Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Guided Exploration

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!

Meeting Point

Volcano Art Center Gallery

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Bldg 42, Volcano, HI 96785, USA

We will meet you to the left of the Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park visitor center parking lot, on the grassy area in front of the Volcano Art Center Gallery.

What's included:

• Patagonia rain jacket and Nano puff, Nikon ProStaff binoculars, hiking poles, flashlights/headlamps, umbrellas

What to expect:

Duration: 6 hours

Kilauea Volcano

Hawaii

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

Steaming Bluff, Hawaii 96785, USA

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

Nahuku - Thurston Lava Tube

96718, Hawaii

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

Hawaii

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

Hawaii

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

Mauna Ulu Lava Shield, Hawaii 96778, USA

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

Kealakomo

Pāhoa, HI 96778, USA

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

Chain of Craters Road, 96778, Hawaii

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

Crater Rim Drive, 96778, Hawaii

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

Volcano National Park, 96785, Hawaii

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