Overview

Exploring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is an essential agenda item for almost every visitor to the Big Island. While you could attempt to design your own day trip itinerary to the park, opting to journey alongside an informed guide is truly the optimal approach for maximizing your encounter.

Highlights:

• Approx 11 hour tour accompanied by an expert guide certified by the national park, providing insightful narration throughout the journey.
• Comprehensive ground transportation to and from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, encompassing convenient hotel pick-up and drop-off.
• All entrance fees necessary for a seamless entry into Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
• Delight in a satisfying picnic lunch during the tour to keep you energized.
• Conclude the day with a delectable dinner experience at a restaurant located in Volcano Village.

Activity Times:

Activity Duration:

12 Hours

Upgrade Options:

Tour Schedule

Excursions take place every Wednesday and Saturday throughout the year. Hotel pickups in the Kohala area commence at 8:00 am, with anticipated return times falling between 8:00 pm and 9:00 pm.

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Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Description

Embark on a captivating voyage from Kohala to Hilo, tracing the scenic and iconic Saddle Road nestled between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa volcanoes. Your journey will include a pause at the remarkable Kaumana Caves, an expansive lava tube formed by the destructive 1881 eruption of Mauna Loa. As you exit Kaumana, a brief drive along Hilo's historic waterfront awaits.

Subsequently, a swift stop in Hilo facilitates the gathering of provisions for the day's expedition before you proceed to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to continue your adventure. This tour encompasses essential park attractions and a concise three-mile hike into Kilauea's Caldera.

Halema'uma'u Trail Hike: Marking the day's most extensive hike at approximately three miles, this trail commences just beyond the venerable Volcano House hotel. The Crater Rim Trail, established in 1846, has long lured intrepid explorers to traverse into Kilauea's caldera. Descending gradually by about 425 feet, the trail meanders through ancient tree ferns, providing glimpses of native avian species such as the yellow 'amakihi and the red 'apapane. The landscape transitions to a more austere setting as you approach the caldera, where boulders, remnants of past rockslides and eruptions, dot the trail. Historical imprints from the early 1850s and traces left by the earliest tourists can also be spotted.

Upon reaching the caldera floor, a mesmerizing spectacle unfolds with a sprawling, steaming pit plunging 1,000 feet deep. The ascent from the caldera entails a vigorous climb along the Byron Ledge Trail, ascending approximately 400 feet in less than half a mile. This demanding ascent rewards you with panoramic vistas, ideal for capturing photos and regaining your breath. The summit offers a gratifying panorama of the caldera below.

Subsequently, your path leads to Waldron Overlook, treating you to scenic views of Pu'u Pua'i and Iki Crater. The return to Volcano House takes you via the Old Crater Rim Drive, a park road gradually being reclaimed by foliage and lava flows. A brief respite accompanied by stunning views awaits back at the Volcano House. Your knowledgeable guide will then introduce you to other remarkable sites and activities within the park.

Know before you book:

• Comfortable hiking clothes (shorts are okay), light jacket or sweater, sunglasses and hat, and sturdy closed-toe hiking shoes are required (sandals and flip-flops or “slippahs” will not be accepted).