---
title: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Hilo Highlights Small Group Tour
lang: en
type: tour
city: Big Island
country: United States
price: 172
currency: EUR
price_unit: per_person
availability: bookable
rating: 4.94
reviews: 294
duration_minutes: 330
languages: [en]
free_cancellation: "true"
rank_in_category: 9 of 44 (Volcanoes National Park Tours)
schedule_checked: 2026-11-07
data_updated: 2026-11-08
canonical: https://guidekin.com/usa/big-island/tours/hawaii-volcanoes-national-park-and-hilo-highlights-small-group-tour/
---

# Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Hilo Highlights Small Group Tour

**Guidekin's take:** Walk Kilauea's crater rim and explore a lava tube in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Park entry, tour transport and chips are included; meet at the Hilo bus terminal, with no pickup from Kona or Waikoloa. 4.94 from 294 reviews at €172 per person for 5h 30m.

In our comparison: #9 of 44 in Volcanoes National Park Tours, by rating weighted by review volume (table below).

## Overview

See two of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa, on a small group tour that features the natural wonders of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Visit the summit of Kilauea with a chance to witness a volcano erupt or view an active lava flow. Learn the history, culture and geology of the Hawaiian islands with your personal guide. Take a walk along the crater rim as you feel the heat of the volcano from steam vents. Explore an ancient lava tube in the midst of the lush Hawaiian rainforest. Enjoy the sights around Hilo including Liliuokalani Gardens and Rainbow Falls with a stop for local chocolates and coffee along the way.

## Before you book

- Hotel pickup: no car needed
- Entry ticket included: skip the ticket desk
- 6 start times: between 07:30 and 11:30
- Food not included: There are no options for meal purchases…
- Age rule: Youth ages 10 years and older only are allowed on…

**Pickup:** Hotel pickup included

## Key facts

- Price: from €172 per person
- Duration: 5h 30m
- Rating: 4.94/5 from 294 reviews (collected from Guidekin & Viator & Tripadvisor)
- Free cancellation (see policy below)
- Operator: Mauka Makai Adventures
- Group: Shared tour
- Guide languages: English
- Tickets: Admission included
- Start times: 07:30, 08:00, 08:30, 09:00, 09:30, 11:30
- Booking: Instant confirmation, mobile ticket
- Price checked on Viator: 2026-11-07

## Reviews

4.94 from 294 ratings on Guidekin, Viator & Tripadvisor.
99% of ratings with a star breakdown are 4 or 5 stars: 290 of 294.

- 5 stars: 282 (96%)
- 4 stars: 8 (3%)
- 3 stars: 3 (1%)
- 2 stars: 0 (0%)
- 1 star: 1 (0%)

## What's included

- Private transportation
- Island chips
- Help protect our island environment and bring your own refillable water bottle!
- Professional guide
- National park admission fee

## Not included

- There are no options for meal purchases along the way. Many travelers like to plan for a late lunch upon return to Hilo. You are also welcome to bring your own snacks for the trail.
- Gratuities
- We DO NOT provide transportation from Kona or Waikoloa. Please meet us in Hilo at the bus terminal.

## Itinerary

1. **Hawaii Volcanoes National Park** (2h; admission included) - 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.
2. **Nahuku - Lava Tube** (30m; admission included) - Enjoy a hike through the Hawaiian rainforest robust with native birds and tree ferns to Nahuku (Thurston lava tube). Traverse the 500 year old lava tube where molten lava once rushed through.
3. **Chain of Craters Road** (30m; admission included) - 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.
4. **Rainbow Falls** (20m) - View the majestic 80 foot waterfall of Waianuenue or Rainbow Falls. Enjoy the tropical landscape as you learn the legends of Hawaii.
5. **Big Island Candies** (15m) - Get your pep in your step with tasty hand-made chocolates, locally grown macadamia nuts and island fresh coffee!
6. **Lili'uokalani Gardens** (20m) - Immerse yourself in tranquility with a short stroll around Liliuokalani Gardens as you enjoy the fishponds, pagodas and picture perfect landscaping along Hilo bay.

## Schedule

- Runs: daily
- Departures: 07:30, 08:00, 08:30, 09:00, 09:30, 11:30
- Schedule last checked: 2026-11-07
- These are published departures, not a live seat count; availability is confirmed at checkout.

## Cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

## Good to know

- 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
- 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.
- Participants must be able to walk a minimum of 1 mile on uneven terrain.
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately (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.
- 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.

## Compared with other Volcanoes National Park Tours

| Tour | Price | Duration | Rating | Group |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| **This tour · #9 of 44** | €172 | 5h 30m | 4.94 (294) | shared |
| [Hawaii Volcanoes, Waterfalls, Beaches & Hilo Highlights Day Tour](/usa/big-island/tours/hawaii-volcanoes-waterfalls-beaches-hilo-highlights-day-tour/?format=md) | €170 | 6h | 5.0 (657) | shared |
| [Private Tour: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Eco Tour](/usa/big-island/tours/private-tour-hawaii-volcanoes-national-park-eco-tour/?format=md) | €182 | 3h | 4.98 (333) | private |
| [Big Island in a Day-Explore Volcanoes, Waterfalls, Beaches & more](/usa/big-island/tours/big-island-in-a-day-explore-volcanoes-waterfalls-beaches-more/?format=md) | €223 | 9h | 5.0 (206) | shared |

Ranked #9 of 44 in Volcanoes National Park Tours by Guidekin score (rating weighted by review volume). Prices here run from €127 to €537, median €181; typical length 6h. 8 of 44 are private. Figures are live from the tour cards; the rubric is our handpicked set, not the whole market.

Full list: https://guidekin.com/usa/big-island/hawaii-volcanoes-national-park-tours/?format=md

## More in Big Island

- All Big Island tours: https://guidekin.com/usa/big-island/?format=md
- This page as HTML: https://guidekin.com/usa/big-island/tours/hawaii-volcanoes-national-park-and-hilo-highlights-small-group-tour/

Filters, the full catalogue and the URL contract for this city: https://guidekin.com/usa/big-island/?format=md