Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Hilo Highlights Small Group Tour

Exploring the volcanic wonders of Hawaii’s Big Island is a must-do for any adventurous traveler. This small group tour offers a personalized experience, guiding visitors through the breathtaking landscapes of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the charming town of Hilo. From gazing upon active eruptions at Kilauea’s rim to discovering the enchanting Nahuku Lava Tube, this excursion promises an unforgettable day of discovery. With knowledgeable guides and comfortable transportation, guests can expect an immersive exploration of the island’s natural beauty and local flavors. What awaits beyond the tour’s highlights, however, is a true testament to the power and wonder of Hawaii’s volcanic legacy.

Good To Know

• Comprehensive tour exploring Big Island’s volcanic wonders and scenic highlights, including Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Hilo’s natural attractions.
• Full-day excursion with guided stops at the rim of Kilauea volcano, Nahuku – Thurston Lava Tube, and Chain of Craters Road.
• Small group size (maximum 12 travelers) for personalized experiences with knowledgeable local guides.
• Includes national park admission, transportation, snacks, and bottled water, with multiple convenient pickup locations in the Hilo area.
• Consistently high customer ratings praising the tour’s informative guides, well-timed stops, and ability to showcase Big Island’s diverse landscapes.

Tour Overview

The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Hilo Highlights Small Group Tour provides a comprehensive exploration of the Big Island’s volcanic wonders and scenic highlights.

This full-day excursion takes visitors to the iconic Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where they’ll climb to the rim of Kilauea volcano and witness active eruptions, steam vents, and unique geological formations.

The tour also includes a visit to the Nahuku – Thurston Lava Tube, a scenic drive along the Chain of Craters Road, and stops at Rainbow Falls, Big Island Candies, and the Liliuokalani Gardens.

With a maximum of 12 travelers, the tour offers personalized experiences and knowledgeable local guides.

Itinerary Highlights

During the tour, visitors explore several key highlights in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and surrounding areas.

This includes a 2-hour stop at the park to climb to the rim of the Kilauea volcano and view the Halemaumau crater and Hilo Bay.

The group also ventures into the Nahuku – Thurston Lava Tube for a 30-minute walk.

Along the Chain of Craters Road, they spend 30 minutes taking in the unique geological formations.

Other stops include Rainbow Falls, Big Island Candies, and Liliuokalani Gardens, allowing visitors to experience diverse landscapes and local flavors.

Inclusions and Requirements

The tour includes a professional guide, private transportation, national park admission fees, snacks, and bottled water.

To join this tour, guests are required to have:

1. A moderate level of physical fitness to walk up to 1 mile on uneven terrain.
2. Appropriate clothing and footwear for varying weather conditions, including a jacket.
3. Confirmation of their pickup location at the time of booking, and flight details if arriving at Hilo Airport.

The guided tour ensures visitors can explore the highlights of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Hilo comfortably and safely.

Pickup Information

Where can visitors meet for the tour pickup? The tour offers multiple pickup locations in the Hilo area, including Hilo hotels along Banyan Drive, Hilo Airport, Hilo Port for cruise ship passengers, and the Hilo Mooheau Bus Terminal.

Travelers should confirm their preferred pickup location at the time of booking. If arriving at Hilo Airport, they’ll need to bring their flight details.

The tour requires pickup at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled tour start time. With these convenient pickup options, travelers can easily join the small group tour and begin their exploration of the Big Island’s volcanic wonders.

Customer Feedback

Travelers highly rate the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Hilo Highlights Small Group Tour, with an overall rating of 4.9 out of 5 based on 216 reviews.

Reviewers praise the tour for several reasons:

1. The guides are knowledgeable and interactive, providing informative storytelling throughout the experience.

2. The small group size allows for personalized experiences and recommendations for local food and activities.

3. The tour’s well-timed stops showcase scenic views and the perfect balance of sights and experiences.

Customers commonly describe the tour as friendly, informative, and a perfect way to explore the highlights of Hawaii’s Big Island.

Exploring Volcanoes National Park

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is the heart of the tour, where visitors can witness the raw power and breathtaking landscapes of active volcanoes.

The tour guides lead guests to the rim of Kilauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes. Here, they can observe the Halemaumau crater and peer into the depths of its lava lake.

Along the Chain of Craters Road, travelers discover stunning volcanic formations and learn about the region’s unique geology.

The highlight for many is exploring the Nahuku (Thurston) Lava Tube, a mesmerizing underground cave carved by ancient lava flows.

Experiencing Hilo’s Highlights

After exploring the volcanic wonders of the national park, the tour transports visitors to Hilo, the largest city on the Big Island.

Here, the highlights include:

1. Visiting the vibrant Liliuokalani Gardens, a Japanese-style garden featuring pagodas, ponds, and bridges.
2. Indulging in locally-made treats at the Big Island Candies factory.
3. Admiring the thundering Rainbow Falls, where water cascades over a 80-foot-high cliff.

Through these experiences, travelers gain a deeper understanding of Hilo’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, rounding out the day’s journey of discovery.

What to Expect on the Tour

As visitors embark on this small group tour, they’ll find themselves immersed in the captivating landscapes of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

They’ll climb to the rim of the iconic Kilauea volcano, gaze into the steaming Halemaumau crater, and walk through the Nahuku Thurston Lava Tube.

Along Chain of Craters Road, they’ll witness the dynamic geological formations shaped by volcanic activity.

The tour also includes stops at Rainbow Falls, a chocolate factory, and the serene Liliuokalani Gardens, providing a well-rounded experience of Hilo’s natural and cultural highlights.

Throughout, the knowledgeable guide offers insightful commentary, ensuring an enriching and memorable day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Happens if the Volcano Is Actively Erupting During the Tour?

If the volcano is actively erupting during the tour, the tour will likely be adjusted or canceled for safety reasons. The tour provider closely monitors volcanic activity and will make necessary changes to ensure the safety of all participants.

Can I Bring My Young Children on This Tour?

While the tour allows children, it may not be suitable for young kids due to the moderate fitness level required and potential safety concerns with active volcanic activity. The tour operator can provide more guidance on the appropriate age range.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

There isn’t an official option to extend the tour duration, but the company may be able to accommodate requests for a longer tour if arranged in advance. Travelers should contact the tour operator to inquire about custom or extended tour options.

Do I Need to Bring My Own Snacks and Water?

No, you don’t need to bring your own snacks and water. The tour includes snacks and bottled water as part of the inclusions. All you need to do is bring appropriate clothing and footwear for the varying weather conditions.

Is There Wheelchair Accessibility on This Tour?

The tour does not explicitly mention wheelchair accessibility. However, it requires moderate physical fitness and the ability to walk 1 mile on uneven terrain, which may present challenges for some wheelchair users. It’s best to inquire with the tour provider.

The Sum Up

This small group tour of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Hilo offers an unforgettable experience. Visitors can explore the breathtaking volcanic landscapes, walk through a lava tube, and discover the highlights of Hilo. With knowledgeable guides, comfortable transportation, and ample opportunities to experience the local flavors and stunning scenery, this tour promises an adventure that won’t be forgotten.