Private Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Minivan Tour

Experience the best of Hilo and Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park on this unforgettable tour. Pass by the serene Liliʻuokalani Gardens, the largest Edo-style Japanese garden outside of Japan, then take in the scenic coastline at Hilo Bayfront Beach Park. Enjoy the historic charm of Downtown Hilo, where plantation-era buildings and vibrant storefronts line the streets. Witness the breathtaking Rainbow Falls, cascading 80 feet into a lava cave steeped in Hawaiian legend. Treat yourself to handcrafted chocolates and macadamia nut cookies at Big Island Candies. Finally, explore the dramatic landscapes of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, home to the world’s most active volcano, Kīlauea. Walk through the Thurston Lava Tube, feel the heat from geothermal steam vents, and journey along Chain of Craters Road, surrounded by vast fields of hardened lava. This tour is the perfect blend of history, nature, and adventure!

Itinerary

1. Lili’uokalani Gardens, is the largest, authentic Edo-style ornamental garden outside of Japan. Liliuokalani Gardens features Japanese imported stone lanterns, sculptures, arched bridges and gazebos from as early as 1916. The garden highlights plant species and building styles drawn from traditional Japanese temples and gardens. As you stroll along Waihonu Pond, crossing arched red bridges over koi ponds to pagodas, and a Japanese traditional teahouse named Shoroan, you might feel like you’re transported to the incredible temples of Kyoto.
2. The Hilo bayfront Beach Park was conveniently located in the town of Hilo, which is also known as Crescent Bay and it is one of the most beautiful coastal scenery in Hilo. It is also the largest sandiest beach in the Hilo area. (20 min)
3. Historic charm of Plantation-era buildings, colorful storefronts and Hilo's Landmarks. All located in the heart of Hilo Bay.
4. The Rainbow Falls cascade 80 ft over a lava cave that, according to legends, is home to the ancient Hawaiian goddess Hina, the goddess of the moon. The short climb to the top of the rainbow falls is well worth the effort. As you climb up along the left shoulder of the falls you walk past lush vegetation and some HUGE banyan trees. After walking for a few minutes you will be rewarded with a new perspective on the falls. (30 min)
5. Established in 1977, Big Island Candies is home to Hawaii’s finest cookies, chocolates and confections. Only the freshest, highest quality ingredients go into their products. They proudly feature Big Island macadamia nuts and 100% pure Kona and Ka`u coffee from farms on Hawaii Island. (20 min)
6. The park climbs from sea level to more than 13,000-feet, encompasses two volcanoes – Kīlauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes and Maunaloa, the world’s largest active subaerial volcano – and six of Earth’s climate zones along the way. On this tour, we will get a close look at the Kilauea crater, then visit the geothermal steam vents, Thurston Lava Tube, and the Chain of Craters Road to see the spectacular scenic of the solidified black lava. (2h 0min) Admission included