Private Tour: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Eco Tour
Active
3h - 6h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Explore the worlds most active volcano with one of our professional, award winning guides - get away from the big bus and van tours and get out into the field to visit areas that few visitors get to see while visiting Hawai'i island!
No gift shops, no restaurants, no long drives around the island in a van to visit areas you can explore on your own. No gimmicks and no frills - all of our time is spent exploring the amazing active volcanoes of Hawai'i island! We offer only active, education based explorations that focus on topics such as Geology, native flora and fauna, and the amazing Hawaiian culture that still thrives on the volcano today.
Our tours are family friendly, easy to book and leave our guests with a deepened understanding of the science and the culture of Kīlauea. See the best of the volcano with several moderate walks throughout the day. Our National Park tours allow guests the convenience of using their own vehicle as opposed to a large bus or van.
Available options
6 Hour Private Tour
Private personal tour guide for 5-6 hours time in Volcanoes National Park. Choose a meeting time that works best for you!<br/>Private Tour<br/>Duration: 6 hours: Explore Kilauea from summit to sea! This private tour runs approximately 6 hours.<br/>Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
3 Hour Private Tour
Private personal tour guide for 3 hours time in Volcanoes National Park. Choose a meeting time that works best for you!<br/>Private Tour<br/>Duration: 3 hours: Explore the highlight areas of the volcano! This tour runs approximately 3 hours.<br/>Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
What's included
All taxes, fees and handling charges
Private tour
Professional guide
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Your private tour starts at the historic Volcano House hotel, located inside the National Park. Walk to the steam vents and sulphur banks to feel the heat of the volcano coming out of the ground. Walk thru the native rainforest to the devastation trail. Explore the Chain of Craters road to find volcanic landscapes of the past and rare rock formations.
2
Stop 2
Explore a 500 year old lava tube with detailed discussion on how lava tubes are formed and the features inside. Walk thru a old growth native forest to get to the tube!
3
Walk along the historic Halemaumau trail with one of our professional guides for excellent views of the summit caldrea! Along the way enjoy in-depth discussion on native plants, native birds, geology specific to Hawaii and the amazing Hawaiian culture that still thrives on the volcano today.
4
Explore the steam vents inside the National Park with one of our professional guides and feel the geothermal heat! Great photo opportunities!
5
Walk thru this unique area with one of our professional guides with in-depth discuss of geochemistry. And learn about the unique adaptations of native plants to resist the volcanic gases! This area is safe to explore due to low concentration of gas.
6
Stop 6
Hike the most popular trail in the National Park with a professional guide and discuss the 1959 eruption, which included the highest lava fountaining event in recorded history. This hike feels like walking on the moon!
7
Explore this unique area where the native rainforest was buried in volcanic debris in 1959. Find Peles tears, olivine crystals and other unique rock formations!
8
Stop 8
Explore the incredible Chain of Craters road with one of our professional guides! With stops like Lua Manu, discuss pit craters and their significance on Kilauea volcano.
9
The best location to see the active summit eruption when lava is visible! Get an up close look with your professional guides binoculars and/or spotting scopes.
10
If you prefer, take a quick stop at the Visitors Center for the chance to get some Hawaii Volcanoes National Park or a great local book on the volcano or Hawaiian culture. This is also where we pick up the Junior Ranger programs for our guests with younger children. Your guide will help your child complete the program and get an official Junior Ranger badge at the end of the tour!
11
Take a easy walk along the coastal areas of the volcano for a great photo of the Holei Sea Arch! Also, discuss native sea birds.
12
Check out this unique art gallery, and see the original Volcano House Hotel - the oldest hotel in the state!
What's not included
Food and drinks, unless specified
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Transportation to/from attractions
National Park Entrance Fee (USD $30/vehicle)
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
76 reviews
5★
74
4★
2
3★
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1★
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Tripadvisor
5.0
184 reviews
5★
182
4★
2
3★
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2★
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0
Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
A minimum of 1 person per booking is required
A maximum of 25 people per booking
Flexible departure time means that after creating your booking, you will have to contact the local operator to inform them of your preferred departure time. At this time you may also discuss your preferred tour itinerary with them
Summit eruption viewing dependent on current eruption conditions
Meeting point
It will be easy to find your guide a located inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Your guide will be standing at the covered area right outside the Volcano House Hotel, and you will be provided with your guides cell phone number as well. Text messaging is preferred.
Important notes
• Flexible departure time means that after creating your booking, you will have to contact the local operator to inform them of your preferred departure time. At this time you may also discuss your preferred tour itinerary with them.
About Big Island of Hawaii
The Big Island of Hawaii is the largest and youngest of the Hawaiian Islands, known for its diverse landscapes, including snow-capped mountains, active volcanoes, and lush rainforests. It offers a unique blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences.
Top Attractions
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
This national park is home to two active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa. It offers hiking trails, scenic drives, and the opportunity to witness volcanic activity up close.
Nature/Adventure
Full day
Moderate ($30 per vehicle)
Mauna Kea Summit
Mauna Kea is the highest point in Hawaii and offers stunning views, stargazing opportunities, and a unique alpine environment.
Nature/Adventure
Half day to full day
Free (but requires acclimatization)
Waipio Valley
Waipio Valley is a lush, scenic valley known for its taro farms, waterfalls, and black sand beach. It is also a significant cultural site for Native Hawaiians.
Nature/Cultural
Half day
Free (but parking fee applies)
Hapuna Beach State Park
Hapuna Beach is one of the largest white sand beaches on the Big Island, offering swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing opportunities.
Beach
Half day
Free (but parking fee applies)
Akaka Falls State Park
Akaka Falls is a stunning 442-foot waterfall surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. The park offers a scenic loop trail leading to the falls.
Nature
1-2 hours
Moderate ($5 per person)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Poke
A raw fish salad marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions, often served with rice.
Appetizer
Contains fish, can be made with various types of seafood
Loco Moco
A hearty dish consisting of white rice topped with a hamburger patty, a fried egg, and brown gravy.
Main Course
Contains beef, eggs, and gluten (from the gravy)
Shave Ice
Finely shaved ice flavored with syrups and often topped with sweetened condensed milk or ice cream.
Dessert
Vegetarian, can be made with various toppings
Kona Coffee
A premium coffee grown in the Kona region, known for its rich and smooth flavor.
Drink
Caffeinated, can be decaffeinated
Popular Activities
Hiking
Volcano exploration
Water sports
Beach lounging
Spa treatments
Scenic drives
Traditional Hawaiian luaus
Local markets
Best Time to Visit
April to June, September to October
This is the best time to visit the Big Island, with pleasant weather and fewer tourists. The ocean is warm, and the weather is generally dry and sunny.
21-30°C
70-86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: Hawaiian, Japanese, Tagalog
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time (HST, GMT-10:00)
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
The Big Island is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, visitors should be aware of natural hazards such as volcanic activity and ocean conditions.
Important Precautions:
- • Rent a car with full insurance coverage
- • Be cautious when purchasing souvenirs and tours, and research options in advance
- • Be aware of ocean conditions and currents when swimming and snorkeling
Getting there
By air
- Kona International Airport • 20 km from Kona
- Hilo International Airport • 10 km from Hilo
By bus
Hilo, Kona
Getting around
Public transport
The Hele-On Bus is the public bus system on the Big Island. It is affordable but has limited routes and schedules.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Kona
Hilo
Waimea
Day trips
Mauna Kea Summit
30 km from Waimea • Half day to full day
Mauna Kea is the highest point in Hawaii and offers stunning views, stargazing opportunities, and a unique alpine environment.
Waipio Valley
60 km from Hilo • Half day
Waipio Valley is a lush, scenic valley known for its taro farms, waterfalls, and black sand beach. It is also a significant cultural site for Native Hawaiians.
Hapuna Beach State Park
30 km from Waimea • Half day
Hapuna Beach is one of the largest white sand beaches on the Big Island, offering swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing opportunities.
Festivals
Merrie Monarch Festival • April
Kona Coffee Cultural Festival • November
Ironman World Championship • October
Pro tips
- Rent a car to explore the island at your own pace and access remote areas
- Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park early in the day to avoid crowds and see the best views
- Pack layers, as temperatures can vary significantly depending on the elevation and location
- Try local dishes like poke, loco moco, and shave ice for an authentic taste of the Big Island
- Respect the environment and local culture, and follow guidelines for visiting protected areas and sacred sites
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
