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Nāhuku - Thurston Lava Tube, Island of HawaiiHiking

Our most recommended Nāhuku - Thurston Lava Tube, Island of Hawaii Hiking

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Self-Guided Driving Tour

1. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Self-Guided Driving Tour

Start by downloading the Action Tour Guide app, which will function as your personal guide, audio tour, and map all in one. Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together! Note: This 25+ mile-long tour covers the essentials of Hawaii Volcanoes in 3-6 hours. Once you’ve downloaded the tour, your journey begins at the entrance station to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. From there, you’ll head to the Visitor Center and have an option to hike the popular Sulfur Banks Trail. Then, you’ll pass steam vents where water is constantly boiling beneath the earth’s surface, before continuing on to Kilauea Overlook. This astonishing vista looks out across the massive Kilauea Crater, and it’s one you won’t want to miss! Next up is Kilauea Iki Trail, which actually goes through a volcanic crater that was once filled with lava! Then there’s the Thurston Lava Tube, offering an underground experience you won’t soon forget. As you drive toward Puʻupuaʻi Overlook, you’ll hear about how volcanoes actually created the Hawaiian islands. Then you’ll pass a string of remarkable craters left over from past eruptions. On your way to the Pu’u Huluhulu Trail, next, you’ll hear about the goddess Pele and her mysterious hair, which can be found across the park. Then you’ll find out how that national park was created in the first place. After that, you’ll reach Mauna Ulu Lookout, offering views of the aftermath of a five year long eruption! Then you’ll visit a spot overlooking the site where a village once stood… before disaster after disaster erased it. Continuing on, you’ll learn to identify different kinds of lava, find out how certain plants survive in this inhospitable climate, and hear the dramatic true story behind the “day of falling sands.” Next, you’ll hear an ancient Hawaiian legend and stop by Alanui Kahiko Overlook, offering views of where the Chain of Craters Road was before being destroyed by a lava flow. Then you’ll reach the Pu’uloa Petroglyphs, authentic rock carvings dating back hundreds of years! Finally, you’ll arrive at the Hōlei Sea Arch, a magnificent sight that may not last very much longer. Your tour concludes here.

Kilauea: Volcanoes National Park Guided Hike

2. Kilauea: Volcanoes National Park Guided Hike

Take a journey of discovery and witness the awe-inspiring power of nature on an afternoon hike in Volcanoes National Park. Join me as I guide you on a 4 mile loop adventure through Hawaiian native forests and around a hardened lava lake. As the sun sets, watch in awe as the lava lake glows with an otherworldly beauty. Relax in the serene surroundings of this special place and take in all the sights and sounds of one of Hawaii’s most spectacular national parks. With my experienced guidance, you’ll have a unique opportunity to explore and appreciate this majestic environment. So don’t miss out – book your afternoon hike today! The hike will end at the Volcano hose restaurant and bar, guests are encouraged to book a relaxing meal at Volcano House restaurant and bar. If interested I will supply you with all information upon booking. Lava viewing is subject to weather and Kilauea volcano.

Big Island: Volcanoes National Park Group or Private Hike

3. Big Island: Volcanoes National Park Group or Private Hike

See it all on a group or private hike in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, uncovering its natural wonders. Journey with your expert guide through native Hawaiian forests and the Kilauea Iki Crater to an active caldera, then travel into the center of the earth to explore Thurston Lava Tube. Start your trek at the Kilauea Visitor Center where you'll meet your friendly guide and get ready for your adventure. Venture into the lush rainforests and experience incredible views over the solidified lava lake in Kilauea Iki Crater. Weave your way between a field of steam vents and into a native Hawaiian forest to reach the caldera of a volcano. Observe the gigantic volcanic walls and feel the heat close against your skin. Finish your hike in style as you delve into the iconic Thurston Lava Tube, a stretching, subterranean cave formed by ancient flowing lava. Feel the wonder of one of the park's most popular attractions before heading back to the visitor center.

Big Island: Private Volcano Tour - Volcanoes Nat'l Park

4. Big Island: Private Volcano Tour - Volcanoes Nat'l Park

We begin by meeting at the Kilauea Visitor Center at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Following a brief introduction, we climb into our 4-door, Ford F150 pickup truck (looks real cool) and head towards the summit of Kilauea. It's a short walk from the parking lot to the overlook where you will see Halem'uma'u Crater that completely changed during the historic 2018 three month event. We will then take a short drive to experience the non toxic, non smelly steam vents. Next up is Nahuku (Thurston) Lava Tube, which is always a favorite that visitors will enjoy. If the volcano is active and producing lava we will be able to walk to an overlook to see the action from about a mile away. I bring a scope and tripod that allows us to see the action close-up. Please note: the walk to the overlook is about 1 mile (1.6 kilometer), one way. Back in the truck, we begin exploring Chain of Craters Road with a few stops to explore past lava flows. Let me show you the beauty of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park!

Private - All Inclusive Volcanoes and Waterfalls Tour

5. Private - All Inclusive Volcanoes and Waterfalls Tour

Following pick up at your place of lodging, we travel over Saddle Road between two of the largest volcanoes on Earth, Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, to the lush east coast of the Big Island. Our first stop is at the iconic Wailuku River State Park and we will take in the majestic beauty of Rainbow Falls. From there, we will continue to Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and an International Biosphere Reserve, this iconic park encompasses the summit of two of the world’s most active volcanoes and extends from sea level up to the summit of Mauna Loa at 13,677 feet. It’s home to critically endangered wildlife and some of the most unique geological, biological, and cultural landscapes on earth. Upon entering the park, enjoy a walk along the rim of Halema‘uma‘u Crater for unique views of the current eruption. Also, we will stop and see the natural steam vents at Wahinekapu. From there we will travel down the Chain of Craters road to the Thurston lava tube. Experience this massive lava tube which is 600 feet long and over 20 feet tall in some places. Depending on what your group would like to do and see, additional stops in the Park can include Ha'akulamanu (Sulfur Banks), Mauanulu lava fields, Pauahi Crater, Holei Sea Arch, and Pu'uloa petroglyph field. At sunset, hike out to the best lava viewing location along the rim of Halema’uma’u crater to witness the active eruption as the sun goes down and gets dark. Following our night lava viewing, sit and relax for dinner in the town of Volcano before departing back to your place of lodging feeling happy, full, and filled with exciting new memories.

Private - All Inclusive Big Island Circle Tour

6. Private - All Inclusive Big Island Circle Tour

Discover the beauty and grace of the Big Island of Hawaii on a private tour. Explore some of the island's most unique and idyllic locations, including the Kona coast, Punalu'u Black Sand Beach, Hilo's iconic waterfalls, and the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Sit back and relax as all meals and drinks (excluding alcoholic ones) are included throughout your day. Make your way to your first stop: the South Kona Coffee Farm for a tour and coffee sampling. Travel south along the striking Kona coast and absorb the breathtaking views of lush vegetation and coastline. Listen to your guide describe the cultural history of the area as well as the local flora and fauna. Then, visit the southernmost bakery in the United States, Punalu‘u Bakery. World renown for their sweet bread, malasadas, and other delicious treats. Enjoy a malasada and a coffee or tea. Continue your tour to one of the prettiest black sand beaches in all of the Hawaiian Islands, Punalu‘u Black Sand Beach. Relax with black sand between your toes while listening to the wind move through the palms. Keep a look out for green and hawksbill sea turtles that frequent the beach. Next, make your way to the the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve. This iconic park encompasses the summit of two of the world’s most active volcanoes and extends from sea level up to the summit of Mauna Loa at 13,677 feet. Explore the main attractions in the park including the Thurston Lava Tube, Chain of Craters Road, and a nature walk along the Halema‘uma‘u Crater. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the beauty of the park before embarking on the next leg of your adventure. From the park, venture up to Hilo to visit the picturesque Rainbow Falls and Akaka Falls State Park. Both waterfalls are a sight to behold. Beautiful falls combined with lush vegetation make these stops photo-worthy. Then, drive along the 50-mile stretch of the Hamakua Coast with its hidden waterfalls, tropical rainforest, and lush green valleys. Described as one of the most beautiful locations in the state, it’s well worth the scenic drive. Arrive at Waipio Valley in the late afternoon. Enjoy the sprawling views as your guide explains the rich history of the area. Continue your ride to marvel at the bright sunset views of Waimea. To get there, travel through Paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) country and take in this historic area with its rolling, green pastures, the home to cattle, cowboys, and one of the largest cattle ranches in the United States; Parker Ranch. Enjoy a local and authentic dinner in Waimea where surf and turf is a definite menu staple, before returning to your hotel.

Private - All-Inclusive Volcanoes National Park Tour

7. Private - All-Inclusive Volcanoes National Park Tour

Set off on a customizable adventure tour with hotel pickup. Meet your private guide and drive along the beautiful Kona coast to stop first at the famous Punalu‘u Bakery. See Punalu‘u Black Sand Beach before entering one of the most unique geological, biological and cultural landscapes on earth, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Following hotel pickup, travel south along the Kona coast and take in breathtaking views of lush vegetation and pristine coastline. Listen to your guide describe the cultural history of the area as well as the local flora and fauna. Arrive at the southernmost bakery in the United States. Punalu‘u Bakery is world-renown for its sweet bread, malasadas (Portuguese fried dough), and other delicious treats. Enjoy a complimentary coffee or tea and choose a malasada before heading on to explore the most beautiful black sand beach on the island, Punalu‘u. Enjoy the relaxing feeling of black sand under your toes while listening to the wind move through the palms and across the water. Your guide will keep a lookout for green sea turtles and endangered hawksbill sea turtles that frequent the beach. The iconic Hawaii Volcanoes National Park encompasses the summit of 2 of the world’s most active volcanoes and extends from sea level up to the summit of Mauna Loa at 13,677 feet. You’ll spend the majority of your tour in the park taking in all the natural wonders. Explore the main attractions in the park including the Thurston Lava Tube, Wahinekapu Steam Bluff, and marvel at the incredible views of the current eruption inside Halema‘uma‘u Crater. Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by the beauty of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Listen to guided interpretation throughout the day as you learn all about the park’s natural wonders, endemic wildlife and rich cultural history.

Frequently asked questions about Nāhuku - Thurston Lava Tube, Island of Hawaii Hiking

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What people are saying about Nāhuku - Thurston Lava Tube, Island of Hawaii

Had a great experience, hiked down in to the volcano caldera!! Jennifer, our guide very knowledgable. Provided a variety of information about the kieleau volcano, its eruption history, its affect on the island of Hawaii, local plants and trees. Good sennic views on the trails we walked. Great tour!! Greg

This was a really good tour. Our guide, Jennifer, was very knowledgeable, friendly and was attentive to our condition. It was hot and this is quite a workout. She made sure we hydrated and would frequently ask if we needed a break. It seemed like we were walking on the moon. It was so cool!

Jennifer was responsive prior to the event, and was experienced as a guide. She also provided a lot of good history about the volcano and their history, as well as suggestions for other activities in the area.

This was an incredible experience. Our tour guide, Shawn, was informative of the island's history and landscape and could not have been more accommodating. I highly recommend this trip

Much seen and many explanations by Shawn. Everything as we wanted it