Big Island: Volcano & Waterfall Small Group Day Trip Kona

Summary

Volcanoes, waterfalls, rainforests—one wild Big Island road

You’ll ride from Kona into rainforests and along cliffsides where waterfalls crash down to sea rocks below. Walk jungle paths to Akaka Falls, eat lunch outdoors with island birds for company, then stand at Kilauea’s rim feeling ancient heat rise up through your shoes. This isn’t just sightseeing—it lingers long after you’re back.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the smell—wet earth and something sweet, like guava, drifting in through the van window as we left Kona behind. Our guide, Keahi, had this way of telling stories that made me forget I was on a tour. He pointed out old lava flows snaking down Mauna Kea’s side, black streaks against all that green. We stopped in Waimea for coffee (strong enough to wake up a tired horse, Keahi joked), and I watched locals chatting outside a bakery with those easy shakas—felt like we were let in on something real for a minute.

Laupahoehoe was wild—sharp rocks jutting into blue water, the kind of place you can hear before you see it. The wind whipped my hair around and I tasted salt every time I laughed. The drive along the Hamakua Coast felt endless but in a good way; every curve brought another view—a waterfall here, misty jungle there. At Akaka Falls, the air got cooler and everything dripped. My shoes squelched on the path but I didn’t care because that waterfall just roared down like it had somewhere to be. Lunch was simple—sandwiches and chips—but eaten under big leaves with birds yelling overhead. Somehow it tasted better than anything fancy.

Hilo slid by in flashes of color—fruit stands, murals, kids waving from bikes—and then suddenly we were winding up toward Kilauea. The ground changed under our feet: soft moss one minute, crunchy black rock the next. Standing at the edge of that caldera with steam rising up…honestly, it made me feel small in a good way. Keahi told us about Pele—the volcano goddess—and for a second I swear I felt the ground hum. We walked along Chain of Craters Road where new lava met old; it looked like frozen waves or chocolate gone wrong (don’t tell anyone I said that). There was this quiet between us all after—like everyone was thinking their own thing but connected somehow.

I still think about that view into Kilauea’s crater when things get noisy back home—you know? It’s not just what you see out here on the Big Island day trip from Kona; it’s what sticks with you after.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Big Island's rainforests and volcanoes

• Pickup from hotel in Kona
• Drive along Highway 19 to Waimea
• Travel Hamakua Coast to Laupahoehoe
• View Pacific Ocean pinnacles at Laupahoehoe
• Visit Akaka Falls waterfall
• Lunch break
• Drive scenic backroads toward Hilo
• Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
• View Kilauea summit caldera
• Drive Chain of Craters Road
• Explore old and new lava flows

Top questions

How long is the Big Island volcano day trip from Kona?

The tour lasts approximately one full day with pickup and drop-off included.

Is lunch included on this Big Island volcano tour?

Yes, a picnic lunch plus bottled water and snacks are provided during the tour.

Does this tour include Akaka Falls?

Yes, there is a stop at Akaka Falls as part of the itinerary.

Are hotel pickups available in Kona?

Yes, hotel or airport pickup and drop-off are included from Kona.

How many people are on this small group tour?

The maximum group size is 6 people per booking.

Is this Big Island day trip suitable for children?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are allowed and infant seats are available.

What should I wear for this volcano adventure?

Dress appropriately for changing weather; close-toed shoes are recommended as conditions vary.

Does the tour operate in bad weather?

The tour runs in all weather conditions unless otherwise advised; bring suitable clothing.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel or airport pickup and drop-off from Kona, private vehicle transport throughout rainforest roads and volcanic landscapes, entry to all sites including Akaka Falls and Kilauea areas, a picnic lunch with snacks and bottled water enjoyed outdoors (sometimes with curious birds nearby), plus all necessary safety gear for families traveling with little ones before returning home as evening settles over the island.