Hilo Cruise Ship Excursion: Volcanoes National Park Rainbow Falls

The Hilo Cruise Ship Excursion to Volcanoes National Park and Rainbow Falls offers visitors a chance to enjoy Hawaii’s natural wonders. This 4.5-hour tour takes guests on a journey through the island’s stunning landscapes, from the cascading Rainbow Falls to the awe-inspiring volcanic terrain of the national park. With knowledgeable guides leading the way, travelers can expect a personalized experience and a deeper understanding of the region’s unique geology. What awaits those who embark on this excursion is a captivating exploration of the Big Island’s remarkable natural heritage.

Key Points

• This 4.5-hour excursion from Hilo port takes cruise ship passengers to Volcanoes National Park and Rainbow Falls, showcasing Hawaii’s natural geological wonders.
• The tour includes round-trip transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, a professional guide, and accommodates wheelchair users and strollers for a maximum group size of 15.
• Highlights of the tour include visiting the Volcanoes National Park visitor center, exploring a lava tube, seeing a steam vent, and admiring the scenic Rainbow Falls.
• With over 120 reviews and a Badge of Excellence, the excursion is considered a great value compared to cruise ship offerings, though some customers report timing and pacing issues.
• Guests are advised to wear comfortable walking shoes, bring necessary medications and snacks, and inform the tour operator of any changes to their plans.

Overview of the Excursion

The Hilo Cruise Ship Excursion: Volcanoes National Park Rainbow Falls is a popular tour offering visitors to the Big Island of Hawaii a chance to explore some of the island’s most remarkable natural attractions.

The 4.5-hour tour departs at 8:30 am and returns at 1:00 pm, allowing guests to visit Rainbow Falls at Wailuku River State Park and explore the iconic Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home to the active volcanoes of Mauna Loa and Kilauea.

With over 120 reviews and a Badge of Excellence, this excursion provides an opportunity to witness the stunning natural beauty and geological wonders of Hawaii’s Big Island.

Tour Details

As part of the Hilo Cruise Ship Excursion, the tour includes a range of inclusions to enhance the overall experience.

Travelers will enjoy:

• Port pickup and drop-off
• A professional guide to provide expertise and commentary
• An air-conditioned vehicle for comfortable transportation

The tour is also accessible, accommodating both wheelchair users and those with strollers.

The group size is capped at a maximum of 15 travelers, ensuring a personalized and intimate experience.

It’s important to note that this excursion is exclusively available to Norwegian Cruise Line Pride of America passengers.

Customer Feedback

Travelers who’ve experienced the Hilo Cruise Ship Excursion have generally praised the tour, awarding it an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 based on 122 reviews.

Guests have commended the knowledgeable and engaging guides, describing the tour as fun, informative, and a great value compared to cruise ship offerings.

The highlights, including visiting active volcanoes and seeing Rainbow Falls, have resonated with many travelers.

However, some have reported dissatisfaction with the tour’s timing and stops, as well as issues with food availability and pacing.

Tour Experience

Guests can expect a moderate level of walking on relatively level terrain, with the possibility of encountering gravel, lava, or uneven ground during the Hilo Cruise Ship Excursion.

The tour provides opportunities to explore various natural attractions and learn about Hawaiian geology, including:

• Visiting the iconic Rainbow Falls at Wailuku River State Park
• Exploring the Volcanoes National Park visitor center, lava tube, and steam vent
• Stopping at local shops for optional purchases

Comfortable walking shoes and light jackets are recommended to ensure a pleasant and enjoyable tour experience.

Inclusions and Accessibility

The Hilo Cruise Ship Excursion includes a comprehensive package of services and amenities to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for passengers. This tour offers port pickup and drop-off, a professional guide, and an air-conditioned vehicle. Food, beverages, and souvenirs are also included, along with gratuities. The excursion is accessible for wheelchair users and those with strollers, accommodating a maximum group size of 15 travelers.

Inclusions	Accessibility	Group Size
Port pickup/drop-off	Wheelchair accessible	Maximum 15 travelers
Professional guide	Stroller accessible
Air-conditioned vehicle
Food and beverages
Souvenirs
Gratuities

This all-inclusive package allows passengers to focus on exploring the natural wonders of Hawaii’s Big Island.

Group Size and Booking Restrictions

While the Hilo Cruise Ship Excursion accommodates a maximum group size of 15 travelers, it’s important to note that the tour is only available for Norwegian Cruise Line Pride of America passengers.

This exclusivity ensures a more personalized and intimate experience, allowing guests to fully enjoy the natural wonders of Hawaii’s Big Island.

Key points:

• Maximum group size of 15 travelers
• Available exclusively for Norwegian Cruise Line Pride of America passengers
• Provides a more personalized and intimate tour experience

Cancellation Policy and Confirmation

Regarding the Hilo Cruise Ship Excursion, travelers will be pleased to learn that free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience starts. This policy provides flexibility for guests who may need to adjust their plans.

Plus, confirmation of the booking is received at the time of purchase, unless the reservation is made within 2 days of travel. This ensures participants have all the necessary details well in advance.

It’s worth noting that exact departure times may vary based on the cruise ship’s disembarkation schedule, so guests should plan accordingly.

Additional Notes

Passengers should be aware that exact departure times for the Hilo Cruise Ship Excursion may vary based on the cruise ship’s disembarkation schedule.

Tour operators work hard to ensure a timely start, but last-minute delays are possible. Guests should plan accordingly and be prepared for some flexibility.

Key considerations include:

• Bring any necessary medications and snacks in case of delays.
• Be ready to depart the ship at the earliest possible time.
• Communicate with the tour operator if late arrivals or changes are anticipated.

The tour give you a seamless experience, but adherence to the cruise line’s schedule is essential.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Tour Schedule on the Day of the Excursion?

The tour departs at 8:30 am and returns at 1:00 pm. It includes visits to Rainbow Falls, Volcanoes National Park, a lava tube, and a steam vent, with optional stops at local shops.

Are There Any Medical or Dietary Requirements to Participate?

The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, but travelers should notify the operator of any medical or dietary needs in advance. Food and beverages are included, so participants can accommodate their own requirements.

How Much Free Time Is Allotted at Each Tour Stop?

The tour provides approximately 30-45 minutes of free time at each stop, allowing guests to explore the natural wonders at their own pace. The guide ensures there’s ample time to take in the sights and experience the highlights of the excursion.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour or Add Extra Activities?

There doesn’t appear to be an option to extend the tour or add extra activities. The tour follows a set itinerary and schedule, with limited free time at each stop. Customization or personalization of the experience isn’t mentioned in the provided details.

What Is the Best Way to Take Photographs During the Tour?

Visitors can maximize photo opportunities by bringing a camera with a wide-angle lens and bringing a tripod for steady shots. Plus, they should stay alert for scenic viewpoints and get permission before taking photos of fellow travelers.

Recap

The Hilo Cruise Ship Excursion to Volcanoes National Park and Rainbow Falls offers an unforgettable adventure showcasing Hawaii’s natural wonders. Travelers can explore the stunning landscapes, witness the awe-inspiring volcano, and marvel at the beauty of Rainbow Falls, all while enjoying a personalized experience with knowledgeable guides. With comfortable transportation, small group size, and flexible cancellation policy, this tour provides an excellent opportunity to discover the island’s geological marvels.