Hilo Shore Excursion: Active Volcano, Lava Tube, Waterfall and Gardens

Exploring the Big Island of Hawaii’s natural wonders is a must-do for any adventurous traveler. The Hilo Shore Excursion offers a perfect opportunity to experience the island’s volcanic past, lush landscapes, and hidden gems. From witnessing the power of Kilauea Volcano to strolling through a lush lava tube, this guided tour promises an unforgettable journey filled with stunning sights and fascinating insights. What secrets might this excursion uncover?

Good To Know

• Comprehensive exploration of Hilo’s natural wonders, including Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Kilauea Volcano, Thurston Lava Tube, and Rainbow Falls.
• Guided tour with professional guides, private transportation, and inclusion of national park admission, snacks, and lunch.
• Suitable for travelers with moderate fitness levels, but not recommended for those with back problems or serious medical conditions.
• High customer satisfaction and recognition for excellence, with a 4.9 overall rating and 99% recommendation rate.
• Pickup available from Hilo hotels, Hilo Airport, and cruise ship terminal, with a maximum group size of 12 travelers.

Overview of the Hilo Shore Excursion

The Hilo Shore Excursion offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of the natural wonders surrounding the charming town of Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii.

This guided tour takes you to the renowned Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where you’ll marvel at the Halemaumau Crater and Kilauea Volcano.

You’ll also get to experience the lush Thurston Lava Tube and cascading Rainbow Falls.

In addition, the tour includes a stop at a local chocolate factory, allowing you to indulge in the island’s delectable treats.

With a high recommendation rate and a Badge of Excellence, this excursion promises an unforgettable adventure.

Highlights of the Tour

Hilo Shore Excursion’s tour highlights begin with a captivating exploration of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Travelers witness the powerful Kilauea Volcano and the iconic Halemaumau Crater, home to a lava lake. The tour also includes a visit to the Thurston Lava Tube, a remarkable underground cave formed by flowing lava.

Along the way, guests encounter stunning Rainbow Falls and savor local treats at a renowned chocolate factory.

With a high customer satisfaction rate and recognition for excellence, this excursion offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in Hawaii’s volcanic wonders.

Inclusions and Logistical Details

This Hilo Shore Excursion includes a professional guide, private transportation, national park admission fee, snacks (island chips, bottled water), and lunch (no meal purchases available).

Pickup is available from Hilo hotels, Hilo Airport, and cruise ship terminal. For those outside Hilo, the meeting point is the Hilo Mooheau Bus Terminal.

The tour has a maximum of 12 travelers and isn’t wheelchair accessible, requiring a moderate physical fitness level. Participants must walk a minimum of 1.5 miles on uneven terrain, wear covered walking shoes, and bring jackets for varying weather conditions.

What to Expect on the Tour

What can visitors expect on this Hilo Shore Excursion? After morning pickup, the tour whisks travelers through historic towns to Kilauea Volcano.

Guests will explore volcanic activity, steam vents, and hike the Thurston Lava Tube. Witnessing active eruptions is possible, but molten lava sightings aren’t guaranteed.

The tour also includes a stop at a local chocolate factory to sample sweet Hawaiian treats.

Finally, visitors can marvel at the stunning Rainbow Falls before returning. This excursion requires moderate fitness, as participants must walk at least 1.5 miles on uneven terrain.

But the volcanic landscapes and natural wonders make it a must-see adventure.

Participant Requirements and Recommendations

While this Hilo Shore Excursion is an excellent way to explore the volcanic wonders of the Big Island, it may not be suitable for all travelers.

The tour involves walking at least 1.5 miles on uneven terrain, so it’s not recommended for those with back problems or serious medical conditions. Pregnant travelers should also avoid this tour.

Participants must wear covered walking shoes and bring jackets for changing weather. The tour is open to children ages 8 and up, but all must have a paid seat.

Customer Feedback and Reviews

The Hilo Shore Excursion has earned an overall rating of 4.9 based on 318 reviews, reflecting the overwhelmingly positive experiences of previous participants. Guests highlighted the knowledgeable and friendly guides, scenic views, and informative experiences. However, some expressed minor criticisms regarding the time spent at the chocolate factory and the guide’s conversational style. The tour hosts acknowledge this feedback and aim to refine the experience further. The following table summarizes the key feedback:

Feedback	Positive	Negative
Guides	Knowledgeable, Friendly	Conversational style
Experiences	Informative, Scenic	Time at chocolate factory
Overall	Highly recommended	Some minor criticisms

The Hilo Shore Excursion continues to maintain a 99% recommendation rate, demonstrating its ability to deliver exceptional value to guests.

Exploring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

As the centerpiece of the Hilo Shore Excursion, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park offers visitors a captivating glimpse into the dynamic forces that have shaped the Hawaiian Islands.

Tour participants explore the Kilauea Volcano, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, and witness the powerful steam vents and fumaroles that dot the landscape.

The highlight is the Thurston Lava Tube, a remarkable cave formed by ancient lava flows.

Amid the volcanic terrain, the tour also includes a tranquil walk through the rainforest, showcasing the park’s diverse flora and fauna.

With knowledgeable guides, travelers gain a deeper appreciation for the islands’ geological wonders.

Discovering Hilo’s Natural Wonders

Beyond the captivating volcanic landscapes of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the Hilo Shore Excursion offers a chance to explore Hilo’s other natural wonders. Visitors will stop at the majestic Rainbow Falls, a 80-foot cascading waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. The tour also includes a visit to the Liliuokalani Gardens, a serene Japanese garden featuring pagodas, ponds, and bridges.

Attraction	Highlight
Rainbow Falls	80-foot cascading waterfall
Liliuokalani Gardens	Japanese garden with pagodas, ponds, and bridges
Local Chocolate Factory	Opportunity to sample Hawaii-made chocolates

The excursion culminates with a stop at a local chocolate factory, where travelers can indulge in samples of Hawaii’s finest confections.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Based on the information provided, participants cannot bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes snacks like island chips and bottled water as well as a provided lunch, so outside food and drinks are not permitted.

Is There a Restroom Available During the Tour?

There are restroom facilities available at several of the tour stops, including Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Liliuokalani Gardens. However, participants should plan ahead as restroom availability may be limited during portions of the tour.

Can I Cancel or Reschedule the Tour if I Need To?

The tour operator allows flexibility for cancellations and rescheduling. Travelers can cancel or reschedule the tour up to 24 hours in advance without penalty. However, changes made within 24 hours may incur fees.

Is There Any Way to Get a Private or Smaller Group Tour?

Yes, you can request a private or smaller group tour. The tour operator offers a maximum group size of 12 travelers, so a smaller group experience may be available upon request. Contact them directly to inquire about private tour options.

Can I Extend the Length of Time Spent at Any of the Attractions?

You can extend the length of time spent at any of the attractions, but it’ll likely require booking a private or smaller group tour. The standard tour provides limited time at each site.

The Sum Up

The Hilo Shore Excursion offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in the natural wonders of Hawaii’s Big Island. Travelers can witness the power of Kilauea Volcano, explore the enchanting Thurston Lava Tube, and marvel at the stunning Rainbow Falls – all while enjoying local treats and knowledgeable guidance. This excursion promises an unforgettable adventure that captures the essence of Hawaii’s remarkable landscape.