Hilo Volcanos National Park Excursion Reviews

good tour of volcano in Volcano Nat'l Park. Seeing and sampling at the coffee factory was a nice added feature. The lunch they provided us at the Art Gallery was very good.

Provider: Norwegian Cruise Line

Guide was very knowledgeable about the park and was also very safety conscious.

Provider: Independent Operator

This trip was actually Volcano and Rainbow Falls. It was all day with lunch provided. We went to Rainbow Falls first and this was somewhat disappointing as the fall was very small but we did see the rainbow. We also visited an orchid place which had the most enormous collection of orchids you could imagine and the smell was divine. The visit to the Volcano National Park was fantastic. The landscapes we saw really were amazing and it was weird to think we were standing on the most active volcano in the world. We were very close to the crater and could see the smoke coming from it. The Jagger museum was interesting especially since we had seen it on a recent TV programme.We went to the area where the 1974 eruption had flowed - it went right across the road and it is just great to have the opportunity to actually see such sights. On the way back we called at the Macadamia nut factory where we were able to buy nuts to take home - also had a delicious ice cream here! A packed lunch had been supplied for this trip and was perfectly OK - a turkey sandwich and crisps plus a bottle of water. I was provided with a gluten free version.

Provider: Norwegian Cruise Line

Private tour was fantastic. Allowed ability to take time where you wanted to and move on when bored.

Provider: Independent Operator

A physical challenge for sure. Hiking for 4 miles does not sound tough, but the inclines, the rough lava surface, and the hike back out turned in to quiet a challenge. Our guide was a nice young man, but not the naturalist I had hoped for. He was more focused on speed than information. We did get an extra stop at the nut factory, but that may have been so he could enjoy the ice cream. We also visited the rain forest and really enjoyed the cooling shower while we took pictures of the scenery and falls. Our time was short at this stop to make up for the nut house, but we probably didn't miss much.

Provider: Norwegian Cruise Line

This was the only mistake we made the entire trip. If you are under the age of 60, this tour is not for you. We should have just rented a car and done it ourselves. Nothing like being herded around a bunch of tourists traps to make you feel like cattle. Skip this or do it by yourself (or with friends from the ship). Seriously. You only get 10 mins at the volcanoes but 40 mins at the nut and orchid stores. Very strange. I wanted to see volcanoes not buy a bunch of random stuff. The tour guide was nice and very informative - again, this is geared towards a much older person.

Provider: Norwegian Cruise Line

Ricky was knowledgeable, personable, and he couldn't do enough for us! He tours the area in his 15-person van, rather than a huge bus-load of folks, and he sees all of the major sites! He only charges $60.00 each, which he collects at the end of the tour.

Provider: Independent Operator

Interesting stop, especially if you are interested in geology. We actually liked the Botanical Gardens more.

Provider: Independent Operator

We've been on this tour before which included the Macadamia Nut Farm, Volcano's National Park and the Thurston Lava Tube. It was very rainy this time -- but was much better previously without the rain.

Provider: Independent Operator