Evening Volcano Explorer (From Kohala)

Difficulty Rating

Easy to Moderate

Minimum Age

None

4.8
4.8/5

Overview

Explore the best of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the Kona coast in just one day. Tour a working coffee farm, stroll down a black sand beach, hike to the edge of Kilauea’s caldera, and so much more.

Highlights

Explore all the top attractions in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and stay for sunset
Stroll along Punalu’u Black Sand Beach and look for sea turtles
Visit popular local businesses: Bay View Coffee Farm & Punalu’u Bake Shop
Enjoy a fully narrated, small group tour with a park certified guide
All ground transportation and meals included

Activity Time

9:00 AM

Tour Duration

12 Hours

What's Included

Twelve hour, fully narrated guided tour of Kona coast & Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
All ground transportation, including hotel pick-up and drop-off
Entrance fees to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Picnic Lunch and Dinner

Description

Enjoy all the best that the Big Island has to offer in just one action packed day. With the Evening Volcano Hike tour you’ll travel in comfort from your Kohala area hotel, down the coast, and on to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park - stopping along the way to enjoy some stunning views and a bit of local flavor. 

You’ll stop to taste some Kona coffee, Hawaiian sweet breads, and enjoy a picnic lunch at a black sand beach. Then, you’ll spend the afternoon exploring the island’s main attraction - Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Your park certified guide will take you on a hike to the edge of the world’s most active volcano, as well as take you on a guided tour of the many other attractions that this UNESCO World Heritage site has to offer. You’ll even get to stay in the park to enjoy the spectacular sunset.  

Itinerary

Kohala and Waikoloa area hotel pick-ups begin at 9 am. From Kohala, the tour travels south along the coast into coffee country. The coffee-friendly climate and mineral-rich volcanic soil of the Kona region produces some of the best coffee in the world, so naturally the first stop of the day involves stopping by a local coffee farm for a tasting.  

Bay View Farm: Located on the slopes of Mauna Loa, Bay View Farm has been growing and roasting world class coffee since 1984. This picturesque twenty-four acre farm overlooks Kealakekua Bay, and the view alone is worth the stop. A quick tour will take you through the coffee production process - Bay View does everything onsite, so you’ll get a chance to see the coffee cherries growing, take a peek at the drying and roasting facilities, and get to sample the coffee for yourself in their tasting room/gift shop.      

Punalu’u Bake Shop: The next stop along the coastline is the Punalu’u Bake Shop, which is the Southernmost bakery in the United States and the most visited bakery in the state of Hawaii. Since opening in 1991, Punalu’u has become famous for their Hawaiian sweet breads and malasadas. In addition to picking up some sweet treats for later, you can also stroll through their four-acre garden, learn more about their baking facility in their visitor center, or browse through their gift shop.  

Punalu’u Black Sand Beach: Next, the tour makes a stop at the picturesque Punalu’u Black Sand Beach park for lunch. Lined with palm trees and offering a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean, Punalu’u Beach is the perfect spot for a picnic lunch when the weather permits. After lunch you can go for a stroll along the black sand beach and you may even spot the rare Green Hawaiian Sea turtles feeding or sunbathing in the area. 

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park:  A tour of the Big Island just wouldn’t be complete with a visit to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The park is home to two of the world’s most active volcanoes, Mauna Loa and Kilauea. Your guide will take you to some of the park’s top attractions, including:

  • Kilauea Visitor’s Center - The park’s main visitor center featuring exhibits about the park’s environment, history and culture. 
  • Volcano House - A historic collection of buildings located near Kilauea’s caldera which have been serving visitors since 1877.
  • Volcano Art Center - Gallery which features an eclectic assortment of visual art created by local artists. 
  • Sulphur Banks - Hiking area famous for the volcanic gasses and steam escaping through cracks in the ground.
  • Keanakako’i Crater Overlook via Old Crater Rim Drive: This portion of Crater Rim Drive has been closed to automobiles due to damage sustained during previous eruptions. Today it provides a fascinating backdrop for visitors hiking to the Keanakakoi Crater Overlook. The hike is two-miles in length (roundtrip), relatively flat, and is rated easy - although a lot of walking on uneven surfaces is required. 
  • Mauna Ulu - This now dormant volcanic cone and its surrounding lava field full of oddly shaped lava flows and vibrant colors are a must see.  
  • Picnic Dinner - Located in Volcano Village just outside of the park. 

Meals:  A deli-style picnic lunch and a picnic dinner are included in the tour. Several entree options are available, you will be asked to select your entrees when making your reservation.  

Schedule:  The Evening Volcano Hike tour runs Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, year-round. Kohala area pick-ups begin at 9 am and guests can expect to return to Kohala around 9 pm. 

Videos

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: Easy to Moderate
Physical requirements: Guests must be able to walk at least two (2) 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

Relax and let us do the driving

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.

This Privacy Policy describes our policies on the collection, use, and disclosure of information about you in connection with your use of our services, including those offered through our websites, emails, and mobile applications (collectively, the “Service”). The terms “we”, “us”, and Hawaiivolcanoexpeditions.com refer to Mauka Tours LLC., a Hawai’i company with its headquarters in Honolulu, Hawaii. When you use the Service, you consent to our collection, use, and disclosure of information about you as described in this Privacy Policy.

 

 

Price:

$295.99

Tour FAQs

  • Twelve hour, fully narrated guided tour of Kona coast & Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
  • All ground transportation, including hotel pick-up and drop-off
  • Entrance fees to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park 
  • Picnic Lunch and Dinner

The tour begins in Kohala/Waikoloa, travels south along the Kona coastline making stops at Bay View Coffee Farm. Punalu’u Bake Shop, and Punalu’u Black Sand Beach, then entering Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The tour visits many stops in the park, then returns to Kohala/Waikoloa in the late evening.

The tour has a ten (10) person limit.

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.

Tours may be canceled due to inclement weather. If a tour cannot be rescheduled, you will be given a full refund.

48 hour notice of cancellation, prior to scheduled tour departure, is required in order to receive a full refund.

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 shoe will not be accepted.

Sun and rain protection, a reusable water bottle, and a daypack to carry them in are recommended.

Yes, this tour is open to all ages.