Evening Volcano Explorer from Waikoloa & Kohala
What your day looks like
Make Kilauea Volcano and Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park your destination and stay past sunset! This is a fully narrated adventure starting at a world famous Kona coffee farm where a deli-style lunch is served. Next, visit the famous Punaluu black sand beach and look for giant sea turtles before arriving at the Park. Your trained, park ranger guide reveals the highlights of the Park, from active volcanic craters and steam vents to the historic Jaggar Museum. Return to the Park and watch for current volcanic activity as the sun sets before returning to Waikoloa/Kohala. What to Expect Moderate air temperatures at sea level with cooler temperatures at higher elevations on the drive from Kona; occasional rain showers; strenuous hike across uneven and steep, rocky terrain including black lava rock. Red molten lava may not be seen and cannot be guaranteed. Volcanic activity changes constantly and cannot be guaranteed.
The experience, in brief
- Enjoy a tour into Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and stay past sunset!
- Start at the famous Kona coffee farm and enjoy a deli style lunch
- Visit Punaluu black sand beach and look for giant sea turtles
Your day, step by step
Waikoloa Village
Eco Tour at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
What to know before booking
Included
Military-grade LED flashlights, umbrellas, walking sticks, camera tripod to share, mosquito repellant, sunblock, all entrance fees and access to private locations
What to Bring
Video and/or still cameras Government issued ID Comfortable clothes, shorts are fine, light jacket or sweater Sunglasses and hat Comfortable closed-toe shoes are required (sandals and flip-flops or “slippahs” will not be accepted)
Restrictions
Comfortable closed-toe shoes are required (sandals and flip-flops or “slippahs” will not be accepted) Guests should be able to negotiate stairs and walk for 20 minutes unassisted. 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. All ages can be accommodated with the following restrictions: State law requires child safety seats for all guests under 4 years of age (we’re happy to supply seats at no charge with advance notice). Booster seats required for all guests between ages 4 and 7 and under 4 feet 9 inches tall and 80 pounds weight (we’re happy to supply seats at no charge with advance notice). Guests under the age of 18 MUST be accompanied by an adult.
Meeting & Pickup
We offer pickups at most centrally located Waikoloa and Kohala hotels.
Languages Offered
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Planning Notes
Hotel pickup offered: Yes Confirmation: Automatic
What travelers are saying
I’m having a hard time with this review because we honestly had a great time. We felt all of the stops were fun and interesting, and our guide was knowledgeable and friendly. The issue won’t the trip boils down to two things. This first is that we were given a “free” hour at the volcanos national park visitors center, but it was closed. We were told to go to the art gallery which was closed, then to the volcano house which was completely booked and wouldn’t let us in anywhere except one gift shop. The other issue is that we specifically booked this excursion because we were very excited to eat at the volcano winery. That is honestly the thing that pushed us over the edge to choose this instead of other excursions. This portion of the tour was cancelled the day before and replaced with deli sandwiches from a grocery store. I know that things change, but replacing a winery dinner and tour with deli sandwiches is not comparable. I’m conclusion, this was a great trip but not as advertised.
I have given the tour 3 stars as the guide worked a very long day to ensure we saw as much as possible and was extremely knowledgeable about Hawaii, the culture, the geology and the plants and animals. However, the description on the Project Expedition site was very far from what was being offered: 1. Stay past sunset at the Volcanoes national park - this is only offered IF there is active lava, which of course is not guaranteed 2. Deli style lunch at the Kona coffee farm - substitute sandwiches from Safeway 3. Dinner at the Volcano Winery - substitute more sandwiches from Safeway 4. Private vineyard and tea orchard tour with wine tasting - we did not visit a winery I want to stress that this was NOT the fault of the local tour provider as they told us that they had tried to have the description amended as they simply cannot offer some of the elements due to COVID restrictions.