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The geologic creation of the Hawaiian island chain, a timeless battle between the elemental forces of fire and water, is one of the world’s greatest natural history stories. There’s not a better place on earth to witness and understand the awesome nature of volcanoes than at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. There is no better way to explore the park than in the company of one of our Interpretive Naturalists. We’ll show you the “must see” places within the Park while you learn about their geological and historic significance. Join us on a journey that Frommer’s Guide to Hawaii says “. . . May very well be the highlight of your vacation.” Recipient of the 2002 “Keep It Hawaii” Merit Award. 12 hours roundtrip from Hawaii Forest & Trail Headquarters. Easy to Moderate. All ages.
Full-Day Adventure Tours include: Pickup from selected locations, mid-morning Snack with Kona Coffee, Tazo Teas, Fresh Fruit and Pastries, Deli Lunch with Beverages, Daypacks, Bottled Water, Walking Sticks, Warm Wear, and Raingear. Group Size: Tours are limited to a maximum of 10 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. Payment:
Cash, Travelers Checks, Visa, MasterCard and American Express accepted. “We
had been apprehensive about a twelve hour tour, but we gained so
much knowledge about Hawaiian geology, natural history and culture,
it was well worth it. And the teenager is still spouting facts.”
The Park: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is an inspiring and precious place. It is listed as both a World Heritage Site and an International Biosphere preserve. Once at the park we see splendid native rainforest, visit a lava tube, discover remarkable volcanic formations and a splendid diversity of geography and climate. Over the years we’ve found the best places to visit to interpret the park the best. Through detailed geologic and natural history interpretation, small walks, and driving, we explore and learn about the world’s most active volcano. A picnic lunch is served en route during our adventure through the park. Depending on what’s happening with the active flow we’ll head to the red stuff for viewing.
The Drive: You’ll really get an idea of how big the Big Island is during the course of this tour. And you’ll appreciate that someone else is doing the driving. Starting out from our headquarters in Kona, we travel up the coast over desolate lava flows for about a half hour before proceeding up the rolling pasturelands on the flanks of Mauna Kea. Turning onto the Saddle Road that traverses the island between Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea, you’ll see a dramatic and diverse landscape of ranchland, sub alpine dryforest and rainforest, with striking features such as cinder cones, lava flows, lava tubes and kipuka. We’ll stop for a short break and continental-style breakfast. Continuing on, we drop down to near sea-level on our way through Hilo where we begin the final climb to the summit of Kilauea and the lush entrance to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. On the way back, we’ll travel along the Hamakua Coast and pass through Waimea before returning to Kona. By the end of the day, you’ll have traveled over 300 miles and experienced an elevation change (we go up and down a few times!) of over 30,000 feet.
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Price:
Adults: $155. + tax; Child $120. + tax (12 years and under)
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