Akaka Falls & Volcano Park Tour from Hilo

Big Island’s Hamakua Coast: ʻAkaka Falls and Volcanoes National Park Adventure

Tour Duration:
7-8 Hours

Pick-up Locations:
Available in Hilo (Private/Custom Tours available from Kona)

Tour Overview:

Embark on a captivating journey through the lush landscapes of Big Island’s Hamakua Coast, where the tropical beauty of Hawai‘i is on full display. The highlight of this tour is the visit to ʻAkaka Falls State Park, one of the island’s most iconic natural wonders. Located in a dense rainforest just north of Hilo, this picturesque waterfall cascades down 442 feet into a stunning gorge.

This immersive experience also includes a combination of two must-see attractions: the awe-inspiring Volcanoes National Park and the historical Hilo Town Tour. Enjoy an all-encompassing day exploring the natural beauty, cultural richness, and geological marvels of the island.

Volcano Explorer – Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park

Included in your ʻAkaka Falls Tour is the Volcano Explorer package. Delve into the dramatic landscapes of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, two of the world’s most active volcanoes.

Your day begins with a scenic drive through lush upland forests toward the Kīlauea Visitor Center, where you’ll gain insight into the park’s fascinating geology and cultural significance. As you drive along the Chain of Craters Road, you’ll make several stops to fully immerse yourself in the park’s unique features, including:

• Kīlauea Visitor Center

• Volcano House

• Halemaʻumaʻu Crater (Uēkahuna Lookout)

• Haʻakulamanu (Sulphur Banks)

• Kīlauea Iki Overlook

• Thurston Lava Tube

Hilo Discovery Tour

Next, immerse yourself in the charm of Hilo with the Hilo Discovery package. Experience the vibrant history and culture of this quaint town, which offers a snapshot of traditional Hawaiian life. On this relaxed journey, your guide will lead you through some of Hilo’s most beautiful locations:

• Queen Liliʻuokalani Gardens – A Japanese-style garden offering picturesque views of Hilo Bay

• Rainbow Falls – A spectacular 80-foot waterfall just minutes from downtown

• Onomea Bay Scenic Drive – A lush 4-mile route with breathtaking ocean views and rainforest beauty

Your tour also includes visits to historic landmarks and scenic drives such as:

• Onomea Bay Scenic Drive

• Reed’s Bay Scenic Drive

• Banyan Tree Lane Scenic Drive

• Richardson Ocean Park

• King Kamehameha Statue

• Naha Stone

What’s Included

Refreshments:
Stay refreshed throughout your adventure with Hawaiian-style juices, water, and light grab-and-go snacks. For lunch, a variety of meal options are available, and though we try to accommodate food allergies, we cannot guarantee a completely allergen-free experience due to potential cross-contamination. Feel free to bring your own snacks or meals, as no adjustments will be made to the tour price for personal food preferences.

What’s Not Included:
We do not serve alcohol during the tour. To ensure the safety and enjoyment of all guests, alcohol is prohibited in the vehicle. If your tour includes a stop at a restaurant or winery, please consume alcoholic beverages responsibly and in moderation. Note that per Hawai‘i State Law (HRS §291-3.1, §291-3.2, §291-3.3), the possession or consumption of alcohol in open containers is strictly prohibited in the vehicle.

Highlights

Explore:

• Experience the ongoing regeneration of native plants, birds, and landscapes, as the area continues to recover from volcanic eruptions.

• Enjoy easy access to ʻAkaka Falls via a short, simple loop trail, making it a popular destination for visitors.

• The falls are nestled within a vibrant tropical rainforest, teeming with wild orchids and bamboo groves.

Learn:

• Gain insight into the cultural and spiritual significance of the ʻAkaka Falls and surrounding areas.

• Marvel at ʻAkaka Falls, a breathtaking 442-foot waterfall that plunges into a verdant gorge.

• The falls are named in honor of Chief ʻAkaka-o-ka-nī’au-oi’o-i-ka-wao, a historical figure, and the park was established to preserve this natural wonder.

This ʻAkaka Falls and Volcanoes National Park Tour is an unforgettable way to connect with the natural beauty, culture, and history of Big Island.

Check-in Information

Meeting Locations:
For all standard tours, guests can meet at any of the following locations:

• Hilo Harbor

• Hilo Airport

• Hilo Hawaiian

• Grand Naniloa

• SCP Hilo Hotel

• Hilo Reeds Bay Hotel

• Additional designated meeting spots

Please be aware that Private and Custom Tours have different meeting arrangements.

You will be contacted ahead of time to confirm your exact pick-up and drop-off locations, along with any special instructions regarding your tour.

Tour Timing:
Unless otherwise arranged, your tour will begin promptly at the scheduled time. We recommend arriving 15–30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure to ensure smooth pick-up as we will begin the headcount and loading process.

Cruise Ship Passengers:
For guests arriving by cruise, we understand that disembarkation may be delayed. We track cruise ship arrival times to adjust the tour schedule as needed to ensure you don’t miss out.

• Pick-Up at Hilo Port: Look for your tour guide holding an “Aloha Aina Tours” sign.

• If your ship is unable to dock, we will issue a full refund, and in some cases, we’ll attempt to reschedule your tour.

What to Bring:
To ensure comfort during your tour, please bring the following:

• Comfortable, closed-toe shoes (highly recommended)

• Light sweater or jacket

• Camera (Note: drones are not permitted at Volcanoes National Park)

• Additional items to enhance comfort: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, bug repellent, walking stick, poncho, or umbrella

• Hydration and snacks

• Small bags or backpacks (No large luggage allowed, unless you’ve booked a custom tour)

Special Requirements:

• Participants must be able to independently or with assistance, step onto the vehicle and navigate stairs or uneven terrain. Please contact us with any specific concerns or questions.

• Be prepared for potential evacuation in case of emergency, as directed by local, state, or federal authorities.

• For guests with respiratory concerns: Please be aware that volcanic emissions, including sulfur gases, may be encountered.

• For those prone to motion sickness: The tour involves extended van travel and elevation changes.

• Guests under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.

• Infant and booster seats are available upon request at no charge, subject to availability.

Hawaiian State Law Requirements for Children:

• Under 2 years old: Must be in a rear-facing car seat with a harness.

• Ages 2 to 4 years old: Must be in a rear-facing or forward-facing car seat with a harness.

• Ages 4 to 10 years old: Must use a car seat or booster seat, unless they are over 4’9”.

• Over 4’9” tall: May use a seat belt.

• Booster seats: Recommended for children up to 8 years old or until the seat belt fits properly, typically around ages 10–12.

Tour Restrictions:
Expect easy walking along mostly level terrain, with some uneven surfaces and loose gravel.

Disclaimers:

• Minimum Passenger Policy:
  To ensure an optimal tour experience, we require a minimum number of participants for the tour to proceed. If this minimum is not met, we reserve the right to cancel, reschedule, or offer alternatives. If this happens, we will notify you as early as possible and offer the option to rebook or receive a full refund. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility.