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• Great experience and great guide

  Christina A,Jun 14, 2026

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  We had a great time hiking with our guide Ryan. He’s very knowledgeable and entertaining. The hike was just as described. You can do this hike on your own but it will not be the same experience. We learned so much about the geology and legends as well as the plants. I know if we didn’t book this tour we would have missed so much. Worth every penny! Would highly recommend hiking with Ryan.

• Highlight of my trip

  emilyrB4397PB,May 30, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  This (and the manta snorkel) was the highlight of my trip. I had Hawaiian Ryan as my guide, and he was fantastic. My group was small, with only 5 of us, which was great. I was the only one being picked up from Kona, which I felt bad about. But Ryan was really friendly, professional, and knowledgeable, and I really valued having had that time to ask him all sorts of questions I had about Hawaii. He's really a wealth of knowledge, and he makes the information interesting, easy to understand, and fun. The ride out to Hilo was about 1.5-2 hours. Once there, we picked up the other passengers and then our lunches. He already had water bottles, granola bars, and chips on board. He actually offered me water and a granola bar as soon as I boarded because it was so early. After everyone was onboard, his official narration started. It was great. He could talk forever about all things Hawaii, and I can't tell you how much I learned about its history, culture, and geology. Our first stop was to Kaumana Caves State Park. There is a larger lava tube and a smaller one. We only went just inside the entrance of each because the stability of the tubes aren't monitored. But it was amazing to look at. Ryan gave a talk about the formation of the tubes and pointed out different features of interest. We were encouraged to touch the rocks to feel the different textures and to note how the graffiti dated the caves. Some of the graffiti was about 100 years old. This is the most technically difficult part of the day's activities, so if you can do that, you're good for the rest of it. The tricky part was descending into the 1st lava tube, where you have to navigate a short but rocky descent. He had hiking poles on hand for us to use. We also had a bathroom break here. After that, we headed over to Volcanoes National Park. Be prepared for any and all weather. During the tour, we had rain, bright sun, wind, fog, 80 degree weather, and 60 degree weather. The guide did have rain jackets for us to use, but if you run cold, bring a sweatshirt. Also make sure you have sneakers or hiking shoes, and sunscreen. I also brought some of my own snacks (even though the operator provides some) because I can become hypoglycemic and wanted to be prepared. They have backpacks you can use to carry whatever you want to bring with you as well, but I brought my own backpack. Our first stop was the visitor's center. We had about 15-20 minutes there. I got my NPS passport book stamped and bought a magnet. After that, we took a short walk down between the steam vents and sulphur banks. It was cool - the steam was so hot it fogged my glasses. After that we headed over to the Hawaii Volcano House, where we had a bathroom break and a few minutes to look in the gift shop. We also looked at the wonderful view of the volcano from the look-out there. Then we had our lunch in the picnic area outside. My sandwich wasn't fancy, but it was good. It was smoked turkey with provolone cheese and tomato. There was another bathroom break after. Then we went down part of the Crater Rim Trail and turned onto the Halema'uma'u Trail, which goes down into the caldera of Kilauea. I personally find going up inclines to be easier than going down because I find it hard to keep my footing and balance when I go down slopes. It was a little steep for me, but we were allowed to go slowly, and he gave hiking poles to those who wanted them. The scenery was gorgeous, and we had many views of the volcano from different angles. He also pointed out different types of rocks and plant features as we went, and I learned a lot. It's such a fascinating place, I felt like I was in another geological era. Getting down into the caldera was so cool. To be standing in the crater of an active volcano isn't something you can do just anywhere. For anyone anxious about this, the caldera is 2 miles across, and the spot where you enter the caldera is on the extreme opposite end of where the volcanic activity is, so it's safe. The NPS also monitors the volcano 24/7 and will close any areas that become unsafe. Ryan gave us some more information about what we were seeing, and we were able to explore for awhile and take pictures. Then we headed back up. It's a 425 foot elevation gain, but I had no problems with it. Ryan was mindful of our abilities though, and he encouraged everyone to take their time, especially since the park is at a high altitude. If anyone slowed down, he hung back and stayed with them. The hike up this path was beautiful. It's a more forested area, and the tropical plants made me feel like I was in Jurassic Park. Afterwards, we went to visit the Nahuku lava tube. This one is monitored and maintained, so it was safe to go in all the way. It was so cool. It's amazing how volcanoes mold the landscape. We still had time, so we made a spontaneous stop at a look-out. I'm so glad we did because there was a huge full arch rainbow in the sky with one end going directly into the opening of the volcano. It was absolutely stunning. Then we went to dinner, I believe the place was the Lava Rock Cafe. They had a tv screen inside with a livestream of the volcano, which was very cool. The food was fine. If you choose the veggie wrap, note that the filling is almost entirely lettuce without much else. Then we went back to the Volcano House. We were going to try to look at the volcano once the sun started setting, but unfortunately it got really foggy, so we ended the trip there, with a warm-up in front of their fireplace. The ride back to our hotels was also good. He stopped his official narration so we could unwind but invited us to ask questions, which I did. Another driver with the company picked me up in Hilo and brought me back to my hotel in Kona. Ryan stayed with me until I was onboard with the other guide, and all was smooth. It was a really spectacular day. I can't recommend this operator more.

• Definitely a Must Do while on Hawaii

  Karen H,Apr 16, 2026

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  Our experience was absolutely amazing! Actually our favorite outing while in Hawaii! Our guide, Mac, was very knowledgeable about all aspects of our tour. We apparently were lucky and had no rain the entire time. We hiked down to the bottom of the caldera. It’s a moderate hike, uneven terrain, stairs both down and up. But it was so worth it to see the volcano from this perspective. I really can’t say enough good things about this experience.

• This isn't a "big island...

  Jon D,Mar 5, 2026

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  This isn't a "big island in a day" circle tour. This is a deeper dive into the flora, fauna, and geology of the big island. My group was fortunate enough to have two guides with complimentary knowledge to really enrich the experience. There is some hiking- don't book this trip if you just want an easy day without effort. But if you have one day on the Big Island, this gives you the best bang for your buck

• Highlight of Trip

  Luckymom18,Aug 23, 2025

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  We toured with Tory and our excursion was the the highlight of our week long cruise to four Hawaiian ports. Tory is a positive, energetic and informed tour guide. She kept us moving while letting us all go at our own pace. She weaved in interesting facts about Hilo, Kilauea, and is extremely knowledgeable about the local plants and vegetation in the national park.

  

• Excellent day.

  H9324HKlucys,Jul 6, 2025

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  Fabulous day with our guide Ryan. He was interesting, knowledgeable and fun. We had a great day, fortunate for us only myself and hubby, saw everything expected and with insight and knowledge that had we done it alone we would never have found out. Worth every penny, especially with all the driving and seeing so much in one day without feeling rushed or.missing out in any way. Would recommend.

  

  

• Hike, be amazed, repeat!

  986laures,May 17, 2025

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  This tour was the most amazing way to visit th volcano! Not only we got wonderful viewpoints of a fuming volcano, we were able to hike into the caldera itself while learning about the volcano history and all of the plants around us! Ray, our tour guide, was extremely knowledgeable and attentive to our needs! I would highly recommend this tour to anyone really interested in volcanoes and wanting to explore the park as the many stops all provide different insights into this evolving geological wonder!

  

  

• Full Day...Phenomenal Day

  Rob D,Feb 12, 2023

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  This is a FULL day with lots of hiking...we logged over 20K steps and nearly 6 miles. This experience was amazing, culminating with a spectacular night view over the edge of the erupting Kilauea volcano. Wear hiking / walking shoes and bring layers of clothing...the range of temperatures from near freezing to warm can make this a miserable experience if not dressed appropriately. Also, plan for rain as this is a very wet area on Hawaii. You do not want to miss this great opportunity, especially if you are generally active/athletic. Would not recommend for young children, or those who are mobility limited.

• Great trip. Great memory

  John P,Mar 24, 2022

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  Adam our tour guide took us to great spots. His narrative was both informative and humorous. Hiking through a volcano crater floor is definitely the highlight of the evening. We highly recommend this trip. The viator description doesn't do it justice. We did so much more than what was listed. Dinner at the Lava Cafe was delicious and the evening ended with view of live lava in one of the active crater. High recommended.

• Unique experience - saw things we would not have seen on our own

  Toni H,Aug 6, 2021

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  4.00

  We did the big circle tour on our last visit to Hawaii and wanted something new. Marcus was a great tour guide and was able to take us on new experiences and see new things at Volcanoes National Park. The tour is long, but it didn't feel too long. The hike down into the calder of the Volcano was fair - not too steep or unsafe...but you will encounter tree roots, mud, and uneven surfaces. It was worth the effort. Note: the description says dinner included and even states "you'll enjoy a hearty dinner before returning to your hotel". There is NO Dinner. You will be given lunch and snacks - but no dinner. I don't know if they used to have dinner....or if this is an outright typo. They need to fix the description to set expectations correctly.

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