Volcano Explorer Tour from Kailua-Kona

Embark From Kailua-Kona on An Efficient Itinerary Through the Big Island’s Awe-Inspiring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Majestic Waterfalls.

Tour Details

Price

Starting at $219 per person, plus tax.

When Can I Go

Departs Mondays & Saturdays

Duration

Full Day – Depart: 7:30 AM, Return: 4:30 PM

Meeting/End Location

Central location in Kailua-Kona (Open In Google Maps)
**Note: No individual resort pickups or drop-offs**

Group Size

Max 12 passengers per luxury vehicle

Ages

All ages 5 and up welcome on public tours.
5 and under welcome on private tours.
Car seats provided for young children.

Highlights:

  • Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring landscapes of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
  • Witness the raw power of Kilauea and Mauna Loa, two of the world’s most active volcanoes
  • Hike through the historic Thurston Lava Tube and marvel at the forces of nature
  • Feel the refreshing mist of the majestic 80-foot Rainbow Falls
  • Indulge in local treats at the charming Punaluʻu Bake Shop
  • Travel in style and comfort aboard a luxury Mercedes Sprinter with panoramic windows

What’s Included

  • Round-trip transportation from a central location in Kailua-Kona
  • Refreshing hot towel service and all-day snacks and beverages
  • Express deli-style lunch to maximize sightseeing time
  • Knowledgeable, park-certified guides eager to share insider insights
  • Park entry fees to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
  • Thoughtful amenities like binoculars and umbrellas for your convenience and comfort

What’s Not Included

  • Gratuities for your guide
  • Souvenirs

Important Notes

  • Please notify us of any dietary restrictions or preferences when making your reservation
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a light jacket or layer

What to Bring

  • Camera
  • Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Extra cash for souvenirs or additional snacks

Cancellation Policy

  • With Trip Protection: Cancel up to 1 hour prior to departure for a full refund
  • Without Trip Protection: Cancel or reschedule up to 48 hours prior to departure
  • Tour operates rain or shine, itinerary may be adjusted in severe weather
  • Volcanoes National Park access subject to change without notice due to volcanic activity

Important…

Our tours and packages regularly sell out year-round. To get your preferred dates and to avoid missing out, we highly recommend booking as soon as possible.

Tour Highlights

Immerse yourself in the raw power of nature: Explore some of the world’s most active volcanoes and most majestic waterfalls…

Leaving from a central meeting location early in the morning, you’ll quickly feel the anticipation build as you approach the world-famous Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Prepare to be humbled by the raw power of nature as you witness steam rising from rocky crevices and explore the otherworldly landscapes of Kilauea and Mauna Loa, two of the world’s most active volcanoes. Marvel at the sheer magnitude of the Thurston Lava Tube, a 500-year-old cave that will transport you to another world. Delight in the mouthwatering flavors of freshly baked Hawaiian sweetbreads and malasadas at the charming Punaluʻu Bake Shop, and feel the cool, refreshing mist of the majestic Rainbow Falls on your skin. As your adventure comes to a close, return to your resort with ample time to unwind, freshen up, and enjoy a relaxing evening, knowing that you’ve made the most of your day exploring the Big Island’s most captivating sights.

Efficient Itinerary for Maximizing Your Time

Our carefully crafted tour plan ensures you experience the Big Island’s top volcanoes and waterfalls while leaving plenty of time for a relaxing evening. Ideal for those who want to make the most of their day without sacrificing dinner plans or nighttime activities.

Uncover the Secrets of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

Immerse yourself in the otherworldly landscapes of Kilauea and Mauna Loa, two of Hawaii’s most active volcanoes. Venture through the historic Thurston Lava Tube and witness the untamed power of nature up close.

Bask in the Beauty of Rainbow Falls

Marvel at the 80-foot Rainbow Falls as it cascades over a natural lava cave into the pristine Wailuku River. On clear days, watch in wonder as rainbows dance in the mist, creating a mesmerizing display of color and light.

Transparent Pricing with No Hidden Costs

We believe in providing an all-inclusive experience without surprise expenses. Our tours include snacks, lunch, park fees, and transportation, ensuring a seamless and worry-free adventure.

Travel in Style and Comfort

Relax in the plush leather captain’s chairs of our state-of-the-art Mercedes Sprinters, featuring expansive windows for unobstructed views of the island’s breathtaking scenery. Our luxury vehicles guarantee every guest the best possible touring experience.

Intimate Groups for Personalized Experiences

Say goodbye to crowded buses and hello to an intimate, personalized adventure. With a maximum of 12 guests per tour, you’ll enjoy up-close access to each stop and plenty of quality time to explore without feeling rushed.

Experiences & Activities

What Our Guests Are Saying

"I was nervous about doing a full day volcano Island tour, but I am so glad I went. The experience was perfect, the fancy Mercedes was comfortable, and the locations we stopped at were just right - not too short - not too long. It was amazing and the highlight of the tour was our guide Grant - exceptionally funny with a great sense of humor."
 

Jill ONeil on Trip Advisor
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"We have four kids ages 8-18 and I thought it might be a long day for them. It FLEW by! My kids saw three islands on this trip and they said this tour was their favorite. I would highly recommend doing this tour and just sitting back and enjoying what the Big Island has to offer : ) I also called the office and the gal on the phone was a pleasure to speak with as well. This is a tour company that cares."
 

Alison D on Trip Advisor
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“GREAT tour. It may seem a little expensive when you first look at the trip...but welll worth the $$. We did this on our first full day on the Big Island so we would have a chance to go back to anything we thought we needed extra time doing. Well...the tour was so good that we didn't feel like we missed anything! Can't say enough good things about the Big Island as well as this tour.”
 

The Jaffrays on Google
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"We had a family on the tour with their 11-year-old son and he became our guide’s co-pilot. We adjusted the tour stops based on weather conditions and crowds, thus maximizing the experience. The ride was comfortable, food was good, and overall a great experience! We highly recommend this tour to visitors of all ages."
 

Dany P on Google
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"WOW! I highly recommend doing the day tour- it’s 12 hours full of fun and all the amazing sights and experiences! Our guide, “Uncle” Jim Carey, gave a 5 star experience - uniting passion for the land with his talent for storytelling and general love of sharing the sights and experiences with newcomers. SO KNOWLEDGEABLE! Mahalo to Jim and our wonderful tour friends we met!"
 

Joyous F on Google
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1,125+ Reviews

110+ Reviews

2600+ Reviews

Cancellation Policy

With Trip Protection 

Our highly recommended Trip Protection allows you to cancel or reschedule your tour at any time – for any reason – up to 1 hour prior to trip departure. You will be reimbursed for the FULL amount of each ticket, less the cost of trip protection and processing fees.  You may opt in or opt out of Trip Protection (+15%) at the time of booking, either online or over the phone.

Without Trip Protection

You may cancel or reschedule your tour up to 48 hours before your tour’s scheduled departure to avoid fees or penalties. 

Refunds are not possible within 48 hours of your tour’s departure time, however, we will make every effort to accommodate rescheduling your booking to another date, if you so desire.

Weather & Park Closures 

Our tours operate rain or shine, though itineraries may be adjusted in response to severe weather conditions. Access to certain parts of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, including during events like active lava flows or eruptions, may be restricted or closed by park officials without notice.  In such cases, Kailani Tours does not offer partial refunds for any part of the tour affected by these restrictions. With our vast experience navigating these occasional closures, we will make the absolute most of your day with us, no matter the conditions.

Book With Confidence

The Lowest Price. Period.

Book directly on KailaniToursHawaii.com or call our office to get the best price on our tours. Find it cheaper? We’ll refund the difference!

Free Cancellations

With Trip Protection, cancel up to 1 hour in advance for a FULL refund. We know that plans can change, that’s why we offer one of the most generous cancellation policies in the industry.

Great Tour Guarantee

If you don’t have a great tour, let us know and we promise to make it right with a full refund or voucher for a future visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! All of our tours include a guided visit to our spectacular national park.

 

The key difference is that the Volcano Explorer Tour is about 2 hours shorter and picks up all guests from one central location to maximize efficiency. It dedicates more time to exploring Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and includes a stop at Rainbow Falls and Big Island Candies. The Big Island Highlights Tour offers a broader overview of the island with additional stops like a Kona coffee farm, Punalu’u Black Sand Beach and lunch at the iconic Rim restaurant at Volcano House.

Our tours are designed from the ground up for discerning travelers. From our exclusive partnerships with high-end resorts to our private tastings and experiences not open to the general public, you get unparalleled access. Forget being herded like cattle or looking over someone’s shoulder – with our upgraded Mercedes Sprinter fleet, oversized panoramic windows, luxurious leather captains chairs and warm/cold towel service – you’ll be given the white glove service from start to finish.

Our itineraries are designed to avoid peak times at busy areas. For example, at famous Punalu’u Black Sand Beach, we time our arrival after the large tour buses have departed to allow for a tranquil experience with the nesting honu (green sea turtles). We also have priority reservations at many of our stops to ensure an intimate and authentic experience.

While we make regular stops, preventing boredom is crucial, especially with our younger guests. That’s why our guides incorporate interactive storytelling, hands-on demonstrations like making seed leis from native plants, and activities tailored to each child’s interests. We also provide coloring books, games and other keepsakes to keep their hands and minds engaged between destinations. Our guides are also trained to modify the tour content to match appropriate age levels

We run tours rain or shine – though we’ll reschedule the tour in the event of unsafe or extreme weather. Hawaii’s microclimates mean the weather can vary across the island and we have options to adjust our itinerary to ensure you experience the best conditions while seeing our iconic sights.

Immersing you in Hawaii’s rich cultural heritage is our mission. Our local guides weave in ancient legends, historical narratives, and personal stories throughout the tour. You’ll participate in traditions like making plumeria leis, learn key Hawaiian phrases, and gain a deep appreciation for the island’s sacred sites. We go beyond just showing you the sights – we connect you to the heart and soul of Hawaii.

We limit our tours to a maximum of 12 guests per luxury Mercedes vehicle to ensure a personalized and intimate experience. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to interact with your guide, ask questions, and get to know your fellow travelers. For the ultimate in exclusivity, private tours are also available for your group alone.

While active lava flow isn’t guaranteed year-round, you’ll still witness the raw power and beauty of Hawaii’s volcanoes up close. Our expert guides prioritize your safety, using only approved trails and viewpoints. They monitor conditions in real-time and can adjust plans if needed. You’re in very capable hands to experience the wonder of standing on some of the youngest landscapes on earth!

All-inclusive means all-inclusive. All tasting fees, meals, beverages, park entries and transportation are included in one upfront price for a seamless, stress-free experience. 

Tips are never required but are greatly appreciated by our hardworking guides. If you enjoy your tour experience, feel your guide provided exceptional service, and want to show your gratitude, tipping is a wonderful way to do so. While the amount is always at your discretion, a common range for full-day excursions is $20-$40 per guest.

For your safety and comfort, open alcohol containers are not allowed in our vehicles. However, wine/beer tastings are included at certain stops for those 21+ to enjoy responsibly. Non-alcoholic beverages are also available throughout the tour.

Our Mercedes vans have panoramic views that help even our most sensitive guests avoid severe motion sickness. Though we also offer amenities like ginger candies and provide frequent stops throughout the journey.

Our guides are local experts rigorously trained in service, safety and storytelling. We maintain a 5-star guest rating because of their passion and personalities. But you don’t need to take our word for it. Read more about our amazing guides from past guest reviews!

Definitely not! During your online booking, we’ll ask about any food allergies, restrictions or preferences, we’ll communicate in advance with our farm-to-table lunch providers as well as the establishments hosting our tastings. From vegetarian to gluten-free and beyond, we’ve got you covered with delicious kid-friendly options.

We welcome families on our tours! However, to ensure the safety and comfort of our youngest guests, children under 5 are only permitted on private tours. Hawaii State Law requires all children 3 years and younger to be in a proper safety seat, and children aged 4 to 7 who weigh between 40 and 80 pounds and are less than 57 inches tall must be in a booster seat. We have all child seat options available upon request at no additional charge. During the booking process, please notify us of your children’s ages and seat requirements so we can best accommodate your family’s needs.

This tour allows people to explore the island at their fitness and comfort level. It is our “Easy” tour. You will be given the opportunity to exit the vehicle to enjoy the lush and unique landscapes of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, and Rainbow Falls. All walks are optional and it is up to you how far you walk at these destinations. The Thurston Lava Tube is the most strenuous part of the tour with roughly 15 steps down, a twenty-minute or 1/3 mile hike through the tube, and roughly 20 steps up.

Though we have a compact collapsible wheelchair available for guests, our guides are not able to push/assist with wheelchair mobility. Our tours are active and require some physical exertion. While on tour guests may experience some or all of the following: a large step up into the van, tight aisles, steep hills in either direction, stairs, uneven surfaces, wet surfaces, and loose sand. If you have any questions or would like to know more details about the physical aspects of your specific tour, please contact Kailani Tours staff at 808-938-4057 or [email protected].

Kailani Tours Hawaii will provide your meals, snack baskets, beverages, hiking gear, jackets, parkas, umbrellas, flashlights, other related gear for all weather conditions, and items to help with car sickness/nausea. Please come prepared with close-toed shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and a camera.

If you are not staying at a Resort or Hotel on our list of 40 pick-up locations on the West side of the Big Island of Hawaiʻi, then we have multiple centralized spots available with free and well-lit parking in the Kailua-Kona and Waikoloa areas. This is very important to have scheduled as early as possible.

A private tour allows you to go at your own pace, customize the itinerary, have more flexibility and receive upgraded services and exclusivity.

With Trip Protection, you can cancel for a full refund up to 1 hour before your tour’s scheduled departure – under any circumstances. Without trip protection, you may cancel or reschedule up to 48 hours before your tour’s scheduled departure with no fees or penalties.

We’re here to help! Simply call us at (808) 938 4057 or email [email protected] if you have any additional questions or concerns.

From $219

Lowest Price Guarantee

Please note: This tour regularly sells out… We highly recommend booking as soon as possible to avoid missing out!

Great Tour Guarantee

At Kailani Tours, our top priority is delivering unforgettable Big Island experiences. We’re confident that you’ll find our tours enriching and well worth your time. If for any reason you feel otherwise, please tell us. We’ll make it right, whether that means inviting you on another tour, issuing a refund, or providing a voucher for a future visit. Your time is precious, and we’re honored that you choose to spend it exploring the Big Island with us.

Here’s what we cannot guarantee:

You will see active lava flows

Mother Nature has her own schedule, and while we wish we could promise a spectacular lava show, it’s truly up to the forces of the earth.

You’ll have full access to every part of the parks.

Volcano National Park areas are subject to closures based on safety assessments by park officials. As always, safety is our top priority and we can easily adapt our itinerary to make sure you get the best experience possible.

You’ll experience perfect weather

The Big Island’s weather can be as unpredictable as it is beautiful. We can’t guarantee sunshine and clear skies every day, but the dynamic weather is part of the island’s charm.

We value your decision to discover the Big Island with us, and we’re committed to making your tour a highlight of your Hawaii visit.

FREE CANCELLATIONS

With Trip Protection (Highly Recommended)

For a small fee (15%), Trip Protection allows you to cancel or reschedule your tour at any time – for any reason – up to 1 hour prior to trip departure. You will be reimbursed for the FULL amount of each ticket, less the cost of trip protection and processing fees. 

You may opt in or opt out of Trip Protection at the time of booking, either online or over the phone.

Without Trip Protection

You may cancel or reschedule your tour up to 48 hours before your tour’s scheduled departure to avoid fees or penalties. 

Refunds are not possible within 48 hours of your tour’s departure time, however, we will make every effort to accommodate rescheduling your booking to another date, if you so desire.

Please Note: Our tours operate rain or shine, though itineraries may be adjusted in response to severe weather conditions. Access to certain parts of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, including during events like active lava flows or eruptions, may be restricted or closed by park officials without notice. In such cases, Kailani Tours does not offer partial refunds for any part of the tour affected by these restrictions.

With our vast experience navigating these occasional closures, you can trust that we will make the absolute most of your day with us, no matter the conditions.

Lowest Price Guarantee

We guarantee the absolute lowest price on all experiences we sell. If you find the same product cheaper within three days of booking or while you’re in your destination, we’ll refund the difference.

It’s Easy To Do: 

Gather your information

Assemble your Kailani Tours receipt and the proof of the lower price you found.

Send it to us

Email [email protected] with the documents, your name, and your home address. 

We’ll review 

We’ll examine your materials and get in touch as soon as we can. 

Receive your refund 

If everything checks out, we’ll refund you the difference between the two prices.