Day Trip From Oahu to Hilo: Active Volcanoes

Let’s explore the captivating day trip from Oahu to Hilo, where we’ll witness the raw power of active volcanoes. We’ll traverse the winding Chain of Craters Road, venture into the Nahuku – Thurston Lava Tube, and immerse ourselves in the lush, verdant rainforest of Akaka Falls State Park. Along the way, we’ll uncover the dynamic geological history of the region and discover the charming seaside town of Hilo, rich in history and culture. This journey promises to leave us with a deeper appreciation for the natural wonders of the Hawaiian islands. Shall we get started?

Key Points

• Explore the iconic Steam Vents, Chain of Craters Road, and Devastation Trail within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
• Venture into the Nahuku – Thurston Lava Tube, a 500-year-old cave system stretching nearly half a mile.
• Witness the power of active volcanoes and the dynamic geological history during the full-day guided trip from Oahu to the Big Island.
• Discover the stunning 442-foot Akaka Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in Hawaii, during the Hilo adventure.
• Experience the charming seaside town of Hilo, including the vibrant Hilo Farmers Market and the iconic Banyan Drive.

Tour Overview

This full-day guided trip from Oahu to the Big Island allows us to explore Hilo and the renowned Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where we’ll witness the power of active volcanoes.

We’ll start our journey with a visit to the scenic Hilo Bay Beachfront Park before heading to the iconic Rainbow Falls.

Then, we’ll dive into the heart of the volcanic landscape, exploring the Steam Vents, Chain of Craters Road, and the Devastation Trail.

We’ll also get the chance to walk through the Nahuku – Thurston Lava Tube and marvel at the Akaka Falls.

With round-trip airfare, lunch, and park admission included, this tour provides a comprehensive and convenient way to experience the Big Island’s natural wonders.

Top Sights Visited

After exploring the scenic Hilo Bay Beachfront Park, we’ll head to the iconic Rainbow Falls, where we’ll witness the stunning cascade of water tumbling over the cliffs.

From there, we’ll dive into the heart of the volcanic landscape at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, exploring the Steam Vents, Chain of Craters Road, and the Devastation Trail.

We’ll also venture into the Nahuku – Thurston Lava Tube, marveling at the natural beauty carved out by ancient lava flows.

Nearby, we’ll visit the impressive Akaka Falls State Park, where we’ll be awestruck by the towering waterfall.

Volcano National Park Highlights

We’ll explore the iconic Steam Vents, where superheated volcanic gases escape from the earth’s surface, creating a mesmerizing natural display.

Then, we’ll traverse the winding Chain of Craters Road, marveling at the dramatic landscape carved out by ancient lava flows.

Finally, we’ll hike the Devastation Trail, witnessing the powerful impact of past volcanic eruptions on the surrounding environment.

At Nahuku – Thurston Lava Tube, we’ll venture underground to discover a remarkable natural wonder formed by molten rock.

Our journey through Hawaii Volcanoes National Park will offer a rare glimpse into the region’s dynamic geological history and the raw power of the island’s active volcanoes.

Nahuku – Thurston Lava Tube

Descending into the Nahuku – Thurston Lava Tube, we’ll marvel at the remarkable natural wonder formed millions of years ago by molten rock. This 500-year-old cave system stretches nearly half a mile and reaches up to 50 feet high. As we make our way through the lava tube, we’ll notice the smooth, rounded walls and ceiling shaped by the flow of ancient magma.

Feature	Description
Lighting	Portions are dark, requiring headlamps
Temperature	Maintains a comfortable 70°F year-round
Terrain	Uneven, with steps and inclines
Duration	Allow 45-60 minutes to explore

We’ll emerge with a deeper appreciation for the dynamic forces that sculpted the Hawaiian landscape over millennia.

Akaka Falls State Park

Tucked within the lush, verdant rainforest of the Hamakua Coast, Akaka Falls State Park beckons visitors with its stunning 442-foot cascade, one of the tallest in Hawaii.

We strolled along the half-mile loop trail, marveling at the powerful waterfall plummeting over a moss-covered cliff. The hike is easy and well-maintained, allowing us to soak in the natural beauty without exerting too much effort.

Though the park can get crowded, we found moments of solitude to appreciate the serenity of the surroundings. Don’t miss the viewpoint at the top of the falls, where we captured breathtaking panoramas of the lush, tropical landscape.

Akaka Falls is a must-see stop on our Hilo adventure, offering a glimpse of Hawaii’s impressive natural wonders.

Rainbow Falls Viewpoint

After marveling at the grandeur of Akaka Falls, we made our way to the Rainbow Falls viewpoint, eager to witness another stunning natural attraction in the Hilo area. Situated along the Wailuku River, this 80-foot cascade is renowned for the rainbow-like mist it creates when the sun hits the falling water just right.

We were delighted to see the vibrant colors dancing across the falls, a truly mesmerizing sight. To better appreciate the unique geological features, our guide pointed out the following:

Feature	Description
Basalt Rock	The falls’ base is composed of ancient basalt lava flows.
Lush Vegetation	Verdant rainforest surrounds the waterfall, adding to its tropical allure.
Seasonal Flow	Water volume varies depending on rainfall, with peak flow during the winter months.

Capturing the perfect photograph proved challenging, but the memory of this breathtaking natural wonder will forever be etched in our minds.

Hilo City Tour

We next embarked on a tour of Hilo, exploring the charming seaside town’s rich history and lively culture. Our guide took us through the bustling downtown area, pointing out notable landmarks and regaling us with tales of Hilo’s past.

We strolled along the scenic Hilo Bay Beachfront Park, marveling at the stunning ocean vistas.

The highlights of our Hilo city tour included:

• Visiting the iconic Banyan Drive, home to towering banyan trees planted by famous visitors
• Exploring the unique Liliʻuokalani Gardens, a tranquil Japanese-style garden overlooking the bay
• Stopping at the vibrant Hilo Farmers Market, where we sampled fresh local produce and artisanal crafts

This immersive experience gave us a deep appreciation for Hilo’s enduring charm and community spirit.

Important Visitor Information

Typically, this tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, so guests with mobility needs should inquire about accommodations.

Plus, the tour is non-refundable and non-changeable, so travelers must provide their date of birth and gender when booking.

On the day of travel, a valid government-issued ID is required.

While lava sightings aren’t guaranteed, the tour still provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore the fascinating volcanic landscapes of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

We understand that flexibility is important, but the tour’s policies are in place to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all participants.

We recommend carefully reviewing the details before booking to ensure the tour aligns with your needs and expectations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Photography Allowed at All the Sites Visited?

Yes, photography is allowed at all the sites we’ll visit on this tour. However, we’ll need to be mindful of any posted restrictions and follow the guide’s instructions to ensure we don’t disrupt the experience or damage the delicate natural environments.

Can Visitors Bring Their Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Yes, visitors can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. We recommend packing a lunch, snacks, and water to enjoy during the day as there may be limited dining options at some of the sites.

What Is the Cancellation and Rescheduling Policy for the Tour?

We’re unable to reschedule or cancel this non-refundable tour once booked. It’s important to double-check the details before committing, as we can’t make changes or get a refund if our plans change unexpectedly.

Is There an Option to Upgrade to a Private Tour?

Unfortunately, we didn’t find any information about upgrading to a private tour for this specific day trip from Oahu to Hilo. The tour details provided don’t seem to mention a private tour option being available.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Include Additional Stops?

We can customize the tour to include additional stops, but this may incur an extra fee. The standard tour covers the key highlights, but we’d be happy to discuss any special interests you have to tailor the experience.

Recap

We’ll leave Hilo with cherished memories of the island’s captivating volcanic landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and vibrant cultural heritage.

This day trip has truly immersed us in the raw power and natural beauty of the Big Island, inspiring a newfound appreciation for Hawaii’s dynamic geological wonders.

As we return to Oahu, we feel enriched by this incredible adventure.