
Elite Volcano Hike From Hilo
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 20 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Elite Volcano Hike From Hilo worth booking?
Elite Volcano Hike From Hilo is a 9-hour experience in Hilo, United States, from $198 per person. It scores 69 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 20 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 69 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (20)
- Duration
- 9 hours
- From
- $198 per person
Elite Volcano Hike Hike down into Kilauea Caldera on the 2 mile Halema’uma’u Trail, and visit aftermath of the historic 2018 eruption along Kilauea’s coastline. Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park including Kilauea Visitor Center, Sulphur Banks, the Kilauea Iki Overlook, Volcano House and more. Small-group tour deli-style lunch and dinner included.
What you get
About this experience
Elite Volcano Hike Hike down into Kilauea Caldera on the 2 mile Halema’uma’u Trail, and visit aftermath of the historic 2018 eruption along Kilauea’s coastline. Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park including Kilauea Visitor Center, Sulphur Banks, the Kilauea Iki Overlook, Volcano House and more. Small-group tour deli-style lunch and dinner included.
What's included
Included
- Bottled water
- Lunch
- Dinner
What you'll see and do
Kaumana Caves Park
Our first stop is Kaumana Caves, part of the lava tube system that brought lava as close as 1.5 miles from downtown Hilo in 1881. Take a peek inside the dramatic cathedral-like space.
20 minutes here · Admission included
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Next travel to the crown jewel of the Big Island, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Briefly visit the Kilauea Iki Overlook before heading off on foot down the paved road to Keanakakoi. Check out the activity here from the historic 2018 eruption which buckled the road and caused racks and sinkholes. You’ll get a birds-eye view of the Kilauea Caldera and the enormous Halema’uma’u Crater, along with views of the trail you will take into the Caldera. This trail has been used to hike into the caldera since being established in 1846. Mark Twain was once rescued by native guide Alex Lancaster using this trail. It’s about 2 miles roundtrip taking you past the famous Sulphur Banks, through ancient forests of tree ferns, some as old as 1,000 years. Look for native birds, such as the yellow ‘amakihi and the red ‘apapane. Huge boulders came to rest here during ancient rock slides and eruptions. Look for marks left by previous visitors such as Benjamin Boyd, a Scot, and John Webster, a California artist, from back in 1851. Reaching the floor of Kilauea Calder there is an incredible rock slide to your left, evidence of the 2018 eruption, and Halema’uma’u Crater before you. The Crater increased in size during the eruption with the lava lake draining out of it leaving behind an enormous 1,000 foot deep pit.
180 minutes here · Admission included
Return to civilization at Volcano House for some beautiful views.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
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, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Group size
- Up to 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Kapohokine Adventures
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
Photos



What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 20 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Physical effort
7 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
20 verified traveler reviews for Elite Volcano Hike From Hilo. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
This was a great way to...
This was a great way to experience Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and some other sites. Our guide Henry was knowledgeable and a lot of fun.
via Viator
A truly amazing experience
The crater hike and hilo waterfalls tour was an amazing experience, our guide Tory was friendly, knowledgable, and energetic. Her insights and knowledge took the tour from a spectacular view, to an unforgettable experience. The crater hike took us through the Kilauea crater and presented an opportunity to see and learn about the local fauna and flora as well as the geological history of the area. The hilo waterfalls were spectacular to behold.
via Tripadvisor
Volcano Tour With the Best!
We did the volcano tour with Eric and it was hands down the best tour! We got to see Kīlauea erupting and it was exciting! Eric was a lot of fun, knew a lot of “useless information” and made the experience worth it! If you ever get the chance to team up with him, do it!!
via Tripadvisor
Perfect all day experience to see the volcano and environment.
Our guide, Roxy, was so knowledgeable and enthusiastic! We were fascinated with the volcanoes and as we learned more we kept saying…”oh…look at this rock!”…..”ooohhh…this one is better..look!” Seriously, Roxy gives you her enthusiasm and energy and before long you are caught up in it! We loved every aspect of the tour. Take your time and immerse yourself in this amazing environment. The experience was very professional and safe. The Ford Transit van was comfortable and easy to enter and exit. The food was good; picnic sandwiches and salads (you have a wide variety to choose from) and dinner at Lava Rocks Cafe was really, really good. We especially enjoyed walking out the old road to the viewing location for the active crater. We could see so much better than from the upper road! Awesome! Roxy was knowledgeable about all aspects of the environment: geology, birds, plants, and the entire ecosystem. She paced our experience well.
via Tripadvisor
Great tour and guide to Kilauea.
We were met at the port of Hilo from our cruise ship, The Pride of America by Victor. There were only 8 in our group, so it was very easy to interact with all of them and Victor. We left the port and our first stop was Rainbow Falls, just out of town. Hilo had eleven inches of rain the night before, which meant the falls were very beautiful and created the rainbow effect, as the name suggests. After this, we set off for the 45 minute journey up to Kilauea. On the way Victor kept us entertained with many interesting facts about the big island of Hawaii and its volcanos. We arrived at the visitor centre and then prepared for our hike. Victor checked that we all felt we were up to the physical challenge and ensured we had adequate water and rain jackets (didn’t need them). The hike is 3.5/4 miles around the crater rim and then down in to the crater, so there is a steep descent and ascent, which will be challenging for some, but fortunately not a problem for our group. The views from the top are spectacular and it feels unworldly on the surface of the crater, walking on fresh volcanic lava. The volcano stopped erupting in September 2024, but there are still many active steam vents, which you get close enough to, to feel the heat. Not sure if I am disappointed I missed this or not, but there was a 4.8 magnitude earthquake there just a few hours before we arrived! All in all, a great day out visiting one of the world’s most famous volcanoes, the day made more enjoyable but the excellent guide, Victor. Thanks again and would definitely recommend.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 9 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 7
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Kapohokine Adventures, who run 6 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 66.4.
See everything Kapohokine Adventures runsWhy this scores 69
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Elite Volcano Hike From Hilo: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Hilo.
How much does Elite Volcano Hike From Hilo cost?
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Prices start at $198 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Hilo usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Elite Volcano Hike From Hilo take?
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Plan for about 9 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 Hilo is not rushed.
Is Elite Volcano Hike From Hilo worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 69 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 20 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Hilo, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Elite Volcano Hike From Hilo?
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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 Elite Volcano Hike From Hilo suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 9-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Elite Volcano Hike From Hilo?
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Around 7 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 Hilo 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 Hilo and add a light layer if any part of the 9-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Elite Volcano Hike From Hilo 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 Hilo 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 Hilo?
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On Outty we rank every Hilo experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Hawaii Volcanoes, Waterfalls, Beaches & Hilo Highlights Day Tour, Hilo Shore Excursion: Active Volcano, Lava Tube, Waterfall and Gardens, Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcano Safari Lava Caves & Black Sand. 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 Hilo?
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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 Hilo?
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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.
What is included in Elite Volcano Hike From Hilo?
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Included: Bottled water; Lunch; and Dinner. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Elite Volcano Hike From Hilo include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 3 listed pickup locations in and around Hilo. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Elite Volcano Hike From Hilo offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Elite Volcano Hike From Hilo?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Elite Volcano Hike From Hilo wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available; and Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Elite Volcano Hike From Hilo if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Elite Volcano Hike From Hilo?
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Across 20 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
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