Hilo: Volcanoes, Rainbow Falls & Black Sand Beach Tour

Summary

Steam vents, black sand, and laughter echoing in the lava tube

You’ll wander ancient banyan avenues in Hilo, breathe volcanic steam at Kilauea, taste fresh macadamias at Mauna Loa Farm, and watch for sea turtles on black sand beaches — all with a local guide who knows every shortcut and story. Expect small surprises, easy walks, and moments you’ll remember longer than you think.

What’s the experience like?

“That’s where Babe Ruth planted his tree,” our guide said as we rolled slowly down Banyan Drive — I think I was still half-awake from jet lag, but the banyans looked like something out of a Miyazaki film. The air had that sweet, heavy smell after rain. Li (our guide) waved at an old uncle jogging by and told us about how these trees survived tsunami after tsunami. I tried to imagine water that high — hard to picture on such a calm morning.

Liliʻuokalani Gardens came next, all mossy stones and little red bridges. There were a few locals doing tai chi under the trees. I probably stared too long at one of the stone lanterns — it reminded me of my grandma’s garden back home, only with more birdsong and that salty breeze off Hilo Bay. We passed downtown (the King Kamehameha statue looks more serious in person), then stopped at Rainbow Falls. It’s loud up close; you can feel the spray on your face if you stand just right. No rainbow for us this time — maybe too cloudy? Still, there was something kind of hypnotic about watching all that water drop into the green below.

I didn’t expect to like the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Farm as much as I did. The smell inside was…well, I guess “nutty” is obvious, but there’s also this warm sugar thing going on from the roasting room. We tasted way too many samples (Li laughed when I tried to say “ma-ka-da-mia” in Hawaiian — pretty sure I butchered it). Then came Volcanoes National Park: steam hissing from cracks in the ground, sulfur banks making everything smell faintly like eggs (not my favorite part). Walking through Thurston Lava Tube was colder than I thought — wet stone under your hand and echoes bouncing off the walls when someone ahead coughed.

Richardson Black Sand Beach was last — or almost last; sometimes they swap stops if there’s construction or something with the cruise schedule. There were kids chasing each other near tide pools and a couple of green sea turtles just loafing on the sand like they owned the place. Lunch was from a local deli — nothing fancy but honestly hit the spot after all that walking. The whole day felt unhurried but full; not everything went perfectly smooth (someone forgot their jacket and had to borrow one), but maybe that’s what makes it stick in your mind later.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hilo sightseeing and Volcanoes National Park

• Drive down Banyan Drive
• Visit Liliuokalani Japanese Garden
• Pass through historic Hilo town
• See Rainbow Falls waterfall
• Stop at Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory
• Explore Volcanoes National Park
• Walk through Thurston Lava Tube
• Visit Richardson Black Sand Beach
• Lunch at local vendor

Top questions

Is pickup included for cruise passengers at Hilo port?

Yes, direct pickup from Hilo port is included for cruise guests with special permits.

How long is the walk through Thurston Lava Tube?

The Thurston Lava Tube trail is about 0.4 miles with gradual stairs.

Are lunch and entry fees included in this tour?

Lunch is included from a local vendor or deli; National Park fees are covered.

Can mobility devices be accommodated on this tour?

Collapsible mobility devices are allowed if under 45 lbs; some areas like lava tube aren’t accessible by device.

What happens if Richardson Black Sand Beach is closed?

If closed due to construction or other reasons, another stop like Hilo Bayfront will be substituted.

Is this tour suitable for children or seniors?

The tour is graded easy and suitable for most fitness levels; infants must sit on an adult’s lap.

Do you visit Rainbow Falls even if it’s cloudy?

Yes, Rainbow Falls is visited regardless of weather conditions; rainbows may not always be visible.

What kind of vehicle is used for this tour?

A 12-14 passenger van or mini bus (up to 25 seats) is used depending on group size.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup directly from Hilo port or your hotel, bottled water throughout the trip, all required entry fees for Volcanoes National Park and other stops, plus a casual lunch from a local deli before returning you comfortably back to your starting point.