Big Island of Hawaii

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Hilo Highlights Small Group Tour

Badge of ExcellenceHilo, United States
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Big Island Highlights Small Group Tour
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From $167.54

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Up to 24 hours in advance.
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  • 5 hours 30 minutes
  • Pickup offered
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

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Overview

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is unlike anywhere else on the planet, where one of the world’s most active volcanoes sends lava dripping towards the sea, and a towering mountain lies dormant and ready to pop. On this tour of the National Park, hear the legends of Madame Pele, the mythical Hawaiian fire goddess, a tour from Hilo to the eastern coastline and climb to the rim of Kilauea volcano. On this small group tour, your guide will customize the pace and number of sights.
  • Small group day tour of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Hilo
  • View the Halemaumau crater, said by native Hawaiians to be the home of Pele, goddess of fire
  • Get great views of Hilo Bay from Liliuokalani Gardens
  • Taste fresh coffee and Big Island style treats at a local chocolate factory
  • Enjoy sights around Hilo including the majestic Rainbow Falls.
  • Includes private vehicle and guide, bottled water and hotel pickup and drop-off

What's Included

  • Professional guide
  • Private transportation
  • Bottled water
  • Hotel Pick-up for Select Hotels (all others please plan to meet at the Hilo Mo'oheau Bus Terminal)
  • Hilo Harbor Port pick-up and drop-off
  • Hilo Airport pick-up and drop-off
  • Lunch
  • Gratuities
  • We DO NOT provide transportation from Kona or Waikoloa. Please meet us in Hilo at the bus terminal.

Meeting And Pickup

You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup

Meeting point

  • 329 Kamehameha Ave
    329 Kamehameha Ave, Hilo, HI 96720, USA

    Meet your tour guide at the Hilo Mo'oheau Bus Terminal (329 Kamehameha Avenue, Hilo, HI 96720). There is free parking adjacent to the bus terminal. Look for our van with the "Mauka Makai Adventures" logo on it in the parking lot. Please be waiting for your driver we may be picking up other guests.

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Pickup details

CRUISE SHIP PICKUP INSTRUCTIONS: Upon disembarking the cruise ship in Hilo, head through the passenger terminal and look for your guide standing to the left near the pre-arranged tour operators with a sign that reads "Mauka Makai Adventures". Please check in with your guide 10-15 minutes prior to tour start time. HILO AIRPORT PICKUP INSTRUCTIONS: Please schedule your flight to arrive at the Hilo Airport a minimum of 30 minutes prior to the tour start time. We require your airline flight number and arrival time to schedule pickup at the airport. As you disembark the airplane head towards Baggage Claim “D”. Look for the tour operator parking area near the restrooms. Our vans are marked with the logo "Mauka Makai Adventures". HILO HOTEL PICKUP INSTRUCTIONS: We provide pick up service at Hilo Hotels along Banyan Drive only. Please meet your tour guide near the front entrance to the lobby, our vans are marked with the logo "Mauka Makai Adventures." We may also contact you prior to the tour to make arrangements for a meeting time and location. ALL OTHERS MEET AT HILO MOʻOHEAU BUS TERMINAL: If you are driving from Kona, Waikoloa, or another part of the island, please confirm that you will meet us at the Hilo Mo'oheau Bus Terminal (329 Kamehameha Avenue, Hilo, HI 96720). There is free parking adjacent to the bus terminal. Look for our van parked in the parking lot with the "Mauka Makai Adventures" logo on it.

What To Expect

This tour begins when you’re picked up from your Hilo area hotel, Hilo Airport, or Hilo Port and meet your knowledgeable local guide for a day of exploring the volcanoes. Riding around in an air-conditioned vehicle, you’ll begin the day in the town of Hilo by visiting a number of highlights, including the Liliuokalani Gardens that honor Hawaii’s former Queen.

Make a stop at Wailuku River State Park and marvel at Rainbow Falls, where occasionally it’s possible to spot a rainbow when the light hits the curtain of mist. Travel to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park where your guide will make sure you have ample time to experience the most popular sights, including the rim of Kilauea Volcano and Halema'uma'u Crater.

You may even witness to an active eruption. Throughout the park, you’ll notice steam vents rising from the rock and land that’s just recently been formed, and when driving the famous Chain of Craters Road, the barren black landscape in every direction is a reminder this Earth is still raw.

At every stop throughout the tour, your guide is there to answer questions and elaborate on the history and geology and as a small group tour you will be able to enjoy a little more time at the places that everyone is interested in.

Finally, having scoured this UNESCO listed National Park and witnessed Earth being formed, this Big Island volcano tour finishes back at your original pickup location.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

2 hours • Admission Ticket Included

Nahuku - Thurston Lava Tube

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Chain of Craters Road

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Rainbow Falls

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Big Island Candies

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Liliuokalani Gardens

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately (be prepared for sun, wind and rain).
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Covered walking shoes are required and a jacket is highly recommended.
  • Participants must be able to walk a minimum of 1 mile on uneven rocky terrain.
  • We do not guarantee you will see molten lava on this tour.
  • HOTEL pick-up is offered for select HILO HOTELS ONLY. If you are staying outside of Hilo, please plan to meet at the Hilo Mo'oheau Bus Terminal (please confirm at time of booking).
  • Near public transportation
  • CRUISE SHIP passengers, we pick-up directly at HILO HARBOR and will adjust the tour time as needed to accommodate your ships time in port.
  • Not recommended for travelers with back problems
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
  • Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
  • For a one DAY TRIP to the Big Island, please make your travel arrangements to and from the HILO AIRPORT. Schedule your flight arrival a minimum of 30 minutes prior to the tour start time AND provide your flight details at time of booking.
  • Children ages 8 years and up may participate in tour. All participants must have a paid seat. We do not allow any "lap" children.
  • Kilauea volcano is an active volcano, you may be exposed to volcanic gas on this tour.
  • This tour cannot accommodate guests with wheelchairs, scooters or oxygen tanks.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Traveler Photos

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Featured review
Donna_M
our guide was a native of the area, having lived through the most recent lava flows, very knowledgeable. we learned so much on this tour and saw breathtaking views of the volcanoes. Don't miss this tour!

Reviews

5.0
146 reviews
Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
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Reviews by Viator travelers.
Showing 1-10 of 146 reviews
Everything Excellent!!
Joni_P, Sep 2023
Jill was just an amazing, personable guide who gave us the local’s view on life among the volcanos (her dad had just lost his home to lava). She took us to all the important sites to see and shared many stories about growing up in Hilo. Loved this tour!
We just missed the eruption! But…
Janet_C, Sep 2023
It was an amazing trip! Even though the eruption of Kīlauea ended a day before our visit it was made spectacular anyway by our guide, Jill. She was born and raised here in Hilo and gave so much insight into our entire experience! The lava fields, tube and (former) flows were beautiful, the short hikes were perfect. I feel I know so much more about volcanoes that I could have ever learned on my own. Oh, and the chocolate factory… delicious! Excellent tour Mauka Makai!
Excellent Way to Spend the Day!!
Charlene_G, Sep 2023
Our tour guide Jill, from the Big Island, shared personal stories, the history and culture of the island in a very personal manner. You do not want to miss this awesome experience.
Wonderful tour, best we ever had!
Joy_C, Aug 2023
This is the best tour we have ever had. Jill is with great knowledge on the history and everything in between. She is friendly and accommodating to all our of us. We were 12 in the group, small group compared to the 100s in the bus group the cruise had offered. Definitely the best decision since we went to areas big groups wouldn’t be able to go. We will recommend to family and friends.
Excellent tour!
Kris_H, Aug 2023
Loved the tour! We got to see many sites at the volcanoes national park and the tour guide was very personable and knowledgeable! Thank you!!
Educational trip
Carmelita_S, Aug 2023
Just seeing the force of nature after an eruption. Josh was a great tour guide, very knowledgeable and friendly.
You can't visit Hawaii and not tour the National Park! A must see!
Donna_M, Aug 2023
our guide was a native of the area, having lived through the most recent lava flows, very knowledgeable. we learned so much on this tour and saw breathtaking views of the volcanoes. Don't miss this tour!
Jill is the best local tour guide!!
Mary_D, Aug 2023
Loved the volcano national park tour! Jill, our tour guide, was fantastic. She was born and raised on the island and told many stories of growing up with erupting volcanos. Jill also took care of me when I fell on the volcano walkway. She cleaned the wound and bandaged me up. After the tour she dropped me and my husband off at Walmart so I could buy more bandages. Mahalo Jill! You’re the best! I will never forget your kindness.
Great fun, great tour guide
CLINT_W, Jul 2023
Josh was very engaging as a tour guide and made us all feel very comfortable. I enjoyed the pace of the trip and getting to see all the neat aspects of the volcano, but also the wonderful stories he told of the Hawaiian culture and folklore.
Fantastic!
Lindsay_W, Jun 2023
Fantastic tour! Stopped at many sites but had enough time to appreciate each one. Tour guide was really great-very knowledgeable. Provided info on history and culture of Hawaii and the sites we visited. Learned more from him than anywhere else on our trip! Van was very nice, clean and comfortable. Tour guide was a good driver. 100% recommend this tour and this company!!!
AMAZING VALUE FOR MOMEY
Michele_S, May 2023
Without a doubt Josh is so knowledgeable and engaging on this tour! Definite must when in HILO. I am so glad Joe and I got to experience the Volcanoes with Josh and learn all about them! Thank you for an amazing experience Michele & Joe 🇨🇦🤙
Great experience.
James_T, May 2023
Jill, our guide, did a wonderful job. She was very professional and her local knowledge was an added plus.
The power of nature.
Virginia_F, May 2023
This tour was WONDERFUL! Jill was great. She was very knowledgeable and had fascinating stories. The sights were better than we ever imagined! I would definitely recommend this tour to anyone going to Hilo.
Woohoo
Jenifer_B, Apr 2023
Josh was great. Kept up a continuous discussion of local flavour interspersed with facts and stories of the area.
What a day!!
Chantal_B, Apr 2023
All was perfect! Many thanks to Josh! The favorite was lava tube! ... And chocolate usine:) Small group is very appreviated! And, dont' forget to bring your own snack!
Excellent trip, Highly Recommended
Michael_P, Apr 2023
Great Tour. Met us at Cruise Terminal just like they said they would. Jill was great sharing so many Hawaiian stories and Big Island history.
Our group of 4 really...
Gail_D, Apr 2023
Our group of 4 really enjoyed this tour. We learned a lot about Big Island and volcanoes. Josh, our guide, was knowledgeable, humorous and professional. We really enjoyed his sharing of the Hawaiian legends and his personal experiences. We recommend this tour.
Thumbs up!
Jonah_H, Apr 2023
Hill was amazing. She was knowledgeable, friendly, and took the time to really make sure our tour and time on the island was great. I totally suggests taking this your!
Great tour of Hilo
Nancy_H, Apr 2023
The lava tube was the best part of the tour. The weather prevent a good few at the summit but not the tour’s fault.
Great excursion
Melissa_W, Mar 2023
Josh was so friendly and informative. He was very engaging and more than happy to answer all of our questions. This was a great excursion!
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Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Hilo Highlights Small Group Tour
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