Adventure Collective
Evening Volcano Explorer: Waikoloa to Hilo Lava Tour - Hilo

Evening Volcano Explorer: Waikoloa to Hilo Lava Tour

Hilomoderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

3–4 hours

Fitness Level

Participants should be in moderate physical shape, able to handle uneven volcanic terrain and light to moderate hiking.

Overview

Discover glowing lava flows and volcanic landscapes on this private evening adventure near Hilo. Capture magical sunset photos and learn about Hawaii's volcanic wonders with expert guides.

Farm
Hiking
Photography Tour
Hilo, Hawaii

Evening Volcano Explorer - Waikoloa/Kohala Pick-Up

12 Hours • Hawaii's Ultimate Volcano National Park Experience • All ages!

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Adventure Photos

Evening Volcano Explorer - Waikoloa/Kohala Pick-Up photo 1

About This Adventure

Travel south into Kona coffee country for the first stop at Bay View Farm, a working 24 acre coffee farm nestled on the slopes of Mauna Loa Volcano just above beautiful Kealakekua Bay and known for the best Kona coffee since 1984.

Duration

12 Hours

About

Travel south into Kona coffee country for the first stop at Bay View Farm, a working 24 acre coffee farm nestled on the slopes of Mauna Loa Volcano just above beautiful Kealakekua Bay and known for the best Kona coffee since 1984. Here you’ll see coffee growing on the trees and learn about the various steps and processes in making coffee, all of which happen right here on the farm. You’ll sample 100% Kona Coffee at a gorgeous overlook with stunning views of Kealakekua Bay and the monument to Captain Cook standing on the only sliver of British land in the United States. The adventure continues as you head through the South Kona and Ka’u Districts. Stunning views, alternating between stark lava flows and Hawaiian dry forest, are visible through the huge picture windows of your tour vehicle. We stop briefly at Punalu’u Bake Shop, the southern most bakery in America. Offering the finest time-honored Hawaiian sweetbreads since 1991, the Bake Shop offers an array of breads and cookies. Shortly thereafter, you’ll arrive at picturesque Punalu’u Black Sand Beach. Lined with swaying coconut palm trees, this is one of the best black sand beaches on the island. Stroll along the beach and look for honu (Green Hawaiian Sea Turtles) feeding just offshore or sun-worshipping on the sand. Next travel to the crown jewel of the Big Island, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Visit the Kilauea Visitor’s Center, the Volcano Art Center, and famed Sulphur Banks. Take a hike out to Keanakako’i Crater and step over the sinkholes and cracks in the roads left behind the historic 2018 eruption here, then on to Mauna Ulu. One of the most culturally sensitive locations in the Park you will see a landscape at Mauna Ulu like no other on Earth. Photo ops abound here, and the closer you look the more unusual and striking shapes and fascinating colors you will see. Take a quick break at Volcano House, welcoming guests such as Mark Twain and Jack London to Kilauea since 1864. Enjoy the views or check out there gift shop. Lunch and Dinner are included.

Adventure Tips

Wear sturdy hiking shoes

Trails can be rugged and uneven, so proper footwear is important for safety and comfort.

Bring a flashlight or headlamp

Since this is an evening tour, additional lighting helps when hiking near lava flows after dark.

Stay hydrated

Carry water as volcanic terrain and Hawaiian warmth can quickly dehydrate you during the hike.

Follow your guide’s instructions

Lava fields can be hazardous; always stay on marked trails and listen to safety briefings.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Nēnē (Hawaiian goose)
  • Hawaiian green sea turtles

History

The volcanic lands of Hilo have been culturally significant to native Hawaiians, believed to be the home of Pele, the goddess of volcanoes.

Conservation

KapohoKine Adventures emphasizes minimizing impact by sticking to established trails and educating visitors on volcanic ecosystem preservation.

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Adventure Hotspots in Hilo

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Sturdy hiking boots

Essential

Provide grip and ankle support on rugged and rocky volcanic trails.

Headlamp or flashlight

Essential

Necessary for navigating safely as daylight fades during the evening tour.

Light rain jacket

Protects against unexpected Hawaiian showers common in spring and fall.

spring|fall specific

Camera with tripod

Ideal for capturing low-light lava glow and stunning volcanic landscapes.