Evening Volcano Explorer (From Hilo)

Difficulty Rating

Easy to Moderate

Minimum Age

None

4.6

 4.6/5

Overview

Explore the best of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the remnants of past eruptions along the Puna coast. 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 a black sand beach

Visit historic sites: Kalapana, Kaimu beach, and the Star of the Sea Painted Church

Enjoy a fully narrated, small group tour with a park certified guide

All ground transportation and meals included

Activity Time

12:30 PM

Tour Duration

8 Hours

What's Included

Eight hour, fully narrated guided tour of Puna coast & Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

All ground transportation, including hotel pick-up and drop-off

Entrance fees to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Picnic Dinner

Description

Explore active volcanoes and learn more about past eruptions that dot the Puna coastline with the Evening Volcano Hike tour. You’ll explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and see firsthand how past eruptions have impacted life on the island. You’ll travel in comfort from your Hilo 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 history.

You’ll take a drive down Hilo’s historic waterfront, then see a historic fishing village and a nearby black sand beach that was destroyed by lava, then stroll on a new black sand beach that emerged as a result from that same eruption. You’ll explore a historic church that has been moved twice - and saved twice from lava flows. Then, you’ll spend the rest of the afternoon and evening 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

Hilo area hotel pick-ups begin at 12:30 pm. From Hilo, the tour travels south along the coastline and travels past areas where past lava flows have left their mark.

Kalapana: A historic fishing village that was destroyed when Kilauea erupted in 1990.

Kaimu and Kaimu Bay: Another former fishing village, now covered with fifty feet of lava. The lava flow created a brand new coastline and you will get to stroll along New Beach, which is a black sand beach like the old, and see where new life has taken root.

Star of the Sea Painted Church: This beautiful colonial revival style church, now on the National Register of Historic Places, has been moved twice to avoid advancing lava flow.

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.
Steaming Bluffs - 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.
Picnic Dinner - Located in Volcano Village just outside of the park.

Meals: A picnic dinner is included in the tour. Several entree options are available, you will be asked to select your entree when making your reservation.

Schedule: The Evening Volcano Hike tour runs Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, (plus some Tuesdays), year-round. Hilo area pick-ups begin at 12:30 pm and guests can expect to return to Hilo around 8:30 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.

Disclaimers

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.

Refund Policy

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:

$240.90

Tour FAQs

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

The tour begins in Hilo, travels south along the Puna district’s coastline making stops at Kalapana, Kaimu beach, Star of the Sea Church, then entering Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The tour visits many stops in the park, then returns to Hilo 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.