Honolulu to Hilo One Day Fly Away Tour - Volcanoes National Park & Waterfalls reviews, Oahu tours & activities, fun things to do in Oahu | HawaiiActivities.com

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Honolulu to Hilo One Day Fly Away Tour - Volcanoes National Park & Waterfalls

Overall Rating

4.34 4.34 / 5

Reviews

70 reviews
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Oahu to Big Island in a day

Reviewed by: Michael Speight, 2023/04/01

Glad we did it but it's expensive and a very long day. Up at 3:45 to get a taxi to the airport for a 6:00am flight. The tour said lunch included, neither we nor anyone else on the tour thought it would be a packet of chips and a turkey wrap in a box on board the bus. It was. The tour locations were excellent, the volcano, lava tube, waterfalls were all spectacular. The guide was good.

Reply from activity provider

Aloha Michael - Mahalo for allowing us to show you the Big Island! Mahalo for sharing your review. I will pass on you comments about lunch to the team and see if we can do better. Take care. Poly Ad 'Ohana

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2023/03/08
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Perfect Trip

Reviewed by: Tom M, 2023/02/04

This was an awesome tour. It went like clockwork and our tour guide, Ernie, was very knowledgeable of the island and took good care of us. I would highly recommend this tour.

Rating:
Attended as:Solo Travelers
Activity Date:2023/01/11
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A little of everything

Reviewed by: Ev Marco, 2022/12/04

The tour guide gave information about all the stops and walked with us the whole time.
This was my most memorable tour in Hawaii.

Reply from activity provider

Aloha Ev - We are honored to have helped you create lifelong memories of your vacation in Hawaii!

Me ke aloha pumehana,
Polynesian Adventures

Rating:
Attended as:Solo Travelers
Activity Date:2022/12/02
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Excellent Time with Informative Guide

Reviewed by: Jennifer P, 2022/03/20

My daughter and I went on this tour, and had an excellent time. Our guide -- Dexter -- was highly knowledgeable about everything: history, geology, culture, botany, you name it. It rained the day we were there: pouring rain at some points that seemed to magically clear up each time we got off the tour bus. But we didn't mind, because Dexter did such a fabulous job of explaining where we were going next, why it was so significant, and what we were passing along the way (he seemed to know each and every different tree species) that we barely noticed the rain. Definitely recommend this trip.

Rating:
Attended as:Families
Activity Date:2022/03/16
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Lava Low

Reviewed by: Disappointed Cajun, 2022/02/25

Tour was not as enjoyable as expected due mainly to some within the tour group who created delays that impacted the tour. Tour guide was fine albeit somewhat "dry" with regard to "tales." The delays were beyond the tour guide's control but it did take away from the time we had to enjoy the various sites. For the cost, of which the airline fare from Oahu to the Big Island was the major cost involved, it was not worth it. If you're already on the Big Island, the cost is probably worth the tour.

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2022/02/23
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Volcano National Park from Oahu

Reviewed by: Mike Drinkwater, 2022/01/18

It's not hard to complain about things, but honestly, the trip was spot on in most aspects, communication for the most part, although the email said terminal B in Honolulu, and it was actually Terminal 1, but it also put check in at 5:30am, and the flight was actually 7:30am, so plenty of time to adjust. Pick up directions spot on, lunch was provided and ok, I wouldn't write home about it, but there was a lot of walking, so maybe a lite lunch was better.
From a personal stand point, we were only allowed a certain amount of time at each location, I would have spent longer at other locations and less at others, that said, I don't feel like I missed anything, and had I gone on my own, I might have.
So overall, I think it was worth it, I didn't have to worry about booking flights, or getting transportation, lunch, and mapping out where to go, so a lot of headache was saved. I don't think when you book something like this you should expect the greatest trip, they need to balance what works for everyone who will be on that, and in return, we save ourselves a lot of work.
Overall, I would book another tour with Polynesian, it was worth the money.

  • This is ash coming up from the wall collapsing into the crater

  • This is the crater of kilauea

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2022/01/12
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Amazing one day trip to big island.

Reviewed by: Narayan, 2022/01/14

It was a great trip and tour guide was very informative.
Seeing the steam vents and volcanic rocks was best part of the trip.

Rating:
Attended as:Families
Activity Date:2021/12/31
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Must not be missed

Reviewed by: Linda Daxon, 2022/01/14

You havent really been to Hawaii until you've done the Big Island Tour and seen Volcano National Park. This is how it all got here: volcanoes. We got to go right up to the edge of the Kilauea cauldera, saw many steam vents and walk through the 1/3 mile long Thurston Lava Tube. The whole Big Island is so different from Oahu: much less build up, black sand beaches, unbelievably thick tropical rain forests. Guide Hugh was born and raised on the island and is incredibly knowledgeable. I am so glad I sloted this day into my itinerar. Highlight of my trip.

Rating:
Attended as:Solo Travelers
Activity Date:2022/01/12
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natural wonders

Reviewed by: Russ Cox, 2021/11/17

Our tour guide was Hugh and he was so nice and funny. We knew about the island and it's plant and animal life. We was knowledgeable about the volcano and the history of the area. He was pretty amazing and I learned a lot from him. We saw the beautiful black sand beach. The water fall and lava tube were both truly amazing. The steam vents and the volcano craters were spectacular. We were in awe at the magnitude of the volcano. There were a few hikes. Some with stairs and semi-steep grades. All in all this was very enjoyable and fun. We left a cell phone on the tour bus and I contacted the office. Hugh and Kris got the phone and had it returned to us with no problems. they truly went above and beyond. I would recommend this tour and we would do it again.

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2021/11/12
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Best tour, best guide

Reviewed by: The Fords, 2020/02/04

This was by far the best tour we have ever been on! Anthony was so knowledgeable and entertaining we learned so much about the culture and the flora and fauna of the big island.

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2020/01/31
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Small Bus Excellent Driver

Reviewed by: Big Phil, 2019/12/01

There were only 7 of us on a bus built for 12. We were not rushed at the sites and the driver/tour guide paced our group appropriately. Driver was very smart and continually pointed out plants/trees and sites as we drove along. Those who were scheduled for helicopter lost out as the helicopter never took off.

Rating:
Attended as:Families
Activity Date:2019/11/27
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Awesome! Educational! Fun!

Reviewed by: Cristy Brown, 2019/04/21

Our Volcano tour was great. John, our driver/guide was very knowledgeable of the area partly due to living in the area fir 20 plus years. We got to see 2 waterfalls, a little of Hilo, and a black beach! We would go it again.

  • Lava slide

  • Waterfall

  • Small waterfall

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2019/04/18
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Special birthday

Reviewed by: C franco, 2018/07/17

Driver was very knowledgeable and our transport outstanding. Unfortunately while the National Park is closed you won’t be able to see the volcano unless you go on a helicopter

Rating:
Attended as:Friends
Activity Date:2018/07/14
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Good tour of the volcanoes

Reviewed by: Nancy & Shirley, 2017/06/02

The tour tour was as described. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and presented various flowers and other botanical specimens common to the island. The lunch was also very good.
We had a wonderful time exploring Hawaii on this tour.

Rating:
Attended as:Friends
Activity Date:2017/05/29
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Volcanoes national park & waterfall tour on motorcoach

Reviewed by: Popeye, 2017/01/27

It rained continually all day which was disappointing so we could not see a lot so I will not at any comments on the actual tour. Pre ordered a cheese burger for lunch but this was not on our menu.

Rating:
Attended as:Families
Activity Date:2017/01/23
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Great Tour

Reviewed by: Framy, 2016/11/11

We loved the Volcano tour! Captain Rob was the best tour guide that I have ever had!

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2016/11/07
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NO LAVA

Reviewed by: ugh, 2016/09/02

Stuck on motorcoach going to random spots that is not near any lava!

Reply from activity provider

Warm Aloha,

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. This activity is meant for those who have a limited time on the island, wishing to do a aerial and land view of the Volcano National Park. At this time, to see any active lava it would require you to do a 7 mile hike.

Mahalo Nui Loa,

VELTRA Customer Support

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2016/08/29
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Excellent tour

Reviewed by: GregZ, 2015/10/03

A bit of a rocky start as we were to meet group picked up at Waikiki at airport. Group was late and no contact with Veltra guide had us nervous for a while. Once settled and arrived at Hilo, 'Captain' Bob took over as our guide. Our group of 10 toured all sites as mentioned and Bob was an excellent guide throughout. He made the tour much more interesting with his extensive knowledge of the island history, geography, plant and animal life, food, climate, etc. He also shared quite a bit science knowledge related to the volcanoes. All was delivered with humor and was very enjoyable. Keep in mind Hilo is known for the amount of rain received - you are advised to bring appropriate clothing.

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2015/09/10
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Great tour

Reviewed by: Rodney, 2015/06/01

John Kala was our tour guide and made the trip well worth. We had so much fun and learned so much. It was very personable. I will definitely recommend this tour to any and all who inquire.

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2015/05/29
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Good basic Tour

Reviewed by: Jay C, 2015/05/05

The Tour was great. We only had a day so You cover a lot of ground in short space of time which suited us brilliantly. There was a lot to learn and the guides etc were knowledgeable. The only disappointing thing is that when we booked i felt you were led to believe you would actually see the Volcano up fairly close and your MILES AWAY. !! Also that if you were lucky you may see flowing molten larva...which is rubbish....YOU WONT. It is a HUGE day as the flying from Island to Island isn't made easy and you have far too much down time in the Airport with quite officious airport staff

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2014/06/10
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Outstanding Tour!

Reviewed by: Denni Littlefield, 2015/04/23

Jane was our guide on the Volcano Adventure bus tour and did an outstanding job. Not only was she very knowledgable, but also extremely courteous, friendly, and patient. It was also a good tour-group, and we had a terrific time. thanks for everything! :-))

  • Lava Fliw

Rating:
Attended as:Friends
Activity Date:2015/04/20
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I had a wonderful time

Reviewed by: Daniel, 2015/04/19

Tour guide was very friendly an had a lot of cool and interesting things to talk about. I was lucky enough to be on the bus with only 11 other people so it seemed very private. While I didn't see everything I wanted to see, I still saw some incredible things. Overall, I would recommend this tour if your thinking about it.

Rating:
Attended as:Solo Travelers
Activity Date:2015/04/16
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Volcano park

Reviewed by: Michelle, 2014/12/29

Be prepared for a long day (18 hours) and take a waterproof warm jacket. Hugh, our driver/ guide was great and the tour is outstanding.

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2014/12/23
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great information but was a bit of a touristy bus ride

Reviewed by: dodger, 2014/08/02

Was very informative but spent most of the morning at touristy places and then the volcano park in the afternoon. Was bit disappointed we didn't see lava or get to go up the observatory on Mona Lua. The information the guide provided was worth it though.

Rating:
Attended as:Solo Travelers
Activity Date:2014/07/12
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Volcano Nat'l Park

Reviewed by: d52matthe, 2014/06/29

Really great tour that included so much of the island. Loved the stop at Mona Loa and the Orchid Producers. Jani, our driver was extremely knowledgeable and gave us a great deal of inside information about the island, Hawaii. The stop at Rainbow Falls gave us a beautiful view info about Hina's home. If I could change anything, I'd shorten the tour by about one hour. The kids (6 and 10 years old) were really exhausted by the end of the day. Then again, no trouble getting them to bed that night :-)

Rating:
Attended as:Families with Young Children
Activity Date:2014/06/25
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Awesome tour Hugh was the best

Reviewed by: Rafael Hernandez , 2014/06/27

Great tour, love it. The driver Hugh our tour person was informative and great. Would love to go on the Kauai trip soon as well hope to be able to visit again.

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2014/06/24
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Too much bus

Reviewed by: Cheryl, 2014/05/31

I was really excited to visit the big island since it was my first time. We were staying on Oahu but wanted to see volcanos. The trip was exactly what was published but they didn't mention that most if the time was on the bus. We were hoping when we got to the national park we would be able to hike a little but everything was very short stops. I would not recommend if you are an active person and want to explore.

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2014/05/05
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Misleading Information

Reviewed by: Viviane, 2014/03/17

The name of the tour is Volcano Adventure but the actual volcano-related activities are very limited and a disappointment. They pick you up at 5:00 am and by 2:00 pm you have not done any volcano activities. It felt like we were being taken to places just to spend money: a dinner, a macadamia plant, an orchid greenhouse, another restaurant. And when the volcano activities finally start, you do not get anywhere near the active volcano. You can't see it at all. The tour's material show pictures of flowing lava and they say that "This tour company cannot guarantee the viewing of active lava flow". This is very misleading. The reality is that they know for a fact that you will not be anywhere close to the flowing lava because, as they explain once you are in the bus in the Big Island, there are simply no roads to get to it.
They kids got really bored and were very disappointed. So were we...

Rating:
Attended as:Families with Young Children
Activity Date:2014/03/10
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Tour beyond expectations. FLIGHT WARNING!!!!

Reviewed by: dylanbarter, 2013/09/18

We had such an amazing time. We had Capt Rob as our guide and he was great. The volcano tour was great and Rob was very accomodating for breakfast and lunch needs knowing most of us had come over on planes from Oahu.

Flight was a huge disappointment. If you have the choice fly Hawaiian not Go! Airlines. We were dropped off at the airport in Hilo at 6pm and our flight back to Oahu didn't depart till 8:30. Not much to see or do at such a small airport. It ruined our day and destroyed our dinner plans for the evening. Everyone else on the tour were flying with Hawaiian and departed straight away. We were not given a choice in airlines but wish we had.

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2013/09/13
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Big island trip

Reviewed by: Kulvinder , 2013/09/07

Good. Well recommended Good guide. Slightly d is appointed with some commercial stops

Rating:
Attended as:Families with Young Children
Activity Date:2013/08/19
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