Explore the Explosive Wonders of Hawaii Island on Foot
Duration:
9 Hours
Tour Overview:
Get ready to experience the raw power of Hawaii Island’s volcanic landscape on this immersive hiking tour. From ancient lava tubes to the dramatic aftermath of the 2018 eruption, this adventure takes you on a journey through Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and other fascinating geological wonders.
Kaumana Caves & Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
The tour kicks off with a visit to the Kaumana Caves, a part of the lava tube system that brought lava dangerously close to downtown Hilo in 1881. Explore the dramatic, cathedral-like cave and marvel at the volcanic forces that shaped this area.
Next, we head to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, where you’ll witness the destruction caused by the 2018 eruption. After a picnic lunch surrounded by the sounds of native birds, you’ll hike the Halemaʻumaʻu Trail, which spans approximately 3 miles. This historic trail has been used since 1846 and was even the site where Mark Twain was once rescued by a native guide.
The trail meanders through ancient forests of tree ferns, some of which are 1,000 years old, and offers views of native birds like the yellow ‘amakihi and red ‘apapane. As you descend to the floor of the Kīlauea Caldera, you’ll encounter a massive rock slide from the 2018 eruption and get an up-close view of Halemaʻumaʻu Crater, which dramatically increased in size after the lava lake drained out, leaving a 1,000-foot-deep pit.
Byron Ledge & Waldron Overlook
From the caldera floor, you’ll skirt the edge of the caldera and pass over one of the ancient lava lakes. Watch as native ** ʻōhiʻa lehua trees** gradually reclaim the area. You’ll then climb about 400 feet in half a mile to Byron Ledge, where you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the pit and the ongoing eruptions of Kīlauea Volcano. Along the way, you’ll enjoy plenty of photo opportunities and rest stops, including a bench with a stunning bird’s-eye view of the caldera floor.
Afterward, you’ll continue on to Waldron Overlook, where the trail becomes a more gradual incline through lush forests, with glimpses of Pu’u Pua’i and Kīlauea Iki. The hike finishes along the old crater rim drive, now slowly being overtaken by vegetation, and ends back at the Volcano House, where you can take in the view one last time.
Mauna Ulu Lava Flow & Nahuku Lava Tube
But the adventure doesn’t stop there! After a short break, your guide will take you to some additional must-see locations in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, including the Mauna Ulu lava flow. Look for Pele’s tears and lava trees formed by previous eruptions. You’ll also explore the Nahuku lava tube, hidden deep within the rainforest, offering a glimpse into the island’s volcanic past.
Dinner & Lava Glow Viewing
After a full day of exploration, you’ll enjoy a satisfying dinner at one of Volcano Village’s favorite local restaurants, just outside the park. Depending on the eruption status, your guide may take you back into the park after dark to witness the lava glow if an eruption is happening at the summit.
This unforgettable tour combines history, geology, and the awe-inspiring beauty of Hawaii’s explosive volcanic landscapes, leaving you with memories that will last a lifetime.
