Fully experience the geological wonders and fascinating history of Big Island's volcano region with a full day exploring lava tubes, steaming vents, cinder cones, current & past lava flows, and much 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 recently started erupting again! You'll learn about and see the effects of the power of nature creating and shaping Hawaii to the present. Based on the conditions of the day, the tour will select a 2-3 mile easy-to-moderate hike to explore the unique terrain of the active Kilauea volcano.
Outside the Park, you'll also enjoy exclusive access to a 35-foot-high underground lava tube on private property only accessible by this tour, seeing firsthand how rivers of lava would traverse the land during eruptions.
The tour culminates in the evening with a once-in-a-lifetime dramatic viewing of fiery active lava bubbling in the vast crater before your eyes and creating an orange glow against the dark starry night sky. [note: see lava update below]
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 between Hilo and Volcano without missing any substantive stops. The private tour includes pickups from Hilo or Volcano Village.
WHY WE RECOMMEND THIS TOUR OVER OTHERS
Lava Update (March)
As of March 7, the lava flow in the crater has crusted over. Last time this happened, it paused for only a month, although it's impossible to predict. Conditions can change at anytime. This tour runs during stretches when lava is not visible, and it's still an enriching experience with fascinating views and insights into one of the the most active and accessible volcano regions in the world.
TravelShack 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.
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 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 4 hours. Time at the Lava Tube on private property outside the Park is around 1.5 hours.
2-3 miles, with the goal of not spending 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 (unless they are ok staying with the van for the hiking portion). The walk inside of a lava tube has some incline and is not paved, but it is not especially challenging. Walking sticks are available. Private tours have more flexibility and are recommended for parties who are concerned about their physical abilities.
Lunch & dinner selections are asked during booking checkout (although you can change up to 24 hours in advance).
Lunch
Pre-made sandwich from local deli (turkey, ham, pastrami, or veggie), chips, cookie, and sodas / juice drinks. Gluten free and vegan options available.
Snacks
Includes nuts & cheese
Dinner
Warm picnic dinner options are Southwest Chicken Stew or Vegetarian Chili (vegan/gluten-free), served with a butter roll, dessert, and hot tea / hot chocolate.
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.
In early 2023, the lava viewing was quite good, although the level of the lava lake in the crater fluctuated daily. As of early March, the lava has paused but may resume at anytime. 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.