Big Island: Volcanoes, Black Sand Beach & Kona Coffee Day Trip

Summary

See Kilauea’s power, taste Kona coffee, stroll black sands and hear island stories

You’ll crunch across black sand beaches where sea turtles nap, sip real Kona coffee on a working farm, watch steam drift from Kilauea’s caldera over lunch, and feel mist on your face at Rainbow Falls—all with stories from a local guide who seems to know every twist of Saddle Road. This isn’t just sightseeing; it’s feeling Hawaii under your feet.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect my shoes to crunch like that on Punaluʻu’s black sand. It’s not soft like I imagined—more like walking on ground-up lava, which I guess it is. Our guide David grinned when I bent down to scoop some up (don’t worry, I put it back), and pointed out a sea turtle dozing right there by the waterline. The whole place smelled faintly salty and a little earthy, with palm trees creaking overhead. We’d started the day in Kona with a stop at a tiny coffee farm—real 100% Kona coffee, not the touristy blend stuff. The owner poured us samples while telling stories about his grandfather hauling beans up these hills before sunrise. I still think about that first sip—nutty and weirdly sweet.

The drive up Saddle Road was nothing like what I pictured Hawaii to be. One minute we were in thick green forest, then suddenly it turned scrubby and dry with old lava flows stretching out forever. David explained how you can see four climates just by driving this one road—he even stopped so we could poke at some crunchy new ferns growing out of last year’s flow. There was this moment where mist rolled in so fast we couldn’t see anything except headlights ahead and our own breath in the air. Someone in the back joked about Jurassic Park; honestly, it kind of fit.

Lunch at Volcano House felt almost too fancy after all that dust—big windows looking straight into Kilauea’s caldera, which was quietly steaming under a gray sky. The food was good (I got poke because when in Hawaii…), but mostly I just stared out at that crater trying to imagine what it looked like during an eruption. Walking through Hawai‘i Volcanoes Park after, David kept tossing out facts about lava tubes and ancient trails—I probably forgot half of them already—but seeing steam vents up close made me feel small in a good way.

We finished at Rainbow Falls near Hilo. It was raining (of course), so no rainbow for us, just this roar of muddy water crashing over black rock. Still pretty wild though. On the drive back through Hilo town I watched locals wave from their porches and thought about how different life must feel here compared to Kona or Waikoloa—slower maybe, or just quieter. Anyway, if you’re thinking about a day trip from Kona to Volcanoes National Park with someone who actually knows the Big Island inside out…this one stuck with me more than I expected.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Volcanoes and Scenic Sights

• Visit Kona Coffee Farm
• See Punaluu Black Sand Beach
• Lunch at Rim Restaurant Volcano House
• Tour Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park
• Drive Saddle Road through climates
• Visit Rainbow Falls
• Drive through Historic Hilo town

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Kona to Volcanoes National Park?

The tour lasts a full day including stops at a Kona coffee farm, Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach, Volcanoes National Park, Rainbow Falls near Hilo, and return via Saddle Road.

Is lunch included on this Volcanoes National Park tour?

Yes, lunch is included at the Rim Restaurant overlooking Kilauea's caldera inside Volcano House.

Will we see sea turtles at Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach?

You may spot Hawaiian green sea turtles basking on the beach; sightings are common but not guaranteed.

What is special about Saddle Road on this tour?

Saddle Road crosses four climate zones and passes recent lava flows; guides point out geological features along the way.

Does this day trip include hotel pickup?

Yes, pickup is included from hotels in Kona or Waikoloa areas.

Are raincoats or umbrellas provided if it rains?

Yes, coats, raincoats and umbrellas are provided for guests as needed during the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Kona or Waikoloa, entry to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park with guided touring throughout the Chain of Craters Road, exclusive access and tasting at a 100% Kona coffee farm (with plenty of samples), snacks and drinks along the way—including water—and lunch overlooking Kilauea’s caldera before heading back via Saddle Road with stops for photos or quick walks as weather allows.