11 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Daily Tour
12 people
English
Experience the Big Island’s beautiful volcanic landscapes on this full-day excursion. After a convenient pickup from centralized meeting locations, enjoy a scenic drive on Saddle Road, take a picturesque hike in Volcanoes National Park, and feast on a delicious complimentary lunch. Explore a magical lava tube, Kauhi Cave, while learning about the island’s fascinating history from an informative guide. Finish with a hearty, warm picnic dinner.
This is the Big Island’s most “in-depth” volcano experience. Join our National Park Certified Guides on a full-day adventure that will take you on a journey of our dramatic volcano activity from past to present.
The day begins with a scenic drive over the stark and beautiful Saddle Road. Make a quick stop at the Maunakea Recreation Area for snacks, bathroom, stretch and to set the stage for the day as you overlook mesmerizing views of Maunakea and Maunaloa.
From there we head straight to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. This park has been closed to the public from May 2018 to September 2018 due to recent volcanic activity. The park has now reopened with newly formed hardened lava and changed landscape. Your guide will prepare you for the day’s hike with a bite to eat, hiking gear, and background information on the 2-3 mile hike. Given the ever-changing environment of this active volcano, our guides will select the route that best suites the group’s interests & abilities. See the transformative stages of Kilauea and the power of Pele on the most unique and fulfilling volcano experience. Enjoy lunch after a nice hike in a scenic area of the park.
The next stop is a treat — enjoyed only by Hawaii Forest and Trail guests! Your guide will take you traversing into the gorgeous Kauhi Cavern. This exclusive access into this private lava tube is known for its rare yellow and gold microbial mats living on and accenting the cave walls. This cave has many unique features including its expansive rooms, 35 foot ceilings, bright golden walls and an “upside down” forest of roots hanging from the cave ceiling. Explore this underground world of volcanic history as your guide paints a picture of volcano past and present.
Finally, enjoy an afternoon “pau hana” (end of day ritual) that includes appetizers sourced with local products grown from the very farm that surround this spectacular cave.
Your guide will then take you back to your hotel, with a new found perspective on the powerful forces that shape our earth.
• Admission Ticket Included
Our guide will take you through a private lava tube known for its bright yellow and gold microbial mats living on and accenting the cave walls. This lava tube is only accessible to Hawaii Forest & Trail guests.
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
Join our National Park Certified Guides on an adventure through the new and dramatic landscape of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. See how the historically large collapse of the Halemaumau Crater has changed Kilauea Volcano forever.
4 hours • Admission Ticket Free