Evening Volcano Explorer in Hilo, HI

Grand Naniloa DoubleTree by Hilton LobbyHilo, HI 96720
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Overview

Explore the natural beauty of Hawaii’s volcanoes with a sunset background in this epic hiking adventure. Offered by KapohoKine Adventures, your narrated tour includes stops at recent lava flows, a lava viewing area in Kalapana, and the historic Painted Church. Next, discover the wonder of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, enjoy dinner, and watch the sunset in the park before heading back to Hilo.

Description

The original "volcano lovers’ tour." Start with a drive through quaint Hilo town where you’ll drive along the historic waterfront before heading out to the old fishing village of Kalapana. Your National Park Service certified guide will discuss the volcanology, geology, and history of Kilauea volcano, as well as provide in-depth narration on the various lava flows and flora and fauna that you’ll be passing by. Kalapana was destroyed by lava, as was the adjacent beach, Kaimu.

Hike out across the lava flow to the new black sand beach. Stop by Star of the Sea Painted Church. Moved twice by the community to save it from advancing lava flows in 1990, this decommissioned church is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Next, travel to the crown jewel of Hawaii, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Visit the Kilauea Visitor’s Center, the Kilauea Iki Crater Overlook, and Steaming Bluffs. Stop in at the famous Volcano House for incredible views of Kilauea Caldera and hike to the cracks and sinkholes in the paved roads left behind by the historic eruption of 2018. A picnic deli-style is included.

Evening Volcano Explorer (Hilo) Reviews

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hrjohns1
"Secrets of Puna with NCL"
TripAdvisor user rating 5.0 out of 5
Reviewed July 15, 2024
Would definitely recommend the Secrets of Puna Tour! Was able to see some beautiful scenery including lava fields, a black sand beach, beautiful cliffs and several sea turtles! Our guide was Marcus and he was FANTASTIC!!!! He was super friendly and very accommodating. He didn't rush us at all and made the trip very enjoyable...he was just go with the flow! Would definitely ensure you wear closed toe shoes as they're required and just know that "real" bathrooms aren't available often and the porta potties didn't always have toilet paper so you may want to bring some with you. BUT don't let that deter you...this was one of the best tours of the week! Make sure you get Marcus as your guide!
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jkosfeld
Minnetonka, Minnesota
"Hawaii tour"
TripAdvisor user rating 5.0 out of 5
Reviewed February 08, 2024
It was an excellent experience, The tour guide was friendly and very knowledgeable about the island.
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248jbc
"Amazing tour, entertaining and educational "
TripAdvisor user rating 5.0 out of 5
Reviewed January 03, 2024
Ok, so Ray is a wealth of information, and Sam is just as informative. We did a Captain Cook snorkeling and Coffee tour in Kona, Hawaii, and my wife was the happiest I’ve seen her. I am here to say Wow, she and I will do it again.
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iowacityia
"Sunday, December 3rd day tour."
TripAdvisor user rating 5.0 out of 5
Reviewed December 13, 2023
My wife and I took this van day tour as a Holland America cruise excursion. The title of the excursion was Hawaii Volcanoes National Park & Waterfall Explorer. We were picked up from the cruise terminal. Greeted by Hunter, he would be our driver, and our tour guide. Let me tell you right away that Hunter was great! Both as a driver, and especially as a tour guide. He is a pro. A great speaker. We thoroughly enjoyed our time with him. Our van tour started with an informative drive through Hilo. We did visit a couple of wonderful waterfalls, then Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Including the crater, steam vents, the visitors center, and then the lava tube. While by the crater we stopped for a nice picnic lunch. I think this ended up being around a 6-7hr tour. It went fast. This was our last excursion while visiting the Hawaiian islands on this cruise. And our last tour ended up being our best. Hunter did a great job. I would certainly do this tour again.
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Loritravels11
Grants Pass, Oregon
"A Fabulous Day in Hilo!!"
TripAdvisor user rating 5.0 out of 5
Reviewed November 10, 2023
I booked the Waterfalls and Volcano National Park Tour through Princess Cruises. We docked in Hilo at 8:00 and met our tour guide, Victor, in the terminal at 8:20. There were 12 of us in a modern van. Victor was so warm and personable, and made us all feel instantly comfortable! We spent over 7 hours touring different waterfalls and looking at the volcanos. He made the history of Hilo come to life! I learned so much! We had lunch in the afternoon, plenty of bathroom breaks, and an opportunity to pick up some souvenirs. The tour itinerary was good……but Victor was fabulous!!! I highly recommend any tour that he is leading!!
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cherylgJ3966DD
"Secrets of Puna"
TripAdvisor user rating 2.0 out of 5
Reviewed October 19, 2023
Secrets of Puna sounded like a wonderful excursion offered by our cruise. The trip started out wonderfully, with a few stops showing areas of past lava flow along the coastline. The second half of the trip was supposed to give us the availability of snorkeling and shopping. Well, we had 45 minutes at the hotel where the tour agency was located where snorkling was off a boat dock and shopping was at the hotel gift shop. Courtney, our tour guide, did a good job, but most tourists don't ay good money to go to a hotel gift shop.
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Magsonthemove
Orlando, Florida
"Look elsewhere, they don’t want your money."
TripAdvisor user rating 1.0 out of 5
Reviewed October 18, 2023
We stayed at the Grand Naniloa and attempted to rent kayaks every day of our stay. Every day we were told that we couldn’t due to “staffing issues” and to come back after 10am on Wednesday. We even checked on Tuesday to see if we needed to make reservations for Wednesday (the last day of our trip) and were assured that we didn’t need reservations just show up “anytime after 10am”. We showed up at 12:30 and were told we couldn’t rent a kayak even though there were 3 people at the desk because the one man that told us to come “anytime after 10” was going home soon. It would have been really helpful if he had said “anytime after 10am” meant 10-12pm. TLDR- even after asking everyday we still missed the 2 hour window they were willing to rent kayaks during the week. No one there could have cared any less that they’d given us the run around all week. Truly horrible service. Hilo ocean adventures is just down the road and the staff is actually nice and willing to do their jobs. Stop there first, I wish I had.
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Evening Volcano Explorer (Hilo) is located at Grand Naniloa DoubleTree by Hilton LobbyHilo, HI 96720
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Frequently Asked Questions about Evening Volcano Explorer (Hilo)

Will I see molten lava during this tour?

Due to the sporadic and sudden nature of molten lava, they cannot guarantee lava sightings.

What should I wear for the tour?

Guests must wear sturdy hiking shoes in order to participate in the Evening Volcano Explorer tour. Flip flops, sandals, and slippers are not permitted on the tour. A light jacket, sunglasses, and hat are recommended. Guests should wear weather and activity appropriate clothing.

How long is the tour?

The tour is approximately 6-7 hours long from beginning to end.

Should I eat before the tour?

A picnic lunch and dinner is included in your tour price and experience.

Will the tour operate in the case of rain?

Yes. Tours operate rain or shine.

What health restrictions are in place?

Guests must be able to navigate stairs, walk for 20 minutes unassisted, stand without assistance, and walk on uneven terrain.

Are there other tour restrictions I should know about?

Yes. The following tour restrictions and regulations apply: - State law requires child safety seats for all guests under 4 years of age. - Booster seats required for all guests between ages 4 and 7 and under 4 feet 9 inches tall and 80 pounds weight. - Guests under the age of 18 MUST be accompanied by an adult. - Volcanic emissions, including sulfur gas, may affect those with respiratory concerns. - Participants should be prepared for immediate evacuation in accordance with directions given by County, State and/or Federal officials. They are able to provide booster and safety seats for children who require them if given advance notice. Please note your request for a booster and/or safety seat when making your reservation.

What should I bring on the tour?

Guests must bring and present a government-issued ID. If desired, guests may bring a video camera/camera.

What is included in my tour?

The following items are included in your tour experience: - Military-grade LED flashlights - Umbrellas - Walking sticks - Camera tripod to share - Mosquito repellant - Sunblock - Snacks and beverages (water, juice, soda) all day - Picnic lunch at the Kona coffee farm and dinner at Volcano Winery (dietary requirements and restrictions accommodated on request with advance notice) - All entrance fees - Access to private locations

I have a food allergy or dietary restriction. Can this be accommodated?

Yes. Given advance notice, all food allergies and dietary restrictions can be accommodated. Please note this request when making your reservation.