Day Trip From Oahu to Hilo: Volcano Adventure

Exploring the volcanic wonders of Hawaii’s Big Island is a thrilling prospect for many visitors to Oahu. This day trip from Oahu to Hilo promises an unforgettable adventure, immersing travelers in the awe-inspiring landscapes of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. From witnessing the dynamic Kilauea Volcano to wandering through the captivating Thurston Lava Tube, this excursion offers a unique opportunity to discover the island’s geological marvels. With roundtrip airfare, transportation, and lunch included, the stage is set for an unforgettable day of exploration and discovery.

Key Points

• This day trip from Oahu to Hilo on the Big Island includes exploring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, visiting Kilauea Volcano, and discovering the town of Hilo.
• The tour package includes round-trip airfare, transportation, park admission, and lunch, providing a seamless and convenient volcano adventure experience.
• Highlights of the tour include seeing steam vents, the Thurston Lava Tube, Akaka Falls, and Rainbow Falls, offering a comprehensive look at the island’s natural wonders.
• The tour is limited to a maximum of 23 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience with a professional driver/guide providing commentary throughout the day.
• Travelers should be aware of the tour’s accessibility limitations and the possibility of changes in flight schedules and lava sightings.

Tour Overview

The day trip from Oahu to the Big Island’s Hilo offers travelers a chance to explore the volcanic landscapes and scenic wonders of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

This guided adventure takes visitors to Kilauea Volcano, the famous steam vents, and the Thurston Lava Tube.

Travelers will also discover the charming town of Hilo, with its Banyan tree-lined streets, Akaka Falls, and Rainbow Falls.

The tour includes driving along the scenic Chain of Craters Road, providing panoramic views of the lava fields.

With transportation, lunch, and park admission covered, this trip is a convenient way to experience the Big Island’s natural marvels.

What’s Included

This tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle and a professional driver/guide to provide informative narration throughout the day.

Roundtrip inter-island airfare, park admission, and gratuities are also covered. A delicious lunch is provided, though breakfast at the Volcano House Restaurant is at the traveler’s own expense.

With a maximum of 23 travelers, you’ll enjoy a personalized experience. Just be sure to provide your date of birth and gender for TSA requirements when booking, and remember that special needs requests must be communicated in advance.

Itinerary

After arriving at the Honolulu airport, travelers embark on a flight to the Big Island’s Hilo International Airport to begin the day’s adventure. The tour first explores the renowned Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where they visit the steam vents and Thurston Lava Tube. Continuing along the Chain of Craters Road, travelers take in the stunning lava fields and landscapes. The itinerary then shifts to the town of Hilo, where they discover the charms of its Banyan tree-lined streets, Akaka Falls, and Rainbow Falls. Finally, the tour returns to the departure point, capping off a day filled with volcanic wonders and natural beauty.

Location	Activity
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park	Kilauea Volcano, Steam Vents, Thurston Lava Tube
Hilo	Banyan tree-lined streets, Akaka Falls, Rainbow Falls
Chain of Craters Road	Scenic views of lava fields

Flight and Transportation

Travelers begin their Oahu-to-Hilo day trip with a flight from Honolulu International Airport to Hilo International Airport.

The tour includes:

1. Round-trip airfare between the two islands.
2. Complimentary transportation from the Hilo airport to the tour’s starting point.
3. A professional driver/guide who provides narration throughout the day.

The flight duration is approximately 45 minutes, and the ground transportation to the first tour stop takes about 30 minutes.

Passengers must provide their date of birth and gender information for TSA requirements and ensure their government-issued ID matches their booking details.

Important Considerations

Although the tour is generally accessible for most travelers, passengers should be aware of certain important considerations. While the tour is not wheelchair accessible, it is stroller accessible. Passengers must provide their date of birth and gender for TSA requirements, and their government-issued ID must match the booking details exactly. Special needs requests should be communicated to the local supplier at least one week prior to the tour. It’s important to note that interisland flight times and routes are subject to change, and lava sightings are not guaranteed.

Consideration	Details
Accessibility	Not wheelchair accessible, but stroller accessible
Identification	Provide date of birth, gender, and government-issued ID
Special Needs	Communicate requests to supplier at least 1 week prior
Flight Schedules	Interisland flight times/routes subject to change
Lava Sightings	Not guaranteed

Visitor Experiences

The reviews and feedback from past participants offer valuable insights into the overall visitor experience on this day trip from Oahu to Hilo.

Most travelers praise the knowledgeable guides and the stunning scenic views, particularly of Kilauea Volcano and the waterfalls.

However, some note mixed experiences with the quality of the provided lunch and the condition of the transportation vans.

When booking through Viator, a few have expressed concerns about communication and service.

To ensure a comfortable experience, it’s recommended to dress appropriately for the variable weather conditions.

1. Highlights include the knowledgeable guides and breathtaking scenery.
2. Some feedback on the lunch and transportation, as well as booking service.
3. Dressing for weather variability is advised.

Preparing for the Adventure

To make the most of this day trip from Oahu to Hilo, it’s essential to prepare adequately. Start by confirming your booking details and checking the tour’s itinerary.

Ensure you have a valid government-issued ID that matches your reservation. Dress in comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing, as the tour involves walking and exploring outdoor environments.

Pack any necessary medications, snacks, and water. Be mindful of the tour’s group size, as it’s limited to 23 travelers.

The interisland flight times and routes may change, so arrive at the airport with ample time. With proper preparation, you’ll be ready to fully learn about the Volcano Adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There an Option for a Private Tour Instead of Group?

Yes, there is an option for a private volcano adventure tour instead of a group tour. Private tours offer a more personalized experience with a dedicated driver/guide, flexible itinerary, and ability to accommodate special requests.

Can We Stop at Local Markets During the Hilo Portion?

Yes, the tour typically includes a stop at local markets in Hilo, allowing travelers to explore the charming town and browse unique local products. This experience is often highlighted as a popular part of the Volcano Adventure tour.

How Early Should We Arrive at Honolulu Airport for the Flight?

Travelers should arrive at Honolulu airport at least 2 hours prior to the scheduled flight departure time. This allows sufficient time to check-in, clear security, and board the plane for the interisland flight to the Big Island.

Is There a Chance to See Active Lava Flows on This Tour?

While lava sightings are not guaranteed on this tour, visitors may have a chance to see active lava flows within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. However, the actual viewing experience can be unpredictable and depends on the current volcanic activity at the time of the visit.

Can We Extend Our Stay on the Big Island After the Tour?

Yes, travelers can extend their stay on the Big Island after the tour. However, they’ll need to make separate arrangements for accommodations, transportation, and any additional activities beyond the scope of the day trip tour.

The Sum Up

This day trip from Oahu to Hilo promises an unforgettable adventure. Explore the mesmerizing Kilauea Volcano, marvel at natural wonders like the Thurston Lava Tube, and discover the charming town of Hilo. With roundtrip airfare, transportation, and lunch included, this guided tour offers a seamless and immersive experience to witness Hawaii’s volcanic landscapes and captivating sights. Prepare for a day filled with awe, exploration, and lifelong memories.