32 Offbeat Cruise Excursions That Go Way Beyond Sightseeing

24. Hike Through a Lava Field in Hawaii’s Volcanoes National Park

Skip the beach towels and sunscreen for a day and step into one of the most dynamic landscapes on Earth at Hawaii’s Volcanoes National Park. If your cruise docks in Hilo, you can embark on a hike across hardened lava fields that once flowed like molten rivers. This surreal terrain is dotted with steam vents, sulfur banks, jagged rock formations, and the occasional splash of vivid rainforest greenery pushing through the cracks. Depending on volcanic activity at the time, you might even witness active lava flows or glowing lava tubes. The landscape feels like you’re walking on another planet—raw, dramatic, and alive with geothermal energy. Pro Tip: Sturdy, closed-toe hiking shoes are a must—the jagged lava rock is razor-sharp. Don’t forget a hat, sunscreen, and water, and check current eruption conditions before you go.