Hilo Volcano Tour

Volcano
Transportation Included
Lunch Included
Active Volcano Tour
Turtle on black sand beach

Highlights

  • Small group tour exploring the Big Island’s famous volcano region
  • National Park highlights, including the recently expanded main crater and a nature walk
  • Black sand beach with sea turtles
  • Expert guide to provide fascinating context for what you’re seeing
  • Perfect for Hilo-based travelers, Hilo cruise ship passengers, and those flying into Hilo for day
  • Lunch, gear, and Hilo pickup/drop-off included
From
$179 per adult
  • Pickup 8:20am - 9:35am
  • Duration 5.5 - 7.5 hours

Overview

COVID-19 UPDATE: This tour is suspended indefinitely, at least through 2021. Please consider our other volcano tour which can also pickup in Hilo/Volcano.

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Discover volcano country, home to one of the most active and accessible volcanoes in the world, with an expert guide and the personalized care of a small group tour. See the National Park highlights including Halema'uma'u Crater, steaming vents, and a memorable nature walk on Devastation Trail among exotic flora and fauna to see the impacts of past lava flows. You'll learn about and see some of the dramatic changes to the area from the 2018 eruption that transformed the region and made international headlines. From multiple vantage points and with the guide's extensive commentary, you'll appreciate the scale of the significantly expanded main crater, as well as other breathtaking views of Kilauea Volcano.

You'll leave the Park and enjoy exclusive access to a 35-foot-high lava tube on private property only accessible by this tour, seeing firsthand how rivers of lava would traverse the land during eruptions. You’ll then stroll Richardson's black sand beach with regular sea turtle sightings. 

Throughout this excursion, your friendly guide will not only ensure your complete comfort but provide you the fullest volcano experience by sharing history, geology, culture, and other fascinating information about Kilauea volcano and Hawaii more broadly.

COVID-19 UPDATE: This tour is taking multiple steps to enhance sanitation and safety practices to minimize COVID-19 risks for guests and staff. For more details, see FAQ below.

Booking Tips

  • If you are arriving on the Pride of America cruise ship, this tour fits perfectly with your schedule for your Tuesday in Hilo.
  • If you are not arriving on the Pride of America, you may want to consider another day other than Tuesday in order to likely have less people on the tour and at the sights.
  • Staying on the west side (Kona, Waikoloa) and prefer round-trip transport rather than meeting in Hilo? Check out our other volcano tour.

TravelShack's Choice

Why we recommend this option over others
  • The most reputable and longest running small group tour operator on the Big Island (over 25 years)
  • Tour schedule works well for those coming in just for the day by cruise ship or plane
  • Comfortable modern van transport and maximum of only 9 people (usually less)
  • Exclusive access to lava tube you can walk through
  • Free pick-ups available from multiple Hilo locations, including cruise ship pier, airport, and some accommodations
  • You’ll learn a ton from expert guides versus trying to do parts of this by yourself
  • Known for knowledgeable and professional guides, many with degrees in volcanology, geology, and biology
  • In addition to lunch, water & snacks provided throughout the day, and complimentary gear available (e.g., rain jacket, walking sticks)
Traveler Reviews
TravelShack Customer rating:

5.0 out of 5 stars
Also rated on:
TripAdvisor
Yelp
March 2020

Our tour guide, Angela, was amazing. Her knowledge of the geological features of the volcano, the local animal life, the plant life, and the people of the island was encyclopedic. She pointed things out to us that we never would have seen on our own, from birds that were endangered species to unusual lava formations. She was so personable and friendly - a joy to spend the day with! She was able to answer any question that we asked and we learned so much from her. She made our visit to the Volcano National Park really special.

March 2020

Wade W wrote:

Outstanding. We had a great time. Brett was full of knowledge and an outstanding tour guide.

March 2020

We enjoyed the small group tour which was very educational. Our Tour guide did a great job! The highlight was going to the Lava Tube. We were on the Pride of America Norwegian Cruise and this excursion worked well!

Guidebook Reviews

Hawaii Big Island Revealed Guidebook:

If you had to name the one thing the Big Island is most famous for, it would undoubtedly be Kilauea Volcano. Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is the most fascinating place you may ever visit.

Lonely Planet Guidebook:

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park: Hawaii’s Top 20

Top-notch ecotour outfitter with knowledgeable guides

Moon Guidebook:

Wonderful company with an excellent environmental ethic—the tours are highly recommended

Fodor's Guidebook:

If you do nothing else on the Big Island, do the volcano

Since 1993, this locally owned and operated outfit has built a reputation for outstanding nature tours and eco-adventures. Sustainability and cultural sensitivity is a company mission. They have access to thousands of acres of restricted or private lands and employ expert, certified guides who are entertaining and informative.

Location

  • Volcano
  • Hilo

Tour Location
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Hilo area

Hilo Pickups (shown on map)
8:20-8:45 am, returning 3:40-4 pm

Driving Distance to Hilo
1 hr 20 min - 1 hr 50 min from Waikoloa & Kona

Frequently Asked Questions
  • Recognized at the local, state, and international levels as a leader in sustainable tourism
  • Certified by the Hawai’i Ecotourism Association
  • Donates to and partners with local environmental and community organizations
  • Reusable containers and water bottles to reduce waste
  • Educates and is sensitive to the deep cultural significance of the volcano
Terms and Conditions
Cancellation Policy
  • Fully refundable until 24 hours prior to tour
Tax added at checkout:
  • 4.712% Hawaii sales tax (GET)
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Active Volcano Tour