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 Kona coast in just one day. Tour a working coffee farm, stroll down a black sand beach, see Kilauea volcano up-close, and 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, picnic lunch, and dinner included
Start Time
10:00 AM
Tour Duration
11 Hours
What's Included
Eleven 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 on the Evening Volcano Tour from Kona!
With the evening volcano tour from Kona, you’ll travel in comfort from your Kona 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.
On your evening volcano tour from Kona, 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 Big 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. And because this is the evening volcano tour from Kona, you’ll get to stay in the park to enjoy the spectacular sunset.
Evening Volcano Tour from Kona Itinerary
Hotel pick-ups for the evening volcano tour from Kona begin at 10 a.m. From Kona, the tour travels south along the coast into coffee country. The Kona region's coffee-friendly climate and mineral-rich volcanic soil 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.
- 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 has become famous for its 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. Punalu’u is a state park lined with palm trees and offering a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean. 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.
- Picnic Lunch: Punalu’u Beach is the perfect spot for a picnic lunch when the weather permits. Lunch is included in the tour.
Evening Volcano Tour from Kona Stops inside 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 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. (Note: the visitor center has been relocated to a temporary site while the building is renovated.)
- Sulphur Banks: Hiking area famous for the volcanic gases 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 (round-trip), 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.
- Volcano House: This historic hotel is located near Kilauea’s caldera and has been serving visitors since 1877.
- Dinner: 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 at a Volcano Village cafe are included in the evening volcano tour from Kona. Several entree options are available; you will be asked to select your entrees when making your reservation.
Schedule: The Evening Volcano tour from Kona runs every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday, year-round. Kona area pick-ups begin at 10 am, and guests can expect to return to Kona around 10 pm.
Book your Evening Volcano Tour from Kona today!
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
Round-trip transportation from your hotel in Kailua-Kona is included with the Evening Volcano tour from Kona
Tour FAQs
What’s Included?
- The Evening Volcano Tour from Kona is an eleven-hour, fully narrated guided tour of the 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
Where does the tour go?
The tour begins in Kona, 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 Kona 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 on your Evening Volcano Tour from Kona. Surface lava flows may be present but may not be visible due to environmental conditions or time constraints.
Guests must cancel their Evening Volcano tour from Kona no less than 48 hours before tour departure for a full refund.
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