehicle
  • Meals and beverages

Itinerary

1

Pass by: This is the largest Japanese garden outside of Japan donated by Queen Liliʻuokalani in 1917. Throughout the gardens are stone lanterns, gazebos, and torii gates, recalling the Japanese immigrants who came to Hawaii.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2

Pass by: Drive through the historical downtown Hilo as you will learn about the devastating tsunamis of the past

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
3

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.

Duration: 20 minAdmission: YES
4

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.

Duration: 20 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
5

Pass by: 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.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
6

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.

Duration: 25 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
7

**IMPORTANT ** As of June 12th 2025, there is a project to dredge the lava-covered area and restore the boat ramp. We will be replacing this black sand beach with an alternate one 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

Duration: 20 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
8

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. Note: The order of stops on this tour may be adjusted to help provide the best experience.

Duration: 10 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
9

Local Deli for a lunch stop or a local vendor ( depending on the day, we use a different vendors for our lunch stop) Note: The order of stops on this tour may be adjusted to help provide the best experience for customers.

Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE

Meeting point

Start Location

Unknown location

Important information

Know before you book

  • Tour operates rain or shine; dress appropriately for weather conditions.
  • Children under 2 years old can join for free if seated on a parent's lap.
  • This tour is wheelchair accessible; please inform in advance if assistance is required.

Know before you go

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain.
  • Bring a light jacket, as temperatures can vary in volcanic areas.
  • Don't forget your camera to capture the breathtaking landscapes.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts

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

Good to know

  • 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

Traveler reviews

4.7
406 reviews
5
347
4
31
3
15
2
6
1
7

Fun, history & information in one great package.

Our guide Robert obviously loves his job, he has so much to enthusiasm & passion for the island & everything about it - the history, the geology, flora & fauna & the traditions of the indigenous community. He delivered so much information in our short time on the trip with a fun & humorous twist. Would 100% recommend to his tour.

Steve WMay 24, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Best volcano excursion day trip 👍👍👍

Excellent excursion that is full of history scenery and volcanoes. Would recommend to everyone.

albertwC7781FYMay 19, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Awesome service

She was very nice and did a great job

gerrilynnc2026May 19, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Magical place to visit! Great tour

I highly recommend this tour. We saw some beautiful and unique places like the Black Sand Beach and Rainbow Falls. Our tour guide was a very sweet lady. She told us some amazing and inspiring stories about Hawaii and Hilo.

yasmineouMay 18, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Great experience. Had a...

Great experience. Had a great time. Lori was a great tour guide. Loved seeing the caves. Highly recommend.

Maggie_DMay 9, 2026VIATOR

Additional information

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
Book Now