Big Island volcano tour from Kona: Kilauea and Hamakua Coast
See two volcanoes and the rainforest between them in one day
A small-group guided tour from Kona that covers the Big Island's volcanic landscape in a single day: the Hamakua Coast along Mauna Kea, Akaka Falls, and Kilauea volcano in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Hotel pickup, picnic lunch, bottled water and snacks are included; the tour runs eight to nine hours and holds a maximum of six people per group.
8h–9h
Step-by-step itinerary
Explore Big Island's rainforests and volcanoes
- Pickup from hotel
- Drive along Highway 19
- Pass through Waimea town
- Travel Hamakua Coast to Laupahoehoe
- Stop to view ocean pinnacles
- Visit Akaka Falls
- Have lunch
- Drive scenic backroads to Hilo
- Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
- View Kilauea summit caldera
- Drive Chain of Craters Road
- Explore lava flows
The Experience
The day starts with pickup from your Kona hotel and heads east across the island through Waimea toward the Hamakua Coast. Highway 19 traces the flank of Mauna Kea volcano, and the first stop is Laupahoehoe, where you see how the Pacific has carved the coastline into rugged pinnacles over time. From there the route winds through jungle roads to Akaka Falls, where you step out and look at the waterfall itself. Lunch is a picnic you eat along the way.
After lunch, the drive follows backroads through lush gorges and past ocean vistas toward Hilo and then south to Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. The second half of the day is spent at Kilauea: you stand at the rim of the summit caldera and look into it, then drive Chain of Craters Road through the east rift zone, passing lava flows both old and new. There is time to walk around and take in the landscape before the return to Kona.
The tour operates in all weather and holds a maximum of six people, which means the stops feel less crowded than larger groups. You can book it as a shared tour or as a private one; either way, a live English-speaking guide leads the day and the hotel pickup is included. Bring close-toed shoes and dress for changing conditions on the mountain.
What’s included
- Hotel or airport pickup and drop-off.
- picnic lunch.
- bottled water and snacks.
- transport by private vehicle.
- live English-speaking guide.
Operated by The Volcano Van Private Tours
Is this one for you?Book the shared tour if you want to meet other travelers and split the cost, or the private tour if you prefer the vehicle and guide to yourself — both versions cover the same route and include the same stops, so the choice is about who you travel with and the pace you set.
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Top questions
What is the Hamakua Coast and why does this tour stop there?
The Hamakua Coast runs along the eastern flank of Mauna Kea volcano and is known for its dramatic sea cliffs and waterfalls carved by the ocean over time. This tour stops at Laupahoehoe to show you how the Pacific has shaped the coastline into rugged pinnacles, and later visits Akaka Falls, a major waterfall in the same region.
Can I see lava flows on this tour?
Yes. At Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, you drive Chain of Craters Road through the east rift zone of Kilauea, where you pass both old and new lava flows. You also stand at the rim of Kilauea's summit caldera and look into it.
How long is the drive from Kona to the volcanoes?
The tour runs eight to nine hours total, including all stops, lunch and time at the park. The drive covers the full width of the Big Island, starting from Kona on the west side and ending at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park on the southeast side.
Is lunch included?
Yes, a picnic lunch is included, along with bottled water and snacks throughout the day. You eat along the route during the tour.
What is the group size on this tour?
The tour holds a maximum of six people per booking, whether you book it as a shared or private tour. A minimum of two people is required for a shared tour and one person for a private tour.
Do I need to be in good physical shape for this tour?
The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. Most of the day is spent in the vehicle or at viewpoints; you walk to Akaka Falls and around the volcanic landscape at Kilauea's summit and Chain of Craters Road, but there is no strenuous hiking required.
Big Island volcano tour from Kona: Kilauea and Hamakua Coast
8h–9h · EN · at your hotel
from US$ 247 per person
★★★★★★★★★★4.90277 reviewsVerified traveler reviews via our booking provider
