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Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Tour

Expert guides. Unique insights.
Expert guides. Unique insights.
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Tours in multiple languages
Top experiences in Hawaii
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Guests exploring volcanic terrain on adventure tour in Hawaii.
Guests exploring volcanic terrain under a rainbow on Hawaii adventure tour.
Guests exploring volcanic terrain on Hawaii adventure tour.
Tour group overlooking volcanic landscape in Hawaii.
Group exploring volcanic landscape on Hawaii adventure tour.
Cacao pods hanging from a tree branch in a lush green setting.
Guests exploring volcanic terrain on Hawaii adventure tour.
Guests hiking on a volcanic trail in Hawaii with scenic views.
Sunrise over a volcanic crater in Hawaii, part of the Volcano, Chocolate & Waterfall Adventure.
Guests exploring volcanic terrain on adventure tour in Hawaii.
Guests exploring volcanic terrain under a rainbow on Hawaii adventure tour.
Guests exploring volcanic terrain on Hawaii adventure tour.
Tour group overlooking volcanic landscape in Hawaii.
Group exploring volcanic landscape on Hawaii adventure tour.
Cacao pods hanging from a tree branch in a lush green setting.
Guests exploring volcanic terrain on Hawaii adventure tour.
Guests hiking on a volcanic trail in Hawaii with scenic views.
Sunrise over a volcanic crater in Hawaii, part of the Volcano, Chocolate & Waterfall Adventure.
Guests exploring volcanic terrain on adventure tour in Hawaii.
Guests exploring volcanic terrain under a rainbow on Hawaii adventure tour.
Guests exploring volcanic terrain on Hawaii adventure tour.
Tour group overlooking volcanic landscape in Hawaii.
Group exploring volcanic landscape on Hawaii adventure tour.
Cacao pods hanging from a tree branch in a lush green setting.
Guests exploring volcanic terrain on Hawaii adventure tour.
Guests hiking on a volcanic trail in Hawaii with scenic views.
Sunrise over a volcanic crater in Hawaii, part of the Volcano, Chocolate & Waterfall Adventure.

Big Island: Volcano, Chocolate & Waterfall Tour

from
$247.12
Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change

11 hr
Meals included

Journey through Hawaii’s volcanic wonders, lush rainforests, and a private chocolate farm in one epic adventure.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate

  • Everything you get: Explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park with an expert guide, visit Kilauea’s eruptive sites, walk through a lava tube, and discover native flora and fauna. Enjoy a hands-on tree-to-chocolate experience at a 1,000-acre farm, savor a private chocolate tasting, visit Rainbow Falls, and relax with included snacks, lunch, trekking gear, and rain protection.
  • Why choose this: Experience Hawaii’s volcanic power, lush landscapes, and local flavors in a small group led by seasoned guides—perfect for families and explorers alike.

Journey through Hawaii’s volcanic wonders, lush rainforests, and a private chocolate farm in one epic adventure.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate

  • Everything you get: Explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park with an expert guide, visit Kilauea’s eruptive sites, walk through a lava tube, and discover native flora and fauna. Enjoy a hands-on tree-to-chocolate experience at a 1,000-acre farm, savor a private chocolate tasting, visit Rainbow Falls, and relax with included snacks, lunch, trekking gear, and rain protection.
  • Why choose this: Experience Hawaii’s volcanic power, lush landscapes, and local flavors in a small group led by seasoned guides—perfect for families and explorers alike.

Inclusions

  • Small group (12 guests max) guided tour of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
  • Visit to Halemaumau Crater, lava tube, and steam vents
  • Private tropical fruit and cacao farm tour with tasting
  • Rainbow Falls visit
  • Snacks, lunch, and refreshments
  • Expert interpretive guide
  • Gear provided:

Exclusions

  • Transportation outside designated pickup points
  • Personal expenses and gratuities
  • Water bottle (guests must bring their reusable bottles)

What to bring

  • Bring closed-toe shoes, long pants, a light jacket, and personal sun protection.
  • Bring a reusable water bottle.
  • It is recommended to bring any additional personal items you may need for hiking and outdoor activities.

What’s not allowed

  • Pets are not permitted, except for registered service animals.
  • Alcohol, drugs, and any form of intoxication are strictly prohibited on the tour.
  • Smoking is not allowed during the tour.
  • Large bags and suitcases are not permitted on the tour.

Accessibility

  • This experience is not wheelchair accessible.
  • Guests should be able to hike on uneven or rocky terrain and may encounter cool, wet, or muddy conditions.

Additional information

  • The tour is suitable for ages 6 and above; children under 6 are not permitted.
  • The tour lasts approximately 11 to 12 hours round-trip, with about 6 hours of travel time.
  • Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a dynamic volcanic area; volcanic eruptions can start and stop with little warning, and molten lava viewing cannot be guaranteed.
  • Seasonal and weather conditions may affect the itinerary.
  • Morning departures are available from Kona, with pickup options in Kona, Waikoloa, Waikoloa Village, and Hilo.
  • Pickup points:
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
HawaiiBig Island ToursHawaii Volcanoes National Park Tours

Overview of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

  • Location: Southeastern coast of Hawai‘i (Big Island), along the slopes of Kīlauea and Mauna Loa.
  • Established: August 1, 1916, one of the oldest national parks in the U.S.
  • Size: Over 335,000 acres (523 square miles), covering diverse landscapes from rainforest to volcanic desert.
  • Key volcanoes: Home to Kīlauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, and Mauna Loa, the largest volcano on Earth by volume.
  • UNESCO status: Designated both a World Heritage Site and an International Biosphere Reserve.
  • Major features: Lava fields, steam vents, volcanic craters, lush forests, native wildlife, and historic cultural sites.
  • Significance: Protects rare native species, sacred Hawaiian sites, and some of the most active geological formations on Earth.

Route map of your tour

<map>

Kona / Waikoloa Pickup → Saddle Road Scenic Drive → Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park (Kīlauea Overlook, steam vents, recent lava flows, lava tube) → Private Cacao & Tropical Fruit Farm (tree-to-bar chocolate experience) → Rainbow Falls → Return via Hilo & Saddle Road → Drop-off in Kona / Waikoloa

History and geography of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park sits atop one of the most geologically active regions on Earth, shaped continuously by the forces of Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, two of the world’s most powerful volcanoes. Its volcanic landscape has been forming for hundreds of thousands of years, with new land still being created through ongoing eruptions and lava flows that reshape the terrain.

The area has deep cultural roots in Native Hawaiian traditions, where the volcanoes are tied to Pele, the goddess of fire. Ancient trails, archaeological sites, and stories passed through generations reflect the Hawaiian connection to the land. Established as a national park in 1916, it preserves both these cultural treasures and the vast volcanic ecosystem that stretches from sea level to over 13,000 feet.

Know before you go

Timings
Directions
Accessibility
Gear provided
Rules
  • Operating hours: Big Island: Volcano, Chocolate & Waterfall Tour: Daily 7:30am to 7:30pm

Best time to visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park:

  • Best month: For the best visibility and comfortable weather, visit between April and October, when skies are clearer, and rainfall is lower, ideal for viewing craters, walking lava fields, and exploring the lava tube. During the winter months (November–March), expect occasional rain and cooler temperatures around Hilo and the summit areas. This can add dramatic steam vents and lush scenery to the waterfalls, but may reduce visibility at higher elevations.
  • Weekday vs weekend: Weekdays are generally quieter, making it easier to enjoy viewpoints and photo stops without crowds. Weekends and holidays can be busier, especially during school breaks, but the guided format ensures a smooth experience.

Meeting point: Volcano, Chocolate & Waterfall Tour: Kailua-Kona | Find on Maps

  • By bus: Round-trip transportation is provided from the designated pickup points. If you're arriving on your own, you can take the Hele-On bus to Downtown Hilo; the farm is just a brief walk from there.
  • By car: The farm sits close to the Hilo Bayfront and can be easily reached via Highway 11. Parking is available in the surrounding area for visitors driving themselves.
  • The tour includes walking on uneven, rocky, or muddy terrain, so guests must be able to hike short distances across varied surfaces.
  • Conditions in the park can change quickly, with cool, wet, or windy weather possible at higher elevations.
  • This experience is not recommended for guests in wheelchairs due to difficulty navigating natural, rugged environments.
  • Guests are provided with day packs to carry essentials throughout the tour.
  • Walking sticks and trekking poles are provided to help with stability on uneven ground.
  • Flashlights are included for safe exploration of the lava tube.
  • Rain gear and bug repellent are provided to keep you comfortable in changing weather and outdoor environments.
  • Sunscreen is offered to ensure protection during the daytime portions of the tour.
  • Because Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a highly active volcanic region, eruption activity can start or stop with little warning; viewing molten lava cannot be guaranteed at any time.
  • If an eruption is occurring and accessible, the itinerary will shift to prioritise safe viewing conditions.
  • Guests must follow all instructions from their interpretive guide, especially in areas with volcanic hazards, steam vents, or unstable terrain.
  • Participants should remain with the group at all times and avoid wandering off designated paths or restricted areas within the park.
  • Additional safety or participation restrictions may apply depending on the day’s conditions.

Frequently asked questions about the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park tour

Will I get to see active lava during the tour?

Lava sightings cannot be guaranteed during the tour. Volcanic activity changes quickly, and eruptions can start or stop without warning. If lava is visible and accessible during your visit, your guide will prioritise safe viewing.

How much hiking is involved in this tour?

The amount of hiking varies based on park conditions and the group’s ability, but expect short walks on uneven terrain as you explore lava fields, steam vents, and other geological features.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Yes, children ages 6 and above can join the tour. Younger children are not permitted due to the terrain and environmental conditions.

What should I wear or bring?

Wear closed-toe shoes, long pants, and a light jacket. Bring a reusable water bottle and sun protection. Day packs, trekking poles, rain gear, bug repellent, flashlights, and sunscreen are provided.

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts 11–12 hours, including round-trip travel time from Kona, Waikoloa, Waikoloa Village, or Hilo.

Is transportation included?

Yes, round-trip transportation is included from designated pickup points across Kona, Waikoloa, Waikoloa Village, and Hilo.

Will we explore a lava tube?

Yes, the tour includes a walk through a lava tube, where your guide provides flashlights and safety equipment.

How physically demanding is the tour?

The tour is rated easy to moderate. You should be able to walk on uneven or rocky terrain and manage short inclines.

Can the tour be affected by volcanic hazards?

Yes. Access to certain viewpoints may close without notice due to volcanic conditions. Your guide will adjust the itinerary for safety.