Hilo & Volcanoes: Small Group Tour with Rainforest Walk

Summary

Walk crater rims, explore lava tubes, taste Hilo’s chocolate

You’ll walk volcanic craters in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, hike through lush rainforest to an ancient lava tube, watch sunlight dance at Rainbow Falls, and taste fresh island chocolate—all with a local guide who brings Hilo’s stories to life. Expect laughter, earthy scents, and moments that linger long after you’ve left.

What’s the experience like?

“You see that steam? That’s Pele breathing,” our guide Kalani said, pointing through the mist curling up from the Kilauea caldera. I could smell something earthy and sharp in the air—like wet stone after rain, but warmer. We’d just stepped out of the van in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and honestly, I didn’t expect to feel so tiny standing on the rim. The ground felt alive under my shoes—maybe it was my imagination, or maybe it was just nerves. Kalani told us stories about eruptions he’d seen as a kid. He laughed when I asked if he ever got used to it. “Never,” he said.

The walk through the Thurston Lava Tube was darker than I thought it’d be, cool and echoey with water dripping somewhere behind us. The walls were rough and a little slippery—someone ahead of me joked about feeling like Indiana Jones. Outside again, the air was thick with birdsong and that sweet-green smell you only get in real rainforest. We stopped for island chips (I ate too many), then drove down Chain of Craters Road where old lava fields stretched black and silent all the way to the sea. It felt like another planet—hard to believe this is still part of Hilo.

I’m still thinking about Rainbow Falls—the way sunlight caught in the spray made everything shimmer for a second. Kalani shared a legend about a goddess living behind the falls; I tried repeating her name but probably butchered it (he grinned anyway). Later we wandered Liliuokalani Gardens by Hilo Bay, watching koi swirl under little bridges while someone practiced tai chi nearby. Oh—and don’t skip the local chocolates and coffee stop; I bought extra macadamia nuts for home but ended up eating most before we even left Hilo.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore volcano park and Hilo highlights

• Visit Kilauea caldera and steam vents
• Hike to Thurston lava tube
• Explore Chain of Craters Road lava fields
• View Rainbow Falls waterfall
• Sample local chocolates and coffee
• Stroll Liliuokalani Gardens

Top questions

How long is the Hawaii Volcanoes & Hilo tour?

The tour is designed as a day trip from Hilo with several stops including Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Rainbow Falls, Liliuokalani Gardens, and more.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Hotel pickup is included for select Hilo hotels; cruise ship passengers are picked up at Port of Hilo.

What should I wear for the volcano tour?

Wear covered walking shoes and bring a jacket—weather can change quickly with sun, wind or rain possible.

Are meals or snacks provided during the tour?

You’ll get island chips plus stops for local chocolates, macadamia nuts, and coffee along the way.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Youth ages 10 years and up can join; children under 10 are not allowed on this tour.

Can travelers with limited mobility join?

This tour cannot accommodate wheelchairs or scooters; participants need moderate fitness for uneven terrain.

Will I see molten lava on this day trip?

Sightings of molten lava are not guaranteed during this tour due to volcanic activity changes.

How far will we walk during the tour?

You should be able to walk at least 1 mile on uneven rocky terrain throughout different stops.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel or port pickup in Hilo (or meeting point if outside town), private transportation with your guide, all national park admission fees covered, tasty island chips en route plus stops for hand-made chocolates and fresh coffee before returning in the afternoon.