Elite Volcano Hike From Kona/Kohala Resorts
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 17 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Elite Volcano Hike From Kona/Kohala Resorts worth booking?
Elite Volcano Hike From Kona/Kohala Resorts is a 13-hour experience in Big Island of Hawaii, United States, from $250 per person. It scores 70 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 17 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 70 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (17)
- Duration
- 13 hours
- From
- $250 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 are included.
What you get
- Bottled water
- Lunch
- Dinner
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 are included.
What's included
Included
- Bottled water
- Lunch
- Dinner
What you'll see and do
Maunaloa
Exploring Hawaii Island’s explosive side on foot is what this tour is all about. Hike Kilauea lava flows dating back to 1881 up to the historic flows of 2018. First, you’ll travel across Saddle Road between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, two of the tallest and most massive volcanoes on Earth. Your National Park Service certified guide will discuss the volcanology, geology, and history of these monstrous wonders, as well as providing in-depth narration on the various lava flows and flora and fauna that you’ll be passing by.
90 minutes here
Kaumana Caves Park
Explore 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.
30 minutes here
Enjoy a scenic drive thru Hilo town where you’ll drive along the historic waterfront before stopping at KapohoKine Adventures store to pick up supplies.
15 minutes here
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. Return to civilization at Volcano House for some beautiful views.
180 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
Waikoloa/Kohala Resort Pick Up
Waikoloa/Kohala Resort Pick-up Pickup included
Kona Resorts Pick Up | 7:00 AM
Kona Resorts Pick-up Pickup included
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
- Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Group size
- Up to 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Kapohokine Adventures
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- 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 17 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
8 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Physical effort
7 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Value for money
3 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
17 verified traveler reviews for Elite Volcano Hike From Kona/Kohala Resorts. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Full day volcano tour
We were vacationing with our 3 generation family and did this tour with Mac as our guide. He did an excellent job relating to all of us and was able to keep the youngest involved and listening. I would gladly book another tour with Mac. We were even able to cap off a great day with a beautiful sunset on the way home.
via Tripadvisor
Great experience and great guide
We had a great time hiking with our guide Ryan. He’s very knowledgeable and entertaining. The hike was just as described. You can do this hike on your own but it will not be the same experience. We learned so much about the geology and legends as well as the plants. I know if we didn’t book this tour we would have missed so much. Worth every penny! Would highly recommend hiking with Ryan.
via Viator
Highlight of my trip
This (and the manta snorkel) was the highlight of my trip. I had Hawaiian Ryan as my guide, and he was fantastic. My group was small, with only 5 of us, which was great. I was the only one being picked up from Kona, which I felt bad about. But Ryan was really friendly, professional, and knowledgeable, and I really valued having had that time to ask him all sorts of questions I had about Hawaii. He's really a wealth of knowledge, and he makes the information interesting, easy to understand, and fun. The ride out to Hilo was about 1.5-2 hours. Once there, we picked up the other passengers and then our lunches. He already had water bottles, granola bars, and chips on board. He actually offered me water and a granola bar as soon as I boarded because it was so early. After everyone was onboard, his official narration started. It was great. He could talk forever about all things Hawaii, and I can't tell you how much I learned about its history, culture, and geology. Our first stop was to Kaumana Caves State Park. There is a larger lava tube and a smaller one. We only went just inside the entrance of each because the stability of the tubes aren't monitored. But it was amazing to look at. Ryan gave a talk about the formation of the tubes and pointed out different features of interest. We were encouraged to touch the rocks to feel the different textures and to note how the graffiti dated the caves. Some of the graffiti was about 100 years old. This is the most technically difficult part of the day's activities, so if you can do that, you're good for the rest of it. The tricky part was descending into the 1st lava tube, where you have to navigate a short but rocky descent. He had hiking poles on hand for us to use. We also had a bathroom break here. After that, we headed over to Volcanoes National Park. Be prepared for any and all weather. During the tour, we had rain, bright sun, wind, fog, 80 degree weather, and 60 degree weather. The guide did have rain jackets for us to use, but if you run cold, bring a sweatshirt. Also make sure you have sneakers or hiking shoes, and sunscreen. I also brought some of my own snacks (even though the operator provides some) because I can become hypoglycemic and wanted to be prepared. They have backpacks you can use to carry whatever you want to bring with you as well, but I brought my own backpack. Our first stop was the visitor's center. We had about 15-20 minutes there. I got my NPS passport book stamped and bought a magnet. After that, we took a short walk down between the steam vents and sulphur banks. It was cool - the steam was so hot it fogged my glasses. After that we headed over to the Hawaii Volcano House, where we had a bathroom break and a few minutes to look in the gift shop. We also looked at the wonderful view of the volcano from the look-out there. Then we had our lunch in the picnic area outside. My sandwich wasn't fancy, but it was good. It was smoked turkey with provolone cheese and tomato. There was another bathroom break after. Then we went down part of the Crater Rim Trail and turned onto the Halema'uma'u Trail, which goes down into the caldera of Kilauea. I personally find going up inclines to be easier than going down because I find it hard to keep my footing and balance when I go down slopes. It was a little steep for me, but we were allowed to go slowly, and he gave hiking poles to those who wanted them. The scenery was gorgeous, and we had many views of the volcano from different angles. He also pointed out different types of rocks and plant features as we went, and I learned a lot. It's such a fascinating place, I felt like I was in another geological era. Getting down into the caldera was so cool. To be standing in the crater of an active volcano isn't something you can do just anywhere. For anyone anxious about this, the caldera is 2 miles across, and the spot where you enter the caldera is on the extreme opposite end of where the volcanic activity is, so it's safe. The NPS also monitors the volcano 24/7 and will close any areas that become unsafe. Ryan gave us some more information about what we were seeing, and we were able to explore for awhile and take pictures. Then we headed back up. It's a 425 foot elevation gain, but I had no problems with it. Ryan was mindful of our abilities though, and he encouraged everyone to take their time, especially since the park is at a high altitude. If anyone slowed down, he hung back and stayed with them. The hike up this path was beautiful. It's a more forested area, and the tropical plants made me feel like I was in Jurassic Park. Afterwards, we went to visit the Nahuku lava tube. This one is monitored and maintained, so it was safe to go in all the way. It was so cool. It's amazing how volcanoes mold the landscape. We still had time, so we made a spontaneous stop at a look-out. I'm so glad we did because there was a huge full arch rainbow in the sky with one end going directly into the opening of the volcano. It was absolutely stunning. Then we went to dinner, I believe the place was the Lava Rock Cafe. They had a tv screen inside with a livestream of the volcano, which was very cool. The food was fine. If you choose the veggie wrap, note that the filling is almost entirely lettuce without much else. Then we went back to the Volcano House. We were going to try to look at the volcano once the sun started setting, but unfortunately it got really foggy, so we ended the trip there, with a warm-up in front of their fireplace. The ride back to our hotels was also good. He stopped his official narration so we could unwind but invited us to ask questions, which I did. Another driver with the company picked me up in Hilo and brought me back to my hotel in Kona. Ryan stayed with me until I was onboard with the other guide, and all was smooth. It was a really spectacular day. I can't recommend this operator more.
via Tripadvisor
Definitely a Must Do while on Hawaii
Our experience was absolutely amazing! Actually our favorite outing while in Hawaii! Our guide, Mac, was very knowledgeable about all aspects of our tour. We apparently were lucky and had no rain the entire time. We hiked down to the bottom of the caldera. It’s a moderate hike, uneven terrain, stairs both down and up. But it was so worth it to see the volcano from this perspective. I really can’t say enough good things about this experience.
via Viator
This isn't a "big island...
This isn't a "big island in a day" circle tour. This is a deeper dive into the flora, fauna, and geology of the big island. My group was fortunate enough to have two guides with complimentary knowledge to really enrich the experience. There is some hiking- don't book this trip if you just want an easy day without effort. But if you have one day on the Big Island, this gives you the best bang for your buck
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 13 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 5+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Price range
- $250 to $261
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 6
- 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 70
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Elite Volcano Hike From Kona/Kohala Resorts: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Big Island of Hawaii.
How much does Elite Volcano Hike From Kona/Kohala Resorts cost?
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Prices start at $250 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 Elite Volcano Hike From Kona/Kohala Resorts take?
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Plan for about 13 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 Elite Volcano Hike From Kona/Kohala Resorts worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 70 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 17 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 Elite Volcano Hike From Kona/Kohala Resorts?
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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 Kona/Kohala Resorts suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 5. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 13-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Elite Volcano Hike From Kona/Kohala Resorts?
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Around 6 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 13-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Elite Volcano Hike From Kona/Kohala Resorts 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 Big Island: Captain Cook Snorkel On A Power Catamaran With Lunch, KONA Manta Ray Night Snorkel - FREE re-ride if no Sightings, 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.
What is included in Elite Volcano Hike From Kona/Kohala Resorts?
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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 Kona/Kohala Resorts include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 30 listed pickup locations in and around Big Island of Hawaii. 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 Kona/Kohala Resorts 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 Kona/Kohala Resorts?
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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 Kona/Kohala Resorts 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 Kona/Kohala Resorts 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 Kona/Kohala Resorts?
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Across 17 reviews averaging 4.9 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.
What booking options are available for Elite Volcano Hike From Kona/Kohala Resorts?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Waikoloa/Kohala Resort Pick Up, Kona Resorts Pick Up | 7:00 AM. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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