Hilo: Volcanoes, Rainbow Falls & Liliʻuokalani Gardens Day Trip

Summary

Walk lava tubes taste Hilo sweets see Rainbow Falls steam vents

You’ll walk through ancient lava tubes in Hawai'i Volcanoes Park, feel mist from Rainbow Falls on your face, wander peaceful Japanese gardens in Hilo, and end with fresh-baked treats at Big Island Candies—all with a local driver who knows every shortcut and story. There’s something quietly moving about seeing steam rise from new earth; you might find yourself thinking about it long after.

What’s the experience like?

“You ever smell hot earth?” That’s what our guide asked as we stepped out near Halema’uma’u crater. The air in Hawai'i Volcanoes Park was thick—almost sweet, almost like rain on warm stone. I’d seen photos but standing there, with the ground humming under my shoes and a curl of steam brushing my face (felt like opening a rice cooker, honestly), it hit different. We’d started in Hilo that morning, still half-awake, and already I’d lost count of how many shades of green we’d passed on the way up. Our driver—Keahi—knew every twist in the road and pointed out where his grandma used to pick guava as a kid. I tried to imagine growing up here.

Liliʻuokalani Gardens was our first stop—a quiet place with little bridges and black stones. There were old folks doing tai chi under the banyan trees; I watched for a minute, kind of wishing I could join in but also feeling shy. The gardens smelled faintly of ginger and something floral I couldn’t name. Keahi told us about the Japanese influence in Hilo (“even some of the street signs are bilingual”), which made me notice details I’d have missed otherwise. Then Rainbow Falls—no hike needed, just a short walk to this wide rush of water. We didn’t get a rainbow (clouds), but you could hear the falls before you saw them, loud enough to drown out our small talk.

I was not ready for the Thurston Lava Tube—dark inside, cool and damp like an old cellar. My phone flashlight barely helped, but Keahi had stories about Pele and old eruptions that made it feel less spooky. Afterward we stopped by one of those steaming vents; everyone joked about getting a free facial (it’s true though—my skin felt weirdly soft after). Somewhere along the way someone mentioned “day trip machu picchu cusco” by accident when talking about bucket lists—I guess volcanoes are right up there.

Last stop: Big Island Candies in Hilo. You can watch through glass as they dip shortbread cookies in chocolate—smells unreal, like pure sugar and butter. I bought way too many chocolate-covered mac nuts for “gifts” (they didn’t make it home). So yeah, if you’re thinking about booking this day trip from Hilo with a local guide—it’s worth it just for those odd little moments you can’t plan for.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Hilo and Volcanoes 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

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Hilo to Volcanoes?

The tour lasts around one day with stops at Volcanoes Park, Rainbow Falls, Liliʻuokalani Gardens, and Big Island Candies.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

The tour includes pickup from Hilo only; check with your provider for specific locations.

Do you need to hike to see Rainbow Falls?

No hiking is needed—Rainbow Falls is easily accessible by a short walk from the parking area.

Are entrance fees included for Volcanoes Park?

Yes—all entry fees and taxes are included in your booking price.

Can this tour be customized?

The tour may be customized if arranged ahead of time with your guide or provider.

Is lunch provided on this day trip?

No lunch is included but there is a stop at Big Island Candies for snacks and treats.

Are public transportation options available nearby?

Yes—public transportation options are available near pickup points in Hilo.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with limited mobility?

You should have at least moderate physical fitness due to walking at some sites like lava tubes.

What’s included

Your day includes all entry fees and taxes plus rides between each site—from peaceful Liliʻuokalani Gardens to roaring Rainbow Falls and right up close to active volcanic craters—with time to sample local sweets at Big Island Candies before heading back to Hilo.