Hawaii Volcanoes Nat'l Park: Crater, lava tube & falls tour

Hike into an active volcano's crater and through an ancient tunnel of stone.

A guided tour from Hilo to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park with a local driver covers three major stops in four to five hours: the Japanese gardens at Liliʻuokalani, Rainbow Falls, and the park itself, where you hike to Halema'uma'u crater overlook and walk the Thurston Lava Tube. The driver picks you up in Hilo and adjusts the start time for cruise arrivals. National Park pass holders can bring their card for entry.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Liliʻuokalani Gardens15m
2. Rainbow Falls15m
3. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park2h · entry included

Explore Hilo and Volcanoes National Park

• Visit Liliʻuokalani Gardens
• See Rainbow Falls
• Hike to Halema’uma’u crater overlook
• Walk through Thurston Lava Tube
• Experience steam vent facial
• Shop at Big Island Candies store

The experience

Four to five hours gets you from Hilo to the heart of Hawaii's volcanic landscape. A local driver handles the route and timing, which matters because the park sits about an hour away and the day needs to hold together without you navigating or driving. You start at Liliʻuokalani Gardens (Japanese gardens in the middle of Hilo), then head to Rainbow Falls, where the water drops without requiring a hike to reach it. The waterfall earns its name when the light hits the mist right.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is where the day opens up. You hike out to the Halema'uma'u crater overlook and stand above the caldera, then walk through the Thurston Lava Tube (Nahuku), a tunnel carved by lava five centuries ago with native ferns growing inside it now. The park also has steam vents where the ground itself is warm. You can feel the heat rising. All three stops fit inside the afternoon because the driver knows the route and the timing. You show up and move through the day.

The tour wraps at Big Island Candies, the flagship store in Hilo, where you can watch chocolate being made and buy shortbread or chocolate-covered nuts before heading back. If you're arriving by cruise ship, the driver will start the tour later to match your arrival time. A 9am dock becomes a 9:30am pickup. National Park entry is included in the price. If you already have an annual pass, bring the card and the cost adjusts.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup in Hilo.
• all park entry fees and taxes.
• a local driver who knows the route and the stops.
• visits to Liliʻuokalani Gardens, Rainbow Falls, and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park with time at the Halema'uma'u crater overlook and the Thurston Lava Tube.
• a stop at Big Island Candies.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to12h before

GroupUp to 14

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

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 12 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePets welcome

Operated by Malahini Tours

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you're staying in Hilo and want to see the active volcano without renting a car or navigating the park roads yourself. The fixed route and driver pickup mean the day stays on schedule even if you're arriving by cruise ship.

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Top questions

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 Thurston Lava Tube and why is it worth the walk?

The Thurston Lava Tube (Nahuku) is a 500-year-old tunnel carved by flowing lava, now lined with native Hawaiian ferns. You walk through it as part of the park visit. It's a short, accessible walk that puts you inside the volcano's own geology.

Can I use my National Park annual pass on this tour?

Yes. Bring your pass card and the driver will use it for entry. The tour price adjusts accordingly. If you don't have a pass, park entry is included in the tour cost.

How much hiking is involved in this tour?

You hike to the Halema'uma'u crater overlook and walk through the Thurston Lava Tube, but neither requires technical skill or long distances. Rainbow Falls is reached without hiking. The tour is suitable for all fitness levels.

What happens if my cruise ship arrives late?

The driver will adjust the start time to match your arrival. If your ship docks at 9am, the tour begins at 9:30am. Let the operator know your arrival time when you book.

Is there time to shop or eat during the tour?

The tour ends at Big Island Candies in Hilo, where you can browse the chocolate shop and buy treats. Time at each stop is built into the four to five hour itinerary.