Hilo Shore Excursion: Kilauea Volcano, Lava Tube & Waterfalls

Walk inside a 500-year-old lava tunnel where molten rock once rushed through.

This small-group tour from Hilo visits Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to see Kilauea caldera, walk the Thurston Lava Tube through rainforest, drive Chain of Craters Road past frozen lava fields, and end at Rainbow Falls and Liliʻuokalani Gardens. The 5.5-hour day includes private transportation, a professional guide, park admission and local chocolate and coffee. Cruise ship passengers are picked up at the Port of Hilo. Hotel guests in Hilo get pickup from their lodging, or meet at Hilo Mo'oheau Bus Terminal if staying elsewhere. Covered walking shoes are required, a jacket recommended, and you'll walk at least a mile on uneven terrain.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park2h · entry included
2. Thurston Lava Tube30m · entry included
3. Chain of Craters Road30m · entry included
4. Rainbow Falls20m
5. Liliʻuokalani Gardens20m

Volcano, rainforest, waterfall and gardens

• Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
• Walk through Thurston Lava Tube
• Explore Chain of Craters Road
• View Rainbow Falls waterfall
• Taste handmade chocolates and coffee
• Stroll around Liliuokalani Gardens

The experience

What makes a day trip to Hilo worth the time? Getting to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park without arranging your own transport, and having someone who knows the geology explain what you're standing in front of. The tour starts at Kilauea caldera, where you'll see the dramatic changes from the recent eruption, feel the heat of steam vents rising from volcanic formations, and learn how past lava flows shaped the landscape. The guide walks you through what happened and what's still happening on this active volcano.

From there you walk into Thurston Lava Tube, Nahuku in Hawaiian, a 500-year-old tunnel carved by molten lava. The path cuts through Hawaiian rainforest, and the temperature drops as you enter the underground passage. After the lava tube, you drive Chain of Craters Road to see frozen fields of lava from past eruptions and peer down into craters that were once active. The road itself is the sightseeing. You stop and walk where the geology tells a story.

The afternoon shifts to Hilo town. Rainbow Falls, Waianuenue, drops 80 feet, and you'll see it in the tropical landscape while the guide shares Hawaiian legends. Then comes a short walk through Liliʻuokalani Gardens along Hilo Bay, where fishponds, pagodas and landscaping give you a moment to settle. Before heading back, you get locally made chocolates, macadamia nuts and island coffee. The whole day is five and a half hours, which means if you're on a cruise ship, the timing works around your port departure. If you're staying in Hilo, pickup happens from your hotel.

What’s included

• Private transportation from your Hilo hotel (or from Hilo Mo'oheau Bus Terminal if you're staying outside town).
• professional guide in English.
• Hawaii Volcanoes National Park admission.
• locally made chocolates, macadamia nuts and island coffee.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to Friday5 departure times: the first at 07:30, the last at 09:30

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (10 to 17 years) · Under 10: can't be booked

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 7 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 or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Mauka Makai Adventures

Is this one for you?At 5.5 hours, this tour fits a cruise ship port day or a morning-to-afternoon excursion from Hilo without eating your whole day. The walk is steady (at least a mile on uneven lava terrain), so you need moderate fitness and covered shoes, but the pace is set by a guide who knows where to stop and what the landscape means.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (10 to 17 years). Children under 10 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's the walk like inside Thurston Lava Tube?

Thurston Lava Tube is a 500-year-old tunnel where you walk through Hawaiian rainforest before entering the cool underground passage carved by ancient lava. The path is on uneven terrain, and you'll need covered walking shoes. The guide explains the geology as you move through.

Will I see molten lava on this tour?

The tour visits Kilauea caldera and shows you the effects of the recent eruption, steam vents and volcanic formations, but the operator does not guarantee you will see molten lava.

How do I get picked up if I'm arriving by cruise ship?

Cruise ship passengers are picked up directly at the Port of Hilo, and the tour timing adjusts to fit your ship's departure schedule.

What should I bring for the walking?

Covered walking shoes are required because you'll walk at least a mile on uneven terrain across lava fields and through rainforest. A jacket is highly recommended for changing weather and altitude.

Is there food or water available during the tour?

The tour includes locally made chocolates, macadamia nuts and island coffee. You're welcome to bring your own snacks and refillable water bottle. There are no meal purchases along the way.