Elite Volcano Hike From Hilo

Overview

Elite Volcano Hike
Hike down into Kilauea Caldera on the 2 mile Halema’uma’u Trail, and visit aftermath of the historic 2018 eruption along Kilauea’s coastline. Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park including Kilauea Visitor Center, Sulphur Banks, the Kilauea Iki Overlook, Volcano House and more. Small-group tour deli-style lunch and dinner included.

City: Hilo

Thu 03 Apr

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $275.28

Make a reservation

Thu 03 Apr

Starting at $275.28

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Bottled water

Lunch

Dinner

Additional Info

Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness

What To Expect

Kaumana Caves Park

Our first stop is 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.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

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.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveler Photos

Reviews (17)

CavuF

Mar 2025

Our guide, Roxy, was so knowledgeable and enthusiastic! We were fascinated with the volcanoes and as we learned more we kept saying…”oh…look at this rock!”…..”ooohhh…this one is better..look!” Seriously, Roxy gives you her enthusiasm and energy and before long you are caught up in it! We loved every aspect of the tour. Take your time and immerse yourself in this amazing environment. The experience was very professional and safe. The Ford Transit van was comfortable and easy to enter and exit. The food was good; picnic sandwiches and salads (you have a wide variety to choose from) and dinner at Lava Rocks Cafe was really, really good. We especially enjoyed walking out the old road to the viewing location for the active crater. We could see so much better than from the upper road! Awesome! Roxy was knowledgeable about all aspects of the environment: geology, birds, plants, and the entire ecosystem. She paced our experience well.

David K

Nov 2024

We were met at the port of Hilo from our cruise ship, The Pride of America by Victor. There were only 8 in our group, so it was very easy to interact with all of them and Victor. We left the port and our first stop was Rainbow Falls, just out of town. Hilo had eleven inches of rain the night before, which meant the falls were very beautiful and created the rainbow effect, as the name suggests. After this, we set off for the 45 minute journey up to Kilauea. On the way Victor kept us entertained with many interesting facts about the big island of Hawaii and its volcanos. We arrived at the visitor centre and then prepared for our hike. Victor checked that we all felt we were up to the physical challenge and ensured we had adequate water and rain jackets (didn’t need them). The hike is 3.5/4 miles around the crater rim and then down in to the crater, so there is a steep descent and ascent, which will be challenging for some, but fortunately not a problem for our group. The views from the top are spectacular and it feels unworldly on the surface of the crater, walking on fresh volcanic lava. The volcano stopped erupting in September 2024, but there are still many active steam vents, which you get close enough to, to feel the heat. Not sure if I am disappointed I missed this or not, but there was a 4.8 magnitude earthquake there just a few hours before we arrived! All in all, a great day out visiting one of the world’s most famous volcanoes, the day made more enjoyable but the excellent guide, Victor. Thanks again and would definitely recommend.

chu_c

Jul 2024

When i landed the volcano and saw amazing views and plants, it was really worthy to hike here!!! very nice guide and very great experience ever!