Volcanoes National Park tour: Kilauea volcano & black sand beaches

Kilauea crater, lava tubes, a waterfall with rainbows, and a black sand beach where sea turtles swim

A 6–7 hour tour of Volcanoes National Park with a Native Hawaiian guide, starting from Hilo hotel or airport pickup. The itinerary covers Kilauea overlook and Halemaumau Crater, steam vents and sulfur banks, the Nahuku lava tube, Rainbow Falls, Liliʻuokalani Gardens, a local candy factory with free samples, and Richardson Ocean Park where Hawaiian green sea turtles rest in tide pools. Lunch is on your own at Hilo Farmers Market, with an hour to explore restaurants and shops.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Hilo Farmers Market1h
2. Rainbow Falls20m
3. Liliʻuokalani Gardens15m
4. Richardson Ocean Park30m

Volcano and Hilo Highlights Tour

• Visit Volcano House and Visitor Center
• See Kilauea overlook and steam vents
• Explore Kilauea Iki and Laumanu Craters
• Walk through Nahuku lava tube
• Lunch at Hilo Farmers Market area
• Visit Rainbow Falls and Banyan Tree
• Explore Liliʻuokalani Gardens
• Tour local candy factory with samples
• Relax at Richardson Ocean Park black sand beach

The experience

Most of the day unfolds inside Volcanoes National Park itself. You'll stand at the Kilauea overlook of Halemaumau Crater, walk through steam vents and sulfur dioxide banks, descend into the Nahuku lava tube, and visit Kilauea Iki Crater and Laumanu Crater with guide commentary at each stop. The guide is a Native Hawaiian who frames the landscape through a local perspective: the geology, the cultural weight of the place, what the land means to the people who live here.

The route branches out to the Hilo side for waterfalls and gardens. Rainbow Falls drops down the Wailuku River and throws rainbows across the mist when the sun hits right. A quarter-acre Banyan Tree grows there that visitors climb and swing from. Liliʻuokalani Gardens spreads across 24 acres near Hilo Bay with eucalyptus and monkey pod trees, salt water tide pools full of tropical fish, and frequent sightings of Nene, the Hawaiian state bird. You'll stop at a local candy factory to watch the production crew through large windows and sample macadamia nut cookies dipped in chocolate, plus free tastes of Kona or Kau coffee.

The final stop is Richardson Ocean Park, a black sand beach where Hawaiian green sea turtles swim and rest in the tide pools. People surf, snorkel and swim here, or find shade under a coconut tree. Pickup runs from Hilo hotels, Hilo Airport, or the Port of Hilo. The tour returns you to the same place. Umbrellas, bottled water and a 15-passenger reclining coach are included. Lunch at Hilo Farmers Market is your own cost, though an hour there gives you time to browse local restaurants and shops.

What’s included

• Hotel or airport pickup and drop-off from Hilo.
• Native Hawaiian guide leading the entire tour.
• Volcanoes National Park entry fee.
• umbrellas and bottled water.
• comfortable 15-passenger reclining coach seating.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:30 and 09:00

GroupUp to 14

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 10 pickup points.

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 yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Makaio Tours Hawaii

Is this one for you?Pickup from your Hilo hotel or airport means you don't need a rental car to reach Volcanoes National Park and the surrounding waterfalls and beaches. The guide handles the route and the stops, and you arrive back at your starting point by late afternoon.

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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 exactly is inside Volcanoes National Park on this tour?

Volcanoes National Park stops include the Kilauea overlook of Halemaumau Crater, steam vents and sulfur dioxide banks, the Kilauea Illi Crater, Laumanu Crater, and the Nahuku lava tube. Most of the day is spent here with guide commentary at each site.

Can I see sea turtles at Richardson Ocean Park?

Richardson Ocean Park is a black sand beach where Hawaiian green sea turtles, called Honu, swim and rest in the salt water tide pools. You'll have time to explore the beach and tide pools during the tour.

Where does the tour pick me up and drop me off?

Pickup and drop-off are from your Hilo hotel, Hilo Airport, or the Port of Hilo. The tour returns you to the same location at the end of the day.

How long do I have for lunch?

An hour is set aside for lunch at Hilo Farmers Market in historical Hilo Town, where you'll find local restaurants and shops. Lunch costs are your own.

What's included in the tour price?

The tour includes hotel or airport pickup and drop-off, a Native Hawaiian guide, Volcanoes National Park entry fee, umbrellas, bottled water, and comfortable 15-passenger reclining coach seating.

Can I visit the candy factory and what's available there?

Yes, the tour stops at a local candy factory where you can watch production through large windows and sample their famous macadamia nut cookies dipped in chocolate, plus free samples of Kona or Kau coffee.