From Oahu: Big Island Volcano Adventure

Explore the Big Island with a Full-Day Guided Tour from Oahu

This 16-hour tour from Oahu to the Big Island offers an exciting way to see some of Hawaii’s most impressive natural features. For $576 per person, participants fly roundtrip from Honolulu to Hilo, including guided visits to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, waterfalls, and scenic coastal spots. The tour is ideal for those who want to experience the island’s volcanic landscapes and lush rainforests in one comprehensive day.

While the tour provides a packed itinerary and expert guides, it requires a full day of commitment and involves a short flight both ways. The experience is perfect for travelers interested in volcanoes, waterfalls, and Hawaiian scenery who don’t mind a busy schedule. Keep in mind that lunch is described as light, so those with bigger appetites should plan accordingly.

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Key Points

• Roundtrip airfare from Oahu to Hilo is included.
• Tour visits Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Naiku Lava Tube, and Chain of Craters Road.
• Waterfalls like Akaka and Rainbow Falls are featured along the route.
• The tour is full-day, lasting approximately 16 hours.
• Guided in English with a focus on both geology and scenery.
• Wheelchair accessible and offers local treats and bottled water.

How the Tour Begins with Flights from Honolulu to Hilo

This tour starts with a flight out of Honolulu Airport early in the morning, taking you from Oahu to Hilo on the Big Island. The round-trip flight is included in the $576 price, making for a convenient and seamless start to a day filled with exploration. Since participants are responsible for meeting at the airport, arriving early and being prepared for TSA security is recommended.

Upon arrival in Hilo, the tour quickly shifts into high gear with a guided transportation setup, ensuring you’re ready to explore the island’s highlights. The logistics are straightforward, with roundtrip transportation from Hilo Airport included, allowing travelers to focus fully on the scenery and activities.

Discover Hawaii Volcanoes National Park’s Active Landscapes

The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park forms the centerpiece of this tour. Visitors stand at the edge of Halemaumau Crater, a vast caldera that continues to change, especially after the 2018 eruptions. The Kilauea volcano, one of the world’s most active, offers a rare chance to see volcanic activity up close.

The guide provides insights into the island’s geology, explaining how lava flows have shaped the landscape over millennia. You’ll also see Steam Vents, where underground lava heats groundwater, creating natural steam displays. The visit to the park is a highlight for anyone fascinated by volcanic activity and Hawaii’s fiery origins.

Walking Through the Ancient Nhuku Lava Tube

One of the tour’s unique features is exploring Nhuku Lava Tube. This underground tunnel was formed by flowing lava and is surrounded by a lush rainforest canopy. Walking through this ancient lava cave offers a tangible sense of the island’s volcanic past and natural forces that continue to shape it.

The Lava Tube visit is brief but impactful, giving a glimpse into how lava carved the landscape. Visitors can expect a walkable pathway through the tunnel, making it accessible and a memorable part of the day.

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Scenic Drive Along Chain of Craters Road

The tour continues with a scenic drive along Chain of Craters Road. This route offers spectacular views of old lava flows, sea cliffs, and coastal vistas. As lava fields stretch toward the ocean, travelers get a sense of how volcanic activity has constantly transformed the coastline.

This drive provides numerous photo opportunities at viewpoints overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The landscape here highlights the islands’ dynamic volcanic nature, with blackened lava beds contrasting lush greenery and blue water.

Lunch and the Big Island’s Lush Rainforests

After exploring the volcanic landscapes, the tour features a picnic lunch within the national park. While the description notes the lunch as “a little too light” in reviews, it offers a convenient break amid a busy day of sightseeing.

Post-lunch, the journey heads to the Hamakua Coast, renowned for its lush rainforests and waterfalls. The route includes walking through a bamboo-filled rainforest at Akaka Falls State Park, where a 442-foot waterfall cascades into a mist-shrouded gorge. This spot is one of the most photographed waterfalls in Hawaii, thanks to its stunning height and scenic setting.

Visiting Rainbow Falls, Banyan Drive, and Liliuokalani Gardens in Hilo

The tour spends time in Hilo Town, exploring several local highlights. Rainbow Falls is a favorite, famous for the colorful mist that forms in the morning sunlight. The drive along Banyan Drive showcases towering trees planted by famous visitors, while the Liliuokalani Gardens offers a peaceful Japanese-style park with views of Hilo Bay.

These stops reveal the cultural and natural charm of Hilo, contrasting with the volcanic landscapes seen earlier. The gardens and waterfalls provide relaxing moments amidst the tour’s busy schedule.

Concluding at a Black Sand Beach

The final stop is at a black sand beach, a reminder of Hawaii’s volcanic origins. The jet-black shore and crashing waves capture the raw power of the islands’ geology. This spot offers a dramatic setting to end the day before returning to Hilo Airport for the flight back to Oahu.

The black sand beach is a fitting finale, showcasing a signature Hawaiian landscape that’s not found on every island.

The Return Flight and Overall Value

After a full day of sightseeing, the tour concludes with the return flight to Honolulu. The full-day experience provides a comprehensive view of the Big Island’s volcanoes, waterfalls, and coastal scenery in one seamless package.

At $576 per person, including flights, park fees, transportation, and guides, the tour offers solid value for those eager to cover the island’s highlights efficiently. The inclusion of local treats and bottled water adds a thoughtful touch.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most?

This tour suits travelers who want a guided, all-in-one day trip to the Big Island with minimal planning. It’s particularly appealing to those interested in active volcanoes and waterfalls but who don’t mind a long day of travel and sightseeing. The guided aspect and English-speaking guides make it accessible for visitors unfamiliar with the area.

The tour’s full schedule and light lunch mean it’s best suited for those comfortable with a busy itinerary. It’s a great choice for first-time visitors or anyone looking to maximize their time on the Big Island without renting a car.

Final Thoughts on the Oahu to Big Island Volcano Adventure

This tour offers a comprehensive introduction to the Big Island’s most striking sights, combining volcanic landscapes, waterfalls, and lush forests in one day. The guides’ expertise and the convenience of included flights make it an attractive option for travelers seeking a guided experience with minimal logistical hassle.

While the lunch could be more substantial, the variety of stops and the scenic drives make this tour well worth considering. It’s particularly suitable for those eager to see Hawaii’s volcanic heart in a single day, with the opportunity to experience active volcanoes and waterfalls firsthand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it accessible for guests with mobility needs.

What should I bring for this tour?
Participants should bring a passport or ID card and comfortable clothes, suitable for walking and outdoor activities.

Are flights included in the tour price?
Yes, the round-trip inter-island flight from Honolulu to Hilo is part of the $576 fee.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility to your travel plans.

Is food included?
A light picnic lunch is provided, but reviews suggest it may be small for some guests. Plan accordingly if you need a larger meal.

Does this tour include helicopter options?
No, helicopter tours are not included in this package, but similar tours with that option are available separately.

This Big Island Volcano Adventure from Oahu combines the island’s extraordinary volcanic scenery with waterfalls and lush landscapes, making it a memorable day for those eager to explore Hawaii’s fiery origins and natural beauty.

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