Big Island

Kilauea Volcano Adventure in Kailua-Kona

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is an inspiring and precious place. It is listed as both a World Heritage Site and an International Biosphere preserve. Once at the park we will see splendid native rainforest, visit a lava tube, discover remarkable volcanic formations and experience an incredible diversity of geography and climates. Through detailed geologic and natural history interpretation, short walks and driving, we explore and learn about the world's most active volcano. A picnic lunch is served en route during our adventure through the park.

You'll really get an idea of how big the Big Island is during the course of this tour. And you'll appreciate that someone else is doing the driving. Starting out from our headquarters in Kona, we travel up the coast over desolate lava flows for about a half hour before proceeding up the rolling pasturelands on the flanks of Mauna Kea. Turning onto the Saddle Road that traverses the island between Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea, you'll see a dramatic and diverse landscape of ranchland, sub-alpine dryforest and rainforest (with striking features such as cinder cones, lava flows, lava tubes and kipuka).

We'll stop for a short break and continental-style breakfast. Continuing on, we drop down to near sea-level on our way through Hilo where we begin the final climb to the summit of Kilauea and the lush entrance to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. On the way back, we'll travel along the Hamakua Coast and pass through Waimea before returning to Kona. By the end of the day, you'll have traveled over 300 miles and experienced an elevation change (we go up and down a few times!) of over 30,000 feet.

Schedule: Morning trips departing daily. 11 - 12 hours round trip, departs from Hawaii Forest & Trail Headquarters, and Waikoloa Kings' Shops.

Rated: Easy to Moderate; All ages welcome.

Included in the Tour: Continental Breakfast including fresh local fruit, baked goods, 100% Kona coffee, tea and hot chocolate. Plus, a deli style lunch with assorted soft drinks, juices and bottled water.

Gear Provided: Walking sticks, day packs, warm wear and rain ponchos.

Group Size: Tour limited to a maximum of 12 guests.

Restrictions: Guests should be able to hike on uneven or rocky terrain. We sometimes encounter cool, wet or muddy conditions. Other tour restrictions may apply.

What to Bring & Wear: Comfortable walking shoes, long pants, and a light jacket.