Volcano, Chocolate & Waterfalls

Volcano Unveiled

Journey through Hawaii Island’s incredible range of ecosystems and climate zones with your Hawaii Volcanoes National Park certified guide before experiencing first-hand the phenomena that makes it all possible – an active volcano. This in-depth experience takes you off-the-beaten path to sites unknown to most visitors including private access to a lava tube, Kauhi Cavern, exclusive to Hawaii Forest & Trail, with ceilings as high as 35 feet, expansive rooms, & bright golden walls. See how the historically large collapse and recent eruptions of the Halemaumau Crater have changed Kilauea Volcano forever.

Highlights

• Visit must-see spots within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home of Pelehonuamea, the Hawaiian deity of volcanoes, as your interpretive guide illuminates historical events that have changed the landscape of the Park forever.
• Your certified Park guide will share with you the geology and natural and cultural history that makes Hawaii Volcanoes National Park one of the most fascinating places on earth for residents, scientists, and visitors alike
• Venture down Chain of Craters Road through rainforests, lava flows, and cinder fields
• Get up close and personal with volcanic formations such as lava tubes, steam vents & craters
• Visit a large private lava tube, or cave, known for its 30+ foot tall ceiling and bright multi-colored microbial mats living on the cave walls. This lava tube is only accessible to guests of Hawaii Forest & Trail.

++Please note: ALL volcano eruptions viewing are subject to change based on current conditions and permitted access.

Duration

It takes around 11 to 12 hours from Kona, 10 to 11 hours from Waikoloa, and 7 to 8 hours from Hilo.

Rated

Easy to Moderate.

Schedule

Trips depart daily from Hawaii Forest & Trail Kona Headquarters, Waikoloa Queen's Market Place, The Shops at Mauna Lani, Waikoloa Plaza in Waikoloa Village, and Kea'au.

Important

Please note that this tour has a late return time, be sure to have return transportation confirmed and scheduled from your designated pick-up location

What's Included

Guests are served a deli-style picnic lunch and a warm picnic dinner with snacks and beverages available throughout the day. National Park entrance fees and private cave access fees are also included.

Gear Provided

Walking sticks, flashlights, daypacks, raingear, bug repellant, & sunscreen.

What to Bring & Wear

Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes, reusable water bottle, long pants, light jacket, or sweatshirt.

Restrictions

Guests should be able to hike on uneven or rocky terrain. We sometimes encounter cool, wet, or muddy conditions. *Please note the access road to our private lava tube does contain some unpaved and bumpy sections. Due to these road conditions this tour may not be suitable for those guests who are prone to motion sickness.* Other tour restrictions may apply. Ages 6+

FAQs

How much hiking do we do?

> We'll stop a couple of times throughout the adventure for a few short hikes. Hikes will be determined based on the group's interests and ability levels, and Park conditions.

Will we get to see active lava?

>The most recent eruption has paused as of the afternoon on September 16, 2023 and there is no visible lava in the Park. This is a very dynamic situation that is subject to change at any moment. Please contact our office staff for the most current volcano conditions, or visit the the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory's USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory's Eruption Update page.

Cancellation Policy

• Guests will receive a full refund with 24 hours' notice of cancellation.

• Private tours: Customers will receive a full refund with 72 hours notice of cancellation.

Cancellations within the cancellation period and "no-shows" will be charged the FULL AMOUNT of the tour.

Volcano, Chocolate & Waterfalls

Hawaii’s most “in-depth” volcano experience includes exploring the east side's hidden gems! Embark on an adventure through Hawaii Volcanoes National Park with your expert interpretive guide. Explore the park’s dramatic landscape, including its most recent eruptive sites and a lava tube. Discover native plants and animals found nowhere else on earth. Your guide’s unmatched training and experience will ensure you find the best spots based on the day’s conditions and your interests.

Then, discover the secrets of locally grown cacao at a lush 1,000-acre tropical farm perched above Hilo Bay. This tree-to-bar journey culminates in an exclusive chocolate tasting held by the farm’s own hidden waterfall.

Highlights

• Experience Hawaii Volcanoes National Park with your naturalist interpretive guide as you visit the world's most active volcano, Kilauea, and illuminate the ever-changing landscape of the Park
• Enjoy exploring the Park’s most dynamic terrain
• Visit a 1,000-acre Chocolate and Tropical Fruit Farm and learn about the chocolate-making process, from tree to chocolate
• Unwind by the farm's hidden, secluded waterfall as you savor the local chocolate by the cascading falls

Duration

Adventure is 11.5 hours from Kona, 10 to 11 hours from Waikoloa, and 7 to 8 hours from Hilo.

Rated

Easy to Moderate.

Schedule

Trips depart daily from Royal Kona, Queens' Marketplace Waikoloa, The Shops at Mauna Lani, Waikoloa Plaza in Waikoloa Village, and Hilo. *If you choose to meet us at the Royal Kona Resort, please park in their main parking lot. When you return, visit the Royal Kona Front Desk, to have your parking validated, reducing the fee to $5.00. Please have a copy of your reservation on hand, as they may ask for it to complete the validation process. The parking fee will be paid directly to the hotel when you pick up your vehicle after the tour

Important

Please note that this tour has an estimated return time after 7:00 PM, be sure to have return transportation confirmed and scheduled from your designated pick-up location.

What's Included

Guests are served a deli-style picnic lunch. Snacks and assorted beverages are available throughout the day. National Park entrance fees and Farm access fees are also included.

Gear Provided

Trekking poles, flashlights, daypacks, raingear, bug repellant, & sunscreen.

What to Bring & Wear

Comfortable walking shoes, reusable water bottle, long pants, light jacket, or sweatshirt.

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.

FAQs

How much hiking do we do?

>We'll stop a couple of times throughout the adventure for a few short hikes for a combined total of 2-3 miles for the day. Hikes will be determined based on the group's interests and ability levels.

Will we get to see active lava?

>>Kīlauea's current eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater within Kaluapele (the summit caldera) began on December 23, 2024.

There have now been over 50 episodes separated by pauses in activity. This is a very dynamic situation that is subject to change at any moment.

Please contact our office staff for the most current volcano conditions, or visit the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory's [USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory's Eruption Update page](https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/volcano-updates

Are child safety seats required?

>Yes. Hawaii's Child Passenger Restraint Law requires that children up to age 10 who are under 4 feet 9 inches tall must be properly secured in a child safety or booster seat.

Hawaii Forest & Trail provides booster seats for use upon request.