Twilight Volcano Adventure

A once in a lifetime experience

Witness the epic march of molten lava as it journeys from the mountains to the sea. On our Twilight Volcano Adventure, we'll journey through Hawaii Island’s incredible range of ecosystems and climate zones before experiencing first-hand the phenomena that makes it possible – an erupting volcano. After exploring the natural wonders of this World Heritage site, we’ll head to Kalapana to witness the awesome power of lava as it enters the ocean at sunset. Let us share with you our passion and knowledge of the special places and stories that make Kilauea world renown.

Schedule: Afternoon trips departing daily. 12 hours round trip, departs from Hawaii Forest & Trail Headquarters, and Waikoloa Queen's Marketplace.

Rated: Easy to Moderate; 8 and up recommended.

Included in the Tour: Deli style lunch with assorted soft drinks, juices and bottled water. Dinner is served family style at our favorite Pahoa restaurant. Snacks, assorted beverages, bottled water, hot cocoa and cookies.

Gear Provided: Walking sticks, flashlights, day packs, warm wear and rain ponchos.

Prices: Adult: $179.00, plus tax.

Group Size: Tour limited to a maximum of 12 guests.

Restrictions: Guests should be able to hike on uneven or rocky terrain. We sometimes encounter cool, wet or muddy conditions. Other tour restrictions may apply.

What to Bring & Wear: Comfortable walking shoes, long pants, and a light jacket.

The excursion begins as we travel between two of the world's largest mountains, Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. The region between these volcanoes is locally known as the Saddle and is home to some of the rarest plants and animals in the world. After a brief stop for lunch at Mauna State Park, we continue east towards Hilo. Before our final descent into the rainiest city in the US, we'll stop to explore Kaumana Cave. This lava tube once carried molten rock from Mauna Loa's upper rift zones down to the ocean, but now provides an excellent opportunity to test our trusty flashlights on a subterranean adventure.

Leaving Mauna Loa behind, we make our final ascent to the summit of Kilauea inside Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Our Interpretive Guides will lead you through the must-see spots and hidden gems of this World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Preserve. As conditions change daily, we tailor your experience to the current eruptive events. The summit caldera, steam vents, cinder fields, and native rainforests are all on our "must see" list.

After exploring the natural wonders of this World Heritage site, we'll head to Kalapana to witness the awesome power of lava as it enters the ocean at sunset. Lava typically travels underground in tubes, emerging at the shoreline in spectacular displays of steam and molten rock. Also included in the evening's itinerary is a delicious sit-down dinner in the heart of Pahoa. This historic town has maintained its rustic feel and is an eclectic mix of Wild West and Old Hawaii.

  • Pickups: Hawaii Forest & Trail Headquarters, Waikoloa Queen's Marketplace.
  • Destination: Kilauea Volcano Adventure
  • Route: HFT HQ North on 19 to Waikoloa Rd (runs between 19 and 190 at Waikoloa), 190 to 190/200 junction, 200 East to Hilo, 11 South to Kilauea Volcano Adventure

FAQs

  1. How much hiking do we do? We'll stop a couple times throughout the adventure for short hikes of less than one mile. The walk to the lava viewing area is approximately .5 miles over uneven terrain.
  2. Is there elevation gain? Except for the lava tube exploration, the trails are relatively level. While exploring the lava tube, expect to descend approximately 30 feet.
  3. Will we get to see active lava? Due to the dynamic nature of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Kilauea Volcano, active lava viewing conditions can change daily or even hourly. We will do our very best to get you as close as is safe and legal.