Glow above Halema´uma´u crater with active lava lake at dawn
Observing fresh lava outbreaks
The cinder cone formed during the Kilauea Iki eruption
Bamboo orchids
Ocean sunrise
Exploring the Mauna Ulu eruption site
Sulphur crystals and fumaroles
Lava dripping onto the black sand shoreline
The lava ocean entry mid April 2017
Enjoying the varied and tasty food on the Big Island
Ocean waves breaking against the steep lava cliffs
Red-hot lava flowing into the ocean
NOTICE: Since 4 May 2018 Kilauea started a new eruption in the East Rift Zone which is still ongoing but off-limits to visitors. Simultaneous crater collapse and explosions at the volcano's summit have resulted in the closure of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. We can therefore not offer any Kilauea expeditions at this moment, and it is impossible to predict many months in advance when we will be able to again organise tours on Kilauea.
But we are monitoring the situation closely and as soon as visiting conditions are reasonable, we plan to resume our tours. If you are interested in this Kilauea adventure, you can always send us a message by filling in the request form, or contact us directly through tours@volcanodiscovery.com! (Updated 9 June 2018)
Although Kilauea is the youngest of the famous Hawaiian shield volcanoes, it is also one of the world´s most active volcanoes! Its volcanic activity has attracted visitors from all over the world since the 1820s and made it into one of the world´s most studied volcanoes and the type location for ´hot spots´.
The primary purpose of this tour is to explore the different volcanic phenomena, historic eruptions and types of activity of Kilauea on the Big Island of Hawaii. Excursions include discovering the 1969-1974 Mauna Ulu eruptionand its lava trees, the frozen lava lake of the 1959 Kilauea Iki eruption, sunrise over the Halema´uma´u active crater, exploring old lava tunnels, visiting the green sand beach, sulphur deposits and fumarole vents, Kilauea´s majestic summit caldera, ... Depending on the volcano´s activity we will also try to get as close as safely possible to any over land lava out breaks, and offer the option of a helicopter tour over the active Pu´u O´o vent or sunrise boat tour in the event of lava entering the ocean. Moderate hikes packed with interesting geological features are alternated with more relaxing activities such as beach visits, delicious meals or exploring the town of Hilo.
This 7 days walking tour is aimed at people who want to learn more about the fascinating world of volcanoes and take a chance to witness a unique volcanic eruption from close in the tropical setting of Hawaii´s Big Island.
- Discover Kilauea: the most active volcano of our planet!
- Travel in a small international group
- Get as close to active lava flows as possible
- Explore the volcano´s historic eruptions
- Varied scenery and rainforest flora
- Spectacular geological features (lava tunnels!)
- Good balance between exploring and relaxation
- Experienced volcanologist guide
- Variety of tasty cuisines
Pele´s Fire and Myths - Kilauea Volcano
Day 1: Arrival in Hilo
Arrival in Hilo, transfer to the hotel and welcome dinner; -optional afternoon visit to the National Park and introduction.
Day 2: Kilauea Iki eruption site - Volcano winery
Morning hike along the Kilauea Iki trail to discover the volcanic deposits of the spectacular 1959 eruption. After a good lunch in Volcano we visit the local winery and have an early dinner near the hotel.
Day 3: Halema´uma´u at sunrise - exploring Kilauea caldera
Night sky observation and sunrise above the caldera is followed by a copious breakfast, exploration of the northern rim of the summit caldera, light lunch in Hilo and a relaxing afternoon.
Day 4: Lava caves and Mauna Ulu eruption site
Morning visit of the unique underground world of lava tubes and their intricate features, lunch in Volcano and afternoon exploration of the Chain of Craters Road with the Mauna Ulu eruption site, lava trees and petroglyphs.
Day 5: Observing Kilauea´s ongoing eruption
This day is dedicated to trying to spot some red hot lava! Depending on the current activity of Kilauea volcano you can undertake optional excursions such as a helicopter ride, ocean boat tour or overland hike to active lava flows. Parts of this day can also be used to explore areas of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park that have not been covered in the previous days or to visit the Botanical gardens and waterfalls near Hilo.
Day 6: Green sand beach and Punalu´u sea turtles
Morning drive to the southernmost point of the Big Island and hike to the famous green sand beach where we have a pick-nick lunch. On the way back to Hilo we take a scenic road and make a stop at the black sand beach to watch sea turtles.
Day 7: Departure or own extension
After breakfast you will be transferred to Hilo airport or a nearby starting point for your own extension.
Tour type: Geologic walking & study tour: active volcanoes - geology & volcanism - nature & culture
Difficulty: Custom (variable)
Group size: 2-6
Duration: 7 days / 6 nights
Dates:
Custom and group dates
Price (per person): $ 3470
Included:
- Professional volcanologist /geologist guide
- Accommodation in comfortable seaside hotel in Hilo (double-room basis)
- All meals from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 7
- One soft drink with each meal
- Multiple entry to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
- Locally guided lava tube tour
- Volcano winery tasting
- All transfers in a rental car / van
Tour guide:
This volcano adventure will be guided by Belgian volcanologist
Ingrid Smet who has a university degree in geology and completed a PhD on active volcanoes in Greece. She likes to share her passion about geology and love for nature with anyone interested to learn more - enthusiastically translating her scientific knowledge to a broad audience.
As the newest member of the VolcanoDiscovery team Ingrid started out helping Tom with the organisation of our tours and the website design as well as co-authoring our ´Volcano Discoveries´ photography book. Meanwhile she is the destination manager for all our tours in Ethiopia, DR Congo, Hawaii and Iceland which she sometimes (co-)guides besides acting as an extra geologist tour guide when we travel with larger groups. Besides her Dutch mother tongue Ingrid also speaks fluent English and she can communicate in French and German.
Ingrid on one of her trips to Stromboli volcano, Italy
Pele´s Fire and Myths - Kilauea Volcano
Day 1: Arrival in Hilo
Nighttime starry sky above Halema´uma´u crater
Mauna Loa shield volcano
Welcome dinner in one of Hilo´s delicious restaurants
You will be picked up from Hilo international airport and transfered to a comfortable hotel in the Hilo bay area where the group will meet for a welcome dinner in the evening. If your arrival time allows, we can pay a first visit to Hawai´i Volcanoes National Park and have an introduction to Kilauea volcano from a summit caldera lookout point.
Day 2: Kilauea Iki eruption site - Volcano winery
View from the surrounding rainforest down to Kilauea Iki´s frozen lava lake and eruption vent
Rare wild orchids
Award winning wines at the Volcano Winery
After breakfast we drive to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and spend the morning exploring the 4 miles (6.4 km) Kilauea Iki trail (ca. 400 feet / 125 m climbing/ descending), the site of a now frozen lava lake that formed in 1959 right before the park visitors´ stunned eyes.
We then enjoy a nice lunch in Volcano village before visiting the Big Island´s only winery and taste their unique blends of traditional wine grapes with tropical fruits, as well as tea from their own produce. We finish the day with a relatively early dinner near the hotel as we will be getting up before dawn the next morning!
Day 3: Halema´uma´u at sunrise - exploring Kilauea caldera
Glow of the lava lake above Halema´uma´u vent at dawn
Exploring the fumaroles at steaming bluffs
Local beach park near Hilo
We make a very early start to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to be able to enjoy the starry night sky above Kilauea´s summit caldera before witnessing the colourful start of a new day. We reward ourselves with the best breakfast on the island before taking a short walk on the caldera rim (ca. 2 miles - 3.3 km) to explore the steam vents and sulphur deposits.
A light lunch in Hilo is followed by a relaxing afternoon at a local beach park with basaltic lava flows ideal for snorkeling and swimming, and/or visiting Hilo town.
Day 4: Lava caves and Mauna Ulu eruption site
Walking in the frozen world of a once active lava tube
The small shield build during the 1969 - 1974 Mauna Ulu eruption
O´hia lehua is a pioneer species on new lava and the dominant tree in most mature Hawaiian forests
In the morning we will explore a tiny section of what is perhaps the longest known continuous lava cave in the world. Starting from near the caldera of Kilauea, it extends for more than 30 miles until reaching the sea near Hilo! Formed by Kilauea about 400 to 600 years ago, it displays a wealth of spectacular and some unique lava textures, shapes, colours and features.
After a nice lunch in Volcano village we continue our exploration of Kilauea´s more recent volcanic activity in the National Park, visiting the Mauna Ulu eruption site with its lava treed and driving down the Chain of Craters Road to the ocean where there is the possibility to see some of the island´s mysterious petroglyphs.
Day 5: Observing Kilauea´s ongoing eruption
The interaction between the hot lava and cold ocean water creates lots of steam and explosions
When possible we hike to active outbreaks of lava flows
Glimpse into the active lava lake of Pu´u O´o crater from a helicopter
As Kilauea is one of the world´s most active volcanoes, we will of course try to get some of its action! One day of the program is therefore dedicated to maximising the chance of seeing red hot lava, depending on the volcano´s current activity. If there are active lava flows breaking out overland that can be reached on foot, there will be the option to book an afternoon hike to these active flows. Lava flowing into the ocean gives the option of a spectacular sunrise boat tour to the ocean entry point and/or (bike and) hike towards this location. An early morning helicopter ride offers a chance to better appreciate the dimensions of Hawaii´s shield volcanoes as well as to fly over the active lava lake of the Pu´u O´o vent on the volcano´s east rift zone.
In the event that there is no possibility to see active lava, this day can be used to complete exploring the historic eruptions of Kilauea and/or to visit some impressive botanical gardens, waterfalls, the town of Hilo, a beach park, ...
Day 6: Green sand beach and Punalu´u sea turtles
Hawaii´s green sand beach
Driving along the coast to South Point
Green sea turtles relaxing on the black sand beach
Right after breakfast we start our 2 hour drive down to South Point, taking in the change of scenery along the way as we travel from the humid climate in Hilo and Volcano to the drier and warmer part of the island. Equipped with our pick nick lunch, plenty of water and sun protection we undertake the 2,5 miles (4 km) hike towards the world famous green sand beach, carved out into an old cinder cone from which eroded olivine crystals are responsible for its colour.
In the afternoon we take our time to drive back to Hilo, taking a locally known scenic road and making a stop at the Punaluu black sand beach, built by eroded black lava, where Hawaii´s iconic sea turtles come to rest in the sun.
Day 7: Departure or own extension
There is a last option for a morning helicopter flight over the east rift zone eruption site before your transfer back to Hilo airport for your return home or the start of your own extension.
Prices for tours at custom dates: on request
Included:
- Professional volcanologist /geologist guide
- Accommodation in comfortable seaside hotel in Hilo (double-room basis)
- All meals from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 7
- One soft drink with each meal
- Multiple entry to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
- Locally guided lava tube tour
- Volcano winery tasting
- All transfers in a rental car / van
Not included:
- Travel to and from Big Island (Hilo)
- Alcoholic drinks
- Charter flights (helicopter tour, approx. 275-325 USD per person)
- Boat tour to approach lava entering the ocean (approx. 225 USD per person each)
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, ...)
- Entry fees for optional excursions
Discounts:
Returning customers receive 5% (or 8% - if you have been on at least 3 trips with us) discount on the base tour price.
Group booking discount: If at least 4 people together book this trip, 5% (additional) discount is given, combineable to a maximum of 10%.
Additional info:
Physical requirements:
Since this tour is primarily aimed towards interested individuals or small groups, the program and the physical demands can be adjusted to some extent. Generally, you don't need to be an athlete if you want to see an eruption and the hikes planned in this particular itinerary are easy to moderately challenging only.
Arrival info:
The tour starts and end in Hilo (airport code ITO) on Big Island, Hawai'i. If you fly into Kona (KOA), we recommend you to take a rental car as the best option to get to the other side of the island.
"... an amazing day on our trip! ..."
"Aloha Philip!
Dawn and I can not thank you and Arthur enough for giving us an amazing day on our trip! I just submitted my review below to Tripadvisor and couldn't say enough good things about our experience with VolcanoDiscovery...
Take care, Rick
"Amazing 12 hours with VolcanoDiscovery!"
We spent 12 hours with Arthur on Feb. 10th, 2011 and it will be a day we'll never forget. I first contacted VolcanoDiscovery in December through their web site and promptly was contacted by Philip via email. I was initially considering the 6-hr Lava Proximity Hike but decided to book the 12-hr Active Eruption Combination Tour based on Philip's responses to my many questions. Booking through their web site was fast and easy. Philip gave us the option to advertise our tour on the web site so others could join us to reduce cost. Arthur called me the day before to arrange our pick up and discuss what we were interested in doing/learning so he could tailor our day to us. He was able to schedule a 2-hr tour of the Kazumura Lava Tube to start our day off which was incredible!
It was clear right away that Arthur was very focused on making sure we were getting the best experience possible. He had several local food items and drinks for us and checked often to make sure that we were happy with what we were doing and with our plans for the rest of the day. He took us to the National Park for several stops and a nice hike to Pu'u Huluhulu. After a quick stop for some food, he drove us to check in at Kalapana for the Lava Proximity Hike and we were off to see the lava up close. Once we got to the lava, he made sure to position us in the best place to get some great pics. Arthur acted as our photographer throughout the day and knew how to make both of our cameras get the best pics. I should also mention that Arthur's personality fits perfectly with his job. He was very friendly and personable. He also has a true spirit of Aloha and was well liked by everyone we interacted with during the tour.
Those 12 hours went by way too fast and the experience we had with VolcanoDiscovery was more than worth the cost! I had originally thought that we could tour on our own for a similar experience and boy was I WRONG!"
(Rick L., USA, about a Private Tour on Kilauea volcano, Hawai'i)
... had a wonderful tour on the lava fields (Lava hike on Kilauea
"Hi Tom-
Happy New Year!
We did your tour with Phillip last night on the Big Island and had a wonderful tour on the lava fields.
Thanks!
Alex" (Lava hike on Kilauea)
4-Day Kilauea Volcano Special Group Tour, December 2008:
"Hi, ... I just viewed the DVD I bought and thought I could hear the sounds and smell the smells! I really had a great time on our trip and appreciated your knowledge and experience and your company! It was, for me, an
experience of a lifetime! Mahalo, once more, and all the best! Fondly -- Regina"
"Tom Pfeiffer proved to be a knowledgeable and trustworthy guide throughout our trip. He communicated not only a wealth of information and his passion for the subject of volcanology, but also his delight in the drama and beauty of the world of volcanoes. Respectful of individual needs and interests, he made the experience both educational and most enjoyable. Regina Bringolf, Hancock, New Hampshire, U.S.A."
2-Day Active Eruption Private Tour w/Philip, November 2008:
Dear Philip, dear Tom,
in November after an really exciting day, we´ve promised Philip to send some pictures.
Well, it was not forgotten, we just had to cover with Christmas, new year and, of course we had to sort through our pictures first. We did, and you can find the photos here. As you can see, Tom, you have the right fireproof man out there on Hawaii. Thank you again for taking us on that trip, showing us what kind of stuff lava really is!
We wish both of you a happy new year, full of adventures and new experiences. Stay healthy!
Regards and “auf Wiedersehen”
Sabine + Egon
4-Day Kilauea Volcano Special Private Tour w/Tom, July 2007:
"We have arrived at home last night as per schedule...We could enjoy our tour very much and we think that our tour aim was 100% satisfied. We could have
wonderful experience that we could never forget. Thank you very much for your guide. Later, by mail, I will send two video files, mpeg2 format and mpeg4 format, that recorded the lava. Sincerely, Seiji" (S. Takeda, Japan,
Kilauea Volcano Special tour July 07)
8-hr Lava Proximity Hike (Private Tour) w/Philip, January 2007:"We hiked the volcanic lava with Philip on Jan. 30 and what a thrill it was for us! Philip was able to point out various configurations and structures that we saw along the way and explain their existence because of his background as a geologist and volcanologist, and that just made the whole trip for us. He also took us close to a skylight where we could see the glow from the lava flowing through the tube and be the first people to walk on the new lava around it, and that was definitely a thrilling experience! We have shown just about everyone we've met the pictures of the skylight and have told them about your company, so hope you get some business out of it. There was certainly a lot of interest.
Anyway, I just wanted to thank you for enabling us to have such a wonderful experience, and to thank Philip again for taking us on such a fascinating hike. It was the highlight of our cruise around the Hawaiian islands. We're glad that we got to ride in Philip's old hunker of a jeep as it made it a bit funky for us, but hope he enjoys his new vehicle." (Sheila, US)
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13-Day Heartbeat of the Earth Private Tour w/Philip, November 2006:
"Aloha Tom
Just wanted to give you some feedback from the above trip. It was FANTASTIC!!!!!. As you know I was the only participant which worked well for me as we had a suggested itinerary, but was able to modify to suit my requirements, including the incredible boat trip to view lava. I have travelled extensively, and this boat trip is definitely up there at the top with other unbeatable life experiences. Philip Ong is one of the kind. His knowledge and passion for the Big Island is unsurpassable. His friendly disposition enjoyable. I loved every minute I spent with him, will treasure the discussions about anything and everything we undertook. The joking and laughs we shared - he really made the experience work. Also I would like to thank you for all the emailing and sorting of dates etc that you did to make my trip possible. Phil has some fantastic ideas and plans to include in future tours, which will make it even better - if that is possible. An amazing experience that I will never forget and a new friend made. Mahalo!! Denise Ellson"
VolcanoDiscovery featured in Endless Vacation magazine:
4-Day Kilauea Volcano Special reviews, 2005:
"The Tom Pfeiffer & Phil Ong tour is the
ultimate volcano live performance ..." -> Read the
FULL REPORT !
(Britt and Finn Pedersen, Denmark; 1 March 2005)
"
Thank you both for an amazing trip. Pele pulled out all the stops, which I will forever appreciate (I'm pretty sure I'm hooked on lava), but so did you guys. It would have been fun hanging out with you anywhere, but it was best to do it on a volcano.
Unforgettable. <...>Thanks again. I had a blast. Next, Santorini (and you have to come too, Phil!). Be careful, don't do anything too crazy, and have a Thai meal and a beer for me. Love, Pam." (Pam Petro, Massachussets; 26 Feb. 2005)
