Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcanoes National Park and Rainbow Falls

2,061 Reviews 4.79 out of 5 stars Based on 2,061 traveler reviews collected by Cool Hawaii and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 95% 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

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On average, this is booked 30 (0) days in advance.

6 hours (approx.)
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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.

Lunch: Stop will be made by a local vendor

What's Included

  • Bottled water
  • National Park fees
  • Port / Hilo Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • What to bring/wear: Walking shoes, light sweater, camera, hat, sunglasses
  • Souvenirs
  • Gratuities
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Meeting Location

Meeting point
End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Banyan Drive (Pass By)

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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Lili'uokalani Gardens (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.
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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.
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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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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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.
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30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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
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1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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.
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20 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Richardson Ocean 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. Please note this beach may be closed due to recent construction and we may have to go to Hilo Bayfront instead.
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20 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.
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35 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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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 and 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).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.

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Activity code: C-22796P3

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.79
2,061 reviews

Average 4.79 out of 5 stars based on 2,061 traveler reviews collected by Cool Hawaii and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
1,805
4 stars
152
3 stars
57
2 stars
27
1 star
20

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On average, this is booked 30 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • Bottled water
  • National Park fees
  • Port / Hilo Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Professional guide
  • What to bring/wear: Walking shoes, light sweater, camera, hat, sunglasses
  • 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 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 is delayed we will adjust our departure time to the ships itenerary. 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.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 25 travelers

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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.

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