Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Hilo Highlights Small Group Tour

Explore the natural wonders of Hawaii’s Big Island on this small group tour that delves into the captivating landscapes of Volcanoes National Park and Hilo. Witness the power of Kilauea volcano, marvel at the Thurston Lava Tube, and learn about the island’s vibrant culture. With expert guides and comfortable transportation, you’ll uncover the hidden gems that make this destination truly remarkable. Prepare to be amazed as you discover the breathtaking beauty that lies in wait.

Key Points

• Explore the volcanic wonders of Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano, including the Halemaumau crater, and discover the natural underground Nahuku – Thurston Lava Tube.
• Scenic drive along Chain of Craters Road, stopping at Rainbow Falls and the Big Island Candies shop to experience the island’s cultural highlights.
• Gain insights into volcanic geology and Hawaiian culture from knowledgeable guides throughout the full-day excursion.
• Visit Liliuokalani Gardens, a Japanese-style garden in Hilo, to immerse in the island’s diverse heritage.
• Enjoy the convenience of private transportation, park admission fees, and complimentary snacks and bottled water included in the tour.

Tour Highlights

What’re the key highlights of this Hawaii Volcanoes National Park tour?

This full-day excursion takes visitors to the heart of Hawaii’s volcanic wonders.

Explore the iconic Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where they’ll climb the rim of Kilauea volcano and peer into the Halemaumau crater.

Discover the Nahuku – Thurston Lava Tube, a natural underground cave carved by ancient lava flows.

Drive along the scenic Chain of Craters Road, stopping to admire the Rainbow Falls and browse the shop at Big Island Candies.

The tour also highlights the serene Liliuokalani Gardens in Hilo.

Throughout, travelers can learn about Hawaii’s volcanic geology and culture from knowledgeable guides.

Key Sites Explored

The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Hilo Highlights Small Group Tour brings visitors right into the heart of the Big Island’s volcanic landscapes.

Travelers venture into the Nahuku – Thurston Lava Tube, a 500-year-old cave formed by flowing lava. They’ll drive along the scenic Chain of Craters Road, catching glimpses of Halemaumau Crater.

In Hilo, the tour visits Rainbow Falls, an 80-foot waterfall nestled in a lush tropical setting. Guests also stop at the iconic Liliuokalani Gardens, a Japanese-style garden, and indulge in local treats at the renowned Big Island Candies shop.

Volcanic Wonders and Geological Marvels

Although the Big Island is home to an abundance of natural wonders, the tour’s primary focus lies in exploring the island’s remarkable volcanic landscapes and geological marvels.

Guests have the opportunity to peer into the Kilauea volcano’s Halemaumau crater, where active eruptions may be witnessed.

Traversing the Chain of Craters Road, they’ll discover newly formed land and steam vents, marveling at the dynamic nature of this living, breathing landscape.

The highlight, however, is the exploration of the Nahuku – Thurston Lava Tube, a subterranean marvel sculpted by ancient lava flows.

Altogether, this tour immerses visitors in the island’s powerful volcanic origins.

Exploring Hilo’s Cultural Gems

Beyond the volcanic wonders, the tour also immerses guests in the cultural gems that define Hilo, the largest city on the Big Island.

Visitors explore the serene Liliuokalani Gardens, a Japanese-style park honoring the former Queen of Hawaii. They also visit Big Island Candies, a local confectionery renowned for its chocolate-dipped macadamia nuts and other Hawaiian specialties.

These stops provide a glimpse into Hilo’s vibrant cultural tapestry, complementing the tour’s geological highlights. The combination of natural and cultural discoveries offers a well-rounded experience, delivering a deeper understanding of Hawaii’s unique heritage.

Inclusions and Logistics

This comprehensive tour includes a variety of thoughtful inclusions to ensure a seamless and memorable experience for guests. Along with a professional guide, private transportation, and park admission fees, travelers can enjoy complimentary snacks and bottled water. Hotel pickup and drop-off in the Hilo area are also provided. Pickup locations include Hilo hotels, the bus terminal, the airport, and the cruise ship port. While meals are not included, guests are encouraged to bring their own snacks. With these logistics covered, travelers can focus on seeing the natural wonders of Hawaii’s Volcanoes National Park.

Inclusions	Details
Tour Guide	Professional and knowledgeable
Transportation	Private and comfortable
Park Admission	Entrance fees covered
Refreshments	Snacks and bottled water provided

Health and Safety Considerations

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, the tour has several health and safety requirements.

Participants must have a moderate level of physical fitness, as the tour involves walking up to 1 mile on uneven terrain. Those with back problems, pregnant travelers, or serious medical conditions are advised not to join the tour.

Proper footwear, such as covered walking shoes, is mandatory. Jackets are recommended to accommodate weather changes.

The tour isn’t suitable for children under 8 years old, and no lap children are allowed.

Adhering to these guidelines helps ensure a memorable and secure journey through Hawaii’s volcanic landscapes.

Age Restrictions and Dress Code

The tour also has age restrictions in place. Children ages 8 and up may participate, but no lap children are allowed. This ensures the safety and enjoyment of all guests.

Dress Code	Requirements
Covered Walking Shoes	Mandatory for all participants
Jackets	Recommended for weather changes
Long Pants	Optional, but advised for comfort
Hat & Sunglasses	Suggested for sun protection

Adhering to the dress code helps travelers stay comfortable and prepared for the varied terrain and weather conditions encountered during the tour.

Customer Feedback and Ratings

With an impressive overall rating of 4.9 based on 216 reviews, it’s clear that the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Hilo Highlights Small Group Tour has left a lasting impression on its participants.

Travelers consistently praise the knowledgeable and friendly guides, highlighting Josh and Jill as standouts. The small group size allows for personalized experiences, and customers appreciate the educational and engaging storytelling about local culture and geology.

Reviewers also note the beautiful views, well-timed stops, and informative discussions about volcanic activity and Hawaiian legends.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The maximum group size for this tour is 12 travelers. The tour operator limits the group size to ensure a personalized and intimate experience for participants.

Are Meals Included in the Tour Price?

No, meals are not included in the tour price. The tour description states that guests are encouraged to bring their own snacks, as meal purchases are excluded from the tour’s inclusions.

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

No, pets are not allowed on the tour. The tour is designed for guests’ safety and comfort, and the small group size would not accommodate pets. Travelers are encouraged to leave their pets at home for this experience.

Do I Need to Purchase Additional Park Passes?

The tour includes the national park admission fee, so no additional park passes are needed. Guests can simply arrive at the designated pickup locations and enjoy the sights without having to worry about purchasing separate park entrance tickets.

Is There an Option for a Private Tour?

Yes, there’s an option for a private tour. The tour provider offers private experiences for groups of any size, allowing for a more personalized and flexible itinerary to suit the group’s preferences and needs.

Recap

This small group tour offers a captivating exploration of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Hilo’s natural wonders. From the awe-inspiring Kilauea volcano to the enchanting Nahuku – Thurston Lava Tube, visitors will enjoy the islands’ volcanic landscapes. Complemented by cultural discoveries and local delights, this comprehensive experience showcases the remarkable beauty and diversity of Hawaii’s Big Island.