Hilo Shore Excursion: Active Volcano, Lava Tube, Waterfall and Gardens
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 446 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Hilo Shore Excursion: Active Volcano, Lava Tube, Waterfall and Gardens worth booking?
Hilo Shore Excursion: Active Volcano, Lava Tube, Waterfall and Gardens is a 5.5-hour experience in Hilo, United States, from $188 per person. It scores 88 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 446 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 88 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (446)
- Duration
- 5.5 hours
- From
- $188 per person
A day trip to Hilo is not complete without a visit to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home to one of the world's most active volcanoes. Witness the current volcanic eruption at the summit of Kilauea volcano, learn of pa
What you get
About this experience
A day trip to Hilo is not complete without a visit to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home to one of the world's most active volcanoes. Witness the current volcanic eruption at the summit of Kilauea volcano, learn of past geologic events and the effects on this ever changing landscape. Feel the heat of steam vents, then traverse an ancient lava tube nestled in the cool mist of the Hawaiian rainforest. Conclude your day indulging your senses around Hilo town including the majestic Rainbow Falls, Liliuokalani Gardens, and tasty locally made chocolates and coffee on this small group tour.
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- Snacks
- Bottled water
- Professional guide
- National park admission fee
Not included
- Lunch
- Gratuities
- We DO NOT provide transportation from Kona or Waikoloa. Please meet us in Hilo at the bus terminal.
What you'll see and do
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park including a visit to Kilauea caldera where you will witness the dramatic changes from our recent eruption, experience the steam vents and other volcanic formations from past lava flows.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Nahuku - Lava Tube
Enjoy a walk through the Hawaiian rainforest to Nahuku (Thurston Lava Tube). Explore the 500 year old underground tube where hot molten lava once rushed through.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Chain of Craters Road
Explore frozen fields of lava from past volcanic eruptions and peer down into once active volcanic craters. Learn about the history, culture and geology of Kilauea volcano.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Rainbow Falls
View the majestic 80 foot waterfall of Waianuenue or Rainbow Falls. Enjoy the tropical landscape as you learn the legends of Hawaii.
20 minutes here
Big Island Candies
Get your pep in your step with tasty hand-made chocolates, locally grown macadamia nuts and island fresh coffee!
15 minutes here
Lili'uokalani Gardens
Immerse yourself in tranquility with a short stroll around Liliuokalani Gardens as you enjoy the fishponds, pagodas and picture perfect landscaping along Hilo bay.
20 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before 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 12 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Mauka Makai Adventures
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- 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
- Youth ages 10 years and older only are allowed on this tour. All participants must have a paid seat. We do not allow children under the age of 10 years old.
- Covered walking shoes are required and a jacket is highly recommended.
- Participants must be able to walk a minimum of 1 mile on uneven terrain.
- Operates in all weather conditions (be prepared for sun, wind and rain).
- We do not guarantee you will see molten lava on this tour.
- HOTEL pick-up is offered for select HILO HOTELS ONLY. If you are staying outside of Hilo, please plan to meet at the Hilo Mo'oheau Bus Terminal (please confirm at time of booking).
- CRUISE SHIP passengers, we pick-up directly at the PORT OF HILO and will adjust the tour time as needed to accommodate your ships time in port.
- For a one DAY TRIP to the Big Island, please make your travel arrangements to and from the HILO AIRPORT. Schedule your flight arrival a minimum of 30 minutes prior to the tour start time AND provide your flight details at time of booking.
- Kilauea volcano is an active volcano, you may be exposed to volcanic gas on this tour.
- This tour cannot accommodate guests with wheelchairs, scooters or oxygen tanks.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 444 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
10 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
444 verified traveler reviews for Hilo Shore Excursion: Active Volcano, Lava Tube, Waterfall and Gardens. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great tour very supportive of cruise-ship sheduling.
Viator proved easy to use and kept us informed with on-phone tickets days before needed. Our guide, Jill Grotkin, was the bomb! Just the right amount of commentary along the way so there was also time for conversation. She seemed genuinely excited to be able to once-again get to sites closed due to hurricane Lala damages. We had a great time and never had any concerns about making the start or it ending in time for cruise-ship-dictated schedule.
via Tripadvisor
Perfect guide.
Very pleasant, personable, and knowledgable. Out guide provided the perfect amount of commentary along the route. She made an extra effort for us to catch a rare fountaining. She seemed genuinely excited and pleased at being able to access sites closed until that day due to hurricane Lala. Highly recommended.
via Viator
We had a great tour....
We had a great tour. Totally worth it. Jill was a fantastic tour guide. We were able to see a labe eruption and explore the lava tubes.
via Viator
Rainbows and Volcanos ❤️
This was an excellent day trip. Jill met our family (group of 11) at the port. The van was spacious and comfortable. The tour included the Rainbow Falls, Volcanos National Park, an easy walk to into the Lava Tube and a final stop to the chocolate factory. All in all, Jill was an amazing guide. She shared tons of stories and info about Hilo. It was nice to have an intimate experience during our tour.
via Viator
Benefited from knowledgeable tour guide!
This tour made a lot of stops to enjoy most of the volcanoes experience. Our tour guide Jill was very knowledgeable about the local history, hawaiian lore, fauna and the science about the volcanoes. Enough time was given to enjoy each stop. We really enjoyed the lava tube.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 5.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $188 to $196
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 156
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 88
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Hilo Shore Excursion: Active Volcano, Lava Tube, Waterfall and Gardens: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Hilo.
How much does Hilo Shore Excursion: Active Volcano, Lava Tube, Waterfall and Gardens cost?
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Prices start at $188 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Hilo usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Hilo Shore Excursion: Active Volcano, Lava Tube, Waterfall and Gardens take?
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Plan for about 5.5 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 Hilo is not rushed.
Is Hilo Shore Excursion: Active Volcano, Lava Tube, Waterfall and Gardens worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 88 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 446 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most highly reviewed in Hilo, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Hilo Shore Excursion: Active Volcano, Lava Tube, Waterfall and Gardens?
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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 Hilo Shore Excursion: Active Volcano, Lava Tube, Waterfall and Gardens suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Hilo Shore Excursion: Active Volcano, Lava Tube, Waterfall and Gardens?
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Around 156 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 Hilo 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 Hilo and add a light layer if any part of the 5.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Hilo Shore Excursion: Active Volcano, Lava Tube, Waterfall and Gardens 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 Hilo 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 Hilo?
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On Outty we rank every Hilo experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Hawaii Volcanoes, Waterfalls, Beaches & Hilo Highlights Day Tour, Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcano Safari Lava Caves & Black Sand, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Hilo Highlights Small Group Tour. 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 Hilo?
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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 Hilo?
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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.
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