Volcanoes National Park & Rainbow Falls

This exciting excursion to Volcanoes National Park and Rainbow Falls includes a 4,000-foot trip up to view all the magnificent glory of Volcanoes National Park. The Park highlights two of the world’s most active volcanoes- Kilauea and Mauna Loa- and offers insights into the birth of the Hawaiian Islands and views of dramatic volcanic landscapes. Explore the summit of the Kilauea volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in the world, via a portion of the 11-mile Crater Rim Drive. The road encircles the summit caldera and passes through desert and tropical rainforest, traverses the caldera floor, and provides access to many well-marked scenic stops and short walks.

Witness the amazing Thurston Lava Tube, discovered in 1913 by Lorrin Thurston, a local newspaper publisher. Hike down a 20-minute walk for a third of a mile through a tree fern forest and a lighted, prehistoric, cave-like lava tube. It is an excellent place to stop and listen to the birds.

At Hawaii’s renowned Jaggar Museum, you’ll see plumes of sulfuric smoke with vast evidence of lava destruction, steam vents, and fascinating scenic lookouts. The museum features displays of equipment used by scientists in the past to study volcanoes and offers a sheltered view, through large picture windows, of the caldera and the main crater of Halema’uma’u. The overlook outside the Museum also has a spectacular view of the volcano with interpretive displays about Kilauea. Your time in the park is approximately 2 hours.

As you descend the volcano, you will also explore some of Hilo’s most interesting surrounding areas, including 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. You will also stop at the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory, where you will have the opportunity to purchase a snack and get a taste of the island.

Then, head to the Akatsuka Orchid Gardens, which has been the prominent grower of Cattleya orchids for over 40 years. View over 500 varieties of blooming orchids and learn the best practices of successful orchid growing.

As you make your return to the ship, end with a drive by the gardens named in honor of the Queen in 1917, Liliuokalani Botanical Gardens. Throughout the gardens are stone lanterns, gazebos, and torii gates, recalling the Japanese immigrants who came to Hawaii.

PLEASE NOTE: Refreshments are not included on this tour. Guests with special dietary needs may wish to bring along a snack of some type, as the tour is over six hours long. Smoking is not permitted in the National Park. Please be assured that both Hilo and Kona remain largely unaffected by the current eruption of the Kilauea volcano and that it is still safe to travel to the Big Island of Hawaii (Hawaii Island). The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is currently partially open; as a result, this tour will continue to operate with a modified itinerary until the park has reopened completely. The modified itinerary includes the following stops/views: Liliuokalani Gardens (Drive-By), Rainbow Falls, Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory, Akatsuka Orchid Nursery, Board Mini Coach, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Drive Past Steam Vents, Pu’u Pua’i Crater, Luamanu Crater, Puhimau Crater, Big Island Candies.