Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcanic Experience, Lava Tubes, Waterfalls
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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
5.0/5
Based on 11 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 69 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 11 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 69 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (11)
- Duration
- 5.5 hours
- From
- $159 per person
Join our captivating exploration of the Big Island's lush, windward side in BIG HAWAII TOURS' luxury, small-group van. During active eruptions, you'll witness the mighty Kīlauea - the world’s most active volcano. But on
What you get
About this experience
Join our captivating exploration of the Big Island's lush, windward side in BIG HAWAII TOURS' luxury, small-group van. During active eruptions, you'll witness the mighty Kīlauea - the world’s most active volcano. But on dormant days, we'll skip the long drive to the crowded park to enjoy black sand coastlines and unique lava formations hidden from most tourists. We'll also explore cavernous lava tubes, majestic waterfalls, and tropical jungles and savor locally-raised macadamia nuts/sweets. Our BIG HAWAII TOURS are daily curated to maximize visitors/cruise passengers limited time in Hilo. This 5.5-hour morning tour has no strenuous hikes, and can be bundled with our BIG HAWAII TOURS afternoon TROPICAL ESCAPE for a full, memorable day with guaranteed "all-aboard" for cruisers. - Volcanic lava formations/tubes and tropical waterfalls - Black-sand/lava-cliff coasts (non-eruption days) - Daily-tailored itinerary - Suitable for all fitness levels
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.
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 14 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 11 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
11 verified traveler reviews for Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcanic Experience, Lava Tubes, Waterfalls. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Best Big Island Tour
Fantastic tour and was a perfect way to see a lot of the big island. The volcano and lava tubes were amazing.
via Tripadvisor
Moving Experience ... Highly Recommend
We really enjoyed the off the beaten sites that Fred took us to, and appreciated the great selfies and pix that Maryna helped orchestrate. While we missed Kilaeua's eruption, we saw the real world effects of this lively volcano. Moving experience.
via Tripadvisor
Amazing tour
It was an amazing tour with good vibes and an incredible view of all the places. The information was amazing and we all learned so much. Also the food/drinks provided were excellent and the gift given at the very end was a sweet gift that made me so happy. And the length of the tour was perfect length as they were considerate of the time spent idle. Overall this tour was the best tour I have been on, in Hawaii and in my previous travel trips.
Response from the operator: We were very moved by the kind words of your daughter at the end of our tour and by your family's positive reaction to our time with you. Now back to your "concrete jungle" hahaha! Please tell all your NY friends/family to come join our tour next time they come out to The Big! Mahalo!
via Tripadvisor
BHT Knows Hilo!
By far the best day of our two weeks on the Big Island. Thank you Big Hawaii Tours. Only regret is that we didn't book Fred and Maryna's bundle tours our first day, as it was such an insightful introduction to the windward side. From the morning volcanic experience to the afternoon waterfalls and black sand beaches, BHT covered it all. Mahalo!
Response from the operator: Very kind. Mahalo! While it was disappointing you just missed the eruption by one day, we were so pleased you enjoyed our alternative itinerary (showing the awe-inspiring impacts and even the heartbreak of the most active volcano in the world).
via Tripadvisor
Hilo's Beauty & Big Hawaii Tours' Professionalism Were Tops
Our family of 5 had an incredible, all-day experience from Hilo with Fred & Marina (Big Hawaii Tours). Every stop was picturesque, the drive was smooth and in their premium tour van, and Marina even provided us local soft drinks, cold water bottles, and local snacks. Hilo is gorgeous and Big Hawaii Tours is spectacular. 5 stars!
Response from the operator: We were grateful to be entrusted with your family's time in Hilo and happy you so enjoyed it. Mahalo!
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
- 4
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 69
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 69 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 11 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 4 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 KONA Manta Ray Night Snorkel - FREE re-ride if no Sightings, Big Island in a Day: Volcanoes Waterfalls Sightseeing and History, Big Island: Captain Cook Snorkel On A Power Catamaran With Lunch. 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.
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