UPDATED 2021: Description of activity subject to change without notice due to new limitations and updated capacities. Thank you.

Schedule:

• Availability: Wednesday and Saturday
• Tour Time: 8:00 AM
• Duration: 13 hours

Kohala, Hawaii Volcano Hike
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.

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, before taking a quick drive through quaint Hilo town where you’ll drive along the historic waterfront before stopping at KapohoKine Adventures store to pick up supplies. You’re headed to Mackenzie State Recreation Area next located along the Puna Coast, location of the historic eruption of 2018. The highway here was closed by the marching 40 foot tall wall of crumbly a’a lava as it continued to the sea.

Take a hike along the now-closed highway, and then follow the lava flow through the pine forest to the altered coastline and cliffs overlooking the new black sand beach. Isaac Hale Beach Park is next. Lava floes encircled this popular Park miraculously sparing the infrastructure while completely destroying everything around it. Be sure to check out the boat launch ramp, now sitting in a pond cut off from the ocean by a natural berm of lava. Don’t forget to look for steam still rising from the cooling lava as you drive across it, along with the infamous “Fissure 8” erupting in the heart of Lelani Estates subdivision. Picnic-style lunch is served here at the Park weather permitting.

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.

Includes:

• Deli-style picnic
• Dinner
• Round-trip transportation from the Kohala area.

Restrictions/Requirements:

• Participants must be at least 5 years old.
• Tour runs rain or shine.
• All participants must complete electronic waivers prior to participation.

Special Notes:

• Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the scheduled pick-up time.
• The order of the itinerary may change.
• A booster seat or car seat depending on size and weight of the child will be provided.

Menu:

Lunch Options:

• Ham Sandwich: Ham, Lettuce, Sprouts, American Cheese, Mayonnaise on Whole Wheat Bread
• Turkey Sandwich: Turkey, Lettuce, Sprouts, American Cheese, Mayonnaise on Whole Wheat Bread
• Club Sandwich: Turkey, Ham, Lettuce, Sprouts, American Cheese, Mayonnaise on Whole Wheat Bread
• Chicken Sandwich: Chicken w/Mayo, Lettuce, Sprouts, American Cheese, Mayonnaise on Whole Wheat Bread
• Veggie Sandwich
• Ham Salad: Ham, Lettuce, Tomato, Carrots & Shredded Cheese with Ranch Dressing
• Turkey Salad: Turkey, Lettuce, Tomato, Carrots & Shredded Cheese with Ranch Dressing
• Club Salad: Turkey, Ham, Lettuce, Tomato, Carrots & Shredded Cheese with Ranch Dressing
• Chicken Salad: Chicken w/Mayo, Lettuce, Tomato, Carrots & Shredded Cheese with Ranch Dressing
• Tuna Salad: Tuna w/Mayo, Lettuce, Tomato, Carrots & Shredded Cheese with Ranch Dressing
• Veggie Salad

Dinner Options:*

• Veggie Wrap & Fries: Guacamole, Cucumber, Bell Peppers, Lettuce, Tomato, onion, sprouts in an herb tortilla
• Chinese Chicken Salad: Tossed greens and fresh veggies with seasoned chicken and chow Mein noodles served with house dressing: Creamy Oriental
• Quarter Pounder Burger & Fries: Local Grass-fed quarter lb beef patty Served on a toasted sesame bun with lettuce, tomato & onion
• Loco Moco: Local Grass-fed beef patty Served on a bed of rice topped with an over easy egg smothered in brown gravy
• Kalua Pork Plate: Hawaiian Style Pulled Pork served with white rice and potato/mac salad

*Menu Options Include water, iced tea, or coffee

• Kohala – 8:45 AM
• Kaumana Caves – 10:00 – 10:30 AM
• Hilo – 10:45 AM (pick up guests and/or lunch)
• Mackenzie – 11:45 AM – 1:10 PM (lunch)
• Painted Church – 1:30 PM  – 1:50 PM
• Hawaii Volcanoes National Park – 2:50 PM – 4:50 PM (Kilauea Visitor’s Center, the Kilauea Iki Crater
• Overlook, Mauna Ulu, Keanakakoi, Volcano House, Steam)
• Winery – 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM (dinner)
• Hawaii Volcanoes National Park – (whatever is left) 6:10 PM – 7:00 PM
• Hilo – 7:45 PM
• Kohala – 9:15 PM (9:00 PM if no Hilo)

The order of the itinerary may change.