Volcano Express Tour
Trip Highlights
Flexible Itinerary for your Bucket-List Stops
Volcano National Park
Iconic 80-Foot Waterfall
Explore Lava Tubes
Comfortable guided exploration
Description
The Volcano Express Tour is an 8-hour, fully customizable Big Island adventure designed to showcase Hawaiʻi’s most iconic volcanic and rainforest landscapes in a single unforgettable day. Travel in comfort with a knowledgeable local guide as you explore the heart of the island’s natural wonders.
Your journey starts with a visit to the lush beauty of Rainbow Falls (Waiānuenue), an iconic 80-foot waterfall along the Wailuku River. Known for the vibrant rainbows that appear in its mist on sunny mornings, this easily accessible site offers a short walk to a scenic viewpoint.
Continue into Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to experience powerful volcanic terrain shaped by Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of creation. Inside the park, walk through the fascinating Thurston Lava Tube, feel the earth’s energy at active steam vents, and take in sweeping views from the Kīlauea Iki Overlook. Along the way, your guide shares insight into the island’s geology, history, and ongoing volcanic activity, bringing the landscape to life.
After a day of exploration, enjoy a scenic drive back to Kona via Saddle Road, crossing dramatic elevation changes and expansive views between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. Perfect for travelers short on time but eager to experience the Big Island’s volcanic heart, this tour blends flexibility, comfort, and unforgettable natural beauty.
With snacks, refreshments, rain gear, and seamless transportation included, every detail is thoughtfully handled for a comfortable, stress-free day. Optional meal stops can be added along the way (meal cost not included).
Itinerary
1
Start your day with a convenient, private pick-up from the location of your choice, whether it’s your hotel, vacation rental, or another preferred spot—ensuring a smooth, stress-free beginning to your adventure.
2
Rainbow Falls, located in Hilo on the Big Island of Hawai’i on the Wailuku river, the longest river in Hawai’i is an iconic 80-foot waterfall named for the rainbows that frequently form in its mist during sunny mornings. Surrounded by lush tropical rainforest, the falls cascade into a serene pool, creating a picturesque setting that attracts visitors year-round. The site is easily accessible and offers a short, scenic walk to the viewing platform, making it a popular destination for both tourists and locals. At the top of the falls bear eyes on the largest Banyon tree in Hawai’i!
3
Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, located on the Big Island of Hawai’i, is a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers a unique and dynamic landscape shaped by volcanic activity. The park features a network of hiking trails, scenic drives, and educational exhibits that showcase the geological and cultural significance of the area. The park is home to two of the world's most active volcanoes, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, providing visitors with the rare opportunity to witness the raw power of nature.
4
Also known as Thurston Lava Tube is located in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, is a historical landmark formed over 500 years ago by a river of molten lava. Visitors can walk through this well-lit tunnel, surrounded by the smooth and rugged textures left behind by the flowing lava. The lush rainforest that surrounds the tube adds to its allure, creating a unique blend of volcanic and tropical landscapes.
5
Experience steam vents at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, where volcanic heat rises through cracks in the ground, releasing warm plumes of steam from deep within the earth. This otherworldly stop offers a rare glimpse into the active volcanic forces shaping the Big Island, all within a landscape deeply connected to Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of creation.
6
Kīlauea Iki is a remarkable crater within Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, known for its dramatic 1959 eruption that produced one of the highest lava fountains ever recorded, reaching nearly 1,900 feet.
Today, visitors can look across the crater's once-molten lava lake, now a hardened landscape dotted with steam vents and cracks that hint at the volcanic forces beneath.
7
At the end of your adventure, enjoy a convenient drop-off at the location of your choice, making for a seamless and stress-free finish to your day.
Tour Info
Duration
8 hours
Group Size
Up to 14 people
Price starts at
$1,900
Languages
English
Why take this tour?
Discover the best of the Big Island in a single day with the Volcano Express Tour, a fully customizable 8-hour Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park tour, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, designed for travelers who want an unforgettable Hawaii volcano tour from Kailua Kona without feeling rushed. This private Big Island adventure combines iconic sights, natural wonders, and flexible pacing tailored to your interests. With pick-up straight from your accommodation, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy a seamless, stress-free experience from start to finish.
What sets this tour apart is its flexibility. The itinerary can be adjusted to suit your group’s pace and interests. Travel comfortably with your own dedicated guide, enjoy meaningful stops along the way, and take in the natural beauty that makes the island so special.
Perfect for families, couples, or small groups, this private experience ensures you won’t be sharing your day with strangers—just your own company and unforgettable views. If you’re looking for a personalized, immersive way to explore the south, this tour delivers both comfort and adventure in one well-crafted day.
Included
- Binoculars
- Entrance Fee to National and State Parks
- Snacks & Refreshments
- Hotel Pick Up/Drop Off
- Lunch Stop (price not included)
- Rain Gear
- Knowledgeable Guide
Excluded
- Cost/entry fee of any added attractions discussed when booked
- Gratuity
Things to know
Cancellations
Customers will receive a full refund or credit with 24 hours notice of cancellation. Customers will also receive a full refund or credit in case of operator cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Contact us by phone to cancel or inquire about a cancellation. No-shows will be charged the full price.
Cancellations
Customers will receive a full refund or credit with 24 hours notice of cancellation. Customers will also receive a full refund or credit in case of operator cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Contact us by phone to cancel or inquire about a cancellation. No-shows will be charged the full price.
Check Availability
From
$1,900
Why book with us?
- Book instantly directly with provider
- Get the lowest price guarantee
- Worry-free flexible cancellation policy
Human support:808-443-4924