Hilo: Volcanoes, Waterfalls & Rainforest Day Tour Pickup

Summary

Volcanoes, banyan roads and rainforest waterfalls in Hilo

You’ll trace banyan-lined streets in Hilo before feeling volcanic heat at Kilauea’s rim and wandering ancient lava tubes with a local guide. Watch rainbows form over waterfalls and share lunch with fellow travelers as jungle sounds fill the air. This tour leaves you thinking about earth’s wild side long after you’ve rinsed off your shoes.

What’s the experience like?

Hands gripping the cool metal railing, I leaned over to catch the spray from Rainbow Falls — it smelled faintly sweet, almost like overripe guava. Our guide, Kaleo, grinned and told us how locals used to swim here after school (he swore he never skipped class for it, but I’m not sure I believe him). The mist caught the sun just right and there it was — that perfect arc. Not as big as I expected but so sharp against all that green. We’d only just started our volcano adventure day trip in Hilo and already my shoes were muddy.

Banyan Drive came next — those trees are massive, roots like something out of a Miyazaki film. Kaleo slowed down so we could see where each one had a little plaque with someone’s name. He pointed out the oldest ones planted by movie stars back in the day. There was this old couple walking under them holding hands; made me think about how time moves differently here. The air got cooler as we climbed up toward Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. I pulled on my sweater (thanks for the tip in the email), because you really do feel that chill once you’re near Kilauea.

I didn’t expect how quiet it would be at the steam vents — just a low hiss and everyone whispering like we were in church or something. The ground felt warm under my sneakers. Kaleo explained how Halemaʻumaʻu crater changed after last year’s eruption; he got this faraway look talking about Pele, the volcano goddess. We walked through Thurston Lava Tube next (Nāhuku), which was damp and echoey — water dripping somewhere in the dark, walls cold enough to make you shiver if you touched them too long.

Lunch was simple but hit the spot (rice, grilled chicken, pineapple). Sitting with people from all over — a family from Tokyo, two sisters from LA — swapping stories while looking out at endless black lava fields along Chain of Craters Road. On the way back through Hilo Town, Kaleo pointed out wooden storefronts rebuilt after those old tsunamis; hard to imagine waves coming that far inland now. Akaka Falls was our last stop — taller than Rainbow Falls and louder too. My phone camera fogged up from all the mist but honestly? It looked better without a screen between me and all that green.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Hilo and Volcano National Park

• Drive through Hilo Town and Banyan Drive
• Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
• Drive along Chain of Craters Road
• See Kilauea Volcano eruption site
• Visit steam vents at volcano
• Explore Thurston Lava Tube
• View Akaka Falls waterfall
• Drive through historic Hilo Town
• Pass by Liliʻuokalani Gardens
• See Rainbow Falls waterfall

Top questions

Is pickup included for this volcano adventure tour?

Yes, hotel pickup is included for accommodations in Hilo only—not Kona.

How long does it take to reach Hawaii Volcanoes National Park from Hilo?

It takes roughly 45 minutes by road from central Hilo to reach the park entrance.

Are meals or lunch provided during this tour?

Yes, lunch is included as part of your day trip experience.

Can infants join this volcano tour?

Infants can join; they must sit on an adult’s lap or use a stroller/pram.

Will we see active lava flows on this tour?

Lava sightings are not guaranteed—activity changes daily depending on conditions.

Is this tour suitable for people with asthma?

No, due to volcanic fumes exposure risk, it’s not recommended for travelers with asthma or respiratory issues.

Do I need special clothing or gear?

A light sweater is suggested for higher elevations near Kilauea; sturdy walking shoes are required.

What are some highlights of this Hilo volcano adventure?

You’ll visit Rainbow Falls, Banyan Drive, Kilauea Volcano area, Thurston Lava Tube (Nāhuku), Akaka Falls and more.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off within Hilo, narrated touring by a knowledgeable local guide who shares legends along each stop, all entry fees covered so you don’t have to worry about tickets, plus lunch served mid-tour before heading back through lush rainforest scenery toward town again.