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Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcanoes National Park, Rainbow Falls and Highlights

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Hilo, United States
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Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcanoes National Park, Rainbow Falls and Highlights
Rainbow Falls
Kilauea Volcano
Turtles on lava rock at black sand beach
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20

From $153.34

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Free Cancellation
up to 24 hours in advance
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icon6 hours  (Approx.)
Mobile ticket
iconOffered in: English
Good for avoiding crowds

Overview

Sample a cross-section of outdoor sights on the Big Island during this shore excursion exploring Volcanoes National Park, waterfalls, orchids and more. Discover the postcard-perfect Rainbow Falls before visiting the amazing volcanic steam vents and unique geology around Kilauea Volcano. Before your day is done, check out a botanical garden filled with rare orchids, snack on macadamia nut treats at a local farm, and visit a gorgeous black sand beach. A guide, park entrance fees, snacks, and round-trip port transport are included.
  • Explore the Big Island's top scenic sites and volcanoes on a shore excursion
  • Volcanic steam vents, lava tubes, smoking calderas and unique geology of Volcanoes National Park
  • Snap photos of the postcard-worthy Rainbow Falls
  • Admire more than 500 rare orchids, some worth $20,000 or more at Akatsuka Orchid Gardens
  • Snack on tasty macadamia nut treats at a local farm
  • Scout for sea turtles on the gorgeous Richardson Black Sand Beach
  • Covered by Viator’s worry-free policy: guaranteed on-time return to your ship
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From $153.34

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Port / Hilo Hotel pickup and drop-off
National Park fees
Bottled water
Snacks
Professional guide
What to bring/wear: Walking shoes, light sweater, camera, hat, sunglasses
Souvenirs
Gratuities
Stop is made to purchase food

Departure Point

1: Port of Hilo, 80 Kuhio St, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
2: Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, 71 Banyan Dr, Hilo, HI 96720, USA

Return Details

Returns to original departure point
Spend the day enjoying an adventure in paradise during this shore excursion exploring the giant volcanoes, beautiful waterfalls, rare plants and tasty treats of the Big Island. If you’re looking for a great way to sample all the amazing scenery Hawaii has to offer, this is a great way to do it.

Start your trip from the Hilo Port in the morning, heading to Hilo for a glimpse of this historic town before moving on to Rainbow Falls, a picturesque waterfall that looks straight out of a movie. After Rainbow Falls, your adventure really kicks into high gear as you journey into Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and up to the summit of its massive Kilauea Volcano.

Continue your day by stopping to view some of the Big Island’s most beautiful rare orchids at the Akatsuka Orchid Garden, where more than 500 of these gorgeous plants (some worth more than $20,000!) are on display. If you’re feeling hungry, have no fear because your next stop is at one of the state’s largest producers of macadamia nuts. Learn about the harvesting of these uniquely Hawaiian nuts, and then sample some tasty snacks or food such as sandwiches, hot dogs or coconut macadamia nut ice cream.

Cap off your epic Hawaiian adventure by stopping at Richardson Black Sand Beach. This unique dark-colored seashore is produced by the slow erosion of the local volcanic rock. Keep your eyes peeled on the beach for the resident sea turtles that like to hang out on shore. You are returned back to the Hilo Port in the afternoon.
Itinerary
Pass By:  
Banyan Drive
Our first path drives us down Banyan Drive known as the "Hilo Walk of Fame" for the banyan trees planted by celebrities, such as Babe Ruth and Franklin Roosevelt and many others. These trees have withstood several tsunamis that have devastated the town of Hilo
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Pass By:  
Liliuokalani Gardens
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.
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Pass By:  
Hilo Downtown Improvement
Pass through the historic town of Hilo and see the King Kamehameha Statue learning the story how he has conquered Hawaii.
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Stop At:  
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.
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Duration: 30 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
Stop At:  
Mauna Loa Gift Store
Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory, where you will have the opportunity to purchase lunch and get a taste of the island. Hawaii is one of the largest producers of macadamia nuts, and you will get to drive through the macadamia nut orchards on the way to the farm.
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Duration: 40 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
Stop At:  
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
We will then make our way to the summit of Kilauea volcano at the Volcanoes National Park, the most highly regarded and revered volcanic area on Earth. The Park highlights two of the world's most active volcanoes--Kilauea and Mauna Loa--and offers insights on the birth of the Hawaiian Islands and views of dramatic volcanic landscapes. At the park, you will stop at the Visitor Center, witness the spectacular collapsed caldera, steam vents, sulfur banks, and fascinating scenic lookouts. No trip to Hawaii is complete without a trip to Volcanoes National Park.
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Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
Stop At:  
Nahuku - Thurston Lava Tube
LAVA TUBE NOW OPEN! We will walk through a lava tube and the guide will share information with you on how it was formed by lava.
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Duration: 20 minutes
Admission Ticket Included
Stop At:  
Akatsuka Orchid Gardens
Akatsuka Orchid Garden, which displays more than 500 orchids. Some are valued at more than $20,000 US!
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Duration: 15 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
Stop At:  
Richardson Beach Park
Richardson Black Sand Beach, where sea turtles are usually spotted. The Black Sand Beach is a local favorite, and is a great way to see how the ocean and volcanoes make fine black sand.
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Duration: 30 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Vehicle: 11-14 passenger van or mini bus max 16-25 pass mini bus
  • Sights: Rainbow Falls, Black Sand Beach, Liliuokalani Japanese Garden
  • Macadamia Nut Farm, Orchid Flower Nursery, Volcanoes National Park ( We spend approx 2 hrs inside the Volcano Park )
  • Thurston Lava Tube, Steam Vents, Sulfur Banks, Kilauea Visitor Center & Exhibits, Kilauea Iki Crater look out
  • _________________________________________________________
  • HOTEL : You can meet us at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel to join this tour.
  • CRUISE PASSENGERS : We have special permits to pick up directly from Hilo port
  • We will ensure your timely return back to the ship in Hilo Pier for this activity. If your ship is delayed and you are unable attend this activity, your money will be refunded. See our terms and conditions for full details
  • DEPARTURE TIMES: Because we are a shore excursion company we schedule our departure times around a ships arrival and departure.
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • Easy tour - Involves walking over relatively level terrain, possible gravel or uneven ground in some areas. Comfortable walking shoes & light jacket recommended
  • Free Infant rates apply provided they do not occupy a seat - Considered to be a lap child
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Infants must sit on laps
  • Most travelers can participate
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 24 travelers
  • OPERATED BY C Big Island LLC

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

  • This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Learn more about cancellations.

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What is the maximum group size during Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcanoes National Park, Rainbow Falls and Highlights?
A:
This activity will have a maximum of 24 travelers.

See all safety measures taken by Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcanoes National Park, Rainbow Falls and Highlights.

Traveler Photos

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Traveler Tips

  • "There is ample time to see everything without feeling rushed." See review
  • "excursion started on time, stoped to early for lunch (11.30)no coffee option available, rainbow falls nothing to get excited about.excellent guide" See review
  • "If you can avoid a cruise ship day I would highly recommend." See review

Reviews

4.5
star-4.5
150 Reviews
5 stars
110
4 stars
14
3 stars
12
2 stars
9
1 star
5
Reviews by Viator travelers
Showing 1-10 of 150 reviews
star-5
Great Island Experience!!
David_N
, Feb 2020
This excursion was so much more than we expected. We had just the right amount of time at each location. Our tour guide was knowledgeable about the locations and history of the islands. I would highly recommend this tour!
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icon Response from Host , Mar 2020
Aloha David, thank you for taking the time to leave a review. So glad you fully enjoyed your guide and volcano excursion!
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star-4
7 hour tour day
Ryan_C
, Feb 2020
5 hour tour turned into a 7 hour tour. Our guide Giovanni was very friendly and welcoming. We saw the Volcano Park, Rainbow Falls, Mauna Loa factory, black Sand Beach and an Orchid nursery. We could of went without the Orchid stop as it was like visiting a Home Depot nursery. It was a long day but worth our while.
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icon Response from Host , Feb 2020
Aloha Ryan, we advertise a 6 hr tour. However we were notified last minute that the Thurston Lava Tube opened. We didnt want customers to miss out on an awesome sight. From now on the Liliuokalani Garden will be a drive by sight instead of a stop so that we can incorporate the much requested Thurston lava tube. :) Thank you for your review and sorry it was a bit long but we were happy to show you all the great sights.
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star-5
Great tour on Hilo
Edie
, Feb 2020
If you take this excursion, and I highly recommend it, make sure you sign up with Giovanni as your guide. He is very knowledgeable and shares well researched and interesting facts about the island. He also has a very personal connection to the island, which you will discover when you take the tour. The tour is a lot of on-and-off the bus but it is a great way to see a lot of highlights... Rainbow Falls, orchid farm, macadamia nut farm where you can purchase lunch and shop at the same time. BTW you can have purchases shipped home for you. Two different volcano craters and a stop at a black sand beach made it a very enjoyable day! Highly recommend this tour and most especially Giovanni!
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icon Response from Host , Feb 2020
Thank you Eddie for the wonderful review! Glad to hear you enjoyed all the great stops and your guide Giovanni. Its much appreciated that you took the time to leave a review. Mahalo!
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star-5
Hilo 6 hrs
donsandyloughry
, Feb 2020
We were very pleased with the tour our driver was a gem bus “me” with Edmund He was sure a good driver/tour guide
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icon Response from Host , Feb 2020
Aloha Don so glad you enjoyed all the wonderful sights and your guide Edmund. We are so lucky to have him part of our team. Thank you for the review, its much appreciated :)
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star-3
Volcanoes and water falls
kkesselus
, Feb 2020
Guide Chris was fantastic - very informative - good driver - sensitive to our needs - he was a very good guide
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icon Response from Host , Feb 2020
Aloha, glad your fully enjoyed everything!
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star-3
The ride is too long!
havjeannie
, Jan 2020
We rode much too long in the vehicle to see what was scheduled. It was an ok tour. Beaches should have been included.
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icon Response from Host , Feb 2020
Aloha Jeannie, I have never heard this complaint before as we stop at locations as near by as possible. The only stretch is to the Volcanoes National Park about 45 min but we also make stops along the way. We cant help where mother nature has positioned sights. You know the Big Island is well.....big :) You tour did include a BLACK SAND BEACH. We do not have white sand beaches on the east side on the island and actually not many beaches at all because it is the youngest volcanic side of the island. I cant see what your name is but please feel free to contact me. I would be more interested in knowing at what points you thought the drive was too long.
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star-1
Avoid at all cost!
joycebrian
, Jan 2020
This experience was just awful. I’ve never written such a review. The tour included a nondescript park, two gift shops and a Chipotle like fast food place. Meanwhile, places like Volcano National Park and the sea turtles were rushed. Plus, we were 45 minutes late returning to the ship.
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icon Response from Host , Jan 2020
Aloha Brian, I am so confused at your review after we spoke on the phone while you were at the lunch stop. As I stated we have been trying out a new lunch stop because of so many dietary needs, however because the mixed reviews we will be discontinuing at end of January and customers with dietary needs will need to bring something along. You and another couple were upset that we spent 45 min for lunch and that you already ate a big breakfast so we extended the tour time about 45 min as there was plenty of time for it. The response I got was thankful that we did all that we possibly could do to make guests happy. You also mentioned you really liked your guide and it wasn't her fault. So 1 star...really
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star-4
Hits the Higlights
dambra123
, Jan 2020
This tour hits the major "must-see" items near Hilo. Volcano National Park, Rainbow Falls, Macadamia Nut Farms...etc. Our tour guide Giovanni was great and told fun stories and had first hand experience of the recent eruption. Even though there is no active lava flows, the volcanoes were an amazing sight. The only negative was that if you are staying at the Hotels, this excursion picks up cruise shippers. Our cruise shippers were cantankerous, needing canes, complaining about bus temps, and requiring extra bathroom breaks. If you can avoid a cruise ship day I would highly recommend.
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icon Response from Host , Jan 2020
Aloha, so glad you fully enjoyed the tour and your guide Giovanni. I know some older cruise ship customers can be cantankerous : / but not all are like that I promise...Plus a smaller mom and pops company like us are so thankful for these customers and help keep us in business and create jobs for others :) Thank you again for the review
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star-5
Great Day Trip
StopTheMadness_8
, Nov 2019
The Hilo tour was fantastic. Black sand beach was beautiful. Then a stop at Orchid nursery. Volcanoes National Park was impressive. Moana Loa macadamia nut factory had some reasonable prices. All in all a great day.even with some rain.
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icon Response from Host , Nov 2019
Glad you enjoyed the Volcano tour from Hilo. Thank you for taking the time to leave a review.
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star-3
good day out
halejohnj
, Nov 2019
excursion started on time, stoped to early for lunch (11.30)no coffee option available, rainbow falls nothing to get excited about.excellent guide
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icon Response from Host , Nov 2019
Aloha John, actually yes our lunch stop serves yummy Kona coffee. Our lunch stop is a little early, so customers are always welcome to grab something to go but after that there are no lunch stops available towards volcano. Only sit down restaurants that would take way toooo long. Glad to hear you really enjoyed your guide :)
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