Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcano Safari Lava Caves & Black Sand

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

1. 1

   Lili'uokalani Gardens

   Pass by

   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.

2. 2

   Hilo

   Pass by

   Drive through the historical downtown Hilo as you will learn about the devastating tsunamis of the past

3. 3

   Rainbow Falls

   20 min

   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.

4. 4

   Kaumana Caves Park

   20 min

   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.

5. 5

   Pahoa

   Pass by

   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.

6. 6

   Lava Tree State Park

   25 min

   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.

7. 7

   Stop 7

   20 min

   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.

8. 8

   Stop 8

   10 min

   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.

9. 9

   Malama Market

   15 min

   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.

• 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

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.