Experience the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness up-close and feel the heat of flowing lava! You’ll hike through solidified lava fields at the base of Kilauea Volcano before reaching the recent lava flows. Depending on the conditions that day, you will likely observe surface lava flows coming down the volcano and creating new land in front of your eyes. The lava has become accessible recently for the first time in years, so don’t miss out while nature’s spectacle lasts!
As of late March 2018, the lava flow is no longer safely and legally accessible for any tour and therefore this tour has not been running. You may want to consider another volcano tour (which includes lava viewing in the Park).
You will be led by a highly trained guide in a small group who will ensure your safety and that the tour is conducted in a way that is legal, responsible, and culturally sensitive. The guide will also inform and entertain you about Kilauea from a scientific, historical, and cultural perspective. The hike departs from an exclusive private parking area which is 2 miles closer to the flow, reducing a long 12-14 mile hike from the public parking area to current surface flows to a more doable 8-10 miles round-trip.
For your comfort and safety, walking sticks, flashlights, binoculars, day packs, protective gloves, bug spray, water, and rain ponchos are provided. In addition to drinks and snacks, the tour will stop at a local favorite restaurant for dinner (included in price). The hike starts south of Hilo, but the default meeting location is Hilo, or pick-up service is available from Kona and Waikoloa (see map below) for $33.60/person and includes a deli lunch.
This is typically a 4+ hour, 8-10 mile round-trip hike in order to get as close as possible to lava on land. This includes about 45-60 minutes of lava viewing and some breaks. About 1/2 of it is on uneven lava rocks; the other half is on a gravel road. The lava rocks are up-and-down, but the overall elevation gain is not significant (i.e. no hills to climb or steep surfaces). Closed-toe shoes are required, preferably athletic sneakers or hiking boots (even better). No children under the age of 13.
NO AVAILABILITY? If at least a couple days in advance, please email us (contact@travelshack.com) so we can look into the possibility of adding this tour on an additional date. Please include the # of people in your party and all possible dates that would work for you.
Want to consider other volcano tours, perhaps without a long strenuous hike? Check out our other options.