Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcano Safari Lava Caves & Black Sand
4.8 / 5 · 445 traveler reviews
Approx 6 hr long. Explore the places less traveled among Hawaii's back roads of Kilauea volcano. Explore exciting Lava Caves and 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 ship's arrival & departure. Hilo Hotel Guests: Meeting location Hilo Hawaiian Hotel
Your experience
Stop 1
This is the largest Japanese garden outside of Japan donated by Queen Liliʻuokalani in 1917. Throughout the gardens are stone lanterns, gazebos, and torii gates, recalling the Japanese immigrants who came to Hawaii.
Stop 2
Drive through the historical downtown Hilo as you will learn about the devastating tsunamis of the past
Stop 3
Breathtaking 80 ft waterfall, Rainbow Falls. These beautiful falls get their name from the rainbow that is often visible in the mist that rises as the water cascades to the rocks 80 feet below.
Stop 4
Time to explore lava caves is next! We walk you down into a lava cave through a skylight, also locally known as a lava tube. Kaumana Caves was created by one of our largest volcanoes, Mauna Loa. The guide will explain how molten lava makes these spectacular lava tubes and the fascinating colors inside.
Stop 5
On our drive we will drive through a quaint town called Pahoa. Once a booming plantation town and now a laid-back hippie town with old school artistry charm and wood-plank boardwalks. You will see the current lava flow that nearly wiped this town off the map.
Stop 6
We will walk a trail among lava trees that looks somewhat of a petrified forest and look down into a deep fissure. This unusual volcanic sight is one stop that shouldn’t be missed.
Stop 7
WALK ON THE NEWEST BLACK SAND BEACH IN HAWAII!! is truly an amazing creation by Kilauea’s lava flow. Let us show you the newest created black sand beach. Once in this location was the old boat harbor and ramp that you can still see and has now been cut off from the creation of a large black sand beach. There is no swimming at this location. If the beach is closed due to unforeseen circumstances, an alternate black sand beach will be substituted.
Stop 8
Several earthquakes cracked open the roads, lava fountains started spewing lava 300 ft into the sky and nearly 2,000 residents we evacuated. This amazing force even evaporated Green Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake in Hawaii. We will be showing you areas of mass destruction from Kilauea Volcano. Note: The order of stops on this tour may be adjusted to help provide the best experience.
Stop 9
Local Deli for a lunch stop or a local vendor ( depending on the day, we use a different vendors for our lunch stop) Note: The order of stops on this tour may be adjusted to help provide the best experience for customers.
What’s included
- Bottled water
- Professional guide
- Port pickup and drop-off / Hilo Hotel pickup and drop-off
Not included
- Souvenirs
- Gratuities
- Lunch- Stop made by local vendor for customers to purchase
Meeting and pickup
HOTEL GUESTS: Castle Hilo Hawaiian Hotel located at 71 Banyan Dr. Hilo HI . Please wait in lobby for pick up. The lobby also has a cafe lounge if needing something to drink.
CRUISE SHIP CUSTOMERS: Check in time 15 min before the scheduled departure time. LOOK FOR SIGN #1 When departing the ship, you will enter a large terminal building. Please look for your guide, who will be holding a sign with the number 1 on it.
Before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Moderate tour - Involves walking over relatively unlevel terrain, possible gravel, lava, uneven ground and steep steps. Comfortable walking shoes recommended.
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately; light rain jacket or poncho
- A stop is made to purchase food
- Worry-free Shore Excursion Guarantee
- Exact departure time may vary depending on the cruise ship's disembarkation time
- We will ensure your timely return back to the ship in Hilo Pier for this activity. If your ship does not come into port , your money will be refunded. If is is delayed we will adjust our departure time to the ships itenerary. See our terms and conditions for full details
- Not recommended for those who cannot walk over uneven ground or with poor health
- Lava Tube: The steps to get into the lava tube are steep and the ground is uneven. You do not have to go into the lava tube if you feel it is too much for you.
- We are NOT able to accommodate customers with walkers or wheel chairs.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Check the policy for your selected date and option before booking.
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