Hilo

Hilo Shore Excursions - Carnival

Circle of Fire Helicopter

Fly high above the most geologically active environment on planet earth.

On this amazing excursion you will:

• Fly over the Big Island of Hawaii in the air-conditioned comfort of your helicopter.
• Be taken past the local terrain and the most current areas of volcanic activity.
• Be sure to have your camera ready as you pass over lava flows and black sand beaches.
• Get spectacular views of the natural wonders of Hawaii , only seen from the air.

Note: Flight time 50 minutes.

Please be advised: Due to weight, balance and capacity restrictions, if you weigh over 250 lbs., you are required to purchase 2 seats (2 tickets) on this excursion when booking online. You will be credited 50% of the additional ticket price onboard the Spirit. Once onboard the vessel, please see the Shore Excursion Desk.

Discover Hilo , Waves & Waterfalls

Experience the Tsunami Museum and memorial, the historic King Kamehameha Statue, visit Akaka Falls and enjoy a shopping stop at Big Island Candies to stock up on world famous hand made Hawaiian treats - all in the comfort of a 25 passenger air conditioned mini-coach. 

On this wonderful excursion you will:

• Enjoy a scenic drive along the “ Old Road ” through lush rainforests that will bring you to the magnificent Akaka Falls , a 410 foot waterfall plunging over the sheer cliffs of dormant Mauna Kea Volcano.
• Have your camera ready as this is certainly a scenic photo opportunity for some of the Islands ' most dramatic tropical foliage.
• At the Tsunami Museum , watch an educational film about the awesome power of the tsunami, including real footage of the Tsunami of 1946 that devastated so much of Hilo , and listen to informative talks given by local docents.
• Visit to the beautiful Shinmachi Memorial, erected in honor of the many residents of Hilo who lost their lives to the Tsunami of 1946, will be even more powerful, as you will understand the magnitude of the devastation caused by the powerful tsunami.
• Have a short 15 minute stop at Big Island Candies will be your last stop before returning to the ship.

Note: Participants should wear comfortable walking shoes. Dress in layers appropriate for variable weather conditions, including rain. 

This tour is not wheelchair accessible. Restrooms are available at Akaka Falls and the Tsunami Museum . This tour may be done in reverse due to scheduling needs.

Hilo Chain of Craters

Experience a spectacular scenic ride through a lush tropical forest and to Volcanoes National Park .

On this exciting excursion you will:

• View unique films of the volcano's former eruptions with commentary by a park ranger.
• See the sulfur banks, steam vents, crater rim, famed Lava Tube, and the spectacular steaming Halemaumau Fire-Pit, home of the legendary fire goddess Pele.
• At the observatory, visit the Jaggar Museum 's interesting volcanic exhibits.
• Enjoy a buffet luncheon at the Volcano House.
• Drive through the historic and graceful town of Hilo , reminiscent of the charm of “Old Hawaii”. Pass by Liliuokalani Park 's variety of tropical plants, foliage and its Japanese Yedo Garden .

 

Hilo City & Akaka Falls

Treat yourself to this informative scenic excursion of the charming city of Hilo .

On this excursion you will:

• Tour the business and residential areas of this nostalgic town by the bay.
• Visit Liliuokalani Park with its formal Japanese style gardens.
• Stop for a visit to Nani Mau Gardens and its 20-acres of fruit gardens, papaya orchard and flowers.
• Stroll through a lush tropical forest and breathe in the intoxicating aromas of heliconia, gingers, orchids, ferns and bamboo groves.
• Cross bubbling streams on wooded footbridges to the enchanting Akaka Falls .

Note: Comfortable walking shoes, a hat and sunscreen are recommended.

Infants, ages 0-3, participating in this shore excursion must have a ticket purchased for them.

Hilo Historical Tour

Journey through of one of Hawaii 's most storied cities.

On this fascinating excursion you will:

• Begin with a drive through Hilo Town 's Banyan Drive , highlighted by the formal Japanese style gardens of Liliuokalani Park .
• Explore the spectacular leaping rainbows cascading into a circular pool at Rainbow Falls .
• Be captivated by Hilo 's early history while visiting the Lyman Museum and Mission House.
• Enjoy a visit to Nani Mau Gardens ' 20 acres of fruit gardens, papaya orchard and flowers.
• Stop at a macadamia nut factory to witness the processing of one of Hawaii 's main agricultural exports. Infants, ages 0-3, participating in this shore excursion must have a ticket purchased for them.

 

Land of Frozen Fire

Witness the results of Kilauea's repeated eruptions, Hawaii 's newest land.

On this exhilarating excursion you will:

• Travel from the pier in an air conditioned van to Lava Tree State Park in Puna.
• See lava tree molds made from when lava wraps around the tree, cools and then drains away.
• Visit Ahalanui warm springs with volcanically heated 90-degree water.
• Continue your drive to MacKenzie State Park to view dramatic scenery formed when lava meets the sea: cliffs, lava tubes and blow holes.
• Journey to the tropical coast and stop in Kaimu, once the sight of a famous black snad beach and small town, both destroyed by a 1992 lava flow.
• Walk on the "Frozen Earth" and see an active volcano vent in the distance.

Note: This excursion is designed to provide an adventuresome experience without dangerous ground.

Some walking on flat, but uneven State trails, up to half a mile, and undulating lava with cracks involved.

Walking poles, water and ponchos (if needed) will be provided.

Mauna Kea Summit Tour

Experience Mauna Kea , a sacred place featuring ancient history, cultural sites, and magnificent beauty created by fire and ice.

On this magnificent excursion you will:

• Journey to the highest peak of the Pacific, the 13,796-ft. summit.
• Marvel at the view atop Mauna Kea , described as a majestic moonscape looking down on the clouds.
• Take a ride through downtown Hilo , Rainbow Falls , Mauna Loa lava flows, Kipuka Pu'u Huluhulu Native Tree Sanctuary, Onizuka Center for International Astronomy.
• See the world's largest telescope at Keck Observatory (weekdays only).
• Enjoy the box lunch and jackets provided.

Note: Children under the age of 16, pregnant women and guests with heart or respiratory problems are not allowed to participate in this tour. The lunch includes bottled water, deli sandwich and chips. Long pants and comfortable shoes are recommended.

Secrets of Puna

Climb aboard a luxury 4 x 4 SUV for a memorable and exciting adventure to Puna, located on the southeast corner of the Big Island and home to some of the world's most spectacular natural sights. 

On this wonderful excursion you will:

• Set off on your journey, sit back, relax and watch DVD footage of the eruptions of Kailauea Volcano. Learn how it has been erupting continuously since January 3, 1983 and has added more than 600 acres of land to the island.
• Hear the stories of life in Kalapana from former residents who witnessed the destruction of their homes and lives, only 15 years ago.
• Visit Kaimu, once known to be the finest black sand beach in the world, and is now entombed under 75 feet of lava.
• Make a stop at the dramatic 75-foot high lava cliffs overlooking the brilliant blue waters of the Pacific where you will be spellbound. Here, you will enjoy a gourmet lunch and refreshments including champagne and locally brewed Mehana beer.
• Your journey continues to the village of Kapoho , destroyed by the eruption in 1960, before making a stop at the secret volcanically-heated saltwater pool. You can snorkel if you wish or take a swim to cool off.
• Lava Tree State Park is your next stop for a short walk, where in 1790 a lava flow overran the jungle and Ohia trees encasing them forever in lava.

Note: Guests must be in good health and able to walk over uneven ground. We recommend you wear a swimsuit under comfortable clothing, walking shoes, a light raincoat and bring along sunscreen and a hat. 

Snorkel gear and beach towels are provided. Lunch, snacks and beverages are also included throughout the day. 

This excursion is exclusive and only accommodates a maximum of 7 guests per vehicle.

Volcano Biking Adventure

The best way to “See, Feel & Hear” Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is on a bike.

On this amazing excursion you will:

• Begin with a scenic narrated drive to the Visitor's Center at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park .
• Receive a detailed orientation.
• Set off on your 8-mile ride taking you around the Kilauea Caldera.
• Enjoy scenic view stops and short hikes to the Kilauea Iki Overlook, the famous Thurston Lava Tube, Pu'u Pua'i Overlook and the Halema'uma'u Overlook, just to name a few.
• See old lava flows, native Hawaiian Ohia & fern tree (Hapu'u) forests, numerous craters of varying sizes and native colorful Hawaiian birds.
• Feel the wind and mist of the rainforest and the warm dry wind of a black lava desert.
• Hear the wind in the trees and the singing of the birds.
• Stop at the Jagger Museum , home to many seismographs, which monitor every twitch of the earth.

Note: Elevation is 4,000 ft. so wear comfortable clothing in layers, sunscreen, and covered shoes. Bring a camera, sunglasses and hat.

The 8-mile bike ride is on paved roads and takes place over mostly level or downhill terrain over 2 to 2½ hours with overlook stops.

Guests must be at least 12 years old and comfortable riding a bike; an adult must accompany children under 18 years of age.

Natural sulfur gases may affect those with respiratory problems. You will not see molten lava.

Volcano National Park

Experience the incredible panoramic views from Volcano National Park and the delights of local cuisine.

On this incredible excursion you will:

• Pass by many of the island's famed orchid and anthodium farms.
• Join Crater Rim Drive as your guide explains the mysteries of the famed Madame Pele, the Hawaiian Goddess of Fire.
• Stop at the Thurston Lava Tube.
• Head to the Hawaii Volcano Observatory and the Jagger Museum .
• See the awesome exhibits of the destruction caused over the years by this active volcano.
• Learn the natural progression in the life of a volcano.
• Take time to browse through the many relics the erupting volcano has left in its path.
• Visit Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory Store to see how nuts are processed.
• Enjoy free samples of these world renowned nuts for an appetizing ending to your excursion.

Note: Due to the nature of the area, this tour involves walking over some uneven terrain. Comfortable shoes, hat sunglasses and sunscreen are recommended.