Hilo Volcano Tour: Lava Caves, Black Sand Beach & Kilauea

Walk into lava tubes carved by Mauna Loa, then stand on black sand still warm from Kilauea's eruption.

This 6-hour volcano tour from Hilo explores Kilauea's geological aftermath and the lava caves of Kaumana Caves State Park, with stops at Rainbow Falls, the newest black sand beach in Hawaii, and the 2018 destruction zone near Pahoa. A professional guide leads the route, and pickup is included from Hilo cruise port or local hotels. The tour involves walking over uneven volcanic terrain and steep cave steps. Comfortable shoes are essential.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Liliʻuokalani Gardenspass by
2. Rainbow Falls20m · entry included
3. Kaumana Caves State Park20m

Explore Hilo and Volcano Highlights

• Visit Liliʻuokalani Gardens
• Drive through downtown Hilo
• See Rainbow Falls waterfall
• Explore Kaumana lava caves
• Drive through Pahoa town
• Walk among lava trees and fissure
• Visit newest black sand beach
• View Kilauea volcano destruction sites
• Stop for lunch at local deli

The experience

Kaumana Caves State Park is the centerpiece. You walk down into a lava tube through a skylight opening and descend steep steps into passages carved by molten lava from Mauna Loa. The guide explains how the tubes formed and points out the colors in the rock. The cave is cool and the ground is uneven. If the descent feels too steep, you can stay above ground. From there, the route moves through Pahoa, a former plantation town now known for its laid-back character and wooden boardwalks, where you'll see how close the 2018 lava flow came to erasing it entirely.

Rainbow Falls drops 80 feet into a pool below, and the mist often catches light into a rainbow, the waterfall's namesake. Liliʻuokalani Gardens, the largest Japanese garden outside Japan, sits on the route with stone lanterns, gazebos and torii gates left by Japanese immigrants who came to Hawaii. The tour also passes through downtown Hilo, where the guide discusses the tsunamis that reshaped the city's history.

The newest black sand beach in Hawaii is the final major stop: created entirely by Kilauea's lava flow, it covers what was once a boat harbor and ramp, which you can still see at the edge of the new sand. Swimming is not permitted. If that beach is closed, an alternate black sand beach is substituted. A lunch stop at a local deli or vendor is built into the day, though food is not included. The tour operates in all weather and may adjust stop order to give the best experience. Exact departure times depend on cruise ship arrival and departure, and the operator guarantees timely return to the Hilo pier.

What’s included

• Professional English-speaking guide.
• bottled water.
• pickup and drop-off from Hilo cruise port or Hilo hotel.
• access to Kaumana Caves State Park, Rainbow Falls, Liliʻuokalani Gardens, the 2018 lava destruction zone and Hawaii's newest black sand beach.

Options for this experience

3 options

Passenger from the Hilo Cruise ShipGuide in English · 11 departure times: the first at 07:45, the last at 13:30For cruise ship passengers: We run shore excursions and hold permits to collect guests straight from the Hilo port. Departure point: Port of Hilo, 80 Kuhio St, Hilo, HI 96720, USA. Pickup is included.

Holland America at 10:30 amGuide in English · Available from 18 Jan 2027Holland America Koningsdam: Special 10:30 am departure for this ship. Departure point: Port of Hilo, 80 Kuhio St, Hilo, HI 96720, USA. Pickup is included.

Pick-up from Hilo HotelGuide in English · 9 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 11:15Hilo Hawaiian Hotel: Meet at Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, 71 Banyan Dr, Hilo, HI 96720. Departure point: Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, a Trademark Collection by Wyndham, 71 Banyan Dr, Hilo, HI 96720, USA. Pickup is included.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day15 departure times: the first at 07:45, the last at 13:30

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Under 5: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 14

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 5 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 levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by C Big Island Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if your cruise docks in Hilo and you want a full-day exploration of Kilauea's volcanic landscape. We coordinate pickup and timing directly with your ship's schedule.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 12 years). Under 5: they 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 are the lava caves at Kaumana Caves State Park?

Kaumana Caves are lava tubes: tunnels carved by molten lava from Mauna Loa volcano. You enter through a skylight opening and descend steep steps into the cave, where the guide explains how the tubes formed and shows the colors in the rock walls. The ground is uneven and the steps are steep. Entry is optional if you prefer to stay above ground.

Is the newest black sand beach in Hawaii safe to swim in?

No, swimming is not permitted at the newest black sand beach created by Kilauea's lava flow. You walk on the sand and see the old boat harbor and ramp that are now cut off by the new beach formation, but water entry is not allowed at this location.

How long does the tour take and what's included in the price?

The tour runs approximately 6 hours and includes a professional English-speaking guide, bottled water, and pickup from either Hilo cruise port or a Hilo hotel. A lunch stop is made at a local vendor, but food and drinks are not included in the price.

What is Rainbow Falls and how does it get its name?

Rainbow Falls is an 80-foot waterfall near Hilo. The name comes from the rainbow that often appears in the mist rising from the water as it cascades down the rocks. The rainbow is visible when light hits the spray at the right angle.

What happened to Pahoa during the 2018 Kilauea eruption?

Pahoa, a laid-back town with wooden boardwalks and artistry charm, came close to being destroyed by the 2018 lava flow. The tour drives through the town and shows where the lava nearly wiped it off the map, as well as areas of mass destruction from the eruption nearby.

What kind of physical fitness is needed for this tour?

The tour requires at least a moderate level of physical fitness. You'll walk over uneven volcanic terrain, gravel, lava and steep steps, especially in the lava caves. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, and the cave descent is optional if it feels too steep for you.