Private Tour: Experience Active Kilauea Volcano & Hilo Rainbow Falls

9 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 9 traveler reviews collected by Cool Hawaii and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 100% of reviewers
100% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
| Hilo, USA
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from $2,255.39 per group (up to 12)

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Kilauea Caldera
Hilo Rainbow Falls
'Ohi'a Lehua - Endemic Hawaiian rainforest tree.
Nahuku - Thurston lava tube.
Wahinekapu - Steaming Bluff

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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 14 (0) days in advance.
5 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation
Offered in: English

Overview

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.

What's Included

  • Snacks Island chips
  • Bottled water Help protect our island environment and bring your own refillable water bottle!
  • National park entry fee
  • 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.
  • Gratuities
  • We DO NOT provide transportation from Kona or Waikoloa. Please meet us in Hilo or Volcano.
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Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point
Pickup details

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.

What To Expect

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

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.
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2 hours • Admission Ticket Included

Nahuku - Thurston Lava Tube

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.
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30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Chain of Craters Road

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.
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1 hour • Admission Ticket Included

Rainbow Falls

View the majestic 80 foot waterfall of Waianuenue or Rainbow Falls. Enjoy the tropical landscape as you learn the legends of Hawaii.
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20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Big Island Candies

Get your pep in your step with tasty hand-made chocolates, locally grown macadamia nuts and island fresh coffee!
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Lili'uokalani Gardens (Pass By)

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

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • 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).

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Private Tour: Experience Active Kilauea Volcano & Hilo Rainbow Falls?

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). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

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

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Activity code: C-6871P8

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Reviews

5.00
9 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 9 traveler reviews collected by Cool Hawaii and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
9
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0

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On average, this is booked 14 (0) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (6)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Hawaii customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Private Tour: Experience Active Kilauea Volcano & Hilo Rainbow Falls?
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).
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Snacks. Island chips.
  • Bottled water. Help protect our island environment and bring your own refillable water bottle!.
  • National park entry fee.
  • Private transportation.
  • Professional guide.
The following is 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.
  • Gratuities.
  • We DO NOT provide transportation from Kona or Waikoloa. Please meet us in Hilo or Volcano.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this activity?
A:

There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible activity?
A:

Accessibility information for the Private Tour: Experience Active Kilauea Volcano & Hilo Rainbow Falls is as follows:

  • 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
  • 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.
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Private Tour: Experience Active Kilauea Volcano & Hilo Rainbow Falls will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Hawaii. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024

What's Included

Activity name

  • SnacksIsland chips
  • Bottled waterHelp protect our island environment and bring your own refillable water bottle!
  • National park entry fee
  • Private transportation
  • Professional guide
  • LunchWe 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.
  • Gratuities
  • We DO NOT provide transportation from Kona or Waikoloa. Please meet us in Hilo or Volcano.

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 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.

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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).

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