Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcanoes National Park & Black Sand Beach

Walk through a half-mile lava tube with descending stairs carved into volcanic rock, then stand at the rim of Kilauea Crater.

A guided shore excursion from Hilo covering Volcanoes National Park, Black Sand Beach, Rainbow Falls and Thurston Lava Tube, with professional guide, park entry and lunch included. Cruise passengers are picked up directly from the port. Hotel guests meet at Hilo Hawaiian Hotel. Departure times adjust to fit your ship's schedule, and return is timed to get you back before departure. The lava tube walk is a quarter-mile loop with stairs. Those who prefer can stay in the vehicle or view the scenery outside instead.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Richardson Ocean Park20m
2. Liliʻuokalani Gardenspass by
3. Rainbow Falls15m · entry included
4. Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory30m
5. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park1h 30m · entry included
6. Thurston Lava Tube20m · entry included

Explore Hilo and Volcanoes National Park

• Pick up from Hilo port or hotel
• Visit Black Sand Beach
• Drive by Liliuokalani Gardens
• See Rainbow Falls waterfall
• Drive through Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Farm
• Stop for lunch at local vendor
• Drive through downtown Hilo, see King Kamehameha Statue
• Visit Volcanoes National Park
• Walk through Thurston Lava Tube

The experience

The tour starts with a pickup either at Hilo port (for cruise passengers with special permits) or at Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, then moves through the town past the King Kamehameha Statue before heading toward the volcano. Along the way, you'll stop at Rainbow Falls, an 80-foot waterfall where rainbows often form in the mist as water cascades down, and pass through Liliʻuokalani Gardens: the largest Japanese garden outside Japan, donated by Queen Liliʻuokalani in 1917 and lined with stone lanterns, gazebos and torii gates. The Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory offers a tasting and chance to browse locally made island gifts (or Big Island Candies on Sundays when no cruise ship is in port). Lunch is a stop at a local deli or vendor, depending on the day.

The main event is Volcanoes National Park at the summit of Kilauea, where you'll see the collapsed caldera, steam vents, sulfur banks and scenic lookouts across dramatic volcanic landscape. The visitor center is currently closed for renovation, but exhibits and gifts have been moved to the KMC. The Thurston Lava Tube is a 0.4-mile loop trail with gradual descending and ascending stairs through low lighting. The guide explains how lava formed the tunnel. Guests who aren't comfortable with the stairs can stay in the vehicle or view the natural scenery outside. The final stop is Richardson Ocean Park's black sand beach, a local favorite formed by the interaction of ocean and volcanic activity.

The whole tour runs six hours and operates in all weather, so bring a light jacket: temperatures are cooler at the volcano. A professional guide leads the group in a 12–14 passenger van or minibus. Infants under 24 months can ride on a parent's lap under Hawaii law. If you're bringing a mobility device, notify the company beforehand. The device must be collapsible to fit through the 32-inch-wide minibus doors and cannot enter the lava tube, though you can stay in the vehicle at any time. Your return to the ship is guaranteed and timed to your departure schedule.

What’s included

• Professional guide in English.
• Volcanoes National Park entry fees.
• pickup and drop-off from Hilo port (cruise passengers) or Hilo Hawaiian Hotel (hotel guests).
• lunch at a local vendor.
• one bottle of water per guest.

Options for this experience

5 options

Meeting at Hilo Hawaiian HotelGuide in English · 8 departure times: the first at 08:45, the last at 10:45Meeting point: the lobby of Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, 71 Banyan Dr, Hilo, HI 96720. Starting point: Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, a Trademark Collection by Wyndham, 71 Banyan Dr, Hilo, HI 96720, USA

Hilo cruise ship passengersGuide in English · 10 departure times: the first at 07:30, the last at 14:00We are a shore excursion company holding permits to collect you directly from the Hilo port. Accessibility: if you use a walker or wheelchair, please contact us before you arrive so we can accommodate you.

10:30 am Holland AmericaGuide in English · Available from 18 Jan 2027Holland America - Koningsdam: special departure time for this ship at 10:30 am. Starting point: Port of Hilo, 80 Kuhio St, Hilo, HI 96720, USA

See 2 more options

NCL SPIRIT at 8:30 amGuide in English · Only on 2 Nov · 08:30Duration: 5 hours. NCL Spirit: We understand customs and immigration can take time. If there is a delay, don't worry, as we will wait for all guests. Starting point: Port of Hilo, 80 Kuhio St, Hilo, HI 96720, USA

Borealis 2:00 pmGuide in English · Available from 21 Feb 2027Borealis: 2:00 pm departure. Check in 15-20 minutes prior. Tour lasts 5.5 hours. Mac Nut Farm will be closed. No stop. Starting point: Port of Hilo, 80 Kuhio St, Hilo, HI 96720, USA

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 07:30, the last at 14:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 29

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

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 today

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfants must sit on laps

Operated by C Big Island Tours

Is this one for you?Pick this if you're arriving by cruise ship. We coordinate pickup directly from Hilo port and adjust departure times to match your ship's schedule, so you only need to show up.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3): free.

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 is the Thurston Lava Tube like to walk through?

Thurston Lava Tube is a 0.4-mile loop trail with gradual descending and ascending stairs through low lighting. The guide explains how lava formed the tunnel. If the stairs aren't suitable, you can stay in the vehicle or view the scenery outside instead.

Do I need to bring anything special for this tour?

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, and a light jacket or sweater, since temperatures are cooler at Volcano Park. The tour operates in all weather, so dress appropriately for changing conditions.

How does pickup work if I'm arriving on a cruise ship?

Cruise passengers are picked up directly from Hilo port with special permits. Departure times are adjusted to fit your ship's arrival and departure schedule, and the company ensures your timely return to the ship before it leaves port.

What happens at Rainbow Falls?

Rainbow Falls is an 80-foot waterfall where rainbows often form in the mist as water cascades down the rocks. You'll stop here to see the falls during the tour.

Is the visitor center at Volcanoes National Park open?

The visitor center is currently closed for renovation. Exhibits and gifts have been moved to the KMC, but you'll still see the collapsed caldera, steam vents, sulfur banks and scenic lookouts across the volcanic landscape.

Can I bring a wheelchair or walker on this tour?

Mobility devices must be collapsible to fit through the 32-inch-wide minibus doors and cannot enter the lava tube or go on the dirt trail to the crater. Notify the company before the tour date so they can accommodate you. You must have someone with you to move the device in and out of the vehicle, and you can stay in the vehicle at any time if you prefer.