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Hilo Shore Excursion: Active Volcano, Lava Tube, Waterfall and Gardens

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Hilo, United States
Hilo Shore Excursion: Active Volcano, Lava Tube, Waterfall and Gardens
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Hilo Shore Excursion: Active Volcano, Lava Tube, Waterfall and Gardens
Waianuenue - Rainbow Falls
Nahuku - Thurston Lava Tube
Liliuokalani Gardens - Hilo
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From $167.54

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Free cancellation
Up to 24 hours in advance. Learn more
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Safety measures
icon5 hours 30 minutes  (approx.)
Pickup from select hotels
Mobile ticket
iconOffered in: English
Good for avoiding crowds

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Overview

Experience some of the Big Island’s top attractions during this day trip to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the sights around Hilo. Learn all about volcanoes as you marvel at Halema'uma'u crater and explore the massive Kilauea Volcano. Immerse your sense in the beauty of Hilo including a visit to Rainbow Falls and stops to indulge in local chocolates and orchids.
  • Explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the sights around Hilo
  • Get an up-close look at Hawaii's volcanic activity during stops at Halema'uma'u Crater and Thurston Lava Tube
  • See historic lava flows along the 'Chain of Craters’ Road
  • Visit a local chocolate factory and tour Rainbow Falls during stops in and around Hilo
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From $167.54

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Professional guide
Private transportation
Bottled water
Hotel Pick-up for Select Hotels (all others please plan to meet at the Hilo Mo'oheau Bus Terminal)
Hilo Harbor Port pick-up and drop-off
Hilo Airport pick-up and drop-off
Lunch
Gratuities
We DO NOT provide transportation from Kona or Waikoloa. Please meet us in Hilo at the bus terminal.
This operator has two meet-up options available. You can either meet at the departure point below or select a location for pick-up.
329 Kamehameha Ave , 329 Kamehameha Ave, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
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Meet your tour guide 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 with the "Mauka Makai Adventures" logo on it in the parking lot. Please be waiting for your driver we may be picking up other guests.

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This activity will end right where it started.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 10-15 minutes prior to tour start time. HILO AIRPORT PICKUP INSTRUCTIONS: 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". HOTEL PICKUP INSTRUCTIONS: Please meet your tour guide near the front entrance to the lobby, our vans are marked with the logo "Mauka Makai Adventures." ALL OTHERS: If you are driving from Kona 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.
Receive a morning pickup from your Hilo hotel, Hilo Airport, or Hilo Port. You’ll continue on a drive through some of the Big Island’s historic sugar plantation towns as you make your way to Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Explore this unique volcanic area with your group, stopping to visit attractions like the steam vents and Halema'uma'u Crater. You may even witness a volcanic eruption! Trek through the nearby rainforest to visit Thurston Lava Tube, where you can learn more about how volcanoes form, erupt and cool. You will see additional lava flows as you continue on a drive along the ‘Chain of Craters’ Road.

After stopping to enjoy the beauty of locally grown orchids, continue to Hilo, where you'll sample island treats at a chocolate factory and visit Rainbow Falls. Finish the day with a drop-off back at your original pickup location.
Itinerary
Stop At:  
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park including a visit to Kilauea caldera where you will witness the dramatic changes from our recent eruption, experience the steam vents and other volcanic formations from past lava flows.
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Duration: 2 hours 
Admission Ticket Included
Stop At:  
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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Duration: 30 minutes
Admission Ticket Included
Stop At:  
Chain of Craters Road
Explore frozen fields of lava from past volcanic eruptions and peer down into once active volcanic craters. Learn about the history, culture and geology of Kilauea volcano.
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Duration: 30 minutes
Admission Ticket Included
Stop At:  
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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Duration: 20 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
Stop At:  
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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Duration: 15 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
Stop At:  
Liliuokalani Gardens
Immerse yourself in tranquility with a short stroll around Liliuokalani Gardens as you enjoy the fishponds, pagodas and picture perfect landscaping along Hilo bay.
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Duration: 20 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Operates in all weather conditions (be prepared for sun, wind and rain).
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Near public transportation
  • Not recommended for travelers with back problems
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
  • Covered walking shoes are required and a jacket is highly recommended.
  • Participants must be able to walk a minimum of 1.5 miles on uneven terrain.
  • 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 Hilo Harbor 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 International Airport. Please provide your flight details at time of booking.
  • All guests MUST PROVIDE PROOF OF FULL COVID-19 VACCINATION upon check-in for the tour. All guests are REQUIRED TO WEAR A FACE MASK covering the mouth and nose when traveling in the vehicle for the duration of the tour (regardless of State mandates being lifted).
  • Kilauea volcano is an active volcano, you may be exposed to volcanic gas on this tour.
  • Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
  • OPERATED BY Mauka Makai Adventures
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • 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 policy on face masks and attendee health during Hilo Shore Excursion: Active Volcano, Lava Tube, Waterfall and Gardens?
A:The policies on face masks and attendee health are:

  • Face masks required for travelers in public areas
  • Face masks required for guides in public areas
See all safety measures taken by Hilo Shore Excursion: Active Volcano, Lava Tube, Waterfall and Gardens.
Q:
What is the policy on sanitization during Hilo Shore Excursion: Active Volcano, Lava Tube, Waterfall and Gardens?
A:The policies on sanitization are:

  • Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
  • Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
  • Gear/equipment sanitized between use
  • Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
See all safety measures taken by Hilo Shore Excursion: Active Volcano, Lava Tube, Waterfall and Gardens.
Q:
What is the social distancing policy during Hilo Shore Excursion: Active Volcano, Lava Tube, Waterfall and Gardens?
A:The policy on social distancing is:

  • Social distancing enforced throughout experience
See all safety measures taken by Hilo Shore Excursion: Active Volcano, Lava Tube, Waterfall and Gardens.
Q:
What measures are being taken to ensure staff health & safety during Hilo Shore Excursion: Active Volcano, Lava Tube, Waterfall and Gardens?
A:The policy on staff health & safety is:

  • Guides required to regularly wash hands
See all safety measures taken by Hilo Shore Excursion: Active Volcano, Lava Tube, Waterfall and Gardens.

Traveler Photos

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Traveler Tips

  • "Check them out at Maukama Kai Adventures Thanks again Josh and Jill!" See review
  • "Check them out at Maukama Kai Adventures Thanks again Josh and Jill!" See review

Reviews

5.0
star-5
76 Reviews
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73
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Reviews by Viator travelers

Showing 1-10 of 76 reviews
star-5
Great experience
Patricia_J
, May 2022
We really enjoyed our tour guide, Josh. He had great stories & really made us feel like friends, rather than just customers. It was a fun way to learn the history of the land.
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star-5
Fabulous tour
blfaassen
, May 2022
The owner and tour guide, Josh was a wealth full of knowledge about the Hawaiian Islands and it’s history! Our tour was fabulous to say the least. He delivered the best of the best! Thank you Josh for your amazing adventure! Plus our group of tourists were fantastic group!
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1 traveler found this review helpful
star-5
Hawaii excursion 22
Karen_C
, Apr 2022
Jill did a SUPER job as tour guide, we loved her stories!! The falls were awesome, but the Kilauea crater and eruption occurring was absolutely amazing! The caves and lava trees were outstanding too! We loved the chocolate factory too! Yum!!
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star-5
Wonderful Company, Wonderful Experience
Tena_P
, Mar 2022
Our guide, Jill, was wonderful. She is a native of the island and gave so much insight on the history of what we saw. This is a family owned company and it felt great to support them.
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star-5
Lava Flowing
Carla_S
, Mar 2022
Actually seeing the lava flowing from the dormant volcano. Wow, wow, wow. The operator (Josh & Wife) of this tour was very professional and enlightening. They have nice, clean, and comfortable vehicles. I would definitely use them again when I return in November.
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star-5
Fantastic
Melvin_T
, Mar 2022
Watching the active volcano and observing the lava flowing. My wife and I also enjoyed the lVa tube experience.
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1 traveler found this review helpful
star-5
Informative and interesting
Margaret_E
, Mar 2022
Informative guide shared facts about Hawaii volcanoes past and present. Tour pace was based on our interests.
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star-5
Highly recommend!
Bianca_g
, Feb 2022
Josh was awesome! He was super knowledgeable about everything and we learned so much about not just the geological part of the excursion but about the Hawaiian culture. My family and I enjoyed this tour so much and will be recommending to all of our family and friends that visit the big island. We stayed in hilo and the pick up and drop off were so easy and only 5 mins from the air bnb we stayed at.
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icon Response from Host , Feb 2022
Aloha Bianca, Thank you for the review and feedback. We are glad your family enjoyed their day exploring Hilo and Volcano. Please take care. Mahalo, Jill
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star-5
Josh was an excellent,...
Tim_C
, Feb 2022
Josh was an excellent, entertaining, and vey knowledgeable guide to Hilo and Volcanoes! Enjoyed the tour a lot.
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icon Response from Host , Feb 2022
Thank you so much, we are glad you enjoyed your time with us. Aloha, Josh
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star-5
Awesome family tan your business
Leslie_F
, Feb 2022
Taking this tour was like hanging out with your best friend! Josh was very professional and knowledgeable of all the sites we went to in a lot of Hawaiian history and stories. My husband especially liked the Hawaiian folklore stories. He was very accommodating and compassionate to myself being pregnant as well as an elderly man and his medical heart conditions. This tour was not too long or too short it was the perfect amount of time. It was a family ran business so we even got to meet his wife Jill while she was doing another van run! Jill even personally called me two days before our trip to make sure I felt comfortable hiking 2 miles while pregnant! We would highly recommend this tour if you’re in the area! Thanks for a great day & the hospitality!!
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icon Response from Host , Feb 2022
Aloha Leslie, Thank you, we are so glad you enjoyed your time with us! Please come back to visit with your little one one day. :) With much aloha, Jill & Josh
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1 traveler found this review helpful
star-5
Extremely knowledgeable about Hawaiian customs implant life
Lydell_C
, Feb 2022
Knowledgeable about the volcano and all plant life in the rainforest Very knowledgeable about Hawaiian customs
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icon Response from Host , Feb 2022
Mahalo Lydell!
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star-5
Perfect Experience!!
Antonio_L
, Feb 2022
What a wonderful experience! Josh was so knowledgeable and accommodating! He made effort to make the experience as good as could be! We got to see the LAVA! He even took us by target because we forgot our jacket and it was colder than expected. Take the trip it’s worth it!
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icon Response from Host , Feb 2022
Aloha Antonio, Thank you for the great review! We are so glad you enjoyed your experience with us. Please give us a call when you return to the islands. Mahalo, Josh & Jill
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star-5
Best tour in Hawaii
bobemmons
, Jan 2022
The volcano tour was amazing and Josh was an exceptional tour guide. He made for a memorable experience in Hilo.
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icon Response from Host , Jan 2022
Mahalo, we are glad you enjoyed your time with us. Please come back and visit again. Aloha, Josh & Jill
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star-5
Great Tour
Kamal_R
, Nov 2019
Jill was our tour guide and did an excellent job. We had a fun, educational, interesting tour. Hilo is beautiful. Would definitely do this again.
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1 traveler found this review helpful
star-5
Great tour
Jona_H
, Oct 2019
Josh was so funny and knowledgable about all the sites we visited. My favorite was the lava fields, but the whole tour was great.
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star-5
Mauka Makai Adventures Tour
Reginald_L
, Aug 2019
Thanks to Josh with Mauka Makai Adventures for a fantastic tour. Josh is a born and raised local of Hilo, and his knowledge and great stories made this tour special. He makes you feel like family! Check him out on maukamakaiadventures.com Mahalo lui noa to Josh and Jill!
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star-5
Mauka Makai Adventures Tour
reglang2019
, Aug 2019
We absolutely loved our Volcano, and Black Sand Beach tour. Josh with Mauka Makai Adventures made is really special. Josh was born and raised in Hilo, and his knowledge and great stories made this trip one to remember. Check them out on maukamakaiadventures.com Thanks again Josh & Jill! Mahalo! You guys rock!
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1 traveler found this review helpful
star-5
Best Excursion Of Our Whole Trip!
Janis_K
, May 2019
This was hands down, our best day on our week long cruise. Josh is so great, personable and knowledgeable. He wasn't in a hurry at any stop. He gave everyone as much time as they wanted to explore each area while filling us in on important information about each spot. Lunch was great, much better than I expected. Not just a plain turkey sandwich but a nice deli made one. If you are thinking about this excursion, I would encourage you to just do it. You won't be disappointed!
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1 traveler found this review helpful
star-5
Great Tour, absolutely recommended. Tour guide was awesome.
Larry_B
, Mar 2019
Our group was large and we had our own bus and guide (12 of us). We did get up to the crater (National Park) park which had many trails closed due to past volcanic activity but I still recommend the trip to see the trails that were open. Our guide was very informative and walked with us several miles to see key features of the crater (steam and sulfur vents, crater etc). Thereafter we actually agreed to modify our trip because we had all by that time seen black sand already. Tour guide accommodated and added a visit to some of the more recent but inactive lava flows and fissures, specifically flows from fissure #8. Unbelievable to see it in person and will change your perspective forever. Highly recommended!!
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2 travelers found this review helpful
star-5
Great excursion!
NeeNee21
, Oct 2018
This covered a lot in Hilo. We went to the Volcano National Park which was breathtaking. Then on to the Lava tubes which was unbelievable. Josh our guide made sure we had head lamps on as it is pitch black inside of these tubes. He made sure everyone was comfortable based on their physical limitations. We stopped at the Big Island Chocolate store which was delicious. Then onto the Black Sand beach which the size of the beach was a little disappointing but we did get to see 4 sea turtles on the rocks.
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1 traveler found this review helpful

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