Explore the Explosive Wonders of Hawaii Island on Foot
Duration:
14 Hours
Tour Overview:
Experience the explosive power of Hawaii Island’s volcanoes on this immersive 14-hour hiking tour. Walk through Kīlauea’s lava flows, dating back to 1881 and explore the historic changes from the 2018 eruption. Your adventure begins with a scenic drive across Saddle Road, winding between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, two of the tallest and most massive volcanoes on Earth. Your National Park Service certified guide will provide an in-depth understanding of the volcanology, geology, and rich history of these towering giants.
Tour Highlights
Kaumana Caves
The journey begins with a visit to the Kaumana Caves, part of the lava tube system that brought molten rock as close as 1.5 miles from downtown Hilo in 1881. Explore the dramatic, cathedral-like space inside the cave and learn how lava tubes shaped the landscape of Hawaii.
Hilo Town & KapohoKine Adventures
Next, we drive through the charming town of Hilo, taking in the historic waterfront before stopping at KapohoKine Adventures to pick up supplies for the rest of the tour.
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park
Your next stop is the Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, where you’ll witness the destruction caused by the 2018 eruption. After enjoying a relaxing picnic lunch inside the park, listening to native bird calls, you’ll set off on your longest hike of the day: the Halemaʻumaʻu Trail. This 3-mile trail begins behind the historic Volcano House and takes you down to the caldera floor, which was dramatically altered by the eruption.
The Halemaʻumaʻu Crater has grown significantly since the eruption, leaving behind a 1,000-foot-deep pit where the lava lake once stood. As you hike through ancient forests of tree ferns (some over 1,000 years old), keep an eye out for native birds such as the yellow ‘amakihi and the red ‘apapane.
Byron Ledge & Waldron Overlook
The trail continues up to Byron Ledge, where you’ll climb about 400 feet in just half a mile. Once at the top, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of the 1,000-foot-deep pit that continues to fill with lava as Kīlauea remains active. Along the way, you’ll have plenty of photo opportunities and a chance to rest at a bench with a bird’s-eye view of the caldera floor.
Next, you’ll hike toward Waldron Overlook, where the incline becomes more gradual as you pass through lush forests. This portion of the trail offers views of Pu’u Pua’i and Kīlauea Iki. The hike ends along Old Crater Rim Drive, now being overtaken by vegetation, and concludes back at Volcano House, where you can sit and take in the stunning views.
Additional Exploration & Lava Viewing
After a short break, your guide will take you to more breathtaking locations within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, including the Mauna Ulu lava flow, where you’ll look for Pele’s tears and lava trees. You’ll also explore the older Nahuku lava tube hidden in the rainforest, a reminder of the island’s volcanic history.
Dinner & Lava Glow Viewing
After a day of exploration, you’ll enjoy a hearty dinner at one of the local favorite restaurants in Volcano Village, just outside the park. Depending on the eruption status, your guide may take you back into the park after dark to view the lava glow from the summit eruption.
This tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with Hawaii’s explosive geological forces, blending natural beauty, history, and adventure into an unforgettable experience.
