Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Experience from the Big Island
Description
Take a journey to the youngest Hawaiian Island and witness firsthand the amazing power of Hawaii’s fiery goddess of fire, Madame Pele. Learn the ancient legends about just how these magnificent islands formed … as well as see for your self the amazing landscapes and wonder of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island of Hawaii. This exciting tour visits the Hawaii’s most active volcano, Kilauea volcano, and spends the day at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Take in the diverse scenery of the island of Hawaii, where you’ll discover black sand beaches, Thurston lava tube and the natural formations of Hawaii volcanoes. Experience the town of Kona, travel to Kilauea volcano and explore the natural wonders of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park with our expert tour guides. Fill your Hawaiian vacation with excitement and educational fun while exploring the only active volcano in Hawaii!
Tour Options
Itinerary
Greenwell Farms is a well-known coffee farm and producer located in the Kona region of Hawaii's Big Island. Established in 1850 by Henry Nicholas Greenwell, it is one of the oldest coffee farms in Hawaii and has a rich history tied to the development of Kona coffee, which is internationally recognized for its high quality. The farm is located in the Kona district on the slopes of the Mauna Loa volcano. The region's unique climate, with its rich volcanic soil, sunny mornings, cloud-covered afternoons, and consistent rainfall, creates ideal conditions for growing high-quality coffee.
Manuka State Wayside Park is a tranquil, 13-acre park located on the Big Island of Hawaii along the Hawaii Belt Road (Highway 11). Nestled on the slopes of Mauna Loa, the park features a diverse mix of wet and dry forest ecosystems, offering visitors a peaceful setting for picnicking and hiking. The park's 2-mile Manuka Nature Trail takes you through lush native forests, showcasing a variety of plant species, volcanic features, and providing insights into the area's unique geology and ecology. This lesser-known gem is home to various native Hawaiian plants and wildlife, including endemic bird species like the Hawaiian hawk and honeycreeper. With picnic areas and interpretive signs along the trail, Manuka State Wayside Park offers a serene escape into Hawaii’s natural beauty, making it an ideal stop for those exploring the southern part of the Big Island.
Punaluʻu Bake Shop, located in Naʻālehu on the Big Island of Hawaii, is the southernmost bakery in the U.S. and renowned for its traditional Hawaiian sweet bread, offered in flavors like taro, guava, and mango. Established in 1991, it’s a popular stop for travelers, featuring a variety of baked goods, a gift shop, and a beautiful garden. The bakery emphasizes sustainability and offers a delightful taste of Hawaiian hospitality and local flavors.
Walk on a black sand beach with a chance to see the native Hawaiian green sea turtle
Visiting Volcanoes National Park offers an immersive experience into Hawaii’s volcanic landscape. Starting at the visitor center, you learn about the park’s geology and history before heading out to explore. At Halemaʻumaʻu Crater, you witness the awe-inspiring glow of molten lava, a powerful reminder of the island's volcanic activity. The Kīlauea Iki Rainforest Lookout provides a striking contrast, offering views of a lush rainforest surrounding a massive crater, where a trail leads through the remnants of a past eruption. Walking through the Thurston Lava Tube, you experience a natural tunnel formed by flowing lava, and at the active steam vents, you feel the heat rising from the earth, reminding you of the intense geothermal activity beneath your feet. Each stop offers a unique glimpse into the forces that continue to shape the island.
Mauna Kea Access Road is a steep, winding route that leads to the summit of Mauna Kea, Hawaii’s tallest volcano and the highest point in the state. Starting from the Saddle Road (Route 200), the road ascends through various climates, from grassy plains to barren, volcanic landscapes. As you climb, the air becomes thinner, and temperatures drop significantly.
The Kohala Coast is known for its beautiful beaches, luxury resorts, and scenic views. The area has a drier climate compared to other parts of the island, making it ideal for enjoying outdoor activities and exploring places like Mauna Kea, which is nearby.
Hilo, located on the Big Island of Hawaii, boasts a rich history and vibrant cultural scene. The town features attractions such as the Lyman Museum, which showcases Hawaii’s natural and cultural history, and the Hilo Historic District, where visitors can explore preserved early 20th-century buildings. Additionally, the Pacific Tsunami Museum offers insights into the impact of tsunamis on the region, while Liliuokalani Gardens provides a serene setting to honor Hawaii’s last reigning monarch, Queen Liliuokalani. The Hilo Farmers Market, though not historical, is a lively hub that reflects local culture and history through its diverse range of goods and produce. These elements together make Hilo a fascinating destination for those interested in Hawaii’s heritage and natural beauty.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
If you fly into Kona International Airport meet at the lot behind Alaska Baggage claim B-2
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Weather Variability - The weather can change quickly, especially at higher elevations. Bring layers, including a rain jacket, as it can get cool and wet.
- Sturdy Footwear - Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes suitable for walking on uneven and potentially sharp volcanic terrain. Flip-flops or sandals aren’t recommended.
- Volcanic Hazards - The park is an active volcanic area, so be aware of potential hazards like volcanic gases, which can be harmful, especially for those with respiratory issues. Follow all safety guidelines and stay on marked trails.
- Pack Essentials - Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and a hat. There are limited services within the park, so it's important to be prepared.
- Respect Sacred Sites - The park is home to many culturally significant sites for Native Hawaiians. Show respect by not disturbing or removing anything from these areas
- No or Limited Cell Service - Cell phone service is limited or nonexistent in many parts of the park, so plan accordingly and download maps or guides in advance.
- Leave No Trace - Help preserve the park’s natural beauty by not leaving any trash behind. Follow the "Leave No Trace" principles to protect the environment
- All entry tickets to the attractions will be provided by your driver on the morning of your tour
- Meals are at your own expense
- We stop for lunch at Punaluʻu Bake Shop where you can enjoy a variety of lunch options including sourdough sandwiches, Kalbi beef, and Hawaiian plate lunches, all complemented by their fresh baked goods and local treats
- Bring cash for roadside stands, food trucks, and local shops—many are cash-only
- If you enjoy your tour tipping your guide in cash is always appreciated
- Car seats are available for children ages 4 years and under
- People with Respiratory Issues -The park can have high levels of volcanic gases, like sulfur dioxide, which can exacerbate conditions like asthma or other respiratory problems.
- Those with Mobility Challenges: Many trails and viewpoints require walking on uneven, rocky terrain, which can be difficult for individuals with limited mobility or those who rely on wheelchairs or walkers.
Reviews(199)
Our tour guide was fabulous. Very informative and entertaining. We saw so much in one day. It was the highlight of our trip.
A great overview of the island and our guide Kevin was incredibly knowledgeable and kept the tour fun and informative.
Our guide Kevin is a knowledgeable and overall 'cool' guy - from sights to food to foliage, Kevin provided useful information and made it an awesome experience.
The food tour was a lot of fun. I had pike for the first time and it was scrumptious. The food was served with good portions, chicken salad sandwich at one restaurant as an appetizer, then something sweet with made from scratch chocolate, followed by fish and chips from another restaurant and a whole slice of hand tossed delicious pizza and ending with Gelato. A lot of thought was put into the tour and the guide was knowledgeable.
It was fantastic many things to see and Kevin our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and fun. I would suggest to others.
Absolutely AMAZING. Our tour guide Jim was fantastic. So much knowledge about Hawaiian history through out the trip.
This was a day we would never forget, the day that the volcano had its 50th episode with lava exploding 1000 feet high. We are so lucky that Mark knew actually where to go for us to get the best glimpse at the magical event. There was enough time at each stop we went to, leading the day to be enjoyable and not stressful. Thanks Mark for flicking the switch on the volcano for us to see. 😂
I had a good time on this tour seeing the volcanoes, going through the lava tube, and checking out the black sand beach (which I wish we could’ve gotten more time at because it was so cool). For the volcanoes we went to a couple lookout points in the park that give you some nice views at a safe distance. I’m not sure what I expected but only going to a few lookouts did leave a bit to be desired for the volcano part of the tour. Our tour guide was very informative and had a great upbeat attitude that helped bring good vibes the whole day. Due to us starting our travels near Kona, there was a ton of driving throughout the day. On the way there it was broken up by checking out a coffee farm, the black sand beach, and stopping for lunch, but even with that by the end of the day we must’ve been in the van for at least 5 hours which left us exhausted by the time we got back around 6:00pm due to all the traveling. The drive couldn’t be avoided so I don’t put it against them, but be aware it can be draining
We had the best day with Kevin. Thank you for a day we won’t forget. You shared your passion and knowledge for the island while making it such an amazing experience of tasting Kona coffee, visiting and tasting great food at the southern most bakery, being on the black sand beach with sea turtles then ending at the volcano. While we missed episode 50 by just hours, you made sure we were able to see every view and experience the excitement of seeing the volcano ready to erupt. The whole day was just incredible and so thankful to have Kevin as our tour guide.
Our tour guide, Mel, was great. He was very knowledgeable and we were able to see so many amazing places on the island in a single day. I highly recommend this experience.
