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Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Hilo Highlights Small Group Tour

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Hilo, United States
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Hilo Highlights Small Group Tour
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Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Hilo Highlights Small Group Tour
Views of Hilo Bay and Mauna Kea
Nahuku - Thurston Lava Tube
Waianuenue - Rainbow Falls
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Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out

From $167.54

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Free cancellation
Up to 24 hours in advance. Learn more
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Safety measures
icon5 hours 30 minutes  (approx.)
Pickup from select hotels
Mobile ticket
iconOffered in: English
Good for avoiding crowds

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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
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From $167.54

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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.
This operator has two meet-up options available. You can either meet at the departure point below or select a location for pick-up.
329 Kamehameha Ave , 329 Kamehameha Ave, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
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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.

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This activity will end right where it started.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: 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". HOTEL PICKUP INSTRUCTIONS: Please meet your tour guide near the front entrance to the lobby, our vans are marked with the logo "Mauka Makai Adventures." ALL OTHERS: If you are driving from Kona or another part of the island, please 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.
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.
Itinerary
Stop At:  
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park including a visit to Kilauea caldera where you will witness the dramatic changes from our recent eruption, experience the steam vents and other volcanic formations from past lava flows.
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Duration: 2 hours 
Admission Ticket Included
Stop At:  
Nahuku - Thurston Lava Tube
Enjoy a hike through the Hawaiian rainforest robust with native birds and tree ferns to Nahuku (Thurston lava tube). Traverse the 500 year old lava tube where molten lava once rushed through.
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Duration: 30 minutes
Admission Ticket Included
Stop At:  
Chain of Craters Road
Explore frozen fields of lava from past volcanic eruptions and peer down into once active volcanic craters. Learn about the history, culture and geology of Kilauea volcano.
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Duration: 30 minutes
Admission Ticket Included
Stop At:  
Rainbow Falls
View the majestic 80 foot waterfall of Waianuenue or Rainbow Falls. Enjoy the tropical landscape as you learn the legends of Hawaii.
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Duration: 20 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
Stop At:  
Big Island Candies
Get your pep in your step with tasty hand-made chocolates, locally grown macadamia nuts and island fresh coffee!
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Duration: 15 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
Stop At:  
Liliuokalani Gardens
Immerse yourself in tranquility with a short stroll around Liliuokalani Gardens as you enjoy the fishponds, pagodas and picture perfect landscaping along Hilo bay.
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Duration: 20 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately (be prepared for sun, wind and rain).
  • 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).
  • 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 wheelchair accessible
  • Near public transportation
  • Not recommended for travelers with back problems
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
  • For a one DAY TRIP to the Big Island, please make your travel arrangements to and from the Hilo International Airport. Please provide your flight details at time of booking.
  • Kilauea volcano is an active volcano, you may be exposed to volcanic gas on this tour.
  • Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
  • All guests MUST PROVIDE PROOF OF FULL COVID-19 VACCINATION upon check-in for the tour. All guests are REQUIRED TO WEAR A FACE MASK covering the mouth and nose when traveling in the vehicle for the duration of the tour (regardless of State mandates being lifted).
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
  • OPERATED BY Mauka Makai Adventures
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 good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
  • 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.

Learn more about cancellations.

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What is the policy on face masks and attendee health during Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Hilo Highlights Small Group Tour?
A:The policies on face masks and attendee health are:

  • Face masks required for travelers in public areas
  • Face masks required for guides in public areas
See all safety measures taken by Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Hilo Highlights Small Group Tour.
Q:
What is the policy on sanitization during Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Hilo Highlights Small Group Tour?
A:The policies on sanitization are:

  • Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
  • Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
  • Gear/equipment sanitized between use
  • Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
See all safety measures taken by Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Hilo Highlights Small Group Tour.
Q:
What is the social distancing policy during Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Hilo Highlights Small Group Tour?
A:The policy on social distancing is:

  • Social distancing enforced throughout experience
See all safety measures taken by Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Hilo Highlights Small Group Tour.
Q:
What measures are being taken to ensure staff health & safety during Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Hilo Highlights Small Group Tour?
A:The policy on staff health & safety is:

  • Guides required to regularly wash hands
See all safety measures taken by Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Hilo Highlights Small Group Tour.

Traveler Photos

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Traveler Tips

  • "Josh also had umbrellas handy for us and took us to a local eatery that served pure deliciousness!" See review

Reviews

5.0
star-5
78 Reviews
5 stars
73
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Reviews by Viator travelers

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Showing 1-10 of 78 reviews
star-5
Loved the tour
John_B
, Jun 2022
Our tour guide was excellent, knowledgeable and entertaining. He brought telescope and phone magnifier for getting up close pictures. Great tour for seeing the park and getting some local history.
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star-5
Highly Recommend
Taylor_B
, Jun 2022
Had so much fun on this small group tour! Loved that it’s owned by local husband and wife. There would be no way we could have seen all this and learned all we did by ourselves during this amount of time. Family friendly!
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star-5
Great tour!
Robin_C
, May 2022
Josh was a funny and informative tour guide, and we hit all the must see spots. This tour was one of the highlights of our trip!
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star-5
Day trip to Kona
Shawn_A
, May 2022
Jill was an excellent tour guide, (great van) she shared a lot of great information regarding the island and the volcano. Great experience to see the volcano and lava tube!!! If you get a chance give it a try!!
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star-5
Hilo and Volcano Tour
Jill_E
, May 2022
Tour guide was excellent. We were given lots of information on the volcano. Variety of stops in the National Park. Enjoyable experience
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star-5
Rain did not deter!
Heather_G
, May 2022
Highly recommended tour for the NCL ship passenger. Pick up right inside the pier terminal. Umbrellas provided for the rain as well! Saw waterfall, crater, steam vents, fissures, and walked through a lava tube! Many Hawaiian stories told along the route. Rain did not deter us from seeing the sights. Great deal of hiking included so if that is not your thing. Don't go. But a must see when visiting Hilo!
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star-5
Scott Rocks! Great Tour!
ThomasJohn_O
, May 2022
OMG, Scott was amazing! He not only regaled us with Hawaiian legends and stories, his knowledge of volcanos was so interesting. Don't book any other tour. Manuka Makai Tours is the one. And he's the owner so you're also supporting small business. Thank you Scott. Rosemarie & Jack
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1 traveler found this review helpful
star-5
Excellent tour. Tour...
Christy_D
, Apr 2022
Excellent tour. Tour guide was knowledgeable and created a memorable experience. Enjoyed the sites and would recommend to friends and family!
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star-5
This tour was excellent!...
Melissa_D
, Apr 2022
This tour was excellent! We saw Rainbow Falls, lava tubes, multiple stops at Volcano National Park, and Big Island Candy. We went to different Lava Tubes than listed due to an accident at the park. I actually preferred this since we were the only people there! The lava tubes were my favorite part of the tour. Josh was very friendly and very knowledgeable. He told Hawaiian stories about plants and animals on the big island as well as the volcano goddess Pele, as well as personal stories about growing up on the big island. Overall an excellent tour.
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star-5
Family Hilo Tour
Kendra_B
, Apr 2022
This tour was absolutely amazing. Jill was a great story teller and told us all about the Hawaiian legends for the various places we stopped. She was extremely knowledgeable about the native plants and wildlife and could tell the history (from her own upbringing on the island) of the volcano and lava field formations. We wanted someone to show us the volcano and Jill went above and beyond in doing so, even taking us to a famous candy store on our way back to Hilo. I can't say enough good things - definitely worth every penny, supporting a small family-owned business!
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star-5
Good tour with friendly guide
Woogyeong_L
, Apr 2022
My friend and I booked this tour because we can't drive but still wanted to visit the waterfall and volcano national park. We liked that they do pickups not only at major hotels but also at the bus terminal so we didn't need to take an Uber just to get to the pickup spot - We had to do that for some other tours. It was a 10 minute walk from our stay. Like it says our group was small with less than 10 people. Our guide, Josh, was very knowledgeable and friendly. He tried to make sure everybody takes their time. Tours are not allowed to go to the black sand beach anymore so that was a little sad, but everything on the tour was great. For those who wants some information about the island and don't want to drive a long distance, this one is for you.
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star-4
Waterfall, Volcano, Lava Tube Adventure
Paul_H
, Apr 2022
Josh was a terrific, knowledgeable tour guide who brought an awesome local vibe to the tour! With historic details of important dates/events and stories of local folklore, the tour was an immersive and authentic experience that delivered the best of what The Big Island has to offer!!
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star-5
Amazing Tour Guide!
Abigail_R
, Feb 2022
This is a great tour if you are looking for something with a small group and a guide with AMAZING knowledge! Josh took us around the park and had an answer for everyone's questions. He knows so much about the history and nature of the park and island, including lots of bird and plant identifications, which I really appreciate! I only wish the tour had been longer with more things included :)
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icon Response from Host , Feb 2022
Thank you Abigail, we are so glad you enjoyed your time exploring Hilo and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Please come back and visit again. Mahalo, Jill & Josh
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star-5
Joshua was a great guide,...
William_M
, Feb 2022
Joshua was a great guide, he was knowledgeable and considerate of my mobility issues. he answered all questions and made great suggestions to enhance our tour. He went out of his way to assist us in things we needed
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icon Response from Host , Feb 2022
Mahalo, we are glad you enjoyed your time with us. Please take care. Much aloha, Josh
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star-4
I had a good time, tour...
Kristy_F
, Feb 2022
I had a good time, tour operator was great. Only issue was we didn’t visit all the places listed on the itinerary.
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icon Response from Host , Feb 2022
Aloha Kristy, Thank you for your feedback. We are very sorry if their was a sight on the itinerary that your tour did not stop at. Unfortunately we have not been able to visit the orchid farm on all tours as their hours are extremely limited due the COVID-19 pandemic. We apologize for the inconvenience and are glad you enjoyed your time with us. Mahalo, Jill
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star-5
I lava my Trip
Chase_B
, Feb 2022
Our guide Josh was very personable and gave us a lot of history and personal stories . It was very memorable. Would not book with viator though. Tour was amazing - viator not so much .
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icon Response from Host , Feb 2022
Mahalo! Please let us know when you return to the islands. Aloha, Josh
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star-5
Excellent knowledgeable local guides
John_C
, Jan 2022
Josh was our guide. He is from the Big Island and knows his way around and can not only talk to you about the sights and stops on the tour but is happy to share all kinds of wisdom and tips about his home here. It was a pleasure to spend time with him!
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icon Response from Host , Jan 2022
Aloha John, Thank you for visiting, it was a pleasure to share our island with you! We hope to see you again. Mahalo, Josh
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star-5
Educational, interesting tour to experience the power of volcanoes and aftermath.
Suzanne_P
, Jan 2022
The sheer size of the craters that were formed as a result of volcanic activity is crazy to behold. Experienced the power and ferocity of the lava flow from what remains afterwards. Our tour guide, Jill’s, genuine love for Hawaii made the experience more special and memorable. Nice comfortable ride in a clean van and not strenuous and definitely recommend wearing layers.
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icon Response from Host , Jan 2022
Aloha Suzanne, it was a pleasure having you and your family on tour! We are so happy you enjoyed your experience at Kilauea volcano. Please come back and visit again. Mahalo, Jill
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star-1
Volcanoes National Park and Hilo
Tammy_W
, Jan 2022
My printout clearly listed our pickup location as our hotel, the Marriott Courtyard. That turned out to be incorrect and so we missed this tour. We expect a full refund for two adults, myself and my daughter.
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icon Response from Host , Feb 2022
Aloha, We are very sorry you were not able to join us on the tour. We hope that Viator/TripAdvisor has reimbursed you in full and apologize for any confusion there may have been in the booking process. We do not provide transportation from Kona or Waikoloa for the Volcano Tour. We did send numerous emails through the Viator system regarding the pick-up point. We also spoke with you on the phone two days prior to the tour and agreed to meet in Hilo at the Mo'oheau Bus Terminal. Again we sincerely apologize for any misunderstanding and hope you were able to enjoy your time on Hawai'i island. Mahalo, Jill & Josh
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star-5
Great trip
angelatavar
, Jan 2020
Great spots visited. Very well explained the history and facts. All questioned answered. Great guide.
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1 traveler found this review helpful
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