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Kilauea Visitor Center

Kilauea Visitor Center: Our most recommended tours and activities

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: Evening Volcano Explorer from Hilo

3. Big Island: Evening Volcano Explorer from Hilo

Start with a drive through quaint Hilo town where you’ll drive along the historic waterfront before heading out to the old fishing village of Kalapana. Your National Park Service certified guide will discuss the volcanology, geology, and history of Kilauea Volcano, as well as providing in-depth narration on the various lava flows and flora and fauna that you’ll be passing by.  Hike out across the lava flow to the new black sand beach. Stop by Star of the Sea Painted Church, moved by the community twice to save it from advancing lava flows in 1990, this decommissioned church is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Next travel to the crown jewel of Hawaii, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. V isit the Kilauea Visitor’s Center, the Kilauea Iki Crater Overlook, and Steaming Bluffs. Stop in at the famous Volcano House for incredible views of Kilauea Caldera, and hike to the cracks and sinkholes in the paved roads left behind by the historic eruption of 2018.

Big Island: Volcanoes National Park Group or Private Hike

4. 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.

Ultimate Circle Island Explorer From Kona with Lunch

5. Ultimate Circle Island Explorer From Kona with Lunch

Start your action-packed day of discovery on the Big Island by visiting some of its most popular and spectacular landmarks. During your guided tour of the Island you will visit landmarks such as the Kona coffee farm, including a private tasting and tour, a Black Sand beach for turtle viewing, the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Big Island Candies, Akaka Falls, and the Waipio Valley Overlook. Next, travel to the crown jewel of Hawaii, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Visit the Kilauea Visitor’s Center, the Kilauea Iki Crater Overlook, and Steaming Bluffs. Take a walk through the famous Volcano House to view the smoking and steaming Kilauea Caldera. Dropping down into the lush eastern side of Kilauea Volcano your next stop is Big Island Candies. Founded in 1977, Big Island Candies are famous for their quality. Big Island Candies welcomes everyone with samples of their amazing confections, still handmade using only the highest quality ingredients. Peek through the windows into the factory or browse the selection of gorgeous jewel-box gifts. Waipio Valley is still home to taro farmers as it has been for a thousand years. Look closely from the overlook where glimpses of the wild horses that roam the valley floor might be possible. Afterwards, you will return to your hotel.

Ultimate National Park Tour from Waikoloa

6. Ultimate National Park Tour from Waikoloa

Start your day by traveling south into Kona coffee country at Bay View Farm, a working 24 acre coffee farm nestled on the slopes of Mauna Loa Volcano just above beautiful Kealakekua Bay and known for the best Kona coffee since 1984. Here you’ll see coffee growing on the trees and learn about the various steps and processes in making coffee, all of which happen right here on the farm. Get the opportunity to sample 100% Kona Coffee at a gorgeous overlook with stunning views of Kealakekua Bay and the monument to Captain Cook standing on the only sliver of British land in the United States. Your adventure continues as you head through the South Kona and Ka’u Districts. Stunning views, alternating between stark lava flows and Hawaiian dry forest, are visible through the huge picture windows of your tour vehicle. Stop briefly at Punalu’u Bake Shop, the southern most bakery in America. Offering the finest time-honored Hawaiian sweetbreads since 1991, the Bake Shop offers an array of breads and cookies. Shortly thereafter, you’ll arrive at picturesque Punalu’u Black Sand Beach. Lined with swaying coconut palm trees, this is one of the best black sand beaches on the island. Stroll along the beach and look for honu (Green Hawaiian Sea Turtles) feeding just offshore or sun-worshipping on the sand. Picnic-style lunch will be served here weather permitting. Next travel to the crown jewel of the Big Island, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Visit the Kilauea Visitor’s Center, the Volcano Art Center, and famed Sulphur Banks. Take a hike out to Keanakako’i Crater and step over the sinkholes and cracks in the roads left behind by the historic 2018 eruption here, then on to Mauna Ulu. One of the most culturally sensitive locations in the Park you will see a landscape at Mauna Ulu like no other on Earth. Photo ops abound here, and the closer you look the more unusual and striking shapes and fascinating colors you will see. Take a quick break at Volcano House, welcoming guests such as Mark Twain and Jack London to Kilauea since 1864. Enjoy the views or check out their gift shop before returning to your hotel.

Big Island: Full Day Circle Island Tour From Kona

7. Big Island: Full Day Circle Island Tour From Kona

Travel south into Kona coffee country for the first stop at Bay View Farm, a working 24-acre coffee farm nestled on the slopes of Mauna Loa Volcano just above beautiful Kealakekua Bay and known for the best Kona coffee since 1984. Here you will see coffee growing on the trees and learn about the various steps and processes in making coffee, all of which happen right here on the farm. Sample 100% Kona Coffee at a gorgeous overlook with stunning views of Kealakekua Bay and the monument to Captain Cook standing on the only sliver of British land in the United States. The adventure continues as you head through the South Kona and Ka’u Districts. Stunning views, alternating between stark lava flows and Hawaiian dry forest, are visible through the huge picture windows of your tour vehicle. Stop briefly at picturesque Punalu’u Black Sand Beach. Lined with swaying coconut palm trees, this is one of the best black sand beaches on the island. Look for honu or green Hawaiian sea turtles feeding just offshore or sun-worshipping on the sand. Next travel to the crown jewel of Hawaii, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Visit the Kilauea Visitor’s Center, the Kilauea Iki Crater Overlook, and Steaming Bluffs. Walkthrough the famous Volcano House to view the smoking and steaming Kilauea Caldera. Dropping down into the lush eastern side of Kilauea Volcano, your next stop is Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Farm. In operation for more than 30 years, Mauna Loa has more than a dozen mac nut flavors to choose from, and visitors can watch the factory floor through glass windows. Big Island Candies is the next stop in Hilo-town. Founded in 1977, Big Island Candies is synonymous with quality. Big Island Candies welcomes everyone with samples of their amazing confections, still handmade using only the highest quality ingredients. Peek through the windows into the factory or browse the selection of gorgeous jewel-box gifts. Travel through quaint Hilo town where you drive along the historic waterfront and along the Onomea Scenic Route, a  four-mile section of the original old highway punctuated with historic wooden bridges, waterfalls, and lush tropical foliage. Waipio Valley, known as the Valley of Kings, is a place of impossibly steep cliffs carved by plunging waterfalls cascading more than a thousand feet to the valley floor below. Waipio Valley is still home to taro farmers as it has been for a thousand years. Look closely from the overlook and glimpses of the wild horses that roam the valley floor might be possible.

Other Sightseeing Options in Kilauea Visitor Center

Want to discover all there is to do in Kilauea Visitor Center? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Kilauea Visitor Center

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 39 reviews

Best tour we took on the island! Our tour guide, Eric, was excellent! He is very knowledgeable about the island of Hawaii, it’s history, and Volcano National Park. He combined dry facts with a sense of humor that made the tour so much fun! We would highly recommend specifically asking for Eric if you take this tour. You will see amazing sights, learn about the volcanoes, and have a lot of fun too! 5 stars! Wayne Blankenship and Max Torgersen

This is an excellent tour, so many amazing stops giving you an excellent oversight of the island. Our tour guide Robbie shared so much about her heritage with us, stories and general knowledge keeping us entertained all day. The coffee farm was a great way to start the day, the waterfalls were beautiful and the Volcano National Park was spectacular. We would recommend this trip to anyone who wants to see a bit of everything.

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.