Experience a black sand beach and keep a look out for Hawaiian green sea turtles that frequent the area!

After pick up at the Hilo cruise ship pier, our first stop will be at Rainbow Falls and and Boiling Pots in the Wailuku River State Park. Walk out to see Rainbow Falls, a picturesque waterfall that cascades over a legendary cave. Rainbow Falls got its name by a rainbow that is created in the mist of the water by sunlight. Approximately one mile from the falls lies Boiling Pots, an intriguing feature of the Wailuku River. Walk out at this location to see the unique water feature created by lava formations in the river.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and an International Biosphere Reserve, this iconic park encompasses the summit of two of the world’s most active volcanoes and extends from sea level up to the summit of Mauna Loa at 13,677 feet. It’s home to critically endangered wildlife and some of the most unique geological, biological and cultural landscapes on earth. Upon entering the park, enjoy a walk along the rim Halema‘uma‘u Crater for unique views of the current eruption. The crater is the legendary home of Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of fire and volcanoes.

Stop and see the natural steam vents at Wahinekapu Steaming Bluff. Here, heated groundwater escapes from cracks in the earth as steam.

Take a guided walk through the lush native rainforest and walk through the massive Thurston lava tube which is 600 feet long and over 20 feet tall in some places.

Additional stops in the Park can include: Devastation Trail, Kilauea Iki, Ha’akulamanu sulphur banks, Maunaulu lava field, and upper portions of Chain of Craters Road . These fascinating locations are fun to explore in your Big Island volcano and waterfalls tour.