Fully experience the geological wonders and fascinating history of Big Island's volcano region, including lava tubes, steaming vents, cinder cones, current & past lava flows, and more. In a small group and with highly knowledgeable local guides, this hands-on tour will teach you about the significant role of volcanoes in the Hawaiian Islands. You'll witness the massive Halemaumau Crater in Volcanoes National Park which collapsed in the 2018 eruption that made international headlines and which continues to erupt on-and-off with possible lava sightings! You'll learn about and see the effects of the power of nature creating and shaping Hawaii to the present.
Also explore a Hawaiian chocolate & tropical fruit farm in the scenic hills above Hilo. You’ll learn all about the chocolate making process, from picking a fresh cacao pod from the orchards to walking through a chocolate factory to of course yummy tastings!
You’ll also visit picturesque Rainbow Falls, one of Hilo's most popular attractions and its most accessible waterfall.
Pickups are available from Waikoloa and Kona, saving you from driving the 4+ hours round-trip, including a long stretch at night through a remote area in the middle of the island (Saddle Road) often enveloped in fog or rain. You can also meet the tour in Hilo without missing any substantive stops. On Tuesdays, there is also a stand-alone custom excursion for the Pride of America cruise ship.
WHY WE RECOMMEND THIS TOUR OVER OTHERS
* Lava Update (December)
The lava flow in the crater has paused, but the tour continues to operate. Conditions can change at anytime, and visible lava has been on-and-off for years, so it can resume any day. This tour still runs during stretches when lava is not visible, and it's still an enriching experience with fascinating views and insights into one of the most active and accessible volcano regions in the world.
Availability
If none of the bookable dates work for you and if you are a party of 4+ or are open to a private tour, there may be flexibility; please email us with the number of people, all possible dates, and whether interested in the shared or private tour. For the Pride of America excursion on Tuesdays, dates in the near term may only be bookable for a party of 6+; parties with less than 6 can either 1) book 6 seats and make a note of your actual party size and we'll try to sell more seats (and we'll keep you posted), or 2) contact us to be put on the waitlist.
Customer Rating:
5 out of 5 stars
Also rated on :
Hawaii Big Island Revealed Guidebook:
If you had to name the one thing the Big Island is most famous for, it would undoubtedly be Kilauea Volcano. Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is the most fascinating place you may ever visit.
Rainbow Falls: Not to be missed! If you like waterfalls, it's a perfect example of why you'll want to drive to the Hilo side. Best waterfall in Hilo area.
Lonely Planet Guidebook:
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park: Hawaii’s Top 20
Top-notch ecotour outfitter with knowledgeable guides.
Moon Guidebook:
A wonderful company with an excellent environmental ethic — the tours are highly recommended.
Fodor's Guidebook:
If you do nothing else on the Big Island, do the volcano.
Since 1993, this locally owned and operated outfit has built a reputation for outstanding nature tours and eco-adventures. Sustainability and cultural sensitivity is a company mission. They have access to thousands of acres of restricted or private lands and employ expert, certified guides who are entertaining and informative.
It can vary based on conditions and other factors, but common stops include Thurston Lava Tube, the summit Steam Vents, Chain of Craters Road down to the sea cliffs, Mauna Ulu, Keanakako'i Crater, Kilauea Overlook, Devastation Trail, and the Visitor's Center. Total time in the Park is about 3.5 hours, but it can vary based on the pace and interests of the group and also conditions.
On this small group tour, it will partially depend on the specific tour group's interests and ability levels. The tour tries to not spend too much of the day in a van but also being immersed in nature. It is a fairly easy tour, although guests should not be physically challenged or unable to walk short distances on uneven terrain. Walking sticks are available. For the non-cruise-ship shared tour, there is usually an easy-to-moderate hike at the volcano.
The Pride of America cruise ship shared tour is generally designed to be a bit easier / more accessible, and private tours also have more flexibility and are recommended for parties who are concerned about their physical abilities.
Lunch is a pre-made sandwich from a local deli (turkey, ham, pastrami, or veggie), chips, and a cookie. Gluten free and vegan options are also available. Lunch selections are asked during booking checkout (although you can change up to 24 hours in advance).
Morning and afternoon snacks are also included, as well as beverages (Hawaiian juice drinks/sodas, flavored sparkling waters, green tea, and filtered water refills).
The vans have limited space, so it would have to be a small collapsible wheelchair, and the guest would have to be able to get in and out of the vehicle with minimal assistance. They would also stay with the van during some of the short walks/hikes that are on unpaved and uneven surfaces, unless possibly with a private tour.
Lava in the main active crater has fluctuated in recent years between being above ground or below it. If lava is visible, the tour has a few viewpoints to choose from and will try to provide the best view of lava that is safe and legally accessible at the time. However, lava viewing cannot be guaranteed based on the dynamic nature of this active volcano and general weather conditions.