Day Trip from Oahu to Hilo: Volcano Adventure in Big Island of Hawaii, United States
Big Island of Hawaii, United States

Day Trip from Oahu to Hilo: Volcano Adventure

Outty Ranking 63 4.1 · 601 traveler reviews12 hoursFrom $621
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Outty Ranking

63/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.1/5

Based on 601 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Day Trip from Oahu to Hilo: Volcano Adventure worth booking?

Day Trip from Oahu to Hilo: Volcano Adventure is a 12-hour experience in Big Island of Hawaii, United States, from $621 per person. It scores 63 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.1/5 rating across 601 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
63 / 100
Rating
4.1/5 (601)
Duration
12 hours
From
$621 per person

Escape to another Hawaiian island for a day on this all-inclusive tour. Hop on an inter-island flight from Honolulu on Oahu to Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii for a once-in-a-lifetime, comprehensive Volcano Adventure Tour. Discover Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the sights of Hilo Town. Your expert driver-guide will share with you the legends and cultural significance of famous sites and point our numerous scenic wonders along the way. Also available with an optional helicopter tour based on availability.

What you get

  • Tour narration by a professional driver/guide
  • Lunch
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Interisland R/T airfare (airfare overage charge may apply)
  • Hawaii Volcanoes National Park admission fee

About this experience

Escape to another Hawaiian island for a day on this all-inclusive tour. Hop on an inter-island flight from Honolulu on Oahu to Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii for a once-in-a-lifetime, comprehensive Volcano Adventure Tour. Discover Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the sights of Hilo Town. Your expert driver-guide will share with you the legends and cultural significance of famous sites and point our numerous scenic wonders along the way. Also available with an optional helicopter tour based on availability.

What's included

Included

  • Tour narration by a professional driver/guide
  • Lunch
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Interisland R/T airfare (airfare overage charge may apply)
  • Hawaii Volcanoes National Park admission fee

Not included

  • Gratuities
  • Transportation to and from Honolulu Airport
  • Airline flight overage charges

What you'll see and do

  1. Banyan Drive

    Drive through quaint Hilo Town along magnificent Banyan tree-lined streets along Hilo's coastline known as the "Hilo Walk of Fame".

    Pass by without stopping

  2. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

    Home to Hawaii's active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa.

    120 minutes here · Admission included

  3. Chain of Craters Road

    Chain of Craters Road is a 19-mile (31 km) long winding paved road through the East Rift and coastal area of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the island of Hawaii. Some areas are inaccessible.

    Pass by without stopping

  4. Kilauea

    Active shield volcano housed in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Last erupted in September 2021 when vents spewed lava from within Halema'uma'u, a pit crater in the volcano's summit caldera.

    20 minutes here · Admission included

  5. Steam Vents

    See and feel the power of the volcano through the steam vents, where ground water seeps into volcanic rock.

    20 minutes here · Admission included

  6. Nahuku - Lava Tube

    Tropical forest area featuring a long, subterranean cave formed by ancient flowing lava.

    20 minutes here · Admission included

  7. Akaka Falls State Park

    Beautiful waterfall, easily viewable from a lookout point and surrounded by a verdant jungle.

    20 minutes here · Admission included

  8. Hilo

    Drive through historic Hilo Town, where tsunamis in 1946 and 1960 caused cataclysmic damage and forced the town to be rebuilt further inland. Today, wooden storefronts remain in the laid-back, town that manages to keep the country vibe alive.

    Pass by without stopping

  9. Lili'uokalani Gardens

    Renowned for it's lush Japanese gardens.

    Pass by without stopping

  10. Rainbow Falls

    Witness rainbows forming in the mist at one of Hilo's most magnificent waterfalls.

    20 minutes here · Admission included

Where it starts and ends

Meeting point

Big Island of Hawaii

Upon arrival at Hilo International Airport, our driver will pick you up between 830-8:45 AM at the BUS GROUP/TAXI Area at the end of the baggage claim building. (Located near the restrooms on the West End).

Meeting point

Big Island of Hawaii

Please meet at the airport at 5:00 AM for your interisland flight on Hawaiian Airlines and promptly check at the Hawaiian Airlines Ticket Counter or Self-Service Kiosk. Make sure to check in for all flights (round trip) and then proceed to the designated gate for departure.

Hotel pickup

No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

Ends at

Upon arrival at Hilo International Airport, our driver will pick you up between 830-8:45 AM at the BUS GROUP/TAXI Area at the end of the baggage claim building. (Located near the restrooms on the West End).

Ends at

Please meet at the airport at 5:00 AM for your interisland flight on Hawaiian Airlines and promptly check at the Hawaiian Airlines Ticket Counter or Self-Service Kiosk. Make sure to check in for all flights (round trip) and then proceed to the designated gate for departure.

Before you book

Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Languages
en
Ticket
Mobile Only
Runs on
Every day
Group size
Up to 14 travelers per booking
Operated by
Polynesian Adventure Tours

Know before you go

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Passengers must provide date of birth and gender at the time of booking per TSA requirements
  • Once reservation is made, tour is non-refundable and non-changeable
  • The interisland airfare may fluctuate based on flight availability. Additional fees may be required to be paid by the customer in these cases.
  • Passengers with asthma and other respiratory problems should please consider other tour offerings to avoid potential health problems resulting from exposure to fumes
  • Lava sightings not guaranteed
  • IMPORTANT: The name you enter at the time of booking must exactly match what appears on your valid government-issued I.D. photo I.D. that you will use during travel. This is a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and FAA requirement and there is no flexibility with this policy. A valid government-issued ID (passport for non-US citizens) is required on the day of travel. If a passenger is denied boarding, there will be no refund.
  • Special Needs requests must be called in to the local supplier AT LEAST 1 week prior to tour date.
  • Interisland flight times and routes are subject to change

Photos

Day Trip from Oahu to Hilo: Volcano Adventure in Big Island of Hawaii, photo 2Day Trip from Oahu to Hilo: Volcano Adventure in Big Island of Hawaii, photo 3Day Trip from Oahu to Hilo: Volcano Adventure in Big Island of Hawaii, photo 4Day Trip from Oahu to Hilo: Volcano Adventure in Big Island of Hawaii, photo 5Day Trip from Oahu to Hilo: Volcano Adventure in Big Island of Hawaii, photo 6

What travelers are saying

Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 600 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

Knowledge and storytelling

7 mentions

Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

The guide

5 mentions

Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

Traveler reviews

600 verified traveler reviews for Day Trip from Oahu to Hilo: Volcano Adventure. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

5 star
317
4 star
142
3 star
54
2 star
46
1 star
41
Sort
G2647HPbrandyr · September 2026

So many beautiful stops

I am glad we left Oahu to see the national park and other beautiful parts of the big island. The weather at the top where you look out at the volcano was windy and rainy but still great! It was so cool to go from the outlook over the volcano to seeing what the cooled lava looked liked and then to change drastically to a tropical eco system to walk through the lava tube. Then we got additional site setting that included things like beautiful waterfalls. I would recommend it for sure!

via Tripadvisor

ericrW4010EM · September 2026

Great Kono tour

Did tour thru NCL, and we had a great time. Our guide Albert Nelmida was fantastic, very knowledgeable. He was also our guide the next day for our tour of the West side of Kono.

via Tripadvisor

B5203WIvaleried · August 2026

Very enjoyable I will definitely pass it on.

He was very kind, friendly, understanding very clear.

via Tripadvisor

valeriejE3188WG · July 2026

YMT Big Island Day 4

Where do I begin? This trip/excursion was extraordinary! Our driver and guide, Albert Nelmida was very knowledgeable and engaging. You will gain an extensive history lesson and helpful information on HI way of life. We were taken to an active volcano, which was majestic, and some popular bakeries. We drove through a rainforest, saw the picturesque Liliewokalani Gardens and received language lessons. This trip was well with the time and investment!

via Tripadvisor

nancybL3037KN · July 2026

Volcano National Park

Not enough stops. Don’t like kick back stops . Don’t need candy stops right after ship breakfast. Wish I knew how much it rains before I signed up. Driver Albert was knowledgeable, friendly and informative.

Response from the operator: Thank you for your feedback. We're glad to hear you enjoyed your guide. We appreciate your comments and have shared your feedback with our team as we continue evaluating the guest experience. Mahalo!

via Tripadvisor

Good to know

Duration
12 hours
Free cancellation
Up to 24h before
Minimum age to book
All ages
Availability
Bookable today
Runs on
Every day
Price range
$621 to $654
Hotel pickup
No pickup, meet at start point
Booked in 30 days
210
Verdict
Solid Choice

Who runs this experience

Operated by Polynesian Adventure Tours, who run 22 experiences we rank across 7 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 70.7 and 1 in the 90+ Club.

See everything Polynesian Adventure Tours runs

Why this scores 63

The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

Traveler sentiment (30% weight)37
Review evidence (18% weight)82
Booking momentum (14% weight)79
Value for money (12% weight)72
Listing quality (10% weight)89
Local standing (8% weight)0
Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

Day Trip from Oahu to Hilo: Volcano Adventure: questions travelers ask

Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Big Island of Hawaii.

How much does Day Trip from Oahu to Hilo: Volcano Adventure cost?

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Prices start at $621 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Big Island of Hawaii usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

How long does Day Trip from Oahu to Hilo: Volcano Adventure take?

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Plan for about 12 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Big Island of Hawaii is not rushed.

Is Day Trip from Oahu to Hilo: Volcano Adventure worth it?

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It holds an Outty Ranking of 63 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.1/5 across 601 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Big Island of Hawaii, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

Can I cancel or reschedule Day Trip from Oahu to Hilo: Volcano Adventure?

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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

Is Day Trip from Oahu to Hilo: Volcano Adventure suitable for kids and families?

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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 12-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

How far in advance should I book Day Trip from Oahu to Hilo: Volcano Adventure?

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Around 210 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Big Island of Hawaii can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

What should I bring or wear?

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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Big Island of Hawaii and add a light layer if any part of the 12-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

Where does Day Trip from Oahu to Hilo: Volcano Adventure start and how do I get there?

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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Big Island of Hawaii within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

What are the best things to do in Big Island of Hawaii?

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The Big Island is volcano country: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park tours, Mauna Kea summit stargazing, night manta ray snorkels off Kona, Waipio Valley lookouts and coffee farm visits. Summit tours have real altitude rules, so we weight safety detail. On Outty we rank every Big Island of Hawaii experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Big Island: Captain Cook Snorkel On A Power Catamaran With Lunch, KONA Manta Ray Night Snorkel - FREE re-ride if no Sightings, Big Island in a Day: Volcanoes Waterfalls Sightseeing and History. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

When is the best time to visit Big Island of Hawaii?

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April to October, though the island runs year round. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

How many days do you need in Big Island of Hawaii?

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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

What is included in Day Trip from Oahu to Hilo: Volcano Adventure?

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Included: Tour narration by a professional driver/guide; Lunch; Air-conditioned vehicle; Interisland R/T airfare (airfare overage charge may apply); and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park admission fee. Not included: Gratuities; Transportation to and from Honolulu Airport; and Airline flight overage charges. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

Where is the meeting point for Day Trip from Oahu to Hilo: Volcano Adventure?

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Upon arrival at Hilo International Airport, our driver will pick you up between 830-8:45 AM at the BUS GROUP/TAXI Area at the end of the baggage claim building. (Located near the restrooms on the West End). Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

What languages is Day Trip from Oahu to Hilo: Volcano Adventure offered in?

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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Day Trip from Oahu to Hilo: Volcano Adventure?

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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

Is Day Trip from Oahu to Hilo: Volcano Adventure wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

What happens to Day Trip from Oahu to Hilo: Volcano Adventure if the weather is bad?

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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

What do travelers say about Day Trip from Oahu to Hilo: Volcano Adventure?

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Across 601 reviews averaging 4.1 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

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