"We had been apprehensive about a twelve hour tour, but we gained so much knowledge about Hawaiian geology, natural history and culture, it was well worth it. And the teenager is still spouting facts."
— Anne Chalfant, Knight Ridder Newspapers
Hawaii Volcano Tours Big Island with Discovery of Kilauea. Take an all-day expedition to Volcanoes National Park, a remarkable journey across the fascinating landscape of the Big Island. At Volcanoes, you'll enjoy the "must see" places within the Park while you learn about their geological and historic significance. Join the journey that Frommer's Guide to Hawaii says "May very well be the highlight of your vacation."
Inside Volcanoes National Park
Once at the park you'll walk through a magnificent native rainforest, visit a lava tube, discover remarkable volcanic formations and experience a splendid diversity of geography and climate. Through detailed geologic and natural history interpretation, small walks, and driving, you'll explore and learn about the world's most active volcano. A picnic lunch is served en route during your adventure through the park. Depending on what's happening with the active flow, we'll head to see the red lava flows.
Get the Big Picture
Starting from Kona, you'll travel along the coast over old lava flows before proceeding up the rolling pasturelands on the flanks of Mauna Kea. Turning onto the Saddle Road, between Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea, you'll traverse a dramatic and diverse landscape of ranchland, sub alpine dryforest and striking volcanic features before stopping for a short break and continental-style breakfast.
Afterward, you'll drop down to near sea-level on the way through Hilo where you begin the final climb to the summit of Kilauea and the lush entrance to Volcanoes National Park. On the way back, you'll travel along the Hamakua Coast and pass through Waimea before returning to Kona.
Details
Activity Level: Easy to moderate walks varying ½ to 1½ miles. Longer hikes may be required if an active lava flow is accessible. Location: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Schedule: Daily, year round. Duration: 12 hours depending on pickup location Time: 10:30 am from HFT headquarters. 10:00am from Waikoloa Queen's Marketpalce and selected Waikoloa resorts.
Group Size: Tours are limited to a maximum of 12 guests. Children: Ages 12 & under pay reduced price. Children under 4 years must ride in a car seat (not provided). Children under 3 years must be carried in a backpack carrier (not provided).
Included: Daypacks, bottled water, binoculars, walking sticks, warm wear and raingear. • Continental breakfast of fresh island fruit, 100% pure Kona coffee, baked banana breads & pound cakes, teas, juice and sodas. • Lunch (deli sandwich, chips, chocolate chip mac-nut cookie) and sodas and juice. Sandwich choices are veggie, turkey, ham, and tuna What to Bring: Closed-toe walking shoes or hiking boots and a light jacket or sweater. Camera, hats, and sunscreen are recommended.
Note: Guests on this tour should not be physically challenged or unable to hike on uneven or rocky terrain.
Customer Reviews # of Ratings: 49 Overall Rating: 4.7/5
Customer Review by Nancy Horban Posted March 13, 2010
4 Activity Rating 5 Crew Rating
Customer Review by Emil Neufeld Posted January 3, 2010
4 Activity Rating 5 Crew Rating
Customer Review by Daniel Williamson Posted July 28, 2009
5 Activity Rating 5 Crew Rating
Guide was wonderful.
Customer Review by Amy Fan Posted June 25, 2009
5 Activity Rating 5 Crew Rating
Customer Review by Andrea M Di Lecce Posted June 4, 2009
5 Activity Rating 5 Crew Rating
The guide was very knowledgeable, the tour was AWESOME, and very educational. Really appreciated him taking us "off the beaten path".
Customer Review by Gaye Trotman Posted May 15, 2009
4 Activity Rating 5 Crew Rating
sadly we did not see the lava flow
Customer Review by Pranav Mehta Posted April 9, 2009
4 Activity Rating 5 Crew Rating
This is a long trip: About twelve hours long. However, credit where credit is due: Our guide (Danny) was informative, polite, and mindful of the time. He did however chat non stop (which to me was telling of this man's immense stamina). My wife however, found it annoying.
The sites he took us to were certainly off the beaten track. They were worth the money. All in all we had a great time with lots of good photos. Be warned however: We did not see any "live" lava. There hasn't been any for some years apparently.
4 Activity Rating
5 Crew Rating
