Overview
Approx 6 hr long. Explore the places less traveled among Hawaii's back roads of Kilauea volcano. Explore exciting Lava Caves and Lava trees in a lush volcanic rainforest. See the 2018 lava destruction and the newly formed Black Sand Beach just created. A truly amazing experience!
Cruise Ship Guests: We have special permits to pick up directly from Hilo port of call. Departure times may be adjusted to fit your ship's arrival & departure.
Hilo Hotel Guests: Meeting location Hilo Hawaiian Hotel
Packages & Options
Hilo Hotel Pick up
Hilo Hawaiian Hotel : Meeting location Hilo Hawaiian Hotel 71 Banyan Dr. Hilo, HI 96720 Starting point: Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, a Trademark Collection by Wyndham, 71 Banyan Dr, Hilo, HI 96720, USA Pickup included
Holland America 10:30 am
From: $160
Holland America Koningsdam: Special departure 10:30 am for this ship Starting point: Port of Hilo, 80 Kuhio St, Hilo, HI 96720, USA Pickup included
Hilo Cruise Ship Passenger
Cruise Ship Passenger: We are a SHORE EXCURSION company. We have permits to pick you up directly from the Hilo port. Starting point: Port of Hilo, 80 Kuhio St, Hilo, HI 96720, USA Pickup included
Itinerary
This is the largest Japanese garden outside of Japan donated by Queen Liliʻuokalani in 1917. Throughout the gardens are stone lanterns, gazebos, and torii gates, recalling the Japanese immigrants who came to Hawaii.
Drive through the historical downtown Hilo as you will learn about the devastating tsunamis of the past
Breathtaking 80 ft waterfall, Rainbow Falls. These beautiful falls get their name from the rainbow that is often visible in the mist that rises as the water cascades to the rocks 80 feet below. (20 mins)
Time to explore lava caves is next! We walk you down into a lava cave through a skylight, also locally known as a lava tube. Kaumana Caves was created by one of our largest volcanoes, Mauna Loa. The guide will explain how molten lava makes these spectacular lava tubes and the fascinating colors inside. (20 mins)
On our drive we will drive through a quaint town called Pahoa. Once a booming plantation town and now a laid-back hippie town with old school artistry charm and wood-plank boardwalks. You will see the current lava flow that nearly wiped this town off the map.
We will walk a trail among lava trees that looks somewhat of a petrified forest and look down into a deep fissure. This unusual volcanic sight is one stop that shouldn’t be missed. (25 mins)
**IMPORTANT ** As of June 12th 2025, there is a project to dredge the lava-covered area and restore the boat ramp. We will be replacing this black sand beach with an alternate one WALK ON THE NEWEST BLACK SAND BEACH IN HAWAII!! is truly an amazing creation by Kilauea’s lava flow. Let us show you the newest created black sand beach. Once in this location was the old boat harbor and ramp that you can still see and has now been cut off from the creation of a large black sand beach. There is no swimming at this location (20 mins)
Several earthquakes cracked open the roads, lava fountains started spewing lava 300 ft into the sky and nearly 2,000 residents we evacuated. This amazing force even evaporated Green Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake in Hawaii. We will be showing you areas of mass destruction from Kilauea Volcano. Note: The order of stops on this tour may be adjusted to help provide the best experience. (10 mins)
Local Deli for a lunch stop or a local vendor ( depending on the day, we use a different vendors for our lunch stop) Note: The order of stops on this tour may be adjusted to help provide the best experience for customers. (15 mins)
What's Included
Inclusions
- Bottled water
- Professional guide
- Port pickup and drop-off / Hilo Hotel pickup and drop-off
Exclusions
- Souvenirs
- Gratuities
- Lunch- Stop made by local vendor for customers to purchase
Meeting & Logistics
HOTEL GUESTS: Castle Hilo Hawaiian Hotel located at 71 Banyan Dr. Hilo HI .
Please wait in lobby for pick up.
The lobby also has a cafe lounge if needing something to drink.
Meeting Point
Hawaii
Special Instructions
We do not require a printed-off voucher or ticket. Check-in with name. Note: The order of stops on this tour may be adjusted to help provide the best experience. **IMPORTANT **There is a project to dredge the lava-covered area and restore the boat ramp at the Pohoiki Black Sand beach. We will be replacing this black sand beach with an alternate black sand beach until it reopens. CRUISE SHIP GUESTS CHECK IN TIME: 15 minutes before the tour departure time LOOK FOR SIGN #1 When departing the ship, you will enter a large terminal building. Please look for your guide, who will be holding a sign with the number 1 on it. ⚠️ Important: If you have exited the terminal building, you’ve gone too far. ⏰ Please note: Tours must depart at the scheduled time, and unfortunately, we are unable to wait for late passengers. Unless there is a verified delay caused by the ship. TRAVELING TOGETHER: if you are traveling with another group that has booked separately, please contact your tour supplier before your tour date to ensure that you can be seated together in the same vehicle 1-800-901-0468. HOTEL: We ask all guests to please plan to be at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel located at 71 Banyan Dr. Hilo HI 96720 10 minutes before the PICK UP time listed above.
Photos
Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcano Safari Lava Caves & Black Sand Photos
View more images from this activity before choosing your date.
Additional Info
- 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
- Moderate tour - Involves walking over relatively unlevel terrain, possible gravel, lava, uneven ground and steep steps. Comfortable walking shoes recommended.
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately; light rain jacket or poncho
- A stop is made to purchase food
- Worry-free Shore Excursion Guarantee
- Exact departure time may vary depending on the cruise ship's disembarkation time
- We will ensure your timely return back to the ship in Hilo Pier for this activity. If your ship does not come into port , your money will be refunded. If is is delayed we will adjust our departure time to the ships itenerary. See our terms and conditions for full details
- Not recommended for those who cannot walk over uneven ground or with poor health
- Lava Tube: The steps to get into the lava tube are steep and the ground is uneven. You do not have to go into the lava tube if you feel it is too much for you.
- We are NOT able to accommodate customers with walkers or wheel chairs.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
