Hilo Volcano, Waterfalls & Beach Tour with Lunch — Lehua Tours Review
Big Mike has lived in Hilo his whole life. On a good day his tour van holds twelve people. On any day, he knows which viewpoint of the Kīlauea crater rim you will not find on Google Maps, which stop on the Old Mamalahoa Highway has the best angle on Kawainui Falls, and exactly what time you need to reach Rainbow Falls to catch the rainbow in the mist. Lehua Tours runs one of the most consistent full-day hilo hawaii waterfalls experiences on the island — five stars across 42 verified reviews, with guides who treat the ride more like a road trip with a local friend than a commercial tour.
Tour At a Glance
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour starts — full refund, no questions
Reserve now and pay nothing today — keep your plans flexible
7 hours from hotel pickup to drop-off, including all stops and a sit-down lunch
Hotel, Hilo airport, and cruise port pickup included — Big Mike comes to you
Small group — maximum 12 participants, often fewer
Tour conducted in English by a born-and-raised Hilo local
Check Dates & Book Your Spot
Availability fills fast on cruise ship days. Select your date below to see open slots — reserve now, pay nothing today, free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Why Lehua Tours Is Worth Booking Over a Ship Excursion
Cruise ship excursions cover the same landmarks but move 40–50 people through each stop like a conveyor belt. Big Mike's tour caps at twelve. That means you get out of the van at Kīlauea when you want to, spend more time at Rainbow Falls than the itinerary technically allows, and end the day on a first-name basis with your guide. Guests on the Pride of America consistently say they saw and learned more in seven hours with Lehua Tours than friends who booked the ship-sponsored option.
Price is another factor. At $199 per person the tour is competitively priced against ship excursions that often charge more for a larger, more impersonal experience. Hotel, airport, and cruise port pickup are included. Parking fees and volcano park admission are covered. The only cost you will add on the day is a gratuity if the experience warrants it — and based on 42 five-star reviews, it usually does.
Big Mike: What to Know About Your Guide
Almost every review for this tour mentions Big Mike by name. He is a native of Hilo, which means his commentary is not a script — it is local history, personal stories, and real knowledge of how the volcano has shaped his home over the decades. He greets guests with a homemade lei and chocolate macadamia nuts on some days.
He hands out umbrellas when it rains, ponchos when it pours, and cold water throughout. Rob from the United States described him as 'a true native of Hilo whose knowledge and stories made for a great day — he delivered much more than we expected.'
What You Will See and Do on This Full-Day Hilo Tour
The itinerary covers the east side of the Big Island in a logical loop, hitting the major landmarks without feeling rushed:
- Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park — two hours inside the park: Kīlauea caldera rim, steam vents, ancient lava tubes, and volcanic formations shaped by fire over centuries
- Old Mamalahoa Highway / Onomea Road — a scenic 4-mile stretch of the original island road through tropical rainforest, streams, and lush vegetation
- Kawainui Falls — a swimming hole fed by a river running through a lava tube; one of the route's most photographed stops
- Rainbow Falls (Waiānuenue) — 80-foot cascade over a lava cave on the Wailuku River; best reached in the morning for rainbow viewing
- Hilo Farmer's Market — local fruits, handmade crafts, and fresh Hawaiian foods; Big Mike knows the vendors personally
- King Kamehameha Statue — storied landmark in downtown Hilo with historical narration from your guide
- Liliʻuokalani Park and Gardens — the largest authentic Edo-style garden outside of Japan, with arched bridges and koi ponds along Hilo Bay
- Coconut Island (Moku Ola) — iconic island in Hilo Bay with scenic bay views and shady palms
- Richardson's Ocean Park — a rare black, green and white sand beach where green sea turtles rest; swim time included if conditions allow
What Is Included and What Is Not Included
| Admission and guided tour of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park | Gratuity for guides (appreciated but not mandatory) |
| Island-inspired lunch at a local restaurant in Hilo | Alcoholic beverages |
| Rainbow Falls / Wailuku River park entry | Personal travel insurance |
| Scenic drive along the Old Mamalahoa Highway | Souvenirs or market purchases |
| Visit to Hilo Farmer's Market | Snorkeling or swim gear (bring your own swimwear) |
| Cold bottled water throughout the tour | Hotel pickup outside the Hilo area |
| Rain ponchos and umbrellas if needed | Pets |
Important Things to Know Before You Book
This tour is physically accessible — no hiking or strenuous walking required. You will walk short distances at each stop (the Kīlauea overlooks, Rainbow Falls viewpoint, the Farmer's Market), but nothing that requires special fitness. The tour is not suitable for people with serious mobility impairments or back problems, and pets are not permitted.
Weather on the Big Island changes fast. The volcano side tends to be cooler and can be foggy or rainy. Rainbow Falls is best in the morning sun. Big Mike adjusts the route based on conditions and keeps guests comfortable throughout — umbrellas and ponchos are in the van. Bring a light jacket, sunscreen, swimwear (for Richardson's Beach), comfortable walking shoes, and a camera.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes — no hiking boots required but avoid sandals
- Bring swimwear if you want to swim at Richardson's Ocean Park
- Jacket recommended — Volcanoes NP is cooler than the coast
- Sunscreen for the beach stop
- Camera or charged phone — Big Mike will help with photos at every stop
- Small amount of cash for the Farmer's Market and any personal purchases
Where This Tour Takes You
Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?
This is the right tour for a specific kind of traveler. Check the list and see where you land:
- Cruise ship passengers in Hilo who want a small-group alternative to the ship-sponsored excursion — Big Mike offers cruise port pickup and times the return for re-embarkation
- First-time Big Island visitors who want to cover Rainbow Falls, Akaka Falls area, Volcanoes National Park, and a black sand beach in a single day without renting a car
- Couples and families traveling with kids who want a comfortable, low-exertion full day with local storytelling and a proper sit-down lunch
- History and culture enthusiasts — Big Mike weaves Hawaiian mythology, plantation history, and geology into every stop
- Anyone who values a guide with genuine local knowledge over a scripted narration from a tour company based off-island
Questions About the Lehua Tours Hilo Day Tour
Does Big Mike pick up from the cruise terminal in Hilo?
Yes — cruise port pickup is included. Big Mike meets guests at the Port of Hilo and times the return based on your ship's departure. He has done this enough times to know how much buffer you need. Just confirm your ship's schedule when you book. You can check availability and book directly through our hilo hawaii waterfalls tours page.
What happens if it's raining or foggy at the volcano on the day of my tour?
Weather at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is unpredictable. Fog and rain are common and do not cancel the tour — the park is impressive in any weather and the steam vents are actually more dramatic on cloudy days. Big Mike carries umbrellas and ponchos and adjusts the stop order to give the best viewing conditions. If the volcano is completely socked in he will find hidden gems most visitors never see. Tours are not cancelled for typical Big Island weather.
Is the tour suitable for children and older travelers?
Yes — the tour involves short, easy walks at each stop rather than sustained hiking. It is not suitable for wheelchair users or guests with serious mobility impairments. Children of any age are welcome. Older travelers consistently leave five-star reviews. Stacy from the US noted: 'The tour was not very walk-intensive, which was nice for me and my family.'
What is lunch like, and are vegetarian options available?
Lunch is a sit-down island-inspired meal at a local restaurant in the Hilo area chosen by Big Mike — guests consistently praise the food quality. Vegetarian-friendly options are typically available at the restaurant. If you have specific dietary needs, mention them when booking and the operator will do their best to accommodate.
Can I book this tour if I am not on a cruise?
Absolutely. Hotel and Hilo airport pickup are also included. The tour is popular with visitors staying anywhere in the Hilo area — not just cruise passengers. Compare it against our other hilo hawaii waterfalls options to find the right fit for your schedule.
What Guests Say About Big Mike and Lehua Tours
Big Mike was fantastic — absolutely stellar tour from start to finish! Being a true native of Hilo, his knowledge and stories of the Big Island made for a great day. His passion and excellent service greatly exceeded expectations.
Big Mike was awesome! He was knowledgeable, kind and showed us the coolest places. He gave us a great welcome with a homemade lei made by his wife as well as chocolate macadamia nuts. The day was relaxing and so enjoyable.
Because of weather issues, we ended up being the only 2 people on the tour. Big Mike was so accommodating and such a good sport! He even got out of the van to take a picture of us in the pouring rain in front of the National Park sign. He made us feel like family by the end of the tour.