Banyan Drive
Start the adenture towards Hawaii Volcanoes National Park driving through the historical Banyan Drive- a tree-lined street at the shoreline of Hilo, Hawaii. It is known as the "Hilo Walk of Fame" for the banyan trees planted by celebrities. These trees have withstood several tsunamis that have devastated the town on the Big Island of Hawaii.
The trees, which still bear the names of the planters, honor movie stars, religious leaders, political leaders, famous authors, adventurers and local Hawaiians.
Total Drive Time to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and beyond : 1 hour
Liliuokalani Gardens
Blink and you may think you’re in Japan as you stroll through peaceful Liliʻuokalani Gardens, named after Hawaiʻi's last reigning monarch, Queen Liliʻuokalani. Located on Hilo's Banyan Drive, this authentic, 24.67-acre Japanese garden was dedicated in 1917 as a tribute to Hawaiʻi's first Japanese immigrants who worked in the island of Hawaiʻi's sugar cane fields.
This beautifully landscaped park features arching bridges over fishponds, rock gardens, pagodas, Japanese stone lanterns and a teahouse. Views of Hilo Bay and Mokuola (Coconut Island) enhance this peaceful setting. With so much to see, this is a popular park for families to explore while they’re visiting the Hilo area.
Rainbow Falls
Rainbow Falls is an awe-inspiring waterfall that tumbles 80 feet into the Wailuku River that gushes below. Surrounded by lush tropical rainforest, this waterfall is easily reached from downtown Hilo as itʻs just a 5-minute drive away. Known as Waiānuenue in Hawaiian language, the name translates to “rainbow [seen in] water” and is befitting for these falls, as the rising sun commonly ignites a dazzling rainbow in the mist.
Visit Rainbow Falls to experience the home of Hina, the ancient Hawaiian moon goddess, that is said to live within a lava cave encapsulated behind the falls. This peaceful oasis is a fantastic place to visit in the early morning to view the falls and explore the stunning natural environment that surrounds them.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Born of Fire, Born of the Sea
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park protects some of the most unique geological, biological, and cherished cultural landscapes in the world. Extending from sea level to 13,680 feet, the park encompasses the summits of two of the world's most active volcanoes - Kīlauea and Mauna Loa - and is a designated International Biosphere Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
We will then make our way to the summit of Kilauea volcano at the Volcanoes National Park, the most highly regarded and revered volcanic area on Earth. The Park highlights two of the world's most active volcanoes--Kilauea and Mauna Loa--and offers insights on the birth of the Hawaiian Islands and views of dramatic volcanic landscapes. At the park, you will stop at the Visitor Center, witness the spectacular collapsed caldera, steam vents, sulfur banks, and fascinating scenic lookouts. No trip to Hawaii is complete without a trip to Volcanoes National Park.
Nahuku - Thurston Lava Tube
The Nāhuku lava tube is one of the few accessible lava tubes in the park and is considered to be the most popular destination in the park, besides the summit of Kilauea.
Walking through a tall tunnel formed by a 500-year-old river of lava is an incredible and memorable experience .To think that the vacant space was once a fast-moving torrent of molten rock from Kilauea volcano can be hard to fathom. Equally astonishing is that Nahuku is accessed by a gorgeous, easy trail surrounded (by a) verdant native rainforest. Towering tree ferns, ohia trees, and rare Hawaiian plants thrive where this massive flow once dominated the landscape.
Drop the guest back to pick up place and stop for a drive through lunch
2 Comments
4.8
Exploring the diverse landscapes around Hilo was a truly captivating experience. The highlight for me was witnessing the majestic waterfalls cascading down the cliffs, each one more breathtaking than the last. I appreciated the small group size, which allowed for more personal interaction with my guide, who shared fascinating insights about the local geology and native flora. One drawback was that I rushed a bit at each stop, leaving little time to linger and soak in the surroundings. Nonetheless, standing near the towering volcanoes and feeling the earth’s power was a moment I won’t forget. This adventure provided a wonderful glimpse into the natural beauty of the island, making it a memorable day.
4
This adventure exceeded our expectations, especially when we stood in awe before the majestic waterfall, its cascading waters creating a serene backdrop. The small group setting allowed us to engage more deeply with our guide, who shared fascinating insights about the island’s volcanic landscapes. However, the time spent at each stop felt a bit rushed, leaving us craving just a few extra moments to soak it all in. Overall, the blend of natural wonders and camaraderie made it a memorable experience that we would recommend to fellow travelers looking for a unique outing.