Exploring the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park from Kauai is an unforgettable experience. This small group tour whisks travelers away on a 12-hour adventure, immersing them in the island’s stunning landscapes and volcanic wonders. From the Kona coffee belt to the black sand beaches, the itinerary promises an exciting day of discovery. But the real highlight awaits at the national park, where active steam vents and the Kilauea volcano stand as a testament to the power of nature.
This experience made our article of The 3 Most Popular National Park Tours In Naalehu Hawaii.
Key Points
- Tour includes round-trip airfare from Kauai to Kona International Airport and transportation to/from Kailua-Kona.
- Guests can explore the Kona coffee belt, Punalu’u sweet bread bakery, and Punalu’u black sand beach.
- Tour features a visit to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, including the Thurston lava tube and Kilauea visitor center.
- Guests can witness active steam vents and the awe of Kilauea and four other volcanoes on the Big Island.
- Tour requires a certain level of physical fitness and includes extensive walking and hiking, not suitable for all travelers.
Overview of the Experience
The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Experience offers a 12-hour small group tour for $589.99 per person, limited to 14 participants and led by a live English-speaking guide.
Guests can explore the Kona coffee belt, visit a sweet bread bakery and black sand beach, witness active steam vents, and discover the power of Kilauea and four other volcanoes.
The tour includes round-trip airfare from Kauai, pickup and drop-off service, and admission to the national park.
Guests can reserve now and pay later, and enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Looking for more options in Naalehu Hawaii? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Itinerary Highlights
On this Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Experience, guests can explore the Kona coffee belt, where they’ll visit local plantations and learn about the region’s renowned coffee production.
Next, they’ll discover the Punalu’u sweet bread bakery and the stunning Punalu’u black sand beach.
Moving on, you will witness the power of active steam vents before entering Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Inside the park, they’ll explore the Thurston lava tube and the Kilauea visitor center, gaining insight into the island’s volcanic activity.
Guests will leave in awe of Kilauea and four other volcanoes that define the Big Island.
Inclusions
This Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Experience includes round trip airfare to Kona International Airport from Lihue Airport on Kauai, as well as pickup and drop-off service in the Kailua-Kona area.
The tour also includes visits to key attractions:
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Kona and the Kona coffee belt
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Punalu’u sweet bread bakery and Punalu’u black sand beach
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Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, including the Thurston lava tube and Kilauea visitor center
While meals, gratuities, and parking fees aren’t included, this comprehensive package ensures a seamless and unforgettable journey to explore the power of Kilauea and four other volcanoes on the Big Island.
Exclusions
Although this Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Experience includes a comprehensive package, it doesn’t cover transportation to Lihue Airport on Kauai, meals, gratuities, or parking fees.
Participants must arrange their own transportation to Lihue Airport, where the tour begins with a flight to Kona International Airport. Meals aren’t included, allowing guests to explore the local cuisine at their own pace.
Plus, gratuities for the tour guide and drivers aren’t covered. Lastly, any parking fees incurred during the tour are the responsibility of the participant. Guests should budget accordingly for these excluded costs.
More Great Tours NearbyImportant Information
The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Experience may not be suitable for all travelers, as it requires participants to have a certain level of physical fitness.
The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Experience demands a level of physical fitness from participants, making it unsuitable for some travelers.
The tour involves extensive walking and hiking, so it isn’t recommended for pregnant women, individuals with heart or respiratory issues, or those with low fitness levels.
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, it’s recommended to bring:
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Comfortable shoes
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Sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen
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A jacket for changing weather conditions
Prohibited items include drones, mobility scooters, smoking, unaccompanied minors, scooters, alcoholic drinks, and bare feet.
Getting to Kona International Airport
How do you get to Kona International Airport from Lihue Airport on Kauai?
The package includes round-trip airfare, so travelers don’t need to worry about arranging their own transportation.
The experience begins with a flight from Lihue to Kona, where you’ll be picked up and taken to your tour’s starting point in the Kailua-Kona area.
The return trip at the end of the day also includes transportation back to Kona International Airport for the flight back to Lihue.
This seamless transportation makes for a hassle-free and convenient experience exploring the volcanoes and attractions on the Big Island.
Exploring the Kona Coffee Belt
After the flight from Lihue to Kona, travelers explore the famous Kona coffee belt.
The tour visits local coffee farms and roasteries, offering insights into the region’s unique microclimate and cultivation practices.
The region’s unique microclimate and cultivation practices are explored through visits to local coffee farms and roasteries.
Guests can:
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Observe the coffee harvesting process
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Participate in a cupping session to sample different roasts
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Tour a working coffee mill to see how beans are processed
This immersive coffee experience provides a deeper appreciation for the care and skill required to produce Kona’s world-renowned brew.
Discovering Punalu’u Black Sand Beach and Sweet Bread Bakery
As the tour continues, travelers discover the unique Punalu’u Black Sand Beach, a stunning natural wonder along the island’s southern coast.
They’ll have the chance to stroll along the jet-black sands, formed by centuries of volcanic activity.
The tour also includes a visit to the Punalu’u Sweet Bread Bakery, renowned for its delicious Hawaiian-style bread.
Travelers can savor the fresh-baked treats and learn about the bakery’s rich cultural heritage.
This stop offers a delightful blend of natural beauty and local culinary delights, providing a well-rounded experience for visitors exploring the Big Island.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring Pets on the Tour?
Pets are not allowed on the tour. The tour is not suitable for pets, as it involves activities that may not be safe or comfortable for animals.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
Unfortunately, the tour duration is fixed at 12 hours and can’t be extended. The tour itinerary and schedule are designed to maximize the time spent exploring the key attractions within the allotted timeframe. Extending the duration would require additional costs and logistics.
Do You Offer Transportation From Other Hawaiian Islands?
The tour company offers transportation from other Hawaiian islands, but this incurs an additional fee. Guests should inquire about this option when booking the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park experience.
Is There a Discount for Seniors or Students?
This tour doesn’t offer discounts for seniors or students. However, the overall pricing from $589.99 per person represents a fair value given the comprehensive inclusions like roundtrip airfare, guided visits, and admission to the national park.
Can I Customize the Itinerary to Fit My Interests?
Customers can’t customize the itinerary, but the tour covers key attractions like Kona, coffee belt, black sand beach, and Volcanoes National Park. The small group size allows for a personalized experience within the set itinerary.
The Sum Up
This immersive 12-hour tour from Kauai to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park promises an unforgettable adventure. Witness the power of volcanic activity, explore the Kona coffee belt, and indulge in Punalu’u sweet bread. With round-trip airfare, transportation, and guided exploration included, it’s a must-do experience for anyone seeking to discover the natural wonders of the Big Island.
📍 This experience made our list of the 3 best National Park Tours in Naalehu Hawaii