From Hilo: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Tour

Discover the Big Island’s Natural Wonders and Unique Local Stops

This 5-hour guided tour from Hilo offers an engaging way to experience some of the Big Island’s most iconic sights for $175 per person. Led by knowledgeable local guides, the tour covers Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Rainbow Falls, Liliuokalani Gardens, and Big Island Candies. It’s an ideal option for travelers seeking a well-rounded taste of Hawaii’s natural beauty and cultural highlights, with the convenience of hotel or airport pickup included. The tour is designed to be accessible and comfortable, with bottled water provided and wheelchair accessibility available, although mobility scooters are not allowed.

Although this tour packs a variety of attractions into a manageable five hours, it’s best suited for those who want a rundown without long hikes or strenuous activity. The expert local guides are praised for their knowledge and friendly approach, making for an enriching experience. Since the tour is flexible in payment and cancellation, it offers peace of mind for spontaneous travelers or those with changing plans.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Price and Duration: $175 per person, 5-hour guided adventure from Hilo
• Key Stops: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Rainbow Falls, Liliuokalani Gardens, Big Island Candies
• Highlights: Thurston Lava Tube, Halemaumau Crater Overlook, Banyan Drive, Kamehameha Statue
• Includes: Park entry, local guide, bottled water, hotel/airport pickup
• Limitations: No food or souvenirs included, mobility scooters not allowed, not suitable for wheelchair users

Starting Point and Logistics in Hilo

The tour begins with pickup from Hilo hotels, the Port of Hilo, or Hilo International Airport. Travelers should wait in the main lobby or the designated baggage claim parking lot for the Malahini Tours van, clearly marked with the company’s sign. The pickup process is smooth and well-organized, ensuring the tour starts promptly. The vehicle used is comfortable, often equipped with air conditioning, making the drive between stops pleasant and efficient.

The tour’s five-hour duration balances a full sightseeing experience with enough time to appreciate each location without feeling rushed. The guide’s familiarity with the area ensures the pacing is comfortable, with opportunities for photos and brief walks at key stops.

Exploring Banyan Drive and Hilo’s Celebrity Walk of Fame

The tour kicks off with a drive through Banyan Drive, famously called Hilo’s celebrity walk of fame. The route showcases banyan trees planted in the early 1900s by notable figures such as Amelia Earhart, Babe Ruth, and President Roosevelt. These towering trees, some over a century old, create a lush canopy along the street, offering a scenic starting point for the day’s adventure.

The guide shares stories about the history of Banyan Drive, enriching the visual experience with insights into how these trees became a beloved part of Hilo’s landscape. This stop also introduces travelers to the rich history of the island’s connections with famous personalities.

Liliuokalani Gardens: A Slice of Japanese Culture

Next, the tour visits Liliuokalani Gardens, a sprawling 25-acre Japanese-style park dedicated to fostering relations between Hilo and Japanese cities. Named after Queen Liliuokalani, this garden features traditional Japanese décor, including stone lanterns, bridges, and peaceful pathways.

The gardens offer a tranquil environment perfect for walking and photography. The area emphasizes the cultural ties between Hilo and Japan, with sister city relationships with Nago City, Hatsukaichi, and Ikaho. Visitors can appreciate the thoughtful design, which reflects Japanese aesthetics and respect for nature, making it a peaceful contrast to the volcanic landscapes.

More Great Tours Nearby

Rainbow Falls and Its Cultural Significance

A major highlight of the tour is Rainbow Falls, located on Wailuku River. Known for the vibrant rainbows that form in the mist, this waterfall has cultural significance as the home of the Hawaiian Moon goddess Hina, and as the mother of Demi-god Maui.

The falls are renowned for their illuminating mist, which creates a stunning display of colors and is especially impressive when the sunlight hits the spray at the right angle. Visitors often find this site both picturesque and culturally meaningful, with ample opportunities for photos and brief viewing stops.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: The Active Heart of the Island

The core of the tour is Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where three key stops highlight the island’s volcanic activity and geological features. The Crater Rim Lookout offers expansive views of the volcanic landscape, while the Steam Vents demonstrate the ongoing volcanic activity with natural gases escaping through the earth.

A walk through the Thurston Lava Tube provides a tangible connection to the island’s volcanic past. This underground tunnel, formed by flowing lava, allows visitors to experience the inside of a lava cave firsthand. The Halemaumau Crater Overlook offers a close-up view of the active crater, with occasional volcanic gases and, depending on the day, spectacular eruptions or glow.

Hawaii’s most active volcano, Kilauea, provides a dynamic backdrop for this part of the tour. The guides often share current volcanic activity updates, making this a fascinating and educational stop for those interested in geologic processes.

Visiting Big Island Candies: Sweet Final Stop

The tour concludes with a visit to Big Island Candies, a family-run candy factory renowned for its Japanese omiyagi-style shortbread cookies. This flagship store showcases the evolving style of Hawaiian confections, with half-dipped chocolate shortbread being a popular favorite.

At Big Island Candies, visitors can sample some treats and purchase souvenirs to remember the day. The factory’s longstanding reputation as a premier Hawaiian gift shop makes it an appealing end to the tour, especially for those with a sweet tooth or looking for authentic Hawaiian gifts.

The Experience of the Guides and Overall Pacing

The guides on this tour receive consistent praise for their knowledge, friendliness, and storytelling ability. They effectively share stories about the island’s history, geology, and cultural connections, enhancing each stop with context and background.

The pacing is generally well-received, with enough time allocated at each location for sightseeing and photos without feeling rushed. The vehicle is comfortable, and the stops are scheduled to maximize sightseeing while maintaining a relaxed flow.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour

This tour suits travelers who want a comprehensive introduction to Hawaii’s natural and cultural highlights without the need for long hikes or strenuous activity. Family groups, first-time visitors, and older travelers particularly appreciate the ease and accessibility of the tour.

Since the tour offers hotel and airport pickup, it’s convenient for those staying in Hilo or arriving in the area. The expert guides and carefully chosen stops make it an informative and enjoyable experience, especially for those interested in geology, history, and local culture.

The Sum Up: A Well-Rounded Big Island Experience

The From Hilo: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Tour stands out for its diverse stops, expert guides, and good value. It offers a well-paced look into the Big Island’s volcanic activity, scenic waterfalls, and cultural sites within five hours, making it ideal for travelers with limited time.

While it doesn’t include meals or souvenirs, the park entry, bottled water, and pickup service add to its convenience. The tour’s high rating of 4.9 from 46 reviews reflects its consistent quality, especially in guide knowledge and scenic value.

Ultimately, this tour is a practical choice for those seeking a broad yet intimate overview of Hawaii’s most famous sights, with a focus on geology, culture, and natural beauty. It caters well to curious travelers eager to learn and see the island’s highlights in a single memorable outing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The tour price of $175 per person includes pickup from Hilo hotels, Hilo International Airport, or the Port of Hilo, entry fee to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, visits to Liliuokalani Gardens, Rainbow Falls, and Big Island Candies, a local guide, and bottled water.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts 5 hours, making it a manageable but rundown of the key sights around Hilo and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility challenges?
The tour is wheelchair accessible, but mobility scooters are not allowed. It’s best suited for travelers comfortable with some walking at the stops.

Are food and souvenirs included?
No, food and drinks are not included, and souvenirs are purchased separately at Big Island Candies.

What are the main highlights of the tour?
Highlights include Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (Crater Rim, Steam Vents, Lava Tube, Halemaumau Crater), Rainbow Falls, Banyan Drive, Liliuokalani Gardens, and Big Island Candies.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for changing travel plans.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby