Difficulty Rating
Moderate
Minimum Age
None
Minimum Age
None
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Overview
Hike to the bottom of Kilauea’s caldera with a park-certified guide and take your Hawaii Volcanoes National Park adventure to the next level. All fees, meals, and round-trip transportation from Waikoloa/Kohala included.
Highlights
Three-mile hike to the bottom of Kilauea’s caldera
See the top-attractions in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Explore Kaumana Caves, a massive lava tube system near Hilo
Lava glow viewing after dark when weather and lava conditions permit
Start Time
8:00 AM
Tour Duration
13 Hours
What's Included
Transportation to and from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, including hotel pick-ups
13-hour, fully narrated, small-group tour with a national park-certified guide
Entrance fees to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Scenic picnic lunch while in the park
Casual dinner at a local cafe
Description
The Elite Volcano Hike from Waikoloa is a full day of adventure starting right at your hotel door!
The Elite Volcano Hike from Waikoloa is a small group tour that includes transportation to and from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, a guided three-mile hike to Kilauea's caldera floor, stops at the park's other attractions, and a drive through historic Hilo town.
A picnic lunch in the park, a sit-down dinner, and entrance fees to all attractions are also included.
On the Elite Volcano Hike from Waikoloa, you get the best of both options: a naturalist to personally guide you through the park, plus the opportunity to hike off the beaten path and escape the crowds.
You could research the park’s attractions, natural history, volcanology, geology, flora, and fauna on your own, but who has time for that?
Instead, let a National Park Service-certified guide take you to all the best spots and provide you with all the essential background information.
On the Elite Volcano Hike from Waikoloa, your guide will share the stories, in-depth information, and cultural context that will enhance your experience and your appreciation for the natural wonders all around you.
They’ll even pick you up and drop you off right at your hotel, so you can leave all the driving to a pro, too!
Elite Volcano Hike from Waikoloa Itinerary
The Elite Volcano Hike from Waikoloa starts with an early morning pickup right at your hotel. Then you’ll travel from Waikoloa to Hilo via the iconic and picturesque Saddle Road, stretching between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa volcanoes.
Just outside of Hilo, you’ll stop to explore Kaumana Caves. Kaumana is a massive lava tube created by Mauna Loa’s destructive 1881 eruption. After Kaumana, your driver will take you on a short drive along Hilo’s historic waterfront.
Then, the Elite Volcano Hike from Waikoloa heads to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to continue the adventure. Your tour will include stops at the park’s must-see attractions and a short, three-mile hike into Kilauea’s Caldera.
Halema’uma’u Trail Hike: The hike to the caldera floor is the highlight of the Elite Volcano Hike from Waikoloa. At just under three miles, this will be your longest hike of the day.
Starting from just behind the historic Volcano House hotel, the Crater Rim Trail has long been used by adventurers to hike into Kilauea’s caldera since it was first established in 1846. The trail slowly descends about 425 feet to the caldera floor, which recently doubled in size during the 2018 eruption.
The trail begins with a walk through ancient tree ferns, which is a great place to spot native birds such as the yellow ‘amakihi and the red ‘apapane.
The landscape gradually becomes more barren as you approach the caldera, and you’ll encounter boulders that came to rest along the trail during past rock slides and eruptions.
Along the Elite Volcano Hike from Waikoloa, you’ll also spot some of the marks left behind by the earliest tourists and historical figures, dating back to the early 1850s.
Once you reach the caldera floor, you’ll have an opportunity to take in the massive, steaming, 1,000-foot-deep pit. You’ll then hike up out of the caldera, skirting around the edge via the Byron Ledge Trail.
The ascent is fairly steep, about 400 feet in under half a mile, but it offers sweeping views and plenty of places where you’ll want to stop for photos and catch your breath.
Once you reach the top, you’ll enjoy a rewarding view of the caldera below. The Elite Volcano Hike from Waikoloa's flexible schedule allows for as much time as you'd allow for photos or simply enjoying the view.
(If the Elite Volcano hike from Waikoloa sounds too strenuous, you may want to check out the Evening Volcano Explorer tour from Waikoloa.)
Next, you’ll hike to Waldron Overlook and enjoy views of Pu’u Pua’i and Iki Crater. Then, you’ll return to the Volcano House via the Old Crater Rim Drive, a closed park road which is slowly being consumed by vegetation and lava flows.
From Waldron Overlook, it is only a twenty-minute walk back to the Volcano House. You’ll enjoy a short break and more great views once back at the Volcano House.
Other park attractions require some short walks, but the caldera hike is the longest and most strenuous on the Elite Volcano Hike from Waikoloa.
Other HVNP Stops on the Elite Volcano Hike from Waikoloa:
- Kilauea Visitor Center
- Nahuku Lava Tube
- Mauna Ulu lava flow
- Volcano House hotel
As the Elite Volcano Hike from Waikoloa winds down, you'll stop for dinner in a small cafe in Volcano Village before heading back to Waikoloa.
Note: If lava is present, your guide may take you back to the park after dinner to view the lava glow before returning to Waikoloa.
Meals: A picnic lunch in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and a dinner at a restaurant in Volcano Village, just outside the park, are included in the Elite Volcano Hike from Waikoloa. There are several meal options available for both lunch and dinner.
Schedule: The Elite Volcano Hike from Waikoloa runs every Wednesday and Saturday, year-round. Kohala area hotel pick-ups begin at 8:00 a.m., and guests can expect to return between 8:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.
Book your Elite Volcano Hike from Waikoloa today!
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Know Before You Book
Minimum age: Open to all ages if physical requirements are met. All guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Hiking rating: Moderate
Physical requirements: Guests must be able to walk at least 3 miles, including on uneven or rocky terrain and possibly in cool, wet, or muddy conditions. Other restrictions may apply.
Itineraries are subject to change without notice due to volcanic activity, weather conditions, park advisories, or other unforeseen circumstances.
The tour cannot wait for delayed flights, nor does it guarantee a return time for flight departures. If flying to the Big Island for the day, we recommend purchasing a tour that includes flights, so you do not risk missing your tour or flights.
Payment is required when making your reservation. A confirmation email will be sent to you and will include a voucher, itinerary, and detailed instructions.
Volcanic gasses are hazardous, especially to people with heart or respiratory problems, infants, young children, and pregnant women. If you are sensitive to poor air quality, please check the air quality alert before visiting.
Closed-Toe Shoes Required: (sandals and flip-flops or “slippahs” will not be accepted).
Getting There
Round-trip transportation from your hotel in Waikoloa or Kohala
Tour FAQs
What’s Included?
- Ground transportation to and from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, including hotel pick-up and drop-off
- 13-hour, fully narrated tour with a national park certified guide
- Entrance fees to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
- Picnic lunch
- Dinner at a Volcano Village restaurant
Where does the tour go?
The tour begins in Kohala, travels to Kaumana Caves, then Hilo, then spends most of the day exploring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. After a short dinner just outside the park boundary, the tour returns to Kohala. The tour may add on a lava viewing stop after dinner if lava is present and conditions permit.
How large is the tour?
The tour has a twelve (12) person limit.
Will we get to see active lava?
Lava sightings are not guaranteed. Eruptions are unpredictable and volcanic conditions are always changing. Weather conditions such as fog or rain may also obscure lava sightings even when present. Please check the USGS’s Volcano Updates site for the most current information.
What if it rains?
Tours may be canceled due to inclement weather. If a tour cannot be rescheduled, you will be given a full refund.
What is your Cancellation Policy?
48 hour notice (before scheduled tour departure) required in order to receive a full refund.
What should I wear?
Lava fields are shadeless and can be hot, but it can also be windy and chilly at Kilauea’s summit. Dress comfortably in light, removable layers and bring along a light jacket or rain jacket.
Lava rock is uneven, sharp, and slippery when wet. Sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes and long pants are highly recommended. Sandals, flip-flops, or any other type of slip-on shoes will not be accepted.
What should I bring?
Sun and rain protection, a reusable water bottle, and a daypack to carry them in are recommended.
Are young children allowed on the tour?
Yes, this tour is open to all ages.
Lava flowing is an act of nature, therefore we do not guarantee sighting of lava. Surface lava flows may be present but may not be visible due to environmental conditions or time constraints.
Guests must cancel tour no less than 48 hours before tour departure for a full refund.
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