LANDAUSFLÜGE

Imagine yourself flying through a tropical rainforest canopy over splashing streams and waterfalls on a seven-stage zipline course with a view of the crystal blue Pacific Ocean in the distance.

You’ll be surrounded by natural beauty as you hike from one line to the next. A portion of the hike is on a suspension bridge that cuts through the jungle with several small waterfalls below. This course was created to provide a safe and fun environment for the entire family. All lines are ground-to-ground making it easier for all to participate.

After your zip line adventure, enjoy a relaxing stroll through the World Botanical Gardens and the soothing view of a cascading waterfall.

OVERVIEW

Become immersed on how the eruption of the Kilauea volcano dramatically changed the landscape of the Big Island and pause along the way to sample iconic Hawaiian products. Rainbow Falls will serve as an introduction to the island’s natural beauty, which is even more spectacular at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii’s only UNESCO World Heritage site. There, you will enjoy a close-up view of how the volcanic eruption expanded the Halemaumau pit crater with a billion cubic yards of lava. As you walk across the now hardened lava field, you will notice new greenery that will eventually become rainforest. The island’s fertile volcanic soil is ideal for growing products such as macadamia nuts. You will be offered tastings of them – perhaps honey-roasted or dipped in chocolate – at the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Farm. A Hawaiian-style lunch follows at Volcano Gardens Arts. Confections and coffee are available at Big Island Candies.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Behold Rainbow Falls, which is named for the rainbows that often form in its mist.
• See how a volcanic eruption changed the terrain in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
• Walk across a hardened lava field from the eruption, where plants are now growing.
• Enjoy a lunch of traditional Hawaiian cuisine and sample iconic Hawaiian products.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Taste a variety of locally grown foods for a better understanding of Hawaiian cuisine and how dishes made with the produce pair perfectly with craft beers. While touring the fields and orchards of O.K. Farms, you will sample freshly picked herbs and spices such as lemongrass and vanilla. You may also bite into a ripe lilikoi, one of the farm’s many tropical fruits that make their way into the zesty libations that nearby Ola Brew creates. Before reaching the brewery, you will pause for photos of Kaimukanaka Falls and Rainbow Falls, two beautiful cascades in the idyllic countryside. Prepare to be equally impressed with the offerings at Ola Brew, which infuses their beers with unusual local ingredients. You will be served a flight of beers that may include a mango-flavored IPA, a lager with banana notes, and a pineapple hard cider. They will be paired with American Asian fusion-style dishes.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Sample locally grown fruits, herbs and spices while touring O.K. Farms.
• Taste beers at Ola Brew that are infused with unexpected ingredients from the farm.
• Enjoy inspired pairings of the beers with American Asian fusion-style cuisine.
• View two absolutely gorgeous cascades: Kaimukanaka Falls and Rainbow Falls.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

On this small-group excursion you will discover two of the Big Island’s tallest and most beautiful waterfalls.

Start with a drive through an oceanfront rain forest and the scenic highlights of Hilo on the way to Rainbow Falls. Take a stroll through the banyan trees or just enjoy the view of the falls before heading along Onomea Bay Scenic Drive. Stop for breathtaking views and photos of the waves crashing in the bay below you. Continue to the majestic Akaka Falls--440 feet tall before some free time for shopping on Banyan Drive.

OVERVIEW

Ride an electric bike through the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and stop along the way at attractions that showcase the unusual nature of the state’s only UNESCO World Heritage site. Traveling by fat-tire e-bike couldn’t be easier because its battery-powered, whisper-quiet motor makes pedaling a breeze, allowing you to go farther with less effort. You will experience that firsthand as you ascend into the park on the way to the visitors center, whose enlightening exhibits will prepare you for the drama of seeing the Kilauea volcano in person. One of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kilauea has been steadily erupting since 1983 and the surrounding terrain is extraordinarily dramatic. You will behold this towering shield volcano and its caldera – the cauldron-like depression at the top – from a lookout and from the Volcano House Hotel. You will also pause at the Thurston Lava Tube, a cavernous tunnel that was filled with flowing lava 500 years ago.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Zip around Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on an e-bike that makes pedaling easier.
• Learn about the park’s geology and volcanic history at the visitor center.
• View Kilauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, from several vantage points.
• Stop at the Thurston Lava Tube, through which a river of hot lava flowed centuries ago.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Due to the high elevation, temperatures at the volcano can be significantly colder than at sea level. Guests are encouraged to wear long pants, and bring a jacket..
• Wear closed toed shoes.

OVERVIEW

Stroll through the largest Edo-style ornamental garden outside of Japan and enjoy free time browsing the shops and farmer’s market near Hilo Bay. To reach Liliuokalani Gardens, you will travel down Banyan Drive, a sun-dappled street lined with banyan trees that celebrities such as Babe Ruth and Amelia Earhart planted. More botanical treasures await you within the gardens, which is named for Hawaii’s last reigning monarch, Queen Liliuokalani. It opened in 1917 as a tribute to the many Japanese immigrants that worked Hawaii’s sugarcane fields. While meandering through the serene setting, you will notice that nearly every plant is indigenous. They include species such as the rosy trumpet tree and the towering kukui, the national tree of Hawaii. Afterwards, continue to Wailuku State Park where you’ll find picturesque Rainbow Falls. Watch as water from the Wailuku River plunges 80 feet over the lip of the waterfall to cascade into the pool below, often forming a beautiful rainbow effect. Later, you will independently explore the abundant boutiques, art galleries and marketplaces along the waterfront. There will be plenty of time to dine on your own if you wish.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Drive down a beautifully shaded street lined with banyan trees that celebrities planted.
• Meander through Liliuokalani Gardens, a botanical oasis with mostly indigenous plants.
• View breathtaking Rainbow Falls at Wailuku State Park
• Spend time exploring Hilo’s main shopping and dining district along the bay.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

See the island’s most spectacular natural wonders, starting with a hike to Kilauea Crater in Volcanoes National Park.

The setting is so extraordinary that UNESCO deemed the park a World Biosphere site and a World Heritage site. To reach the crater, you will hike three miles roundtrip. The sights along the way will make it well worth the effort, as the volcano has been steadily erupting since 1983 and the surrounding countryside is dramatic. Afterward, you will pause for photos at magnificent Rainbow Falls, which is named for the rainbows that often form in the surrounding mist. Another photo opportunity awaits you at Liliuokalani Gardens, which pays tribute to the Japanese immigrants that worked in the sugarcane fields more than a century ago. Enjoy a local shopping stop where you can sample Hawaiian macadamia nuts before returning to the ship.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Hike through the dramatic countryside to a volcanic crater that continues to erupt.
• Enjoy photo opportunities at Rainbow Falls and Liliuokalani Gardens.
• Enjoy a local shopping stop and sample Hawaii macadamia nuts.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Closed-toe shoes are mandatory.

OVERVIEW

Experience two of Hawaii Island’s most breathtaking destinations on this unforgettable adventure from Hilo. Travel by 4x4 van to the slopes and summit region of Mauna Kea, the world’s tallest oceanic mountain, where dramatic volcanic landscapes, rare alpine plants, and world-famous observatories await. Stop at the Onizuka Center for International Astronomy Visitor Information Station to acclimate to the elevation and browse for unique souvenirs before continuing higher up the mountain for spectacular panoramic views above the clouds. After descending from Mauna Kea, enjoy a relaxing visit to the serene Liliuokalani Gardens along Hilo Bay. This authentic Japanese Edo-style garden features elegant bridges, pagodas, pathways, koi ponds, and scenic oceanfront views, creating a peaceful contrast to the rugged beauty of the mountain summit.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Drive up the slopes of Hawaii’s highest volcano in a 4x4 vehicle.
• Journey to Mauna Kea, Hawaii’s tallest volcano and the world’s tallest oceanic mountain.
• Visit the Onizuka Center for International Astronomy Visitor Information Station at 9,200 feet.
• Explore the tranquil Liliuokalani Gardens, the largest Japanese Edo-style garden outside of Japan.
• Spot black lava rock coastline, tropical scenery, and occasional wildlife such as sea turtles, rays, and Nene geese.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear long pants and comfortable closed-toe walking shoes.
• Dress in layers, as temperatures at high elevation can drop below freezing.
• Be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions on the mountain

OVERVIEW

Sample chocolates from various sources throughout the Hawaiian Islands and learn how these artisanal sweets are crafted from premium cacao beans. The venue for this ultimate immersion into the world of chocolate will be Honolii Orchards, a multi-generational family farm. In the tasting room, you will learn more about chocolate than you ever thought possible, including fun facts about its 6,000-year history and how cacao is now grown and harvested through sustainable agricultural practices. Although the short seminar will be fascinating, the highlight will be sampling an unlimited number of chocolate bars from at least 10 different single-source Hawaiian estates. The tasting will reveal how weather and other factors affect the flavor of the chocolates, much like the terroir of a vineyard. You will also be served fresh cacao juice, fermented cacao beans, cacao tea and all sorts of farm-fresh fruits. Afterwards, feel free to browse the curated selection of sweets in the gift shop.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Sample unlimited chocolates from various estates throughout the Hawaiian Islands.
• Learn how Honolii Orchards harvests its cacao beans, the source of chocolate.
• Enjoy a tasting of other cacao products and fresh fruits grown on the Honolii farm.
• Browse the farm’s gift store for other tasty sweets.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Delve into the world of volcanoes at a national park that contains active ones and see how volcanoes have shaped the Hawaiian landscape, sometimes in a positive manner. The terrain and natural diversity within the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is so unique that UNESCO deemed it both a World Biosphere site and a World Heritage site. You will walk among steaming vents in the earth’s surface. Other highlights include seeing the active Halema’uma’u pit crater within the Kilauea summit caldera and driving along the winding road, which passes old lava flows and other reminders of past eruptions. The island’s volcanic soil is exceptionally fertile as you will discover by strolling through Lili’uokalani Gardens, a wonderland of native plants that was once the favorite picnic grounds of Queen Lili’uokala, Hawaii’s last monarch. Volcanic activity also created the black lava rock on many of the island’s beaches.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit stunning Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• View an active volcano, craters and steam vents releasing hot water vapor into the air.
• Meander through a botanical garden that thrives in the island’s volcanically formed soil.
• See a coastline made of black rock made of volcanic materials and lava fragments.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Explore Hilo your way on this relaxed hop on hop off sightseeing tour. Ride a narrated loop connecting beaches, gardens, cultural attractions, and downtown highlights, hopping off wherever you’d like to explore more. Visit scenic stops such as Reeds Bay Beach Park and the peaceful Queen Liliʻuokalani Gardens, explore Downtown Hilo near the Farmers Market and cultural centers, and enjoy coastal views at Richardson Ocean Park’s black sand beach. With the freedom to rejoin the bus throughout the day, this flexible experience lets you discover Hilo at your own pace.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy the freedom of hop on hop off transportation, allowing you to explore Hilo on your own schedule.
• Relax on a narrated drive featuring local history, culture, and island scenery.
• Visit scenic coastal and garden locations, including Reeds Bay, Queen Liliʻuokalani Gardens, and Richardson Ocean Park.
• Explore Downtown Hilo, with access to the Farmers Market and nearby cultural attractions.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Have cash available, since some vendors do not accept credit cards. Sneakers or comfortable walking shoes, flip flops or sandals if planning to visit beach.

OVERVIEW

Settle in for a spectacularly scenic drive deep into the Waipi’o Valley, the childhood home of King Kamehameha I, who unified the Hawaiian Islands into a single kingdom in 1810. Even the roads leading to the sacred valley are stunningly beautiful, beginning with the Old Mamalahoa Highway, a circuitous coastal route that leads to Onomea Gardens. Photo stops will be made along the way at particularly scenic spots, which are just about everywhere. The landscape will look entirely different once you reach the fertile Waipi’o Valley as 2,000-foot-high cliffs surround it. It is nicknamed the Valley of the Kings because Kamehameha and many other Hawaiian chieftains were raised there. Natural beauty also abounds at KoleKole Beach Park, where you will enjoy a boxed lunch while gazing out over the sea. The sight of Akaka Falls will be even more dramatic as this free-falling 442-foot cascade spills into a heavily vegetated gorge.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Drive through sacred Waipi’o Valley, where many Hawaiian kings and chieftains lived.
• Be awed by the natural beauty in the valley and along the roads leading to it.
• Pause for photos at thundering Akaka Falls and along the Old Mamalahoa Highway.
• Enjoy a boxed lunch at the park where the Kokekoke stream meets the Pacific Ocean.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Spectacular volcanoes, craters and steam vents are waiting to be explored at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park that has recently reopened after a period of tumultuous volcanic activity. The landscape of Volcanoes Park has dramatically changed as the floor of the Kilauea crater sunk over 1,500 feet and the overall caldera quadrupled in size and widened by over a square mile. Today, the explosive eruptions, earthquakes and ash clouds have been replaced by remarkable changes in the summit area. The highlights of this exciting tour include visits at each of the following destinations in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park while riding to each stop in comfort on a deluxe motor coach. Walk through the Kilauea Visitors Center to receive information on the Park’s current conditions, view educational exhibits and interact with park rangers. Enjoy unforgettable views of Kilauea from Volcano House, just a short walk across the street. Kilauea’s massive size and scale is realized from this vantage point. Then you’ll be engulfed in rising steam as ground water seeps down to the hot volcanic rocks at the Steam Vents. The area between the edge of Kilauea’s caldera and the outer cliffs are treeless because the extreme heat destroys their roots; only shallow-rooted grasses and other hearty plants survive here. On you return to the pier, visit the Big Island Candies Store. Established in 1977, each of its delectable candies and cookies are hand-crafted in this factory store. View the production process and see what goes into making these world famous Hawaiian treats. All products are made from only freshly roasted Big Island macadamia nuts and pure Kona and Ka‘u coffee from farms on the Big Island. Since its founding, Big Island Candies has continuously introduced new and imaginative products that "wow" both the eyes and taste buds of its growing legion of fans. The Volcanoes National Park Tour is not to be missed and includes round-trip transportation from the pier by deluxe motorcoach.

Your experienced guide will provide information and narration as you drive through the "Hilo Walk of Fame" known for all the banyan trees planted by celebrities. Visit Liliuokalani Gardens, the largest ornamental Japanese garden outside of Japan. Your experienced guide will provide commentary of Hilo Town as you make your way to Wailuku State Park and Rainbow Falls.

While visiting Akaka State Park, you can see two gorgeous waterfalls- 100 foot Kahuna Falls and towering Akaka Falls which plummets 422 feet into an eroded gorge. Stop at Big Island Candies, home of the famous diagonally dipped shortbread cookies. You have a chance to purchase your Big Island souvenirs that are beautifully packaged. A true Hawaiian Classic!

Enjoy an enlightening tour of America’s southernmost winery and sample a variety of its premium wines. A spectacularly scenic drive inland will bring you to the aptly named Volcano Winery, whose vineyards blanket an elevated expanse of volcanically formed terrain. Grape varieties such as Symphony, Pinot Noir, Maréchal Foch and Cayuga flourish there. While touring the family-owned winery, you will discover how these unique wines have been produced over the past several decades. Many of them are infused with local fruits such as yellow guava and jaboticaba berries that lend the wines their original flavors. Others are infused with Hawaiian-grown tea and honey from bees that pollinate the blossoms of the island’s famed macadamia nut trees. The exact wines for your tasting will be chosen upon your arrival to ensure that they are at their peak. They many include Volcano Red, a signature red blend with black cherry and cranberry notes.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Tour the family-owned Volcano Winery, the southernmost winery in America.
• Sample a selection of premium wines, many of them infused with local fruit flavors.
• Enjoy a picturesque drive inland through a lush volcanically formed landscape.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Immerse yourself in a half-day cultural experience at the beautiful Nani Mau Gardens, a tropical paradise filled with lush gardens. Enjoy a welcome Mai Tai as you take an introductory tour of this serene sanctuary, featuring a collection of indigenous palms, orchids and fruits that have long flourished on the property, which was originally a humble papaya patch. It is an idyllic setting that inspires the artisans that create handicrafts there. Partake in a variety of craft workshops such as lei making or traditional weaving. Experienced local artisans will be there to guide you, sharing their knowledge and techniques to help you create your own unique keepsake. Afterwards, enjoy free time to meet with local artisans and shop for one-of-a-kind treasures, including handcrafted jewelry, wood carvings and woven goods. A traditional Hawaiian buffet follows, during which you will feast on an abundance of appetizers, entrées and desserts made with locally sourced ingredients that reflect the best of the Big Island. To round out your cultural immersion, you will watch a music and dance performance that is pure Hawaiian, representing the rich and diverse cultural traditions of the area. The experience will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the local heritage.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Meander through Nani Mau Gardens, a wonderfully fragrant and serene oasis.
• Watch artisans create leis and other handicrafts, all inspired by the garden setting.
• Feast on a Hawaiian buffet full of traditional dishes.
• Watch a lively performance of Hawaiian dances accompanied by live music.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Browse the fields and orchards of O.K. Farms and enjoy a sampling of its produce before heading deeper into the tropical environs to view two breathtaking waterfalls. Although remarkably close to Hilo, the family-owned farm feels as if it’s light-years away. Fruit and nut trees flourish, coffee plants blanket the hills and the aroma of spices wafts through the air. As you will discover, sweet lychees and longans are by far the most prevalent fruits grown there. You will likely sample them along with rambutans and hearts of palm. You will also learn a trick for cracking the rock-hard shells of macadamia nuts without damaging the meat inside. The Wailuku River winds through the 1,000-acre farm, creating Kaimukanaka Falls, which will be quite the sight to behold. You will view equally magnificent Rainbow Falls from a private vantage point that highlights the iridescent rainbows that typically form in the mist.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Tour a family-owned farm that grows tropical fruits and nuts within its 1,000 acres.
• Sample iconic Hawaiian fruits such as lychees, longans and rambutans.
• View two absolutely gorgeous cascades: Kaimukanaka Falls and Rainbow Falls.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Ride an e-bike along the winding paths of a private property that encompasses the triple-tiered Umauma Falls. The electric-enhanced bicycle will boost your pedal power and reduce the physical demands, making the ride all the more enjoyable. Because the route of about two miles runs through a privately owned area, there won’t be much traffic. During stops along the way, the guide will describe the native flora and impart fascinating facts about the healing properties of kukui nuts, the versatility of coconuts and the history of taro. Upon reaching the waterfall, you can swim in the refreshing pool. The setting is absolutely gorgeous as lush green tropical foliage comes right to the edge of the cascades. Kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are available and you will have the chance to make a Hawaiian craft in a shaded pavilion.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Pedal an electric-enhanced bike through a lush private property where the traffic is minimal.
• Ride to Umauma Falls, a spectacular triple-tiered cascade.
• Swim at a private waterfall.
• Learn about indigenous Hawaii plants and their traditional and medicinal uses.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring a swimsuit, towel and sunscreen.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Explore the famed Hamakua Coast, home to magnificent country reminiscent of “old Hawaii” on this small-group adventure. Sparsely populated Hamakua is studded with breathtaking waterfalls, stunning valleys, and eccentric towns. Traveling north, first stop at Tex Drive-In, famous for made-to- order malasadas. These fried Portuguese sweet treats were originally brought to Hawaii by immigrants who worked in the cattle industry and have been a local favorite ever since. Watch the treats being made through the window and have the option to purchase a fresh one with a cup of coffee. The Valley of the Kings, Waipio Valley is a place of impossibly steep cliffs carved by plunging waterfalls cascading more than a thousand feet to the valley floor below. Waipio Valley is still home to taro farmers as it has been for a thousand years. Look closely from the overlook and glimpses of the wild horses that roam the valley floor might be possible. Turning off the highway we descend into Laupahoehoe Point. Laupahoehoe village was located here until the destruction left behind the 1946 tsunami forced the town to move to higher ground.

. Look for the monument erected in the names of those who lost there lives here. Next stop at Akaka Falls State Park, the site of the largest easily accessible waterfall on the island. You’ll traverse a paved walking path right through the center of a lush rainforest to Akaka Falls, a stunning 442 foot waterfall that plunges down a sheer cliff and into the water below. Continue your adventure with stops at two icons of Hilo, Rainbow Falls and the King Kamehameha statue. Rainbow falls is an iconic waterfall right off a postcard featuring an 80 foot tall twin waterfall system. Look for the rainbow effect that gives the waterfall its name! Leaving the Hamakua coast behind, you travel to historic Hilo Bay to enjoy a deli style lunch. Snorkel, swim or rent a kayak to explore Hilo Bay. Complete the day with a shopping stop with Hawaiian mac nut samples, Hawaii Island crafts, local products, Kona coffee and more.

Savor wine and hors d’oeuvres at the Volcano House, the only hotel in Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii’s only UNESCO World Heritage site. As an introduction to the wonders of the surrounding volcanic landscape, you will accompany a volcanologist on a leisurely walk along the summit rim of Kilauea, one of the world’s most active and easily accessible volcanoes. It will be quite the experience as you peer into the crater that stretches down about three miles. Depending on the state of the volcano, you may see steam rising from the vents or an active lava lake. You will then head to the Volcano House, a historical hotel that Mark Twain visited in 1866 and mentioned in his book “Roughing It.” There, you will be served Hawaiian fruit wine with traditional hors d’oeuvres known as pupus. The views from the hotel are spectacular as it perches about 4,000 feet above sea level and overlooks the Kilauea caldera.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Walk along the summit of Kilauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes.
• Enjoy Hawaiian fruit wine and traditional hors d’oeuvres at the historical Volcano House.
• Take in the panoramas of Volcanoes National Park from several vantage points.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Exploring Hawaii Island’s explosive side is what this tour is all about. Walk Kilauea’s most recent lava flows along the East Rift Zone, including the historic flows of 2018. Start with a drive through quaint Hilo town where you’ll drive along the historic waterfront past Liliuokalani Japanese Gardens before heading out to Kilauea. Your National Park Service certified guide will discuss the volcanology, geology, and history of Hawaii, as well as providing in-depth narration on the various lava flows and flora and fauna that you’ll be passing by. First stop is MacKenzie State Recreation Area closed by the marching 40 foot tall wall of crumbly a’a lava as it continued through the Park to the sea. Take a walk along the altered coastline and cliffs overlooking the new black sand beach. Isaac Hale Beach Park is next. Lava floes encircled this popular Park miraculously sparing the infrastructure while completely destroying everything around it. Be sure to check out the boat launch ramp, now sitting in a pond cut off from the ocean by a natural berm of lava.

Stop by Star of the Sea Painted Church. Moved by the community twice to save it from advancing lava flows in 1990, this decommissioned church is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A deli style lunch is included. The final stop includes snorkeling, swimming and shopping. Grab a free snorkel set or just jump in the water and explore the unique lava rock coastline of Hilo Bay. Kayaks and paddle boards are available to rent. Stock up on fresh roasted Kona coffee, Hawaiian mac nuts, and other local products and crafts before heading back to the port.

OVERVIEW

View the effects of the 2018 eruption of the Kilauea volcano and hear commentary that describes the volcanic history of the Big Island. The volcano erupted in two places, resulting in earthquakes, fissures and a continuous lava flow toward the ocean for three months. It was a catastrophic event. As you travel the southeastern portion of the island, you will see where the rivers of lava destroyed the entire village of Kalapana and buried Kaimu Beach under hot molten rock. Nearby, you will find the Star of the Sea Painted Church, which had to be moved twice to avoid previous lava flows. You will discover more about volcanoes at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii’s only UNESCO World Heritage site. You can look down into the Kilauea Iki Crater and view still-active steam vents before stopping at the Volcano House, a historical hotel that overlooks the Kilauea caldera. Dinner follows at the aptly named Lava Rock Café.

HIGHLIGHTS
• View areas of Hawaii that were devastated by the 2018 eruption of the Kilauea volcano.
• See a village that the lava destroyed and a beach that the lava completely covered.
• Browse exhibits at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park for greater insight into volcanoes.
• Gaze out over the Kilauea caldera, which collapsed in the 2018 eruption.
• Dine at the Lava Rock Café on the outskirts of the national park.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Closed-toe shoes are mandatory.

Start your tour with a leisurely drive through the "Hilo Walk of Fame” known for all the banyan trees that have been planted by celebrities. Drive by Liliuokalani Gardens, the largest ornamental Japanese garden outside of Japan. Your experienced guide will provide commentary of Hilo Town as you make your way to Wailuku State Park and Rainbow Falls.

While visiting Akaka State Park, you can see two gorgeous waterfalls- 100 foot Kahuna Falls and towering Akaka Falls which plummets 422 feet into an eroded gorge. Stop at Pana’ewa Zoo the only naturally occurring rainforest zoo in the United States. Next, visit Mauna Loa Mac Nut Factory as well as the Big Island Candies Store. Established in 1977, each of its delectable candies and cookies are hand-crafted in this factory store. View the production process and see what goes into making these world-famous Hawaiian treats. All products are made from only freshly roasted Big Island macadamia nuts and pure Kona and Ka‘u coffee from farms on the Big Island. Since its founding, Big Island Candies has continuously introduced new and imaginative products that "wow" both the eyes and taste buds of its growing legion of fans.

Pass through the visually stunning countryside in the Puna district just outside Hilo, where you will see lava fields from past volcanic eruptions and walk along the Pohoiki black-sand beach, which is composed of lava fragments. According to legend, the volatile Hawaiian volcano goddess Pele lives in the district’s Kīlauea volcano. She not only creates new land, but also destroys what stands in the path of the lava, which is known as “frozen fire” once it cools and hardens. However, the historical Painted Church was spared during Kīlauea’s eruption in 1990 when the congregants raised the church onto a trailer and moved it to safety. While browsing the wooden church, which features wonderful painted ceiling frescoes, you will hear more about its salvation. Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to shop for locally made merchandise and meander along Hilo Bay, whose jagged black rock shoreline is volcanic in origin.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Behold the devastation of past volcanic eruptions and the natural beauty left in their wakes.
• See the Painted Church that congregants moved to save it from a nearby lava flow.
• Walk on a gorgeous black-sand beach that a volcanic eruption created.
• Shop for locally made merchandise in and around Hilo.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Closed-toe shoes are mandatory.