Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Experience Departing from Oahu
Description
Take our one day tours from Oahu to the Big Island of Hawaii and experience the world’s most active volcano. Round trip Inter Island airfare gets you to the Big Island for a visit to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Kilauea Volcano and other volcanic sites of Hawaii. Here is your chance to visit Hawaii’s only active volcano and see the youngest of the Hawaiian Islands. On this one day tour, you’ll visit the town of Kona, sites like Volcanoes National Park, and a discovery of the life of the world’s most active volcano. This exciting tour to Hawaii’s most distinct feature is sure to highlight your vacation. Book your tour today and witness the power of Kilauea volcano and the Big Island.
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
Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach, located on the southeastern coast of the Big Island of Hawaii, is famous for its striking black sand, which is formed from volcanic basalt. The beach is surrounded by lush coconut palms and offers a unique and scenic environment for visitors. It’s also a popular spot for viewing Hawaiian green sea turtles, which often bask on the shore. While the beach's waters can be rough, making it less ideal for swimming, it’s a must-see destination for its natural beauty and cultural significance, providing a unique glimpse into Hawaii's volcanic origins
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
Upon arrival to 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(268)
Kevin was very chill and knowledgeable. His commentary seemed more organic rather than scripted. Loved how the company took care of the airline booking. No issues. Grab 100% Kona coffee from Joe’s. Not a lot of good food options at the Hilo airport at the end so make sure you buy extra food at the bakery in the morning. I regret not getting a loaf of sweet bread to go.
Whether you are staying on the Island or flying in for the day(like we did). The volcano tour is definitely a must do experience. Kevin(from Colorado)brings the energy. He will keep you interested and laughing. My next visit will definitely be on Hawaii Island Lol.
We flew in fro Oahu which means you are at the airport by 6:00 am to catch a 7 am flight to Kona. This is an exhausting trip as it is an all day excursion. Luckily our driver and guide was Mel at Aloha Sunshine. He definitely LOVES history💕 He is a wealth of knowledge and prepared us with a lit of information. I have been to the Big Island many times but did not appreciate it as much as I did with Mel. Mahalo nui loa to Mel🌺 The complaints I had was the increase in the flight cost and the lack of information provided. We were not given the option to book the flight in our own and if a credit would be provided to do it. We were not told to book your own seats etc. Since the person took our names and dates of birth to do the bookings, I expected to have our seats arranged. Luckily, I decided to check as well as enter our TSA status. It would have been nice if she provided all the options to us. People are busy and do not need a a text and a need for multiple calls right before the trip. Please provide the options to folks when you call them especially when I told her that I am not providing her out dates of birth, credit card # etc. That's outrageous and set me off. I almost canceled the trip because of it. I know Customer Service and the call with the Aloha Sunshine rep was not good service. She remained courteous but I NEVER like giving a credit card # to a live caller. There should be a secure line for the information. Heck, I do not know what you folks do with my card info. She did not say if it is destroyed or not. Hopefully, it is not kept on any file. The arrangements were the only downfall with the process. Aloha Sunshine is lucky to have an employee like Mel. He is very special and an Alii of Hawaiian knowledge & culture 🌺🌈💕
Amazing experience!! A great way to see many items in one day! Beautiful volcanos, mountains and local businesses all in one trip! Very interesting and informative tour with excellent service!! Small group so it was a wonderful experience! We also went to a coffee farm, local bakery and had some time to tour mountains on top of that! Excellent tour! 10+ star 🌟 recommendation!!
Check your text messages as soon as you land for driver’s meetup instructions, which are different to the ones sent by Viator! After that, it’s smooth sailing. It was the experience of my childhood dreams to visit an active volcano and this trip was effortless, fun, and beautiful. There were even yummy snacks in the van. Jeffrey was full of fun facts and helpful pointers, making for a great trip and great memories!
Mel was great. He has a wealth of information. His tour was laid back and very enjoyable. We made all our stops. Highly recommend.
This was a unforgettable family experience! Our guide was very knowledgeable and helpful. This was our favorite excursion of the trip.
It was a long day but so worth it. We had to fly from Maui to Big Island for tour. Our guide Henry was very friendly and informative. Communication prior to and day of was excellent. Each stop was a good amount of time, lots of bathroom breaks and appreciated his rating of the facilities so we knew what to expect. Getting to see Kilauea while it was erupting was a bonus. It's a long day so packing some additional snacks and drinks helpful even though there were several stops where could purchase them. Our van was comfortable. Only down side was the 3 hour wait at airport for our return flight once tour was complete. It would be nice if flight times or the selected aiport coincided closer to the time tour ends. Kona airport is small and doesn't offer much in food selection. Jayson from Aloha Sunshine tours was 10/10. I have never had a tour operator call me before. Jayson spent time going through the details of the excrusion and flight infor, answering my questions, offering suggestions for my stay in both Oahu and Maui. Anytime I texted him with a quesion he would respond even when it wasn't about the tour I booked through him. Highly recommend using Aloha Sunshine Tours.
If you want to see the highlights of the big island, this tour is the one to go on. I do wish that our tour guide spoke about the Island more but in his defense there were a lot of sleepyheads on our van that he probably didn’t want to disturb. This day trip was expensive but totally worth it. Not often do you get to see an active volcano.
Mel Was our guide for the day. He is aboriginal to Hawaii and so knowledgeable. Van of 12 people was very comfortable! We flew in from Oahu to Kona, and out of Hilo. the floods/rain from February affected some of the stops (didn’t stop at macadamia farm at all, lava tube is being repaired -you still go in but not very far 35 yards or so. Don’t let it discourage you- it was very cool. The volcano “erupts” every 2-3 weeks so we were in between events but the steam and views were incredible! A must do experience!
