Volcanoes Adventure Tour Hilo: Lava Flow & Black Sand Beach

Stand at the 2016 lava flow and feel the heat from the world's most active volcano

A six-hour volcano tour from Hilo that visits the 2016 lava eruption site, Richardson Ocean Park's black sand beach, Banyan Drive, Liliʻuokalani Gardens, Rainbow Falls, and two working farms. A live English-speaking guide leads the route. Pickup from your Hilo hotel or cruise ship is included. The tour runs daily and requires a minimum of two passengers.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Rainbow Falls30m
2. Banyan Drivepass by
3. Liliʻuokalani Gardens30m · entry included
4. Richardson Ocean Park30m

Explore Hilo and Volcano Highlights

• Visit Rainbow Falls
• Drive along Banyan Drive
• Tour Liliuokalani Gardens
• Relax at Richardson Blacksand Beach
• See recent volcano eruption site

The experience

The tour centers on the 2016 lava flow (one of Hawaii's most recent volcanic activity sites), where you'll experience the residual heat from Kīlauea, the world's most active volcano. From there, the route takes you to Richardson Ocean Park, Hilo's only black sand beach and a known habitat for Hawaiian sea turtles. You'll also drive through Banyan Drive, a historic tree-lined road planted by visiting celebrities, and walk through Liliʻuokalani Gardens, the largest Japanese-style garden outside Tokyo. Rainbow Falls sits above Hilo town and forms rainbows on sunny days.

The itinerary includes stops at Maunaloa Macadamia Nut Factory and Akatsuka Orchid Nursery, so you'll see working agricultural operations alongside the natural sites. A live guide in English narrates throughout. The full tour runs six hours, and you choose between pickup from your Hilo hotel or from your cruise ship if you're arriving by water. At booking, cruise passengers need to provide the ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time so the driver can time your return. A minimum of two people is required to confirm the booking.

Bring rain gear. The forecast matters here, especially near the waterfalls and in Hilo's wetter zones. The tour is suitable for most fitness levels, though it's not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or during pregnancy. Infants and small children can ride in a stroller or pram if needed.

What’s included

• Pickup from your Hilo hotel or cruise ship.
• six-hour guided route with a live English-speaking guide.
• entry to the 2016 lava flow site, Richardson Ocean Park, Liliʻuokalani Gardens, Rainbow Falls, Banyan Drive, Maunaloa Macadamia Nut Factory and Akatsuka Orchid Nursery.

Options for this experience

2 options

Pickup from cruise ships at 9 amGuide in English · 09:00Pickup takes place between 9:00 and 9:15 am. The meeting point is at the US Customs Office, a one-minute walk outside the gate. Pickup is included.

Pickup from Hilo at 9 amGuide in English · 09:00Pickup from Hilo hotels takes place between 9:00 and 9:15 am. Pickup is included.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupUp to 96

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.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 yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Dynamic Tour Hawaii

Is this one for you?Book the 9am hotel pickup if you're staying in Hilo. Choose the cruise ship option if you're arriving by water and need the driver to time your return to the port. The six-hour route fits inside a single day and covers both the volcanic sites and the gardens and waterfalls that make the Hilo side of the island distinct from the resort areas.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

What is the 2016 lava flow like when you get there?

The 2016 lava eruption site is one of Hawaii's most recent volcanic activity locations. You'll experience the residual heat from Kīlauea, the world's most active volcano, at the flow itself.

Can I book this tour if I'm arriving on a cruise ship?

Yes, one of the two pickup options is from cruise ships. At booking, provide your ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time so the driver can coordinate your return to the port.

What's Richardson Ocean Park like, and why is it worth the stop?

Richardson Ocean Park is Hilo's only black sand beach and a known habitat for Hawaiian sea turtles. You'll have time to see the turtles in their natural setting and experience the unique volcanic sand.

Do I need to be in good shape to do this tour?

The tour is suitable for most fitness levels. It's not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or during pregnancy. Infants and small children can ride in a stroller or pram.

What happens at Banyan Drive?

Banyan Drive is a historic tree-lined road where many celebrity visitors to Hawaii planted trees over the years. You'll drive through and see the many trees planted by these famous visitors.

Will I see a waterfall on this tour?

Yes, Rainbow Falls sits above Hilo town and forms rainbows during sunny days. The waterfall is one of the stops on the route.