Have your own vehicle or prefer to drive yourself? We can meet you at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park! A UNESCO World Heritage Site and an International Biosphere Reserve, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is a must see while on the Big Island! The park is home to critically endangered wildlife, two of the world’s most active volcanoes, and some of the most unique geological, biological and cultural landscapes on earth! Encompassing over 335,000 acres, Volcanoes National Park has a vast amount of land to be explored and it can be quite intimidating to do on your own. Our expert naturalists can create a customized itinerary tailored to your preferences ensuring you fully maximize your time in the Park. Additionally, you’ll receive detailed insights into the various volcanic features, enriching your understanding of the remarkable landscapes you’ll be exploring!
- 3.5-hour tour of Mystery Valley
- See less-frequented attractions, like Honeymoon Arch
- Visit ancient Anasazi dwellings with petroglyphs
- Hear the stories behind a Navajo spiritual site on a fully narrated tour
- Hike to scenic overlooks of the desert below
- Accessible only on guided tours
What To Expect
Kilauea Volcano
After meeting, get outfitted with our provided top-of-line gear and we will set off for a great day of exploration! Our first stop will be standing at the edge very top of Halema’uma’u crater at Kilauea volcano! Kilauea is the world’s active volcano and one of two volcanoes that make up Volcanoes National Park. Your guide will explain to you about vast changes that have happened here over the years to make up what we currently see today.
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
Steaming Bluff
After, we will continue down the Crater Rim Road to the Wahinekapu steaming bluffs. Here, rainwater seeps through deep cracks in the ground then rises to surface as water vapor. You can stand right in front of the hot steam coming back out of the cracks at the surface of the ground and feel it for yourself!
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Nahuku – Thurston Lava Tube
Next, we will continue our journey around Crater Rim Road to the Nahuku, or Thurston, lava tube. Take a guided walk on this short loop trail through the native Ohia forests and the 600ft long lava tube. The Nahuku lava tube is over 500 years old and over 25ft in diameter in some places! Learn about the endemic plants the inhabit the surrounding forest and how they have adapted to live in these volcanic environments.
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
Chain of Craters Road
Following these stops, we will continue our exploration of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park by venturing further into the Park down Chain of Craters road. This 22 mile stretch of road traverses through a variety of different landscapes from the dense Ohia forest to the dry coastal plains where land meets the ocean. Stop at various craters, historical lava flows, and eruption sites, including Maunaulu & Pauahi, as we descend down towards the ocean. Where the road ends, take a short guided walk along the coastal bluffs to observe the Holei sea arch.
1 hour • Admission Ticket Not Included
Pauahi Crater
The site of a 1979 eruption and one of the more impressive pit craters along the road. Stop and see Maunaulu in the distance and listen to the native birds that frequent this area.
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
Mauna Ulu Lava Shield
Explore the eruptive site of Maunaulu and its 1969-1974 eruption. See many volcanic features including eruptive vents, fissures, lava trees, tree molds, and fascinating colors.
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
Kealakomo
The view point offers 180 degree views of the Southern coastline. We will also explore some of the lava features in this area including an old lava river channel.
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
Holei Sea Arch
See natures forces at work where water and land meet. Take a short walk out to see the Holei sea arch.
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
Kilauea Iki Trail
Visit the historic 1959 eruption. Walk the trail along Pu’u Pua’i and learn about why this is called the Devastation Trail.
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
We will start this tour at the Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park visitor center. The center itself has many great interpretive displays and awesome Park souvenirs.
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
Highlight
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Near public transportation
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
Tours can be adapted to accommodate all ages and abilities. Please let us know at the time of booking if you have specific needs. Assuming no modifications to this tour, guests should be able to walk at least 1-2 miles with some steps included. Guests must be able to walk on uneven or rocky terrain and we may encounter cool, wet, or muddy conditions.
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
Include
Private transportation
Lunch
Patagonia rain jacket and Nano puff, Nikon ProStaff binoculars, hiking poles, flashlights/headlamps, umbrellas
Soda/Pop
Coffee and/or Tea
Bottled water
Snacks
Exclude
Max group – 4
