Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcano Safari Lava Caves, Falls & Highlights Small Group

Summary

Following pickup at the Hilo cruise port, board a tour vehicle and set out over the back roads of the Big Island to explore its spectacular natural features.  Arrive first at Rainbow Falls, known in Hawaiian as wainuenue, the falls crash over a natural lava cave, throwing up rainbows almost every sunny day in the rising mist.  Drive through old-growth mango groves and through the verdant foliage of the Nanawale Forest, stopping to see the recent lava flow that caused the town of Pahoa to evacuate. See the few houses and commercial buildings that were burnt by the oozing fire. View dramatic scenery in spots where the burning lava met the cool, salty sea. Stop in Kaimu to see the site of the former Queen bath and town, both destroyed by a lava flow in 1990, now being reclaimed by the wild rainforest. View an exhibit showing what the area used to look like and snap photos of the active volcanic vent in the distance. Stroll down the black sand beach, reached via a 15-minute walk over old lava flows. Continue to Lava Tree State Park, where lava burst from fissures in the ground and coated the Ohia trees, leaving amazing tree molds. See the warm springs at Ahalanui, geothermally heated by water traveling through lava tubes.  Stop at a dramatic overlook, surrounded by salt cedar pine trees and home to the old Kings Trails. Admire views of the waves crashing below towering sea cliffs. Your half-day tour ends with drop-off back at the Hilo port. Worry-free Shore Excursion: We will ensure your timely return to the Hilo port for this activity. In the rare event your ship has departed, we will arrange for transportation to the next port-of-call. If your ship is delayed and you are unable to attend this activity, your money will be refunded. See our terms and conditions for full details.

Tour info

Duration
6 hours
Group Size
Pricing (From)
Commentary
Meeting Point
Dropoff location

Why take this tour?

SMALL GROUP - 14 PASSENGERS: Approx 6.5 hr long. Explore the places less traveled among Hawaii's back roads of Kilauea volcano. Explore exciting Lava Caves, waterfalls, Lava trees in a lush volcanic rainforest. See the 2018 lava destruction and the newly formed Black Sand Beach just created. A truly amazing experience! Cruise Ship Guests: We have special permits to pick up directly from Hilo port of call. Departure times may be adjusted to fit your ships arrival & departure. Hilo Hotel Guests: We will message you your departure.

What’s included?

  • Port pickup and drop-off / Hilo Hotel pickup and drop-off

  • Professional guide

  • Bottled water

  • Snacks

  • Hawaiian Juices

  • Souvenirs

  • Gratuities

  • Lunch- Stop made by local vendor for customers to purchase

Things to know

Before you book

  • Duration: 6h 30m

  • Mobile tickets accepted

  • Instant confirmation

Cancellation Policy

    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Operated by:

C Big Island Tours

About operator:

C Big Island offers a variety of tours. Hilo Shore Excursions- CRUISE SHIP CUSTOMERS - we have permits to pick you up directly from the pier when your ship comes into the Port of Hilo and we work with the cruise ships such as the NCL Pride of America, Carnival Cruise Lines Carnival Legend, Holland America Westerdam, Grand Princess, Celebrity Cruises - Celebrity Solstice and many more. Our Hilo Shore excursions include Volcanoes National Park & Waterfall Kona Shore Excursions include our Historical Kona Coffee & Hawaiian Sea Turtles, Rainforest & Waterfalls or our Snorkel with wild Hawaii dolphins and Kealakekua Bay(Captain Cook) Big Island Hawaii Manta Ray Snorkel - Departs from Honokohau Harbor in Kailua Kona

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