Hilo and Volcano National Park Tour for Cruise Passengers at port

Discover the Hilo and Volcano National Park Tour for Cruise Passengers

This 7-hour guided tour on the Big Island of Hawaii offers a comprehensive experience for cruise ship passengers visiting Hilo. Priced at $230 per person, the tour is designed for those eager to see Hawaii’s natural marvels without sacrificing convenience or comfort. It includes admissions to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, a professional guide, air-conditioned transportation, and bottled water.

The tour departs from the Port of Hilo and takes visitors through a series of carefully selected stops that highlight Hilo’s rich local culture, stunning waterfalls, black sand beaches, and the island’s most famous volcanic sites. While the tour offers solid value, it’s important to note that lunch and dinner are not included, so travelers should plan accordingly.

This tour suits adventurers interested in Hawaii’s geology and landscapes, as well as those who appreciate informative guides and well-paced sightseeing. The experience is ideal for cruise passengers with limited time but a curiosity for Hawaii’s volcanic wonders.

Key Points

• Full-day guided experience on the Big Island, lasting approximately 7 hours
• Visits to Hilo town, Rainbow Falls, and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
• Includes admissions, transportation, and a professional guide
• Stops at Black Sand Beach, Lili’uokalani Gardens, and Big Island Candies
• Lunch available at Waiakea Center Pavilion (own expense)
• Tour is booked on average 102 days in advance

Richardson Ocean Park: Unique Black and Green Sand Beaches

The tour begins at Richardson Ocean Park, a Black and Green sand beach renowned for its striking scenery and vibrant marine life. Visitors can enjoy 20 minutes exploring this peaceful spot with lush green surroundings and palm trees swaying overhead, creating a perfect backdrop for photos.

This stop offers a free admission and provides an immediate taste of Hawaii’s volcanic geology, thanks to the contrasting sand colors formed from cooled lava. It’s an ideal introduction before heading into more developed parts of Hilo.

Strolling Through Lili’uokalani Gardens’ Japanese Landscape

Next, the tour visits Lili’uokalani Gardens, a sprawling 120,000-square-meter Japanese garden established in 1968 to honor Japanese immigration. Visitors spend around 20 minutes wandering through carefully landscaped paths, bridges, and pagodas.

The gardens offer an aesthetic and tranquil environment with views of traditional Japanese design, making it a favorite for peaceful strolls and photos. This stop is included in the tour price, giving travelers a chance to enjoy a cultural oasis amid the tropical surroundings of Hilo.

Exploring Downtown Hilo’s Charm and Local Markets

Downtown Hilo emerges as a charming, laid-back town with historic roots in farming and fishing industries. During the tour, visitors have 20 minutes to observe the vibrant atmosphere of this retro city.

The stop includes a visit to the Hilo Farmers Market, an open-air hub showcasing Hawaii’s locally grown greens, fruits, flowers, jewelry, and crafts. The market bursts with color and local flavor, offering a genuine taste of Hilo’s community. It’s an ideal spot for photos and souvenirs.

Rainbow Falls: Nature’s Spectacle and Rainbows

A highlight of the tour is Rainbow Falls, an 80-foot-high waterfall famous for its frequent rainbows. Visitors can enjoy a view of the falls and the lava cave beneath it, with 20 minutes at this spectacular site.

A walk to the back of the waterfall offers a closer look at the cascade and the natural pond below. The presence of rainbows enhances the visual appeal, making this a truly memorable stop for nature lovers.

Lunch at Waiakea Center Pavilion

A one-hour stop at the Waiakea Center Pavilion provides a break for lunch. Food options are available for purchase, and guests can choose from a variety of menu items.

While the lunch is not included in the tour price, this stop allows travelers to relax and recharge before continuing their exploration. The location offers easy access to nearby shops and facilities.

Visiting Big Island Candies for Local Sweets

Big Island Candies is a popular local snack shop, where visitors can sample and buy gourmet chocolates, cookies, and candies. The most renowned item is the Macadamia Nut Chocolate Dippe, which showcases Hawaii’s famous macadamia nuts coated in rich chocolate.

This 20-minute stop offers an indoor shopping experience where guests can indulge in sweet treats and purchase souvenirs. It’s an enjoyable break that highlights Hawaii’s sweet side.

Exploring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: The Main Attraction

The highlight of the tour is the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, covering 230,000 acres. The park is home to Mt. Mauna Loa and Mt. Kilauea, the world’s most active volcanoes.

The two-hour visit includes stops at the Kilauea Visitor Center, the Kilauea Overlook, and Steam Vents. Visitors learn about volcanic activity, see eruptions, and observe geothermal phenomena. The park’s landscape is shaped by ongoing volcanic processes, offering unique geological scenery.

Kilauea Visitor Center: Introduction to Hawaii’s Volcanoes

The Kilauea Visitor Center serves as the educational hub for the park, with exhibits covering environment, history, and culture. Visitors have 20 minutes to explore displays that detail volcano formation and Hawaiian mythology.

The center provides essential context for understanding the geological activity visible throughout the park, making it a valuable stop for geology buffs and first-time visitors alike.

Kilauea Overlook: Witnessing Active Volcano Eruptions

From the Kilauea Overlook, travelers enjoy a stunning view of Kilauea’s recent eruptions. The short stop of 20 minutes allows visitors to take in the crater’s landscape and observe geological activity firsthand.

This vantage point offers a rare glimpse of an active volcano, making it one of the most exciting parts of the park visit. The view highlights the power and ongoing nature of Hawaii’s volcanic landscape.

Steam Vents and Lava Crater: Geological Wonders

The tour includes stops at Steam Vents, where hot steam escapes from the terrain, creating a hot, misty atmosphere. Visitors see volcanic activity in action, with 15 minutes allocated for this natural spectacle.

Further along, the Pauahi Crater offers a close-up look at a volcanic crater formed from recent eruptions. The floor shows lava flows from 1979, providing a visual history of the volcano’s activity.

Chain of Craters Road and Kealakomo Overlook

Traveling along Chain of Craters Road, visitors experience a scenic 18.3-mile drive across the volcanic landscape. The road features lava fields, craters, and coastal views.

The Kealakomo Overlook offers a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean and the vast lava flows that once covered the area. Visitors spend 20 minutes here enjoying the spectacular scenery and learning about ancient lava flows.

Nahuku – Thurston Lava Tube: A Natural Tunnel

The tour concludes at the Nahuku Lava Tube, a 450-meter-long tunnel formed by volcanic activity approximately 400 years ago. Visitors can walk through the natural tunnel and marvel at the geological processes that create such formations.

The 20-minute stop allows for close-up views inside the spectacular underground structure, offering a unique perspective on Hawaii’s volcanic activity.

Summary: Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This Hilo and Volcano National Park tour offers a well-rounded experience of Hawaii’s volcanic landscapes, waterfalls, and local culture. It is best suited for cruise passengers who want to see key highlights without the hassle of planning logistics.

The tour’s guided format and admissions included simplify the experience, while the stops at Rainbow Falls, Black Sand Beach, and Kilauea ensure you witness geological marvels up close. The one-hour lunch break offers flexibility, but travelers should plan for additional expenses.

While the tour does not include dinner, the 7-hour duration balances sightseeing with enough time for a thorough exploration of Hawaii’s natural wonders. Overall, it provides good value for those looking to maximize their time on the Big Island.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of the tour?
The tour costs $230 per person.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 7 hours, including travel time and stops.

What stops are included in the itinerary?
Stops include Richardson Ocean Park, Lili’uokalani Gardens, Downtown Hilo, Rainbow Falls, Big Island Candies, and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Are meals included?
No, lunch is available for purchase at Waiakea Center Pavilion, but dinner is not included.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, the tour includes air-conditioned transportation with round-trip pick-up from the Port of Hilo.

How many people typically participate?
The tour is designed for a maximum of 24 travelers, ensuring a comfortable group size.

What are the main highlights of the volcano visits?
Key highlights are Kilauea Overlook, Steam Vents, Pauahi Crater, and the Nahuku Lava Tube.

Does the tour suit all physical abilities?
Most stops involve short walks or viewing from overlooks, making it suitable for many, but those with mobility concerns should inquire further.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, sun protection, water, and any personal essentials for a full day of sightseeing.

How do I book this tour?
Bookings are generally made 102 days in advance; check the provider’s website or contact Tournet Hawaii for reservations.