Discover the Secrets of Chain of Craters Road
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 2 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Discover the Secrets of Chain of Craters Road worth booking?
Discover the Secrets of Chain of Craters Road is a 2.5-hour experience in Big Island of Hawaii, United States, from $179 per person. It scores 56 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 2 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 56 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (2)
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- From
- $179 per person
New Tour starting 2026! Give us 2.5 hours, and we will make you lava detectives! Learn about past eruption events, lava formations, and how they happened. This tour starts with a 1-mile hike from the edge of a pit crater
What you get
About this experience
New Tour starting 2026! Give us 2.5 hours, and we will make you lava detectives! Learn about past eruption events, lava formations, and how they happened. This tour starts with a 1-mile hike from the edge of a pit crater to the lava tube. From there, we drive to the end of Chain of Craters Road as you have formations explained and narrated. Learn more and see things you would never find on your own! Give us 3 hours, and you will learn much more about volcanoes, Hawaii's landscape, native plants, wildlife, and Hawaiian culture. We cannot show you the whole Park in only 3 hours, but we give you several stops to enrich your understanding and immerse your senses. After your tour with us, all the formations on the Big Island and Hawaii will make sense. * Dress code: LAYERS and raincoats; mountain weather can change 20 degrees. Closed-toe shoes recommended. *
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- Bottled water
- In-vehicle air conditioning
Not included
- Entrance fees
What you'll see and do
Kilauea Iki Trail
We are meeting at the Kilauea Iki Trailhead and will only hike half a mile on the trail to the lava tube. The total hike is just over one mile. Name Meaning: Kīlauea Iki means “little Kīlauea” in Hawaiian — it’s a smaller crater right next to the main Kīlauea summit caldera. Size: The crater is about a mile long, 3,000 feet wide, and the floor lies ~400 feet below the rim — big enough to house an entire lava lake! The Legendary 1959 Eruption Spectacular Lava Fountains: In 1959, Kīlauea Iki became one of the most dramatic eruptive sites of the 20th century, with lava fountains shooting up to 1,900 feet (580 m) into the sky. Lava Lake Formation: Over several weeks of eruptions, molten lava filled the crater to form a deep lake — about 400 feet thick — one of the most studied lava lakes in history.
10 minutes here
Nahuku - Lava Tube
We walk along the edge of Kilauea Iki Crater to a 500-year-old lava tube in a temperate rainforest. It’s a real lava tunnel formed when molten lava once flowed beneath the surface during a volcanic eruption. Once the liquid lava drained away, it left behind a hollow tube you can walk through. The lava that carved out Nāhuku was over 2,000 °F (1,093 °C) while it flowed — crazy hot! ️ This lava tube is about 500 years old, geologically quite recent. The tunnel you walk through is roughly 600 feet long and in some places the ceiling soars 20 feet high or more. Rainforest Entrance The trail to get into the tube winds through a lush native rainforest, alive with native birdsong and big ferns. You’re literally going from jungle into the heart of what used to be a river of fire!
30 minutes here
Luamanu Crater
A July 1974 eruption partially filled in this crater as it oozed from vents nearby.
Pass by without stopping
Puhimau Crater
This area has a crater, but the most unusual feature of this area is the large thermal area that has killed trees and grass. The thermal area started around 1939, and it continues to slowly engulf the forest around it. We will have to wait and see what the future hold.
Pass by without stopping
Mauna Ulu
Mauna Ulu means “growing mountain” in Hawaiian — and the name is literal. It formed as a brand-new volcanic shield during a long-lasting eruption on Kīlauea’s East Rift Zone. It isn’t a single cone, but a broad lava shield, built layer by layer as lava repeatedly spilled out and spread gently across the land. A Historic Long-Lasting Eruption Eruption dates: 1969–1974 — nearly five years, making it one of the longest eruptions of Kīlauea in modern history. Over that time, Mauna Ulu erupted almost continuously, fundamentally reshaping the landscape along Chain of Craters Road.
Pass by without stopping
Holei Sea Arch
Natural Sea Arch: Hōlei Sea Arch is a huge natural rock bridge formed by the relentless power of the Pacific Ocean eroding ancient lava cliffs. Waves slowly hollowed out softer and fractured parts of the basalt until an arch remained. Size: The arch reaches roughly 90 feet (27 m) high — taller than a 7-story building! Erosion at Work: The arch was carved from a lava flow that’s about 550 years old. Ocean waves pounded at cracks and weak spots between hard and soft lava layers — a process called differential erosion — gradually sculpting the arch you see today.
15 minutes here
Pauahi Crater
Pauahi comes from the Hawaiian words “pau” (finished/done) and “ahi” (fire), meaning “destroyed by fire” — a fitting name for a crater shaped by volcanic fire. It’s a large volcanic pit crater — a deep, steep-sided depression formed mostly by the collapse of the surface as magma moves underground, rather than by explosive bombardment. Pauahi is quite big: roughly 1,600–2,000 feet (about 500–610 m) long, up to about 300–500 feet (90–150 m) deep, and about 300 feet (90 m) wide. Eruptive History Pauahi has had multiple volcanic events in recent (geologic) history, making it more than just a static hole in the ground: May 1973: A fissure opened and erupted briefly on the crater floor. November 1973: A longer eruption (about 31 days) created lava flows and dramatic features on the crater floor. November 1979: The most recent eruption was brief (one day) and left the lava surface you see today.
15 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Big Island of Hawaii
Kilauea Iki Trailhead in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Once you pass the Ranger Stations at the entrance, head towards the signs that say lava tube.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Kilauea Iki Trailhead in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Once you pass the Ranger Stations at the entrance, head towards the signs that say lava tube.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Fri
- Group size
- Up to 11 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Big Island VIP
Know before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
Traveler reviews
2 verified traveler reviews for Discover the Secrets of Chain of Craters Road. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Wonderful Experience
Rob was such a wonderful tour guide and so informative. We went on the Sunrise tour. He explained all the different types of lava. The lava tubes were so cool. He kept it very interesting for my kids as well. He then dropped us off at Volcano House for a fabulous breakfast.
Response from the operator: Mahalo Melissa! We appreciate you learning about the National Park and taking the time to visit our island!
via Viator
Volcano Tour - Must See
Unbelievable experience. The lava flowing was truly amazing but Jodi brought so much more to the tour. Her knowledge of the park and ability to show us so much more was remarkable. Highest recommendation.
Response from the operator: Aloha Mike! Thank you so much! It was definitely my pleasure! A hui hou!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Fri
- Price range
- $179 to $199
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 56
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Discover the Secrets of Chain of Craters Road: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Big Island of Hawaii.
How much does Discover the Secrets of Chain of Craters Road cost?
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Prices start at $179 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Big Island of Hawaii usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Discover the Secrets of Chain of Craters Road take?
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Plan for about 2.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Big Island of Hawaii is not rushed.
Is Discover the Secrets of Chain of Craters Road worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 56 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 2 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Big Island of Hawaii, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Discover the Secrets of Chain of Craters Road?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Discover the Secrets of Chain of Craters Road suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Discover the Secrets of Chain of Craters Road?
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Around 1 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Big Island of Hawaii can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Big Island of Hawaii and add a light layer if any part of the 2.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Discover the Secrets of Chain of Craters Road start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Big Island of Hawaii within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Big Island of Hawaii?
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The Big Island is volcano country: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park tours, Mauna Kea summit stargazing, night manta ray snorkels off Kona, Waipio Valley lookouts and coffee farm visits. Summit tours have real altitude rules, so we weight safety detail. On Outty we rank every Big Island of Hawaii experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include KONA Manta Ray Night Snorkel - FREE re-ride if no Sightings, Big Island: Captain Cook Snorkel On A Power Catamaran With Lunch, Big Island in a Day: Volcanoes Waterfalls Sightseeing and History. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Big Island of Hawaii?
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April to October, though the island runs year round. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Big Island of Hawaii?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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