THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Journey from Hilo’s lush waterfalls to the fiery heart of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park on this private all-inclusive Big Island tour. Experience cascading falls, steaming vents, and active lava flows with expert guidance and local meals included.
Journey from Hilo’s lush waterfalls to the fiery heart of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park on this private all-inclusive Big Island tour. Experience cascading falls, steaming vents, and active lava flows with expert guidance and local meals included.
The morning air on Hawaii’s Big Island hums with energy as you begin your private journey from Hilo, winding over the Saddle Road that threads between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, two of the largest volcanoes on Earth. The landscape shifts from expansive volcanic slopes to the lush, verdant rainforests of the eastern coast where water commands the terrain.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Big Island Backroad Adventures · Hilo, Hawaii
The morning air on Hawaii’s Big Island hums with energy as you begin your private journey from Hilo, winding over the Saddle Road that threads between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, two of the largest volcanoes on Earth. The landscape shifts from expansive volcanic slopes to the lush, verdant rainforests of the eastern coast where water commands the terrain.
Your first encounters are with Rainbow Falls and Boiling Pots at Wailuku River State Park. Rainbow Falls spills 80 feet into a pool below, its mist teasing light into a faint rainbow on clear mornings. The river dares you closer at Boiling Pots, where bubbling pools form from lava-carved basins, steam and swift currents ready to catch the unwary.
Next, a guided walk through Akaka Falls State Park immerses you in a botanical showcase. Towering ferns and vibrant ʻōhiʻa lehua trees frame the 442-foot cascade of Akaka Falls as it thunders into a deep gorge. This waterfall, veiled often in mist, offers a sensory pulse—wet earth, rushing water, and soaring birdcalls.
A pause on the Hilo coastline at a local restaurant lets you refuel with fresh, island-sourced dishes. The flavors of Big Island—rich taro, fresh fish, and tropical fruits—sustain you for the afternoon ahead.
The tour’s crescendo brings you into Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve. Here, the land breathes fire and history. Walking the rim of Halemaʻumaʻu Crater, you witness a living volcano’s eruption, red-hot lava glowing against the twilight sky. You may explore Thurston Lava Tube’s cavernous tunnel—20 feet tall in places—and pass through volcanic landscapes like the Mauna Ulu lava fields, sulphur banks, and the Holei Sea Arch.
At Wahinekapu Steaming Bluff, steam rises from Earth’s fractures, a subtle reminder of the volcanic forces beneath your feet. The day ends with dinner in Volcano town, where local flavors blend with stories of Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of fire.
This full-day tour balances awe-inspiring geology with the island’s vibrant ecology and culture. The private guide ensures a comfortable pace accessible to most fitness levels, with opportunities to walk uneven terrain up to a mile, making this immersive adventure both thrilling and manageable.
Plan for varied conditions—rainforest humidity, cool volcanic winds, and occasional muddy paths—with layered clothing and sturdy footwear. Early booking secures your spot on this renowned excursion, which includes transport, meals, entrance fees, and even a professional photo package. Whether chasing cascading waterfalls or fiery lava flows, this Big Island tour delivers a heavyweight experience wrapped in island hospitality.
Yes, children who can walk about half a mile on uneven ground can participate, but a child car seat must be provided for transportation.
Yes, lunch on the Hilo coast and a Hawaiian-infused dinner in Volcano town are included, along with snacks and beverages throughout.
You will walk forest and river trails around waterfalls, rocky lava fields, and uneven volcanic paths, including steep steps and some slippery areas.
Bring layered clothing, sturdy shoes, and sun protection; rain gear is recommended due to frequent showers on the east coast.
Yes, the tour includes sunset views of Halemaʻumaʻu Crater’s active eruption from safe observation points.
Private transportation from hotels around Hilo is included, with guide coordination prior to the tour for pickup details.
Big Island Backroad Adventures operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
The morning air on Hawaii’s Big Island hums with energy as you begin your private journey from Hilo, winding over the Saddle Road that threads between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, two of the largest volcanoes on Earth. The landscape shifts from expansive volcanic slopes to the lush, verdant rainforests of the eastern coast where water commands the terrain.
The morning air on Hawaii’s Big Island hums with energy as you begin your private journey from Hilo, winding over the Saddle Road that threads between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, two of the largest volcanoes on Earth. The landscape shifts from expansive volcanic slopes to the lush, verdant rainforests of the eastern coast where water commands the terrain.
Your first encounters are with Rainbow Falls and Boiling Pots at Wailuku River State Park. Rainbow Falls spills 80 feet into a pool below, its mist teasing light into a faint rainbow on clear mornings. The river dares you closer at Boiling Pots, where bubbling pools form from lava-carved basins, steam and swift currents ready to catch the unwary.
Next, a guided walk through Akaka Falls State Park immerses you in a botanical showcase. Towering ferns and vibrant ʻōhiʻa lehua trees frame the 442-foot cascade of Akaka Falls as it thunders into a deep gorge. This waterfall, veiled often in mist, offers a sensory pulse—wet earth, rushing water, and soaring birdcalls.
A pause on the Hilo coastline at a local restaurant lets you refuel with fresh, island-sourced dishes. The flavors of Big Island—rich taro, fresh fish, and tropical fruits—sustain you for the afternoon ahead.
The tour’s crescendo brings you into Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve. Here, the land breathes fire and history. Walking the rim of Halemaʻumaʻu Crater, you witness a living volcano’s eruption, red-hot lava glowing against the twilight sky. You may explore Thurston Lava Tube’s cavernous tunnel—20 feet tall in places—and pass through volcanic landscapes like the Mauna Ulu lava fields, sulphur banks, and the Holei Sea Arch.
At Wahinekapu Steaming Bluff, steam rises from Earth’s fractures, a subtle reminder of the volcanic forces beneath your feet. The day ends with dinner in Volcano town, where local flavors blend with stories of Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of fire.
This full-day tour balances awe-inspiring geology with the island’s vibrant ecology and culture. The private guide ensures a comfortable pace accessible to most fitness levels, with opportunities to walk uneven terrain up to a mile, making this immersive adventure both thrilling and manageable.
Plan for varied conditions—rainforest humidity, cool volcanic winds, and occasional muddy paths—with layered clothing and sturdy footwear. Early booking secures your spot on this renowned excursion, which includes transport, meals, entrance fees, and even a professional photo package. Whether chasing cascading waterfalls or fiery lava flows, this Big Island tour delivers a heavyweight experience wrapped in island hospitality.