Make Kilauea Volcano and Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park your destination by staying past sunset for a night, volcano explorer tour. This is a fully narrated volcano tour, departing from Kona or Waikoloa/Kohola Resorts.

The Kīlauea volcano eruption paused on September 17th, 2023. No lava or night-time glow is visible from any overlooks. Volcanic conditions can change at any time.

What to Expect

Travel south into Kona coffee country for the first stop at Bay View Farm, a working 24 acre coffee farm nestled on the slopes of Mauna Loa Volcano just above beautiful Kealakekua Bay and known for the best Kona coffee since 1984. Here you’ll see coffee growing on the trees and learn about the various steps and processes in making coffee, all of which happen right here on the farm. You’ll sample 100% Kona Coffee at a gorgeous overlook with stunning views of Kealakekua Bay and the monument to Captain Cook standing on the only sliver of British land in the United States.

The adventure continues as you head through the South Kona and Ka’u Districts. Stunning views, alternating between stark lava flows and Hawaiian dry forest, are visible through the huge picture windows of your tour vehicle. We stop briefly at Punalu’u Bake Shop, the southern most bakery in America. Offering the finest time-honored Hawaiian sweetbreads since 1991, the Bake Shop offers an array of breads and cookies.

Shortly thereafter, you’ll arrive at picturesque Punalu’u Black Sand Beach. Lined with swaying coconut palm trees, this is one of the best black sand beaches on the island. Stroll along the beach and look for honu (Green Hawaiian Sea Turtles) feeding just offshore or sun-worshipping on the sand. Picnic-style lunch will be served here weather permitting.

Next travel to the crown jewel of the Big Island, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Visit the Kilauea Visitor’s Center, the Volcano Art Center, and famed Sulphur Banks. Take a hike out to Keanakako’i Crater and step over the sinkholes and cracks in the roads left behind the historic 2018 eruption here, then on to Mauna Ulu. One of the most culturally sensitive locations in the Park you will see a landscape at Mauna Ulu like no other on Earth. Photo ops abound here, and the closer you look the more unusual and striking shapes and fascinating colors you will see.

Take a quick break at Volcano House, welcoming guests such as Mark Twain and Jack London to Kilauea since 1864. Enjoy the views or check out their gift shop. We then begin the return back to Kona-Waikoloa.

*Red molten lava may not be seen and cannot be guaranteed. Volcanic activity changes constantly and cannot be guaranteed.

What to Bring

• Video and/or still Cameras
• Government Issued ID
• Comfortable Walking Shoes Required
• Comfortable Clothes (Shorts are Fine)
• Light Jacket or Sweater
• Sunglasses and Hat

Included

• Military-Grade LED Flashlights Umbrellas
• Walking Sticks
• Camera Tripod to Share
• Mosquito Repellant & Sunblock
• Snacks and Beverages (water, juice, soda)
• Picnic Lunch at the Kona Coffee Farm
• Picnic Dinner in the Volcano National Park
• All Entrance Fees and access to private locations.

Restrictions

• Guests should be able to walk up stairs and walk for 20 minutes unassisted
• Volcanic emissions may affect those with respiratory concerns
• Participants should be prepared for immediate evacuation in accordance with directions given by County, State and/or Federal officials

All ages can be accommodated with the following restrictions:

• State law requires child safety seats for all guests under 4 years of age (we’re happy to supply seats at no charge with advanced notice)
• Booster seats required for all guests between ages 4 and 7 and under 4 feet 9 inches tall and 80 pounds weight (we’re happy to supply seats at no charge with advance notice)

Guests under the age of 18 MUST be accompanied by an adult.