Private Guided Kilauea Volcano Tour

After meeting, get outfitted with our provided top-of-line gear and we will set off for a great day of exploration! Our first stop will be standing at the edge very top of Halema’uma’u crater at Kilauea volcano! Kilauea is the world’s active volcano and one of two volcanoes that make up Volcanoes National Park. Your guide will explain to you about vast changes that have happened here over the years to make up what we currently see today. (30 mins)

After, we will continue down the Crater Rim Road to the Wahinekapu steaming bluffs. Here, rainwater seeps through deep cracks in the ground then rises to surface as water vapor. You can stand right in front of the hot steam coming back out of the cracks at the surface of the ground and feel it for yourself! (30 mins)

Next, we will continue our journey around Crater Rim Road to the Nahuku, or Thurston, lava tube. Take a guided walk on this short loop trail through the native Ohia forests and the 600ft long lava tube. The Nahuku lava tube is over 500 years old and over 25ft in diameter in some places! Learn about the endemic plants the inhabit the surrounding forest and how they have adapted to live in these volcanic environments. (30 mins)

Following these stops, we will continue our exploration of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park by venturing further into the Park down Chain of Craters road. This 22 mile stretch of road traverses through a variety of different landscapes from the dense Ohia forest to the dry coastal plains where land meets the ocean. Stop at various craters, historical lava flows, and eruption sites, including Maunaulu & Pauahi, as we descend down towards the ocean. Where the road ends, take a short guided walk along the coastal bluffs to observe the Holei sea arch. (60 mins)

The site of a 1979 eruption and one of the more impressive pit craters along the road. Stop and see Maunaulu in the distance and listen to the native birds that frequent this area. (30 mins)

Explore the eruptive site of Maunaulu and its 1969-1974 eruption. See many volcanic features including eruptive vents, fissures, lava trees, tree molds, and fascinating colors. (60 mins)

The view point offers 180 degree views of the Southern coastline. We will also explore some of the lava features in this area including an old lava river channel. (30 mins)

See natures forces at work where water and land meet. Take a short walk out to see the Holei sea arch. (30 mins)

Visit the historic 1959 eruption. Walk the trail along Pu'u Pua'i and learn about why this is called the Devastation Trail. (30 mins)

We will start this tour at the Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park visitor center. The center itself has many great interpretive displays and awesome Park souvenirs. (30 mins)