About Hawaii Forest & Trail - Volcano Direct Hiking Adventure
There is a big difference between seeing Hawaii Volcanoes National Park from a lookout and actually walking through it. On this guided hike, you’ll spend up to 3 miles on the trail, moving through native forest, volcanic ground and areas shaped by centuries of eruptions.
Your naturalist guide builds the route around the day’s conditions, so no two outings have to feel exactly the same. You may walk across older lava flows, pass steam vents, explore a lava tube or take in crater views near Halema'uma'u, with quieter trails added when access and weather allow.
What makes the experience especially interesting is the story behind the scenery. As you hike, your guide explains the geology beneath your feet, points out native plants and wildlife, and shares Hawaiian cultural connections to the land, giving the park much more context than a quick drive-through visit.
Tour Highlights
- Guided hiking experience inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
- Up to 3 miles of walking through native forest and volcanic terrain
- Possible stops at lava tubes, steam vents, crater viewpoints and older lava flows
- Flexible route based on current park activity, weather and trail access
- Learn about geology, native plants, wildlife and Hawaiian culture along the way
Tour Inclusions
- Enjoy a fully-inclusive and immersive experience at the park, which includes all snacks, beverages, lunch and gear
- Lunch: Deli-style sandwich or gluten free salad - choice of turkey, ham, pastrami, or veggie; served with chips, cookies, filtered water refills, flavored sparkling water, green tea and Hawaiian juice drinks
Special Instructions
Meeting details, important notes and helpful information for your experience.
Where & When
Approximate tour time:
7:30 am - 5:30 pm
The exact departure time and location depends on where you are staying and will be emailed with your confirmation. Tour duration is about 10 hours roundtrip from Hawaii Forest & Trail Headquarters in Kailua-Kona. Travel time is approximately 4 hours from Waikoloa.
Tour departs from the following locations:
Tour departs at 7:30 am from Hawaii Forest & Trail Headquarters, 73-5593A Olowalu St., Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 View Map
Tour departs at 8:20 am from Queen's Marketplace, 69-201 Waikoloa Beach Dr, Waikoloa, HI 96738 (south side of the building near Snorkel Bob's) View Map
Tour departs at 8:30 am from Shops at Mauna Lani (front of Foodland Store) View Map
Tour departs at 9:50 am from Imiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo View Map
Restrictions
Minimum age: 6 years old
Participants must be able to hike a minimum of 3 miles (5 km) and be able to hike on uneven or rocky terrain. We sometimes encounter cool, wet, or muddy conditions.
Special Notes
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is an extremely dynamic volcanic area. Volcanic eruptions can start and stop with little warning. This tour cannot guarantee molten lava viewing, however, if there is an eruption occurring while we are in the Park, we will prioritize eruption viewing whenever it is safe and accessible.
Operation Days
Monday
Duration
10 hours
Capacity
12 participants
Equipment
Gear provided: trekking poles, flashlights, day packs, rain gear and bug repellent.
Vendor
This activity is operated by Hawaii Forest & Trail.
Questions about this activity?
We’re happy to help with your choices, booking details or an existing reservation.