Departure is from the Hawaii Forest and Trail store in Kona OR a meeting point in the Waikoloa Beach area. Select your departure point when selecting the tour using the form at right.

The geologic creation of the Hawaiian island chain, a timeless battle between the elemental forces of fire and water, is one of the world’s greatest natural history stories. There’s not a better place on earth to witness and understand the awesome nature of volcanoes than at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. There is no better way to explore the park than in the company of one of Hawaii Forest and Trail’s Interpretive Naturalists. They will show you the "must see" places within the park while you learn about their geological and historic significance.

You’ll really get an idea of how big the Big Island is during the course of this 12 hour full-day tour. And you’ll appreciate that someone else is doing the driving. Starting from Kona, you will travel up the coast over desolate lava flows for about a half hour before proceeding up the rolling pasturelands on the flanks of Mauna Kea. Turning onto the Saddle Road that traverses the island between Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea, you’ll see a dramatic and diverse landscape of ranchland, sub alpine dryforest and rainforest, with striking features such as cinder cones, lava flows, lava tubes and kipukas. You’ll stop for a short break and continental-style breakfast. Continuing on, you will drop down to near sea-level on the way through Hilo where you begin the final climb to the summit of Kilauea and the lush entrance to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Once at the park you’ll see splendid native rain forests, visit a lava tube, discover remarkable volcanic formations and a splendid diversity of geography and climate. Through detailed geologic and natural history interpretation, small walks, and driving, you will explore and learn about the world’s most active volcano. A picnic lunch is served en route during your adventure through the park. Depending on what’s happening with the active flow, you’ll walk out to view red hot lava and you’ll be close enough to feel the heat!

On the way back, you’ll travel along the Hamakua Coast and pass through Waimea before returning to Kona. By the end of the day, you’ll have traveled over 300 miles and experienced an elevation change (we go up and down a few times!) of over 30,000 feet.

This tour includes a mid-morning snack with Kona coffee, Tazo teas, fresh fruit and pastries, deli lunch with beverages, daypacks, bottled water, walking sticks, warm wear, and raingear. Tours are limited to a maximum of 10 guests.

Guests should be in reasonably good physical condition and able to hike on uneven or rocky terrain. We sometimes encounter cool, wet, or muddy conditions.

Activity Tips

I can't imagine going to the Big Island and not making the trip down to see the active volcano. Even on days when lava viewing is not possible the evidence of recent volcanic activity is everywhere. You'll see steam vents and smell sulfur in the air. This park is rich in history too.

The drive to Kilauea from the Kona side of the island takes about three hours each way. Having someone else do the driving for you while you are free to look out the window and take in the view is something that you will very much appreciate. Your guide will not only drive for you ... you'll also LEARN about what you are looking at out the window. You'll come away with an understanding of how the Hawaiian islands were formed and gain a great appreciation for our unique climates and eco-system.

One of the advantages of doing this tour is the benefit of having an experienced guide with you to lead you out to the active lava flow if there is red hot lava accessible. You'll have the confidence to experience the lava firsthand knowing that the guide knows where it is safe and where it is not safe to go.

Lava viewing conditions change ... it is often possible to get close to the active flow, but not always. There is no guarantee that you will see red hot lava on this tour. Sometimes the closest lava is miles from the nearest road and the hike just isn't possible in the time constraints of this tour. Other times lava can be viewed with a short 10 minute walk.