Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcano Safari Lava Caves & Black Sand
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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
4.8/5
Based on 429 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcano Safari Lava Caves & Black Sand worth booking?
Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcano Safari Lava Caves & Black Sand is a 6-hour experience in Hilo, United States, from $160 per person. It scores 86 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 429 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 86 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (429)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $160 per person
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 forme
What you get
About this experience
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
What's included
Included
- Bottled water
- Professional guide
- Port pickup and drop-off / Hilo Hotel pickup and drop-off
Not included
- Souvenirs
- Gratuities
- Lunch- Stop made by local vendor for customers to purchase
What you'll see and do
Lili'uokalani Gardens
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.
Pass by without stopping
Hilo
Drive through the historical downtown Hilo as you will learn about the devastating tsunamis of the past
Pass by without stopping
Rainbow Falls
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 minutes here · Admission included
Kaumana Caves Park
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 minutes here
Pahoa
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.
Pass by without stopping
Lava Tree State Park
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 minutes here
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. If the beach is closed due to unforeseen circumstances, an alternate black sand beach will be substituted.
20 minutes here
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 minutes here
Malama Market
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 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Hilo
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
Hilo
CRUISE SHIP CUSTOMERS: Check in time 15 min before the scheduled 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.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Ends at
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.
Ends at
CRUISE SHIP CUSTOMERS: Check in time 15 min before the scheduled 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.
Options you can book
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
Holland America 10:30 am
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 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
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
- C Big Island Tours
Know before you go
- 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.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 429 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
3 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
429 verified traveler reviews for Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcano Safari Lava Caves & Black Sand. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great trip
Jess was amazing The day was well planned and best way to explore the island
Response from the operator: We truly appreciate your 5 stars! ⭐ Nothing makes us happier than knowing our guests had an incredible time 🌊
via Tripadvisor
Non lava but great Rob
Rob has been great. Unfortunately we did not see lava
Response from the operator: Mahalo for the 5 stars! We’re so happy you enjoyed your Big Island adventure with us sorry about the unfortunate lava sigh seen.
via Tripadvisor
Amazing
Amazing. The tour guide was great. The views were incredible.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your glowing review! We hope to welcome you back to Hawaii again soon. C Big Island Team
via Tripadvisor
Awesome would recommend
Very great pretty places we saw and Robert was a good tour guide sharing lots of interesting fun facts and stuff about Hawaii. It was a little long but for what we paid it was good. We all had a good time
Response from the operator: So glad you had a great experience! Thank you for letting us be part of your C Big Island memories.
via Tripadvisor
Great tour 🌞
Great fun day lots to see. Cousin Ernie was the best 5 stars all the way! :)
Response from the operator: Mahalo for the 5 stars! We’re so happy you enjoyed your Big Island adventure with us.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 6 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 150
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 86
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcano Safari Lava Caves & Black Sand: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Hilo.
How much does Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcano Safari Lava Caves & Black Sand cost?
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Prices start at $160 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: Volcano Safari Lava Caves & Black Sand take?
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Plan for about 6 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: Volcano Safari Lava Caves & Black Sand worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 86 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 429 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Hilo, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcano Safari Lava Caves & Black Sand?
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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: Volcano Safari Lava Caves & Black Sand suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcano Safari Lava Caves & Black Sand?
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Around 150 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 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcano Safari Lava Caves & Black Sand 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: Active Volcano, Lava Tube, Waterfall and Gardens, 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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