Evening Volcano Explorer from Waikoloa

Enjoy the best that the Big Island has to offer in just one action-packed day! The Evening Volcano Explorer tour from Waikoloa is a small-group tour (12-person maximum) that feels more like a fun road trip than a guided tour. 

With the Evening Volcano tour, you’ll travel in a comfortable van from your Kohala area hotel, down the coast to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, while stopping along the way to enjoy some stunning views and a bit of local flavor. 

You’ll stop to taste some Kona coffee at a local coffee farm, 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.

On the evening volcano tour, your park-certified guide will take you to the best spot to view Kilauea, the world’s most active volcano. You'll also visit several of the main attractions that this UNESCO World Heritage site has to offer.

And because the evening volcano tour begins and ends late, you’ll get to stay in the park to enjoy the spectacular sunset.  

Evening Volcano Tour Itinerary

Kohala and Waikoloa area hotel pick-ups for the evening volcano tour begin at 9 am. From Kohala, the evening volcano tour travels south along the coast into Kona coffee country. The coffee-friendly climate and mineral-rich volcanic soil of the Kona region produce 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. As your evening volcano tour continues, two more exciting stops on the south coast follow. 

• 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, the Southernmost bakery in the United States and the most visited bakery in Hawaii. Since opening in 1991, Punalu’u Bake Shop has become famous for its Hawaiian sweet breads, delicious malasadas, and the bright yellow hibiscus flowers that decorate the grounds. 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 evening volcano 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. 

Evening Volcano Tour Stops in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

A tour of the Big Island just wouldn’t be complete without 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 evening volcano tour guide will take you to some of the park’s top attractions.

• Visitor’s Center: The park’s main visitor center features exhibits about the park’s environment, history, and culture. 

• Volcano Art Center: Gallery, which features an eclectic assortment of visual art created by local artists. 

• Iki Crater Overlook: Spectacular view of Iki Crater, which is one mile long, 3,000 feet wide, and 400 feet deep. On clear days, this spot also offers an excellent view of Mauna Loa. 

• Nahuku Lava Tube: Nāhuku, formerly Thurston Lava Tube, was formed when molten lava left behind an empty cave after the lava flow cooled. It is a short but fascinating walk through the cave. 

• 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.  

• Volcano House: A historic hotel located near Kilauea’s caldera, which has been serving visitors since 1877. The hotel's lobby has one of the best views of Halemaumau Crater. There are also two gift shops on site if you wish to do a little souvenir shopping.

• Volcano Village Dinner - A casual sit-down dinner at a Volcano Village cafe, located just outside of the park.

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

Schedule:  The evening volcano tour runs every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday, year-round. Waikoloa and Kohala area pick-ups begin at 9 am, and guests can expect to return to Kohala around 8 pm. However, if lava happens to be visible during your evening volcano tour, expect to arrive back at your hotel a bit later.

Book your Evening Volcano tour today!