Private Tour: Experience Active Kilauea Volcano & Hilo Rainbow Falls
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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 13 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private Tour: Experience Active Kilauea Volcano & Hilo Rainbow Falls worth booking?
Private Tour: Experience Active Kilauea Volcano & Hilo Rainbow Falls is a 5.5-hour experience in Hilo, United States, from $2255 per person. It scores 61 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 13 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 61 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (13)
- Duration
- 5.5 hours
- From
- $2255 per person
Treat yourself to an exclusive private tour of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Hilo's tropical beauty. Travel to the summit of Hawaii Island's youngest and most active volcano, Kilauea. If the timing is right you ma
What you get
About this experience
Treat yourself to an exclusive private tour of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Hilo's tropical beauty. Travel to the summit of Hawaii Island's youngest and most active volcano, Kilauea. If the timing is right you may witness the incredible show of an eruption! Experience the steaming Kilauea caldera, misty rainforest of Nahuku (Thurston lava tube), and the Chain of Craters Road. Enjoy short hikes along the way as you learn about past and present volcanic eruptions, different lava formations, and the history and Hawaiian culture of the area. As a private tour, you will have the option of spending the duration of your tour in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park with optional hiking or heading down to Hilo with stops at the majestic Rainbow Falls, Liliuokalani Gardens and a local chocolate factory. The Hilo & Volcano private tour begins in Hilo. If you choose the Volcano Only private tour, you may opt to meet in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
What's included
Included
- National park entry fee
- Private transportation
- Snacks
- Bottled water
- Professional guide
Not included
- Lunch
- Gratuities
- We DO NOT provide transportation from Kona or Waikoloa. Please meet us in Hilo or Volcano.
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 recent or perhaps current volcanic eruptions within Halema'uma'u crater. Feel the heat of steaming bluffs and enjoy the cool mist of the Hawaiian rainforest. Enjoy short hikes and Hawaiian cultural interpretation throughout Hawaii Volcanoes National Park with your certified national park guide.
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 volcanic formations amongst frozen fields of lava and peer down into once active volcanic craters. Learn the history, culture and geology of Kilauea volcano on this small group guided tour.
60 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
Enjoy the scenic drive through Liliuokalani Gardens with large banyan trees, fishponds, pagodas and picture perfect landscaping along Hilo bay.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 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 15 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.
- 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 13 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
9 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
13 verified traveler reviews for Private Tour: Experience Active Kilauea Volcano & Hilo Rainbow Falls. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Hilo experience
Jill was great. She had us laughing from the start. We stopped at Rainbow Falls to start and it was great to learn about the significance of the falls to the community. We then headed up to the Volcano National Park, it was eye opening, we hoped to see the eruption, but only steam. Jill shared a lot of info on the history of eruptions and what it meant/means for the community, great opportunity to learn. We really enjoyed walking in the lava tube. We stopped at a local chocolate store at the end and bought some home. Overall a great way to spend a day in Hilo. Thank you, Michael
via Tripadvisor
Great excursion!
Fantastic experience with Jill. Learned a great deal about the volcanoes and Hawaii history. Saw Rainbow Falls and went to the chocolate factory. Got picked up right at the port. Would highly recommend!
via Tripadvisor
Perfect for large geoup- 14
Josh was the perfect host and driver for our group. Multigeneration and move at various speeds. Everyone needs to use Josh and his wife. You will not regret it.
via Tripadvisor
Amazing tour!
Amazing tour of Volcano National Park!! Jill was our guide and grew up on the island. She was a wealth of knowledge. Being a small group we were able to see a ton of the park as well as explore some areas in Hilo. Definitely recommend this tour company!!
via Tripadvisor
Highly recommended Volcano Tour
First, Jill was an incredible guide!!! She has genuine and meaningful stories about the area. She was super attentive and catered to our specific requirements. We thought we had scheduled a different, longer tour, but I am so glad we ended up with Jill!! I would (and may) book this tour again in the future. Highly recommended!!
Response from the operator: Mahalo Kevin, please let us know when you return to Hawaiʻi Island!
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
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 5
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 61
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Tour: Experience Active Kilauea Volcano & Hilo Rainbow Falls: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Hilo.
How much does Private Tour: Experience Active Kilauea Volcano & Hilo Rainbow Falls cost?
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Prices start at $2255 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 Private Tour: Experience Active Kilauea Volcano & Hilo Rainbow Falls 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 Private Tour: Experience Active Kilauea Volcano & Hilo Rainbow Falls worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 61 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 13 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Hilo, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Private Tour: Experience Active Kilauea Volcano & Hilo Rainbow Falls?
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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 Private Tour: Experience Active Kilauea Volcano & Hilo Rainbow Falls 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 Private Tour: Experience Active Kilauea Volcano & Hilo Rainbow Falls?
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Around 5 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 Private Tour: Experience Active Kilauea Volcano & Hilo Rainbow Falls 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, Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcano Safari Lava Caves & Black Sand. 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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