Big Island Scenic Tour: Volcano, Hilo & Rainbow Falls

Walk through an active volcano's caldera and lava tube, then stand under Rainbow Falls

A full-day guided tour from Hilo covering Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Rainbow Falls, the Hilo Farmer's Market and coastal stops, with lunch and water included. Groups stay under 14 guests and a local guide leads in English. Pickup is available in the Hilo area. Children from age 5 are welcome. The tour runs seven hours and includes rain gear.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Rainbow Falls30m
2. Hilo Farmers Market45m
3. Liliʻuokalani Gardenspassing by
4. Richardson Ocean Park45m

Explore Big Island's natural and cultural sites

• Visit Kilauea volcano caldera
• Walk through ancient lava tube
• Feel volcanic steam vents
• See landscapes shaped by lava
• Enjoy local island lunch
• Drive Old Māmalahoa Highway
• Stop at Kawainui Falls
• Visit Rainbow Falls and banyan tree
• Explore Hilo Farmer's Market
• Brief stop at King Kamehameha statue
• Pass Liliuokalani Gardens
• Relax at Richardson's Beach and tide pools

The experience

The day starts at Kilauea, the world's most active volcano. You'll walk into the massive caldera where the volcano frequently erupts, move through an ancient lava tube, and feel the heat rising from volcanic steam vents. The landscapes here are shaped by fire and time: black rock, ash fields, and the raw evidence of what the island is still building. After the park, you stop for lunch at a local Hawaiian-style restaurant where one entree per guest is included.

The drive back takes you along the Old Māmalahoa Highway, a winding road through lush forests on the Hāmākua Coast with ocean views opening up at every turn. You'll stop at Kawainui Falls, a waterway that emerges from inside a giant lava tube. Then comes Rainbow Falls near Hilo: an 80-foot drop fed by the Wailuku River, and on sunny mornings the mist catches light and throws a rainbow across the water. A massive banyan tree stands nearby, photo-ready and old enough to feel like a landmark itself. Your guide shares the history and legends of the river as you explore.

The rest of the afternoon moves through Hilo's quieter side: the Hilo Farmer's Market in downtown, a vibrant local marketplace open seven days a week with fresh produce, local treats and handmade crafts; a brief stop at the King Kamehameha statue to hear about the chief who united the islands; Liliʻuokalani Gardens, the largest authentic Edo-style garden outside Japan, with arched bridges, ponds and towering banyan trees; and Richardson Ocean Park, a black-sand beach where tide pools often hold green sea turtles and the view opens onto Hilo Bay. The tour includes bottled water and rain gear throughout.

What’s included

• Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park entry and a walk through an ancient lava tube.
• one entree per guest at a local Hawaiian-style restaurant.
• bottled water and rain gear throughout the day.
• stops at Rainbow Falls, Hilo Farmer's Market, Liliʻuokalani Gardens, Richardson Ocean Park and the King Kamehameha statue.
• pickup in the Hilo area and a local guide in English.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (13 to 90 years) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 12 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Lehua Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to cover Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Rainbow Falls, and Hilo's farmer market in one seven-hour day with a local guide steering the route and pacing.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 12 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly will I see at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on this tour?

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park shows you Kilauea's massive caldera where the volcano frequently erupts. You walk through an ancient lava tube, feel heat from volcanic steam vents, and see landscapes shaped by volcanic activity: the raw rock and ash fields that make up an active volcano.

Is Rainbow Falls worth the trip, or is it just another waterfall?

Rainbow Falls is an 80-foot waterfall fed by the Wailuku River near Hilo. On sunny mornings, the mist catches light and creates a rainbow across the falling water. A massive, photo-worthy banyan tree grows nearby, and your guide shares the history and legends of the Wailuku River.

How long is this tour and what's included in the price?

The tour runs seven hours and includes Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park entry, one entree per guest at a local restaurant, bottled water, rain gear, and pickup in the Hilo area. A local guide leads the group in English throughout the day.

What is Liliʻuokalani Gardens, and is it worth seeing?

Liliʻuokalani Gardens is the largest authentic Edo-style garden outside Japan, located in Hilo. It features arched bridges, ponds, lush greenery, statues and towering banyan trees: a serene place to walk and take photos.

Will I have time to swim at Richardson Beach?

Richardson Ocean Park is a black-sand beach on Hilo Bay where the tour makes a stop. You can explore tide pools where green sea turtles often gather and take a quick swim if you'd like.