"This by far was the best experience we've had on a tour."
Verified Review
This 11- to 12-hour journey offers an immersive experience through Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, where you'll witness the ever-changing terrain shaped by volcanic activity. Guided by knowledgeable interpreters, you'll hike through lava fields, explore a lava tube, and learn about the island's geological and cultural history. The adventure continues with an exclusive visit to a 1,000-acre tropical farm, where you'll discover the tree-to-bar process of chocolate making and enjoy a tasting session. The day concludes with a stop at the picturesque Rainbow Falls, an 80-foot cascade set against a lush tropical backdrop. With provided gear, meals, and expert guidance, this tour offers a comprehensive and enriching exploration of the Big Island's natural and cultural highlights.
GUEST REQUIREMENTS
For ages 6 and up, group size limited to 12 guests.
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Moderate with short guided walks.
WHAT TO BRING
Closed-toe shoes, long pants, and a light jacket
CANCELLATION POLICY
Full refund with 24 hours notice of cancellation.
WHAT GUESTS ARE SAYING
4.9★ from 5,400+ reviews on TripAdvisor
Travelers consistently say this tour “lived up to all the hype,” praising its seamless blend of volcano scenery, waterfall hikes, and a stop at a local chocolate tasting. Guides (Adam, Bret, Jayson) are often described as “knowledgeable, engaging, and kind,” bringing both the geology and cultural stories of the island to life. Most guests highlight that the terrain is easy to moderate—enough to stretch your legs but still comfortable—but they come away in awe of the crater views and pristine waterfall moments.
"Terrific tour of the Big Island! Our tour guide Mel was so knowledgeable and helpful. She answered all of my many questions and tailored the tour for our group. I learned a LOT about the unique geology, flora, fauna and the first settlers to reach Hawaii. I enjoyed the cacao farm, the waterfall visit and especially our time in Volcano National Park. Highly recommend this tour!"
Verified Review
Embark on an adventure through Hawaii Volcanoes National Park with your expert interpretive guide. Explore the park’s dramatic landscape, including its most recent eruptive sites and a lava tube. Discover native plants and animals found nowhere else on earth. Your guide’s unmatched training and experience will ensure you find the best spots based on the day’s conditions and your interests.
Next, enjoy an interactive tree-to-chocolate experience at a private tropical fruit and cacao farm above Hilo Bay. Finally, visit Hilo’s picturesque Rainbow Falls.
Gear Provided:
- Walking sticks, walking sticks, Day Packs, Bug Repellant, Flashlights, Rain gear, Sunscreen.
What to Bring & Wear:
- Closed-toe shoes, Reusable water bottle, Long pants, Light jacket
How much hiking do we do?
We’ll explore different locations determined by park conditions that day and group’s interests and ability levels.
Will we get to see active lava?
The most recent eruptions have been sporadically starting and stopping since December 2024. Please contact our office staff for the most current volcano conditions, or visit the the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory’s Eruption Update page.
Restrictions:
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is an extremely dynamic volcanic area, volcanic eruptions can start and stop with little warning, we cannot guarantee molten lava viewing, however, if there is an eruption occurring while we are in the park, we will prioritize eruption viewing whenever it is safe and accessible.
Guests should be able to hike on uneven or rocky terrain. We may encounter cool, wet, or muddy conditions.
Other restrictions may apply.
Schedule:
Morning trips depart from Kona, with convenient pickup locations in Kona, Waikoloa, Waikoloa Village, and Hilo. Tour time is approx. 11-12 hours round trip. Traveling time is approx. 6 hrs from Waikoloa resorts.Hawaii Forest & Trail is a locally owned eco-adventure outfitter that’s been guiding authentic land and water tours on Hawaiʻi Island since 1988. Renowned for its knowledgeable naturalist guides, deep commitment to environmental stewardship, and seamless experience design, they bring guests close to active volcanoes, waterfalls, and native habitats. With a blend of cultural storytelling, trail-safe exploration, and small-group attention, HFT delivers an educational and deeply immersive Big Island journey.
Morning trips depart from Kona, with convenient pickup locations in Kona, Waikoloa, Waikoloa Village, and Hilo. You'll select your hotel / location for pickup in the booking process.
Customers will receive a full refund with 24 hours notice of cancellation.
Private tours: Customers will receive a full refund with 72 hours notice of cancellation.
Cancellations within the cancellation period, “no-shows”, or any guest not meeting the tour requirements will be charged the FULL AMOUNT of the tour.
FOLIO TRAVELOGUE
From Crater to Coast: A Tour That Grounds You
You don’t just visit Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park—you step into one of Earth’s most dynamic landscapes, where the island is still being born. It spans over 500 square miles, from sea level to nearly 14,000 feet, and holds two of the world’s most active volcanoes: Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. Driving through the park is like moving across planets—lush rainforests give way to fields of lava rock, still steaming from recent flows. At the Jaggar Overlook, the caldera opens before you like a wound in the earth, massive and alive.
“One minute you’re inside a lava tube. The next, tasting chocolate from a tree. That kind of day.”
Our guide was a walking encyclopedia—but never boring. We stood in ancient lava tubes, traced the scars of past eruptions, and listened to stories that connected the land to the Hawaiian cosmos, where Pele, the volcano goddess, is both creator and destroyer.
Between geologic marvels, we stopped at a small cacao farm tucked into the greenery. It wasn’t touristy or slick—just a local grower walking us through trees heavy with fruit and letting us taste chocolate that still had the soul of the island in it. Then it was on to Rainbow Falls, draped in mist and framed in ferns, before heading back along the coast.
There are flashier tours in Hawai‘i, sure—but this one had weight. It left me with the sense that I’d seen something foundational. Not just the sights, but the heartbeat of the island.
