Kilauea Summit to Shore from Kona: Small Group
Description
Kilauea Volcano is a magnificent presence on the Big Island of Hawai'i and this small-group, or exclusive private tour focuses primarily on Kilauea and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Because of Kilauea's diverse landscapes, stunning beauty, and vast, almost unending site seeing potential; we have decided to dedicate an entire day to exploring Kilauea volcano. All the way from her amazing summit, to her ever-growing shores.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Discover Hawaii's most breathtaking natural sights on a small-group van tour that's brimming with towering volcanoes, lush rainforests, and magnificent coastlines. Experience the islands' many microclimates and environments during a tour that exposes you to a little bit of everything. After convenient pickup from your hotel, travel to the lush rainforests found in great abundance on the island's east side. Make your way to Hilo via Saddle Road, reaching an elevation of almost 6,800 feet (2,072 m). Along the way, pass through many of the microclimates that make the Big Island among the most exceptional places in the world. As you approach Hilo, glance inside a once-scorching conduit of molten rock from the Mauna Loa Volcano as your guide enlightens you to the significance of lava tubes to Hawaii's creation. After a quick trip into the nearby Kaumana Caves, check out Waianuenue, also known as Rainbow Falls. This stunning 80-foot (24-m) drop has beckoned generations of visitors to Hilo. After lunch at Hilo Sharks Coffee, visit the village of Pahoa and drive along the famous Red Road, which follows the Puna Coast on the southeast flank of Kilauea volcano. This beautiful stretch of paradise showcases some of the island's youngest and most scenic coastline. Lush rain forests give way to black cliffs, rocky coastlines, and crashing waves. Your journey along this road ends at Kalapana, a town that was mostly buried by lava in 1990. Next up is Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and the summit of Kilauea volcano. Gaze into Kilauea's vast summit caldera, formed 500 years ago. The drive takes you past pit craters, scorched earth, steaming ground, and lava flows old and new. Enjoy plenty of opportunity to stop, look around, and learn about what's going on both above and beneath the ground.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately. Conditions subject to change.
- Please bring along close-toed shoes.
- A maximum of 6 people per booking.
- A minimum of 2 people per shared and 1 per exclusive is required.
Reviews(55)
Driver is very personable and knows a lot about the island. He only takes small groups which makes it very comfortable. We saw a lot in 8 hours.
Scott bent over backwards to make it accommodating for us. He is very knowledgeable and knows the local area, history and customs. Took my wife and I on a tour to the shore, waterfalls, volcano and lava tubes. We stopped and got out at every place. He didn’t rush us and let us explore. Told us about local history and answered our questions! You must book with him!
Scott was an absolute joy! He was informative and accommodating. My sister and I had a great time seeing the beautiful island of Hawaii. Scott showed us beauty we will never forget.
This is the third time that we have used volcano van. And Scott is the best tour guide around. Skip all the big companies and go with this locally owned business where the owner is your driver and he knows all the great spots. He’s a true volcano nerd with a passion for the big island. You’ll be doing yourself a disservice if you don’t use volcano Van.!
Mahalo for coming back for round three! It means a lot to have returning guests who appreciate the nerdy side of volcano life. The Big Island always has something new to show off, and I’m glad I got to share it with you again. See you for round four. 🌋
What an amazing island! Scott's love for Volcanos shows as he tells you all about them. He also shares many interesting facts and knowledge of the various environments that you will pass thru during the tour. The diversity is amazing. Unfortunately we were a little rushed the day of our tour and had very typical January weather, so some of our photos are not what you would hope for scenery wise, Scott also liked to avoid the crowds and venture where the crowds were not. I too like to go to the more less traveled areas, but sometimes you have to deal with the crowds a bit, especially at overlooks and such that don't require a walk or hike. I would have liked to have spent a little more time exploring Kīlauea Crater Rim. But the weather kept us moving quick as we tried to beat it to upcoming points of interest.
Aloha, and thank you for such a thoughtful and detailed review. I’m glad you enjoyed learning about Hawaiʻi’s volcanoes and the incredible diversity of landscapes across the island. You’re absolutely right that January weather can move quickly here, and that day required us to stay flexible to keep ahead of changing conditions and visibility. When possible, I focus on locations that offer a better overall experience than crowded viewpoints. Some overlooks are brief photo stops, while quieter areas allow for more time, perspective, and understanding of the landscape itself. That said, I completely understand wanting more time along Kīlauea’s crater rim, especially when conditions allow. Every tour is shaped by weather, timing, and what’s happening on the ground in real time, and my goal is always to make the best calls for safety, flow, and experience as the day unfolds. I appreciate you sharing your perspective and am glad you were able to experience so much of the island despite the challenging conditions. Mahalo for spending the day exploring Hawaiʻi with me.
Scott was amazing. He made the tour fun and was very knowledgeable. He is a friendly guy and easy to talk to. We had a great time and would absolutely recommend The Volcano Van Private Tours.
Mahalo for the wonderful review. I’m really glad you had such a fun day and enjoyed the stories and stops along the way. It was great spending the day with you, and I appreciate the recommendation.
We've been to the park several times in the past, but this experience with Scott with The Volcano Van was fantastic! Scott is so knowledgeable about Volcanoes that he could work for the geological pros! Loved our adventures for the day, including the Lava Tube, and a stop at Punalu'u Bakery. Scott was prepared, most attentive and professional during my clumsy fall! Nothing broke, just banged up, and we were able to complete the day's activities. The lunch was awesomely delicious and plenty of water was provided. The pick-up and drop-off at our resort was an extra bonus. Highly recommend this excursion with Scott!
Mahalo nui loa for sharing such a thoughtful review. I am glad your day in the park felt fresh and exciting even after visiting before. The volcanoes always have new stories to share and I enjoy bringing them to life. It means a lot that you noticed the details, from the lava tube and Punaluʻu Bakery stop to the food and water on hand. I was happy to help after your fall and even happier we could still enjoy the full adventure together. Thank you for recommending The Volcano Van. I hope to see you back on the island for more discoveries.
Scott was very knowledgeable about the Big Island. We saw so many amazing parts of the island. He made the tour so much fun. I would highly recommend The Volcano Van.
We had an amazing time on tour with Scott. He was extremely knowledgeable and made us feel extremely safe and comfortable on our drive south of Kona. This is honestly a must do if you are visiting the island to catch some of the most amazing landmarks here. Don’t miss out on this one. My son was super happy at the end of this day! Thank you Scott !
Scott was a great tour guide! He was very knowledgeable. It was a great day! Loved the small group experience.
