Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcanoes National Park & Black Sand Beach

2,850 Reviews 4.81 out of 5 stars Based on 2,850 traveler reviews collected by Cool Hawaii and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 96% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Big Island of Hawaii, USA

Loading Options
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 30 (0) days in advance.

6 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation
Offered in: English

Overview

Cruise Ship Guests: We have special permits to pick up directly from Hilo port of call. Departure times may be adjusted to fit your ships arrival & departure.

Hilo Hotel Guests: Meeting location is Hilo Hawaiian Hotel

Tour grade: Easy

Highlights of this tour include Black Sand Beach, Rainbow Falls, Liliuokalani Japanese Garden, Drive through Down Town Hilo, Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Farm
Volcanoes National Park - Steam Vents, Sulfur Banks Thurston Lava Tube, Kilauea Visitor Center & Exhibits Kilauea Crater lookout.

The visitor center in National Park is currently closed for renovation and all gifts and exibits have been moved to KMC

Lunch: Stop will be made by a local vendor

What's Included

  • National Park fees
  • Port / Hilo Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Professional guide
  • What to bring/wear: Walking shoes. Light sweater due to cooler climate at Volcano Park
  • Souvenirs
  • Gratuities
See 1 moreSee 4 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point
End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your activity begins.
Read more

Safe & secure • Easy breezy • Hassle-free

Richardson Ocean Park

This Black Sand Beach is a local favorite, and is a great way to see how the ocean and volcanoes make fine black sand.
Read more

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Lili'uokalani Gardens (pass by)

JUNE 1st 2026, this drive by area will be removed and replaced with an extra time and stop inside the Volcanoes National Park.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.
Read more

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.
Read more

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor Center

Drive through scenic orchards of Macadamia Nut Trees, sample tasting, browse, and select from an array of locally made island gifts.* This location is closed on Sundays if no cruise ship is in port. This stop will be replaced by Big Island Candies.
Read more

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Manono Street Marketplace

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.
Read more

35 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Hilo Downtown Improvement (pass by)

Pass through the historic town of Hilo and see the King Kamehameha Statue learning the story how he has conquered Hawaii.
Read more

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.THE VISITOR CENTER IS CURRENTLY CLOSED DUE TO RENOVATION. EXHIBITS AND GIFTS HAVE BEEN MOVED TO KMCGuests may present a valid Park Pass at the entrance on our 14-passenger tours. Our company is still required to pay the commercial vehicle entrance fee and insurance. No refunds or credits will be issued
Read more

1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Nahuku - Thurston Lava Tube

We will walk through a lava tube and the guide will share information with you on how it was formed by lava. This lava tube is .4 of a mile loop trail with low lighting. Gradual stairs descending into the tube ascending stairs coming out. Not all passengers may be physically fit in which they may stay in the vehicle or outside natural scenery for this portion of the tour.
Read more

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Show 7 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • 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. Lava tube is .4 of mile long with descending and ascending steps. Comfortable walking shoes & light jacket recommended

Frequently Asked Questions

(7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcanoes National Park & Black Sand Beach?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the activity for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the activity start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the activity start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the activity local time (HST).This activity 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. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the activity for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-22796P3

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.81
2,850 reviews

Average 4.81 out of 5 stars based on 2,850 traveler reviews collected by Cool Hawaii and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
2,530
4 stars
194
3 stars
66
2 stars
37
1 star
23

Loading Options
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 30 (0) days in advance.

Similar Tours & Activities

Guaranteed Dolphin/Whale Watch

Unique to the Big Island of Hawaii, over a dozen species of whales can be found on the Kona Coast year-round! Join us as we...

3 to 4 hoursFree Cancellation
3 to 4 hoursFree Cancellation
3 to 4 hours • Free Cancellation
4.9 (573)
from
$116.10

Expert Led Private Guided Tour Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Experience Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park with the official philanthropic fundraising partner of the park! Our excursions aren't tours—they're private, guided experiences led by a member...

4 to 8 hoursFree Cancellation
4 to 8 hoursFree Cancellation
4 to 8 hours • Free Cancellation
4.9 (9)
from
$633.34

Kona - 5 Hours Private Fishing Charter in Kailua-Kona
Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Our charters start at 5 hours to provide you with the greatest opportunity to catch fish during your experience. If there is anything you would...

5 hoursFree Cancellation
5 hoursFree Cancellation
5 hours • Free Cancellation
5.0 (35)
from
$950

Big Island of Hawai’i South Kona Historical Day Tour

Voted Kona's Best Tour, your Day Tour is an intimate guided tour offering cultural experiences, coffee and honey samples, scenic views, and historical landmarks. This...

4 to 5 hoursHotel pickup offered
4 to 5 hoursHotel pickup offered
4 to 5 hours • Hotel pickup offered
5.0 (2)
from
$269

Travelers Who Bought This Activity Also Bought

Hawaiian Salt Farm Tour in Kona
Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Hawai‘i Island’s only working salt farm, featured on Guy Fieri’s “Guy Hawaiian Style,” is located on a scenic 7-acre oceanfront site in the Hawai‘i Ocean...

1 hourFree Cancellation
1 hourFree Cancellation
1 hour • Free Cancellation
4.9 (884)
from
$27

Kona Manta Ray Snorkel Tour: Guaranteed or come again free

Why Choose Us for Your Manta Ray Night Snorkel? The strongest light power out of any operator…! Choose us if you want the most manta...

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation
1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation
1 hour 30 minutes • Free Cancellation
4.8 (2,405)
from
$95

Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel
Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

A must do while in Hawaii! It's a lifetime opportunity to see up close manta rays feeding and interacting with other ocean creatures under the...

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation
2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation
2 hours 30 minutes • Free Cancellation
4.9 (6,055)
from
$94

Glass-Bottom Boat Reef Tour
Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Our tours depart from the Kailua-Kona pier on the Big Island of Hawaii. Discover the beauty of Kona's underwater world aboard Marian, a 36-foot (10-meter), custom-designed glass-bottom boat....

50 minutesFree Cancellation
50 minutesFree Cancellation
50 minutes • Free Cancellation
4.7 (523)
from
$72

What's Included

Activity name

  • National Park fees
  • Port / Hilo Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Professional guide
  • What to bring/wear: Walking shoes. Light sweater due to cooler climate at Volcano Park
  • Souvenirs
  • Gratuities
  • Stop is made to purchase food

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Vehicle: 12-14 passenger van or mini bus max 25, 29 pass mini bus
  • 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 does not come into port , your money will be refunded. If is delayed we will adjust our departure time to the ships itinerary. 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. Lava tube is .4 of mile long with descending and ascending steps. Comfortable walking shoes & light jacket recommended
  • WHEELCHAIR / WALKER or SCOOTER ? We must know prior to the tour date if you are bringing a mobility device in order to accommodate. (Please add note to comments box) The mobility unit must not exceed 45 lbs. For various reasons our guides cannot assist with mobility units. Guests must have someone with them to move the mobility device in and out of the vehicle. Our vehicles do not have a lift, so any mobility device must be collapsible to fit through the mini bus doors which is 32” wide.
  • Mobility Restrictions: Mobility devices cannot go into the lava tube, a trail to the crater is dirt path. Trail to black sand beach in ok but the beach is sand. Customers can stay in the vehicle at any time if they wish. Call us if you have further questions.
  • Infants (Under 24 Months): Hawaii law allows infants under 24 months to ride on a parent's lap. A child ticket is required to purchase if a separate seat is preferred
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 29 travelers

Report Product Issue

Activity name

Language
Currency

Site Settings

Activity name

Currency

Activity name

Activity name

Free Cancellation

100% refund
No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the activity for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the activity start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the activity start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the activity local time (HST).
  • This activity requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
  • This activity 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.

Sorting, ranking, and search results

Activity name

Cool Hawaii wants to make your searches as relevant as possible. That's why we offer many ways to help you find the right experiences for you.

On some pages, you can select how to sort the results we display and also use filter options to see only those search results that meet your chosen preferences. You'll see explanations of what those sort options mean when you select them.

If you see a Badge of Excellence label, the award is based on average review ratings, share of bookings with a review, and number of bookings through Cool Hawaii over a 12-month period.

The importance of any one factor over any other in a sort order varies, and the balance is constantly being reviewed and adjusted. We're always updating our systems and testing new ways to refine and improve your results to make them as relevant as possible to meet your needs.