Highlights Of Hilo...A Shoretrips Premium Shared Van Tour

Highlights Of Hilo...A Shoretrips Premium Shared Van Tour Photo #1 of 2 Photo copyright ShoreTrips.com.

Overview

The best way to spend a day in Hilo -- active volcanoes, lush waterfall, and black sand beach.

After being met by your guide, we will visit Liliuokalani Gardens, providing sweeping views of Hilo Bay. This peaceful park is the largest authentic ornamental Japanese garden outside of Japan. Graced with arching bridges, rock gardens, pagodas and a teahouse, the gardens are named after the last reigning monarch of Hawaii, Queen Liliuokalani.

Although you might not want to leave, our next stop is Wailuku River State Park and the impressive Rainbow Falls. On sunny mornings, this phenomenon of nature projects rainbows as it flows over a natural lava cave. Just down the road a bit, we'll arrive at Pe'epe'e Falls and Boiling Pots. This beautiful falls is surrounded by lava rocks and lush vegetation and plunges about 80 feet into a pool below.

We'll travel up the Humu'ula Saddle Mountain road, with views of two of our largest volcanic mountains, Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. Your guide will tell you about the different types of lava flows that make up the unique landscape of this volcanic island. If you wish, an optional hike is available to experience the native forest and look for wildlife.

It's time for a break and your guide will provide a delicious picnic lunch at Mauna Kea State Park or another equally pleasant location.

After lunch, we'll head back down the mountain slope and explore the ancient Kaumana lava tubes. Your guide will explain the process by which these unusual natural features were formed.

A stop at a local chocolate factory for samples of delightful chocolate and coffee will hit the spot.

As the tour winds down, you will hear about Hawaiian culture and way of life while enjoying a coastal drive through the old community of Keaukaha. Conclude your day with your toes in the black sand at Wai'uli beach. As you stroll along, keep an eye out for Hawaiian green sea turtles foraging along the shoreline.

- Please note that this tour is an alternative to our Volcanoes National Park program, which is temporarily discontinued due to the Park's closure. Once the park is reopened, your itinerary will be modified to visit Volcanoes National Park.
- Please wear covered walking shoes and bring a rain jacket in case of changing weather. Umbrellas will be provided when needed. Bring insect repellent.
- Bottled water and a picnic lunch are included in the price of the tour.
- State Park fees are included in the cost of the tour.

- This tour requires a minimum of 2 passengers.
- The van holds a maximum of 14 people, but we typically have group sizes of 10 or under.
- Child safety seats are required by Hawaii law for children under the age of four and booster seats are required for children ages four through seven. Seats are available upon request. You will be asked for this at the time of booking.
- Times and stops are subject to change due to weather conditions, ocean conditions and guests abilities/interests.

Days offered: 7 days a week

Departures:

• 08:30 AM, duration: 7 hours
• 10:00 AM, duration: 7 hours ONLY for cruise ship passengers arriving at 9:00am or later.
• 12:00 PM, duration: 7 hours ONLY for cruise ship passengers arriving at 12:00pm.