Duration:
This tour lasts approximately 7 hours.
About:
Known as the original experience for true volcano enthusiasts, this tour begins with a scenic drive through charming Hilo town and along its historic bayfront before making your way to the old fishing village of Kalapana. Led by a National Park Service–certified guide, you’ll learn about the volcanology, geology, and cultural history of Kīlauea while traveling past notable lava flows and the unique flora and fauna that thrive in this dynamic environment.
Kalapana, once a thriving community, was overtaken by lava, along with its neighboring beach, Kaimū. Today, you’ll hike across the hardened flow to the area’s newly formed black sand beach—an unforgettable example of how volcanic activity continually reshapes the island. You’ll also visit the Star of the Sea Painted Church, a structure saved by local residents and moved twice in 1990 to escape advancing lava. Now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it stands as a remarkable testament to community resilience.
From there, your journey continues to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park—the crown jewel of the Big Island. Inside the park, you’ll explore significant sites such as the Kīlauea Visitor Center, the Kīlauea Iki Crater Overlook, and the Steaming Bluffs. A visit to historic Volcano House offers exceptional views of the Kīlauea Caldera, and a short walk brings you to the cracks and sinkholes left behind by the 2018 eruption, where the island’s recent geological activity is visible right beneath your feet.
Dinner is included, giving you time to unwind and enjoy the end of a day spent discovering some of the island’s most fascinating volcanic landscapes.
