• Banyan Drive - Begin your journey to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park by driving through the historic Banyan Drive, a tree-lined street along the shoreline of Hilo, Hawaii. Known as the “Hilo Walk of Fame,” this street features banyan trees planted by celebrities. These trees have survived multiple tsunamis that have struck the Big Island of Hawaii. The trees, still bearing the names of their planters, honor movie stars, religious leaders, political figures, famous authors, adventurers, and local Hawaiians.

Total Drive Time to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and beyond: 1 hour

• Liliuokalani Gardens - Blink and you might think you’re in Japan as you wander through the serene Liliʻuokalani Gardens, named after Hawaii’s last reigning monarch, Queen Liliʻuokalani. Situated on Hilo’s Banyan Drive, this 24.67-acre Japanese garden was dedicated in 1917 to honor Hawaii’s first Japanese immigrants who worked in the island’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 tranquil setting. With so much to see, this park is a popular spot for families exploring the Hilo area.

• Akaka Falls State Park - At ʻAkaka Falls State Park, located along the northeastern Hilo Coast, you can witness two stunning waterfalls on a short hike. The pleasant 0.4-mile uphill trail takes you through a lush rainforest filled with wild orchids, bamboo groves, and draping ferns.

Following the paved path, you’ll first encounter the 100-foot Kahuna Falls. Continue along the loop, and you’ll discover the towering ʻAkaka Falls, which plunges 442 feet into a stream-eroded gorge. Beautiful ʻAkaka Falls is perhaps the most famous waterfall on the island of Hawaii. Easily accessible, this hike takes less than an hour.

• Rainbow Falls - Rainbow Falls is a breathtaking waterfall that cascades 80 feet into the Wailuku River below. Surrounded by lush tropical rainforest, this waterfall is easily accessible from downtown Hilo, just a 5-minute drive away. Known as Waiānuenue in Hawaiian, the name translates to “rainbow [seen in] water,” fitting for these falls as the rising sun often creates a dazzling rainbow in the mist.

Visit Rainbow Falls to experience the home of Hina, the ancient Hawaiian moon goddess, said to reside in a lava cave behind the falls. This peaceful oasis is a fantastic place to visit early in the morning to view the falls and explore the stunning natural surroundings.

• Boiling Pots - These two geological attractions are part of the 18-mile Wailuku River, the state’s second-longest tributary. Located within Wailuku River State Park, their scenic lookouts are open during daylight hours and offer parking and restrooms.

The Boiling Pots are about 1.5 miles upstream from Rainbow Falls and consist of a series of eroded, hollowed-out lava formations that fill with the river’s flow. When the river is swollen with storm runoff, the “pots” fill to the brim, become turbulent, and appear to “boil.” Access the Boiling Pots via Waianuenue Avenue to Peepee Falls Road. Pronounced peh-eh-peh-eh, Peepee Falls can also be seen from the Boiling Pots lookout.

• Hilo - Drop off the guests

• Bottled Water
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Local Guide
• Pick up and Drop off

• Gratuities
• Lunch