Difficulty Rating
Easy to Moderate
Minimum Age
None
Minimum Age
None
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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, see the world’s most active volcano, and so much more.
Highlights
Explore 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 dinner included
Start Time
12:30 PM
Tour Duration
7 Hours
What's Included
Seven 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
Casual sit-down dinner at a Volcano Village cafe
Description
Explore active volcanoes and learn more about past eruptions that dot the Puna coastline with the Evening Volcano Explorer tour from Hilo.
On the Evening Volcano tour from Hilo, 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.
What you'll see on the Evening Volcano Tour from Hilo
On the Evening Volcano Tour from Hilo, 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, and then stroll on a new black sand beach that emerged as a result of 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 Evening Volcano tour from Hilo will be led by a park-certified guide who will discuss volcanology, geology, and the history of Kilauea volcano. And they can answer all your Hawaii-related questions along the way.
The Evening Volcano tour from Hilo will take you to the edge of the world’s most active volcano, and 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 on the Evening Volcano tour from Hilo, and maybe even some lava glow if you are extra lucky!
Evening Volcano Tour from Hilo Itinerary
Hilo area hotel pick-ups begin at 12:30 pm. Once all passengers have been picked up, the Evening Volcano tour from Hilo travels south along the coastline and 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 one, 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.
Stops in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
An evening volcano tour from Hilo 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 from Hilo guide will take you to some of the park’s top attractions, including:
- Kilauea Visitor’s Center: The park’s main visitor center features exhibits about the park’s environment, history, and culture.
- 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.
- Steaming Bluffs: A Hiking area famous for the volcanic gases and steam escaping through cracks in the ground.
- Volcano House: A historic inn located near Kilauea’s caldera, which has been serving visitors since 1877. The lobby and restaurant with an amazing view of Haleumaumau crater, and gift shops are open to the public.
- Hike down the 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. The hike is under two miles in length (round-trip), relatively flat, and is rated easy, although a lot of walking on uneven surfaces is required.
- Volcano Village Dinner: Wrap up the Evening Volcano tour from Hilo with a hot meal at a cafe located in Volcano Village just outside of the park boundary.
Meals: The evening volcano tour from Hilo includes 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 tour from Hilo 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 7:30 pm.
Book your Evening Volcano tour from Hilo 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: 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
Round-trip transportation from your hotel in Hilo is included with this tour.
Tour FAQs
What’s Included?
- Seven-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
Where does the tour go?
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.
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 of cancellation, prior to scheduled tour departure, is 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 shoe 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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