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(220)
Likey the only opportunity to you will ever have to see an active volcano. A must see from many view points.
I guess my expectations were higher than they should have been. Our guide was absolutely fantastic, Mel was his name. I didn’t know what to expect but I wasn’t as impressed as I thought I would be with the sites. Mel made it as good as it was. He was so full of very interesting knowledge. If it wasn’t for him, it would have been a big disappointment
Chris was great and incredibly knowledgeable about the island and Hawaii in general. He knew the answer to every question we had and made the experience really enjoyable. I’d definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking to see a ton of the island all in one go!
Complete tour, with many points of interest visited. The guide was very knowledgeable and entertained us throughout the day. From pickup at 8 a.m. to return at 7 p.m., the tour was interesting.
Our guide Mel was top notch. I love locals who know their history and the details of what they are showing us. He was personable and funny and took a lot of time narrating.
My partner and I were really looking forward to this tour, and it didn’t disappoint! Mel was our guide, and we were very impressed with his seemingly endless knowledge of the island, and the general organisation of the trip. Our group was pleasant, and of course Mel made sure we had/knew all that we needed to at each stop. It was a long tour for sure, i.e it can be more than 10+ hours long depending on how everyone goes regarding punctuality, and it’s a pretty long drive to get to one side of the island and back all in a day but Mel and the people in our group made it a fun experience nonetheless. Would highly recommend! Thanks for having us guys!!! Mahalo 🤙🏾
Our Kīlauea Volcano tour was truly unforgettable. We were incredibly fortunate to witness Eruption Episode 51, and our outstanding guide, Jim Carey, nimbly pivoted the tour to get us to an amazing vantage point. Watching the eruption unfold before us was a breathtaking, once-in-a-lifetime experience that we will never forget. Even without the eruption, Jim would have made this an exceptional tour. His depth and breadth of knowledge about the Big Island went far beyond the typical memorized tour-guide script. His genuine love for the island and his passion for its culture, mythology, history, and natural wonders, came through in every story he shared. Jim’s knowledge, enthusiasm, and ability to adapt in the moment made an extraordinary day even more memorable.
Mark was an excellent tour guide !! Very knowledgeable and made our experience great. If you have time during your visit this is definitely worth doing. We rode all around the big island. The tour is about 10hrs but well worth it. Thanks again Mark!!
Locations visited were breathtaking tourguide left a lot to be desired! Time at each location was not optimal.
This was our first trip to the Big Island. Mel, our tour guide, was prompt and knowledge about not only all the stops along the way but HI history as well. Every stop was an appropriate amount of time, especially at that delicious bakery and Volcanoes National Park. Thank you, Viator, for sending information in advance regarding closed-toe shoes and ponchos. We definitely got caught in some rain during our excursion.
