---
title: "Hilo Shore Excursion: Active Volcano, Lava Tube, Waterfall and Gardens"
lang: en
type: tour
city: Big Island
country: United States
price: 172
currency: EUR
price_unit: per_person
availability: bookable
rating: 4.91
reviews: 459
duration_minutes: 330
languages: [en]
free_cancellation: "true"
rank_in_category: 13 of 44 (Volcanoes National Park Tours)
schedule_checked: 2026-11-07
data_updated: 2026-11-08
canonical: https://guidekin.com/usa/big-island/tours/hilo-shore-excursion-active-volcano-lava-tube-waterfall-and-gardens/
---

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

**Guidekin's take:** Visit Kilauea volcano, steam vents and a rainforest lava tube in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Transport from Hilo, guiding and park admission are included; meet at the Hilo bus terminal, with no pickup from Kona or Waikoloa. 4.91 from 459 reviews at €172 per person for 5h 30m.

In our comparison: #13 of 44 in Volcanoes National Park Tours, by rating weighted by review volume (table below).

## Overview

A day trip to Hilo is not complete without a visit to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home to one of the world's most active volcanoes. Witness the current volcanic eruption at the summit of Kilauea volcano with a chance to see lava, learn of past geologic events and the effects on this ever changing landscape. Feel the heat of steam vents, then traverse an ancient lava tube nestled in the cool mist of the Hawaiian rainforest. Conclude your day indulging your senses around Hilo town including the majestic Rainbow Falls, Liliuokalani Gardens, and tasty locally made chocolates and coffee on this small group tour.

## 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: 4.91/5 from 459 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

4.91 from 459 ratings on Guidekin, Viator & Tripadvisor.
99% of ratings with a star breakdown are 4 or 5 stars: 454 of 459.

- 5 stars: 431 (94%)
- 4 stars: 23 (5%)
- 3 stars: 0 (0%)
- 2 stars: 2 (0%)
- 1 star: 3 (1%)

## 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 walk through the Hawaiian rainforest to Nahuku (Thurston Lava Tube). Explore the 500 year old underground tube where hot 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 (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 · #13 of 44** | €172 | 5h 30m | 4.91 (459) | 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 #13 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

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