Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcanoes National Park and Rainbow Falls

Let’s dive into the captivating Hilo Shore Excursion, where we’ll explore the mesmerizing Rainbow Falls and the iconic Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. With knowledgeable guides leading the way, we’ll uncover the geological wonders of Kilauea while gaining insights into the rich cultural significance of this remarkable landscape. From the breathtaking waterfall to the awe-inspiring volcanic features, this excursion promises an unforgettable blend of natural beauty and educational experiences. Are you ready to embark on this journey?

This experience made our article of You’ll Love These 10 Shore Excursions In Big Island of Hawaii.

Key Points

• Explore the natural wonders of Hilo, including the 80-foot Rainbow Falls and the dynamic landscapes of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
• Visit the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor Center to learn about the history and production of macadamia nuts.
• Witness the ongoing geological activity and diverse ecosystems within the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
• Enjoy the convenience of door-to-door transportation, knowledgeable guides, and free admission to all sites.
• Immerse in the cultural significance of the landscapes to the native Hawaiian people.

Tour Overview

This shore excursion to Hilo, Hawaii offers an opportunity to explore the natural wonders of the Big Island.

We’ll visit Rainbow Falls, a picturesque 80-foot waterfall, and the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor Center.

The highlight is a tour of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where we’ll see the iconic Nahuku – Thurston Lava Tube.

We’ll also stop at Richardson Ocean Park and the Manono Street Marketplace.

With convenient transportation, knowledgeable guides, and free admission to all sites, this excursion packs a lot into a single day.

Whether you’re seeking natural beauty or cultural experiences, this tour delivers.

Hilo Shore Excursion Highlights

Kicking off our Hilo shore excursion, we’ll first visit the captivating Rainbow Falls. This stunning 80-foot waterfall cascades over a lush, moss-covered rock face, creating a colorful rainbow effect when the sun hits the mist just right.

After taking in the falls, we’ll head to the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor Center to learn about the history and production of these beloved Hawaiian treats.

Lastly, we’ll venture into Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where we’ll explore the Nahuku – Thurston Lava Tube and discover the raw power of the island’s volcanic landscape.

Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor Center

Next, we’ll head to the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor Center, where we can learn about the history and production of these beloved Hawaiian treats.

We’ll spend around 30 minutes exploring the informative exhibits and observing the macadamia nut processing. Learn how these nutritious nuts are harvested, roasted, and packaged for distribution.

Take advantage of the free admission to browse the gift shop and sample a variety of macadamia nut products. This stop offers a fun, educational break from the natural wonders we’ll witness throughout the tour.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Venturing into Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, we’ll have the opportunity to witness the raw power and captivating landscapes that have drawn visitors from around the world.

This iconic destination offers:

• A chance to explore the Kilauea volcano, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, and observe its ongoing geological activity.

• Trails that wind through diverse ecosystems, from lush rainforests to barren volcanic landscapes.

• Insight into the cultural significance of these landscapes to native Hawaiian people, with opportunities to learn about their deep connection to the land.

With ample time to experience the park’s highlights, we’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the dynamic forces that have shaped this remarkable island.

Nahuku – Thurston Lava Tube

As we leave the expansive vistas of Volcanoes National Park behind, we now turn our attention to the remarkable Nahuku – Thurston Lava Tube.

This natural wonder, formed by the flow of molten lava centuries ago, offers a rare glimpse into the island’s volcanic origins.

We’ll descend into its dimly lit, cathedral-like interior, marveling at the smooth, undulating walls that surround us.

Our guide will share insights into the tube’s formation and point out unique geological features, giving us a deeper appreciation for the forces that have shaped this extraordinary landscape.

This 20-minute exploration is an essential part of our Hilo shore excursion.

Richardson Ocean Park

After exploring the lava tube, we head to the picturesque Richardson Ocean Park.

This coastal gem offers:

• Stunning ocean vistas and rocky shoreline
• Opportunities for beachcombing and tide pooling
• A chance to observe native Hawaiian marine life

We stroll along the park’s trails, taking in the sights and sounds of the Pacific.

The park’s peaceful ambiance provides a welcomed respite before we continue our journey through the volcanic landscapes of the Big Island.

Richardson Ocean Park is a lovely stop that allows us to appreciate Hawaii’s natural beauty.

Manono Street Marketplace

Our next stop on the tour is the Manono Street Marketplace.

This lively outdoor market offers a chance to browse local crafts, artwork, and souvenirs. We’ll have 35 minutes to explore the stalls and interact with the friendly vendors.

This is a great opportunity to find unique Hawaiian-made products and support the local community. From handmade jewelry to colorful textiles, the selection is diverse.

Be sure to bring some cash if you plan to make any purchases.

The Manono Street Marketplace provides a glimpse into the vibrant culture and artistry of the Big Island.

Transportation, Park Fees, and Guide

Now let’s discuss the transportation, park fees, and guide included in this shore excursion.

To get us to the highlights, we’ll be picked up from the port or our Hilo hotel in a 12-14 passenger van or mini bus. The national park fees are already covered, so we don’t have to worry about that.

And a professional guide will be with us throughout the tour, providing their expertise and knowledge.

• Door-to-door transportation in a comfortable vehicle
• National park admission fees included
• Professional guide to lead the way

This shore excursion aims to make our experience as seamless and informative as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Restroom Break During the Tour?

Yes, we make a stop at the Manono Street Marketplace during the tour, which provides a convenient restroom break. The tour is designed to ensure you have ample opportunities to use facilities throughout the experience.

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Yes, we can bring our own food and drinks on the tour. The tour provides bottled water, but if you have any special dietary needs or preferences, feel free to pack your own snacks and beverages.

Do We Need to Bring Any Special Equipment for the Hike?

We don’t need any special equipment for the hike, just comfortable walking shoes and a light jacket. The terrain is relatively level, and the tour guide will provide any necessary guidance along the way.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Suit Our Preferences?

The tour can be customized to suit our preferences. We can notify the provider in advance about any special needs or requests, such as modifying the itinerary or accommodating mobility devices, and they’ll do their best to accommodate us.

What Is the Refund Policy in Case of Cancellation?

We’d be happy to provide the refund policy details. In case of cancellation, you can receive a full refund if notified at least 24 hours in advance. Let us know if you need any other information.

The Sum Up

This Hilo Shore Excursion offers a remarkable opportunity to discover the natural wonders of Hawaii. From the majestic Rainbow Falls to the captivating Kilauea volcano, we’ll explore the island’s geological marvels with knowledgeable guides. With seamless transportation and exclusive access to cultural insights, this excursion promises an unforgettable experience that blends natural beauty and educational exploration.