Punalu’u Black Sand Beach & Volcano Tour

Overview:
This 7–8 hour experience combines three of the Big Island’s most captivating highlights—Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, and Historic Hilo—into a single, all-inclusive journey. Departing from various Hilo locations (with Kona pickup available for private/custom tours), you’ll spend the day exploring volcanic landscapes, coastal wonders, and cultural landmarks with a knowledgeable local guide.

Duration:
Approximately 7–8 hours.

Meeting point:
Pickup is offered from designated Hilo-area locations. Kona pickups are available for private or custom tours.

Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach – Activity details

Your day begins at one of Hawaiʻi’s most iconic natural wonders—Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach. This extraordinary shoreline is made of jet-black basalt fragments created when molten lava met the ocean and cooled instantly. The contrast of black sand, turquoise water, and swaying palms creates a breathtaking scene.

You’ll have time to stroll the beach, watch for endangered Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu) basking on the sand, explore tide pools, and enjoy the tranquil, scenic atmosphere. Behind the shoreline, you’ll find a freshwater pond lined with lilies—an unexpected and beautiful backdrop perfect for photos. This experience sets the tone for the rest of your day: a blend of nature, culture, and geology unique to the Big Island.

This tour also includes the full Volcano Explorer and Hilo Discovery packages.

Volcano Explorer – Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

A major highlight of your journey is Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to two of the world’s most active volcanoes—Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. Your guide will take you through upland forests to the Kīlauea Visitor Center before leading you along scenic routes with views that showcase the park’s volcanic power.

The Volcano Explorer includes:
• Kīlauea Visitor Center
• Volcano House overlook
• Halemaʻumaʻu Crater (Uēkahuna Lookout)
• Haʻakulamanu (Sulphur Banks)
• Kīlauea Iki Overlook
• Thurston Lava Tube

This portion of the experience offers panoramic landscapes, crater views, volcanic steam features, and a chance to see how the island continues to evolve.

Hilo Discovery – Cultural & Historic Highlights

Your adventure continues through Historic Hilo, where old Hawaiʻi charm, culture, and scenic beauty come together. Your guide will take you through peaceful coastal drives and stops at treasured landmarks.

The Hilo Discovery includes:
• Reed’s Bay Scenic Drive
• Banyan Tree Lane
• Queen Liliʻuokalani Gardens
• Rainbow Falls
• King Kamehameha Statue
• Naha Stone

These locations offer insight into Hilo’s past, its deep cultural roots, and its natural beauty.

What’s included:

• Hawaiian-style juices and bottled water
• Grab-and-go snacks
• Choice of lunch from available options (food may contain allergens; cross-contamination cannot be guaranteed)
• Educational narration from a local guide
• Transportation to all tour locations

Guests with food allergies are encouraged to bring their own meals or snacks. Tour pricing remains the same regardless of dietary needs.

What’s not included:

• Alcohol – not served and prohibited in the vehicle
• Consumption of alcoholic beverages is only allowed at approved restaurant/winery stops, with responsible drinking strongly encouraged
• No open containers permitted in the vehicle under Hawaiʻi state law

Tour Highlights – Explore

• Frequent sightings of green sea turtles (honu) and endangered hawksbill turtles (honuʻea)
• A freshwater tide pool ideal for wading
• A lily-lined freshwater pond behind the beach
• Beautiful coastal scenery and unique volcanic sand

Tour Highlights – Learn

• The meaning of “Punaluʻu” — “spring diver for,” referencing the freshwater springs beneath the bay
• How basalt black sand is created from rapid lava cooling
• Cultural significance of Punaluʻu and its endangered marine life
• Why touching turtles is prohibited (their immune systems are vulnerable to human bacteria)
• Rare wildlife, including the Hawaiian monk seal and Hawaiian hawk (ʻIo), which nest in the surrounding forests

Tour Check-In Information

Meeting Locations:
For most tours (excluding Private and Custom options), we offer convenient pick-up points at the following locations:

• Hilo Harbor

• Hilo Airport

• Hilo Hawaiian

• Grand Naniloa

• SCP Hilo Hotel

• Hilo Reeds Bay Hotel

• Other designated meeting spots

You’ll receive confirmation regarding your specific pick-up and drop-off locations, along with any important instructions.

Please arrive at least 15–30 minutes before the scheduled departure time for a smooth check-in. We’ll start loading the van and performing a headcount during this time.

For Cruise Ship Passengers:
Our tours are typically set to start at 8:00 AM, but we understand that delays happen when disembarking. We monitor ship arrival times and adjust our schedule to ensure you don’t miss your tour.

If your ship has trouble docking, we’ll provide a full refund or, if possible, help reschedule your tour to a later time.

At the Hilo Port, look for your guide holding an “Aloha Aina Tours” sign. Depending on availability, your pick-up instructions will direct you either inside the terminal or just outside the Hilo port gates.

What to Bring
To ensure comfort throughout the tour, we recommend bringing:

• Comfortable closed-toe shoes (a must for walking)

• A light sweater or jacket, as temperatures can vary

• Your camera (please note that drones are prohibited at Volcanoes National Park)

• Additional items: Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, bug repellent, walking stick, poncho, or umbrella

• Hydration (water bottle) and snacks are also a good idea

Due to space limitations, large luggage is not allowed unless it’s part of a custom tour. Small backpacks or bags that can easily fit under the seat or on your lap are preferred.

Special Requirements and Considerations

• Participants should be able to board the vehicle independently (or with assistance) and walk on uneven terrain or up stairs. Please review the specific tour details for any restrictions, such as on the Fissure 8 Tour.

• If you have any specific health concerns, feel free to contact us for clarification on how the tour might affect you.

• For those with respiratory conditions, please be aware that volcanic emissions (including sulfur gas) may be present during the tour.

• Guests prone to motion sickness should note that the tour involves extended van rides and elevation changes.

• Children under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult, and we are happy to provide infant and booster seats upon request (subject to availability).

• Hawaii State Law requires that children are properly secured in car seats according to their age and height:

  • Under 2 years old: Must be in a rear-facing car seat with a harness.

  • Ages 2 to 4 years old: Must use a rear-facing or forward-facing car seat with a harness.

  • Ages 4 to 10 years old: Must use a car seat or booster seat unless they are taller than 4’9”.

  • Over 4’9” tall: Seat belts are appropriate.

  • Booster seats are recommended for children up to 8 years old or until the seat belt fits properly (usually between ages 10-12).

Tour Terrain and Accessibility
The tour will involve easy walking on mostly flat terrain, but expect some uneven surfaces and loose gravel in places.

Important Disclaimers and Policies
Minimum Passenger Policy:
Our tours require a minimum number of participants to proceed. If the minimum number is not met, we reserve the right to cancel, reschedule, or offer alternative options. We will notify you as soon as possible and give you the opportunity to rebook or receive a full refund.

We appreciate your understanding and flexibility as we aim to provide the best possible experience for all our guests.

Tour Prices

• Adults (Ages 15+): US$179

• Children (Ages 14 & Under): US$149

Cancellation and Rescheduling Policy

You can cancel or reschedule your tour up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure time to receive a full refund. For cancellations or inquiries, please contact us at (808) 774-5677 or info@alohaainatourshawaii.com.

If you cancel within 24 hours of your tour’s departure, we will do our best to reschedule your booking for another date. Please note, we do not offer trip protection.

Operator Cancellations:
In the rare event that the operator needs to cancel the tour due to unforeseen circumstances, customers will receive a full refund or credit.

Cruise Ship Passengers:
If your ship cannot dock, we will issue a full refund and, if possible, assist you in rescheduling the tour.

No-Shows:
No-shows will be charged the full price of the tour.

Guest Behavior:
We reserve the right to refuse service or terminate the tour for any guest whose behavior is deemed unsafe, disruptive, or inappropriate, without a refund.

Weather and Park Closures:
We understand the unpredictable Hawaiian weather and operate in all conditions, rain or shine. However, tour itineraries may be adjusted to accommodate weather changes or park closures. While we aim to provide the best experience, we do not offer partial refunds. Rest assured, your enjoyment remains our top priority, no matter the weather.