EXCURSION: Private
EXCURSION TYPE: Cultural, Scenic, Shopping
FOOD/BEVERAGE: Snacks, Bottled Water Included
ACTIVITY LEVEL: Easy
Take full advantage of your time while on the beautiful island of Hilo and prepare to explore Hawaii’s back roads among the volcanic eastern rift zone and journey to the land of frozen fire! Travel in a small group of no more than fourteen guests at a time, making for a very personal and intimate tour opposed to the large and overcrowded large bus options.
Your adventure starts with a scenic drive through the historical downtown Hilo area as you learn about the devastating tsunamis of the past. Make a stop at one of the best and well-known waterfalls on the Big Island, Rainbow Falls. The waters of this 80ft. waterfall cascade beautifully over a lava cave where picturesque photo opportunities abound so have your cameras ready and cell phones fully charged for Insta-worthy snaps.
Up next, time to explore lava caves! Walk down into a lava cave through a skylight, also locally known as a lava tube. Kaumana Caves was created by one of the island’s largest volcanoes, Mauna Loa. Your local, expert guide will explain how molten lava makes these spectacular lava tubes and the fascinating colors inside.
Continue from here into the Hawaiian countryside of the Nanawali Rainforest and the area of recent destruction from the 2018 Kilauea volcanic eruption. Several earthquakes cracked open the roads, lava fountains started spewing lava 300ft. into the sky and nearly 2,000 residents were evacuated. This amazing force evaporated Green Lake, the largest, natural freshwater lake in Hawaii. You will be shown the areas of mass destruction from the Kilauea Volcano.
Along the drive, you will arrive at the quaint town called Pahoa. Once a booming plantation town and now a laid-back hippie town with old school artistry charm and wood-plank boardwalks. See the current lava flow that nearly wiped this town off the map. Next, walk a trail among lava trees that looks something like a petrified forest and look down into a deep fissure. This unusual volcanic sight is one stop not to be missed on the island.
By now you will have worked up an appetite, so a lunch stop we will be given as you are taken to a local Hawaiian favorite, Uncle Roberts, located in Kalpana which survived the last volcanic eruption (lunch is at your own expense). After a delicious and local taste of the island find next door a gallery of local-made blown glass, crafts, paintings and more.
The next stop is a truly amazing creation by Kilauea’s lava flow. View the newest created black sand beach where once was an old boat harbor and ramp that you can still see and has now been cut off from the creation of a large black sand beach.
As a special highlight, you will be walking a small trail to a volcanically heated hot pool where you can feel the warm water as your knowledgeable guide explains how the water is heated from the volcano. This small hot pool is quite special since the last lava flow wiped out all other volcanically heated hot ponds.
After a full day of an incredible journey experiencing mother nature and her wonders, it’s time to return to the port area as you enjoy the panoramic sights along the entire way and reminisce about your unforgettable day spent while in Hawaii.
• Welcome with fresh flower garlands.
• Meeting and assistance by our representative.
• Entrance fees to the monuments.
• Private guide throughout your journey.
• Covering all main / major monuments and tourist attractions in each city.
• All Transfers, Sightseeing and Overland drive as per the itinerary by private air-conditioned Transport.
• All taxes.
• Domestic and International Flights.
• Personal Expenses.
• Camera / Video Camera Fees.
• Medical Aid.
• Tips.
• Travel Insurance.
• A visa is required and must be obtained prior to your departure from your Country.
• Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather, road conditions, flight schedules and room availability.
• In case the government changes presently applicable taxes, increase in airlines prices, fuel surcharge our rates will need to be adjusted accordingly.
• Sometimes, there is no relevance between the distance and time of travelling, as it depends upon the condition of the roads and congestion of the traffic.
• While every effort will be made to maintain the itinerary, in view of local strikes etc that are beyond our control all schedule and itineraries are subject to last moment changes.
• Clients must be fully insured, as the company cannot accept liability for loss or damage to client’s property, medical emergencies or any other loss suffered by them whilst on tour.