Stop At: Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii
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.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Steaming Bluff, Steaming Bluff, Hawaii 96785, USA
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!
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Nahuku - Thurston Lava Tube, Hawaii 96718
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.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Chain of Craters Road, Hawaii
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.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Pauahi Crater, Hawaii
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.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Mauna Ulu Lava Shield, Mauna Ulu Lava Shield, Hawaii 96778, USA
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.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Kealakomo, Pāhoa, HI 96778, USA
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.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Holei Sea Arch, Chain of Craters Road, Hawaii 96778
See natures forces at work where water and land meet. Take a short walk out to see the Holei sea arch.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Kilauea Iki Trail, Crater Rim Drive, Hawaii 96785
Visit the historic 1959 eruption. Walk the trail along Pu'u Pua'i and learn about why this is called the Devastation Trail.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Volcano National Park, Hawaii
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.
Duration: 30 minutes
