Hilo: Volcanoes Park, Rainbow Falls & Liliʻuokalani Gardens Day Trip

Steam vents, banyan trees, and chocolate in Hilo’s wild heart

You’ll stroll Hilo’s peaceful Japanese gardens, taste fresh island chocolate, climb past giant banyans to see Rainbow Falls up close, and walk through steaming volcanic landscapes at Kīlauea—all with pickup included and a local guide sharing stories along the way. Expect moments of quiet awe mixed with laughter (and maybe muddy shoes). This isn’t just sightseeing—it’s feeling Hawaii breathe beneath your feet.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel or port pickup in Hilo (or even airport if you need), all entry fees for Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, a friendly local guide who knows every shortcut (and story), plus stops for fresh cookies and chocolates before heading back in time for dinner—or maybe just another coffee by those old plantation buildings downtown.

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Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Hilo and Volcanoes National Park

• Pass by Liliʻuokalani Gardens
• Visit Hilo Bayfront Beach Park
• See historic Downtown Hilo
• View Rainbow Falls
• Shop at Big Island Candies
• Explore Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
• Walk through Thurston Lava Tube
• See geothermal steam vents
• Drive Chain of Craters Road

The Experience

Someone hands me a piece of Big Island chocolate before we even leave downtown Hilo. I’m still tasting that sweet macadamia crunch as our guide—Keahi, who grew up just outside town—points out the old plantation buildings with their faded pastel paint. The windows are open everywhere, letting in the smell of rain and coffee from a nearby café. We pass Liliʻuokalani Gardens early on; red bridges curve over ponds dotted with koi, and there’s this quiet you don’t expect so close to the road. Keahi tells us how his grandma used to bring him here for picnics. I try to imagine being a kid running across those stones.

Rainbow Falls comes next—louder than I thought it’d be, with mist hanging in the air and banyan roots twisting down into the rocks. There’s this story about Hina, the moon goddess, living in a cave behind the falls. A couple of us climb up for a different angle (I nearly slip on some moss—watch your step), but it’s worth it for that view through tangled branches. Afterward we get back in the van and someone jokes about needing dry socks already.

By late morning we’re rolling into Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. The ground steams in places—literally—and you can feel warmth coming off the earth near the vents. Keahi hands out flashlights for Thurston Lava Tube; inside it smells like wet stone and something old, almost metallic. Chain of Craters Road is all black lava fields stretching forever. It’s weirdly silent except for wind and an occasional bird overhead. I keep thinking about how new this land is, like it just arrived yesterday.

We stop again for cookies at Big Island Candies (I buy too many), then head back toward Hilo with tired legs and volcanic dust on our shoes. Someone asks if Kīlauea will erupt today—Keahi just laughs and shrugs. “You never know.” That uncertainty sticks with me more than anything else from this day trip from Hilo to Volcanoes Park—I guess that’s what makes this place feel alive.

Top questions

How long does the Hilo day trip to Volcanoes Park take?

The tour lasts about 6–7 hours including transportation time and lunch.

Is hotel pickup included for this Volcanoes Park tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Hilo are included.

What do you see at Rainbow Falls?

You’ll see an 80-foot waterfall cascading into a lava cave surrounded by lush vegetation and giant banyan trees.

Are snacks or food included on this tour?

You’ll visit Big Island Candies for cookies and chocolates during the tour.

Is there much walking involved during this day trip?

There is some walking at sites like Liliʻuokalani Gardens, Rainbow Falls, Thurston Lava Tube, and around Volcanoes Park.

Can pregnant travelers join this tour?

This tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

Does this tour include entry fees to Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park?

Yes, entry/admission fees to Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park are included.

Where does the day trip start from?

The tour starts from Hilo with pickup available at hotels, airport (ITO), or Port of Hilo.