
Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcanic Experience, Lava Tubes, Waterfalls
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 18 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcanic Experience, Lava Tubes, Waterfalls worth booking?
Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcanic Experience, Lava Tubes, Waterfalls is a 5.5-hour experience in Big Island of Hawaii, United States, from $159 per person. It scores 72 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 18 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 72 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (18)
- Duration
- 5.5 hours
- From
- $159 per person
Join BIG HAWAI'I TOURS captivating exploration of the Big Island's lush and volcanic windward side! -Luxury van not a 25–60 passenger coach -Pickup at the ship when disembarking allowed and return for a late, on-board lunch -Owner-guided (Fred & Maryna) -Itinerary flexed for weather/closures/eruptions -Water, island drinks, and homegrown snacks included -Suitable for all fitness levels During active eruptions, witness the mighty Kīlauea - the world’s most active volcano. On dormant days, we'll skip the long drive to the crowded park to enjoy black sand coastlines with playful dolphin pods and unique lava formations hidden from tourists. See cavernous lava tubes, majestic waterfalls, and tropical jungles, and savor locally-raised macadamia sweets. BIG HAWAII TOURS are daily curated to maximize your limited time in Hilo. This 5.5-hour morning tour can be bundled with our BIG HAWAII TOURS afternoon TROPICAL ESCAPE for a full, memorable day with guaranteed "all-aboard" for cruisers.
What you get
About this experience
Join BIG HAWAI'I TOURS captivating exploration of the Big Island's lush and volcanic windward side! -Luxury van not a 25–60 passenger coach -Pickup at the ship when disembarking allowed and return for a late, on-board lunch -Owner-guided (Fred & Maryna) -Itinerary flexed for weather/closures/eruptions -Water, island drinks, and homegrown snacks included -Suitable for all fitness levels During active eruptions, witness the mighty Kīlauea - the world’s most active volcano. On dormant days, we'll skip the long drive to the crowded park to enjoy black sand coastlines with playful dolphin pods and unique lava formations hidden from tourists. See cavernous lava tubes, majestic waterfalls, and tropical jungles, and savor locally-raised macadamia sweets. BIG HAWAII TOURS are daily curated to maximize your limited time in Hilo. This 5.5-hour morning tour can be bundled with our BIG HAWAII TOURS afternoon TROPICAL ESCAPE for a full, memorable day with guaranteed "all-aboard" for cruisers.
What's included
Included
- Admission fees
- We Work With Ship Arrival/Departure Times
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Snacks
Not included
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Hilo
On this unforgettable excursion, you will have the rare opportunity to see a live volcano during active eruptions and walk through an incredible underground lava tube. Your journey continues with a perfect photo opportunity where you can take a selfie by the most iconic waterfalls in Hawai'i, followed by a delicious stop to enjoy locally grown and packaged Big Island sweets right in Hilo. Designed with cruise passengers in mind, the tour ensures you will be safely returned to your ship with plenty of time for an on-board lunch and an opportunity to freshen up before your afternoon activities begin. We will only pass through Hilo Town and catch a glimpse of King Kamehameha the Great.
Pass by without stopping
Lili'uokalani Gardens
Take-in the tropical beauty of this ocean-side Japanese garden and take a quick picture of Hilo Town across the harbor with Mauna Kea staring down from it's 14,000 foot elevation.
5 minutes here
Boiling Pots
We will catch a couple picturesque waterfalls as we explore the lush, green windward side of the Big Island.
10 minutes here · Admission included
Rainbow Falls
This beautiful waterfall is usually one of our first stops, depending on traffic and weather.
10 minutes here · Admission included
Kaumana Caves Park
On days the Kilaeau is dormant, we will avoid the long drive to the crowded Nat'l Park and experience more peaceful but equally "volcanic" wonders, including this off-the-beaten path lava tube surrounded by lush jungle (does have steep steps down into the lava tube, so less adventurous travelers can enjoy the view from the top).
15 minutes here
On dormant volcano days, travelers will get to see the unique "lava trees" caused by a fast-moving lava flow, adding to the "volcanic experience" of our tour.
10 minutes here
Leilani Estates
See what a massive volcanic fissure in 2018 did to a residential neighborhood. A good reminder that the Big Island continues to add to its mass through fire and molten lava.
Pass by without stopping
Isaac Hale Beach Park
Black sand beach with natural thermal heated pools. See how the lava flow reached the ocean, eventually creating black sand beaches.
10 minutes here · Admission included
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
On days that Kilauea is erupting with Pele's wrath, we will prioritize heading straight to the Nat'l Park. On dormant days, we will save the long drive to the crowded park and experience the impact of past eruptions, including recent lava flows that took out entire neighborhoods and added to the size of the BIG Island.
120 minutes here
Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor Center
Time permitting, you will have the opportunity to enjoy some free samples and possibly purchase a box of two of our favorite, locally raised/packaged macadamia nut sweets.
15 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- ru, uk, en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Big Hawai'i Tours
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 16 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
16 verified traveler reviews for Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcanic Experience, Lava Tubes, Waterfalls. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
BigHawaiiTours Delivered As Promised!
We had an amazing, full day with BigHawaiiTours. Fred was the best guide and Maryna a perfect hostess. This married couple have put a lot into their tours, and it shows. We bundled both their morning Volcano/Waterfalls (this tour) and their Tropical Escape (will review separately). Because they are fairly new, they asked that we provide a TA review, even though we booked direct with them. We highly recommedn BigHawaiiTours!
via Tripadvisor
Great tour with wonderful guides!
Fred and Marina provide a great tour and are wonderful guides. It’s a great way to explore the island and see the sights. I highly recommend booking with them.
via Tripadvisor
Excellent, fantastic, brilliant, phenomenal, best guided tour
Excellent, fantastic, brilliant, phenomenal, best guided tour .. very knowledgeable, friendly and helpful... I highly recommend Fred and his wonderful wife , 5 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Response from the operator: Mahalo!!!! We appreciate entrusting your limited time to BigHawaiiTours!
via Tripadvisor
Outstanding Tour
Great experience, really enjoyed the lava tour and going through jungle. Fred is amazing and gave lots of info on the island. Water falls were good too Highly recommend doing tour with Fred.
Response from the operator: So appreciate your wonderfully positive feedback! We really enjoyed your group and we're blessed with great weather (even though Pele didn't bless us with her wrathful lava eruption). Mahalo
via Tripadvisor
Top notch tour and guides!
We had an excellent experience with Big Hawai’i Tours. Fred and Maryna were excellent hosts and very knowledgeable guides! Checking in on weather conditions to ensure the best views, and seeing so many beautiful places! We traveled very comfortably in their mini bus and they checked on us often to make sure we were comfortable or if anyone needed a bathroom break or a snack! I love supporting local businesses because they are the most invested in making sure you have a great experience or service and this held true with Big Hawai’i tours and at great prices too! Thanks for helping us make awesome memories in Hawaii and we will definitely book again when back on the Big Island 🌺🌴🌸 Trina Miller
Response from the operator: Mahalo, Trina! We had a great day with you and can't wait to have you back on our little island (we'll treat you to our Tropical Escape)! Aloha!
via Tripadvisor
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
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 6
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Big Hawai'i Tours, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 61.3.
See everything Big Hawai'i Tours runsWhy this scores 72
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcanic Experience, Lava Tubes, Waterfalls: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Big Island of Hawaii.
How much does Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcanic Experience, Lava Tubes, Waterfalls cost?
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Prices start at $159 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 Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcanic Experience, Lava Tubes, Waterfalls 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 Big Island of Hawaii is not rushed.
Is Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcanic Experience, Lava Tubes, Waterfalls worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 72 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 18 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 Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcanic Experience, Lava Tubes, Waterfalls?
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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: Volcanic Experience, Lava Tubes, Waterfalls 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: Volcanic Experience, Lava Tubes, Waterfalls?
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Around 6 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 5.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcanic Experience, Lava Tubes, Waterfalls 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 Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcanic Experience, Lava Tubes, Waterfalls?
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Included: Admission fees; We Work With Ship Arrival/Departure Times; In-vehicle air conditioning; and Snacks. Not included: Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcanic Experience, Lava Tubes, Waterfalls include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 3 listed pickup locations in and around Big Island of Hawaii. Be ready about 10 minutes before the start time.
What languages is Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcanic Experience, Lava Tubes, Waterfalls offered in?
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It is offered in Russian, Ukrainian and 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 Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcanic Experience, Lava Tubes, Waterfalls?
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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 Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcanic Experience, Lava Tubes, Waterfalls 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 Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcanic Experience, Lava Tubes, Waterfalls if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Big Island of Hawaii. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcanic Experience, Lava Tubes, Waterfalls?
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Across 18 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, food and drink, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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