Elite Volcano Hike from Kona/Kohala Resorts

KapohoKine AdventuresGrand Naniloa DoubleTree by Hilton LobbyHilo, HI 96720
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Starting at
$295.99
Total Price: $315.19 (USD)
INSTANT CONFIRMATION
NO SERVICE FEES

Overview

Follow a certified park service guide on this adventurous Hawaiian hiking tour off the beaten path. This 4-mile hike includes a walk through the Thurston Lava Tube, down into the Kilauea Iki crater, and exploration in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The tour includes a picnic lunch in the park and a hearty dinner at a local-favorite restaurant in Volcano Village.

up to 13 hrs 1 or more people

Description

Discover the awe-inspiring beauty of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Elite Volcano Hike by KapohoKine Adventures. Departing from Kona or Kohala, this full-day guided tour takes you on an unforgettable journey through one of the world’s most active volcanic landscapes.

Start our adventure with a scenic drive along Saddle Road, nestled between the towering Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa volcanoes. Your National Park Service-certified guide will share insights into the volcanology, geology, and history of these magnificent giants, narrating the diverse lava flows, flora, and fauna you’ll pass by.

Next, explore Kaumana Caves, part of the lava tube system that brought molten lava close to downtown Hilo in 1881. Take a peek inside the cathedral-like cave before driving through the quaint town of Hilo, stopping at KapohoKine Adventures’ store for supplies. Continue to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to witness the lasting impact of the historic 2018 eruption.

Enjoy a picnic lunch while listening to native bird calls before embarking on a three-mile hike along the historic Halema’uma’u Trail. This trail descends to the dramatically altered caldera floor, offering opportunities to spot native birds and ancient tree ferns. Discover markings left by 19th-century visitors and view the massive rock slide from the 2018 eruption.

Skirt the caldera's edge, passing over former lava lakes and observing the resilient 'ohi'a lehua trees reclaiming the landscape. Climb 400 feet to Byron Ledge for breathtaking views, then continue to Waldron Overlook for glimpses of Pu'u Pua'i and Kilauea Iki. Conclude your hike at Volcano House, where you can take in stunning caldera views.

After a short break, your guide will show you more of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, including the Mauna Ulu lava flow and the Nahuku lava tube. Finish your adventure with a hearty dinner at a local favorite in Volcano Village, and if conditions allow, enjoy viewing the glowing lava.

Elite Volcano Hike from Kona/Kohala Resorts Reviews

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hrjohns1
"Secrets of Puna with NCL"
TripAdvisor user rating 5.0 out of 5
Reviewed July 15, 2024
Would definitely recommend the Secrets of Puna Tour! Was able to see some beautiful scenery including lava fields, a black sand beach, beautiful cliffs and several sea turtles! Our guide was Marcus and he was FANTASTIC!!!! He was super friendly and very accommodating. He didn't rush us at all and made the trip very enjoyable...he was just go with the flow! Would definitely ensure you wear closed toe shoes as they're required and just know that "real" bathrooms aren't available often and the porta potties didn't always have toilet paper so you may want to bring some with you. BUT don't let that deter you...this was one of the best tours of the week! Make sure you get Marcus as your guide!
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jkosfeld
Minnetonka, Minnesota
"Hawaii tour"
TripAdvisor user rating 5.0 out of 5
Reviewed February 08, 2024
It was an excellent experience, The tour guide was friendly and very knowledgeable about the island.
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248jbc
"Amazing tour, entertaining and educational "
TripAdvisor user rating 5.0 out of 5
Reviewed January 03, 2024
Ok, so Ray is a wealth of information, and Sam is just as informative. We did a Captain Cook snorkeling and Coffee tour in Kona, Hawaii, and my wife was the happiest I’ve seen her. I am here to say Wow, she and I will do it again.
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iowacityia
"Sunday, December 3rd day tour."
TripAdvisor user rating 5.0 out of 5
Reviewed December 13, 2023
My wife and I took this van day tour as a Holland America cruise excursion. The title of the excursion was Hawaii Volcanoes National Park & Waterfall Explorer. We were picked up from the cruise terminal. Greeted by Hunter, he would be our driver, and our tour guide. Let me tell you right away that Hunter was great! Both as a driver, and especially as a tour guide. He is a pro. A great speaker. We thoroughly enjoyed our time with him. Our van tour started with an informative drive through Hilo. We did visit a couple of wonderful waterfalls, then Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Including the crater, steam vents, the visitors center, and then the lava tube. While by the crater we stopped for a nice picnic lunch. I think this ended up being around a 6-7hr tour. It went fast. This was our last excursion while visiting the Hawaiian islands on this cruise. And our last tour ended up being our best. Hunter did a great job. I would certainly do this tour again.
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Loritravels11
Grants Pass, Oregon
"A Fabulous Day in Hilo!!"
TripAdvisor user rating 5.0 out of 5
Reviewed November 10, 2023
I booked the Waterfalls and Volcano National Park Tour through Princess Cruises. We docked in Hilo at 8:00 and met our tour guide, Victor, in the terminal at 8:20. There were 12 of us in a modern van. Victor was so warm and personable, and made us all feel instantly comfortable! We spent over 7 hours touring different waterfalls and looking at the volcanos. He made the history of Hilo come to life! I learned so much! We had lunch in the afternoon, plenty of bathroom breaks, and an opportunity to pick up some souvenirs. The tour itinerary was good……but Victor was fabulous!!! I highly recommend any tour that he is leading!!
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cherylgJ3966DD
"Secrets of Puna"
TripAdvisor user rating 2.0 out of 5
Reviewed October 19, 2023
Secrets of Puna sounded like a wonderful excursion offered by our cruise. The trip started out wonderfully, with a few stops showing areas of past lava flow along the coastline. The second half of the trip was supposed to give us the availability of snorkeling and shopping. Well, we had 45 minutes at the hotel where the tour agency was located where snorkling was off a boat dock and shopping was at the hotel gift shop. Courtney, our tour guide, did a good job, but most tourists don't ay good money to go to a hotel gift shop.
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Magsonthemove
Orlando, Florida
"Look elsewhere, they don’t want your money."
TripAdvisor user rating 1.0 out of 5
Reviewed October 18, 2023
We stayed at the Grand Naniloa and attempted to rent kayaks every day of our stay. Every day we were told that we couldn’t due to “staffing issues” and to come back after 10am on Wednesday. We even checked on Tuesday to see if we needed to make reservations for Wednesday (the last day of our trip) and were assured that we didn’t need reservations just show up “anytime after 10am”. We showed up at 12:30 and were told we couldn’t rent a kayak even though there were 3 people at the desk because the one man that told us to come “anytime after 10” was going home soon. It would have been really helpful if he had said “anytime after 10am” meant 10-12pm. TLDR- even after asking everyday we still missed the 2 hour window they were willing to rent kayaks during the week. No one there could have cared any less that they’d given us the run around all week. Truly horrible service. Hilo ocean adventures is just down the road and the staff is actually nice and willing to do their jobs. Stop there first, I wish I had.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Elite Volcano Hike from Kona/Kohala Resorts

What should I bring for the hiking tour?
Guests should bring a camera, a government issued ID, and your e-Ticket.

What should I wear for the tour?
For the best hiking experience, it is recommended that guests wear the following clothing items:
  • Comfortable hiking clothes (Shorts are ok)
  • Light jacket or sweater
  • Sunglasses and hat
  • Sturdy closed-toe hiking shoes are required. Sandals, flip-flops, and slippers are not permitted.

What is included in the tour?
The Kilauea Hike & Glow (Kona) tour includes:
  • Military-grade LED flashlights
  • Umbrellas
  • Walking sticks
  • Camera tripod to share
  • Mosquito repellant
  • Sunblock
  • Snacks and beverages (water, juice, soda) all day
  • Picnic lunch 
  • Dinner at the Volcano Winery (dietary requirements and restrictions accommodated on request with advance notice)
  • All entrance fees and access to private locations


How long is the entire tour?
From start to finish, the entire experience is approximately 12 hours long.

Are there health, age, or weight restrictions for the tour?
Yes. Guests must adhere to the following restrictions in order to participate:
  • All guests (including children) must be able to navigate and complete a rigorous 4-mile hike without assistance. This hike includes multiple steep uphill and downhill areas. 
  • Guests with small children are responsible for providing their own child carriers to complete the entire hike.
  • State law requires safety seats for all guests under 4 years of age. We are happy to provide safety seats given advance notice. 
  • Booster seats are required for all guests between the ages of 4 and 7, and/or under 4 feet 9 inches tall and 80 pounds in weight. We can provide booster seats with advance notice.
  • Do note that volcanic emissions, including sulfur gas, may provide complications and difficulties for those with respiratory concerns.
  •  Participants should be ready for immediate evacuation (if necessary) in accordance with directions provided by County, State, and/or Federal officials.
  • Guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.


Will I see lava during this tour?
It is not guaranteed that red molten lava will be seen on your tour as volcanic activity changes rapidly.

What happens in the case of rain?
The tour runs rain or shine. Please dress appropriately in the case of inclimate weather. Hiking shoes/boots must be worn at all times.

I have a food allergy or dietary restriction. Can I be accommodated during the picnic lunch and winery dinner?
Yes. Given advance notice, we can accommodate food allergies and dietary restrictions. Please make this note when reserving your spot on the tour.

Is this tour difficult?
The level of hiking during this tour is considered strenuous.