From Hilo: Kilauea Lava Flow Tour With Lunch and Dinner

Exploring the volcanic wonders of Hawaii’s Kilauea is a captivating adventure. This 9-hour tour from Hilo immerses visitors in the island’s natural beauty, offering the chance to hike the dramatic 2018 lava flow, visit the Painted Church, and discover the breathtaking Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. With a scenic drive, picnic lunch, and dinner, the tour provides a seamless experience. But what makes this excursion truly remarkable is the opportunity to witness the raw power of Kilauea’s volcanic landscape up close.

This experience made our article of Island Of Hawaii’s 3 Best Dining Experiences: Which To Choose?.

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Key Points

This 9-hour tour from Hilo explores the dramatic 2018 Kilauea lava flow, visiting cultural sites and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
The tour is limited to 13 participants and includes a picnic lunch, dinner, and all entrance fees.
Highlights include hiking the 2018 lava flow, visiting the Painted Church in Kalapana, and exploring Kilauea Iki Crater and Steaming Bluffs.
The tour provides a seamless experience with transportation, guiding, and essential inclusions, offering good value for a comprehensive Kilauea adventure.
Customer reviews indicate a generally positive experience, with high ratings for the guide and transportation, though the value for money rating is slightly lower.

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Tour Overview

The Kilauea Lava Flow Tour offers a comprehensive 9-hour experience, priced from $250.26 per person.

Limited to 13 participants, the tour is conducted in English. Guests depart from the Grand Naniloa Hotel in Hilo.

Highlights include hiking to the 2018 eruption flow, visiting the Painted Church, exploring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and seeing a volcanic black sand beach.

The tour includes a picnic lunch, dinner, and all entrance fees. Closed-toe shoes are required.

With a 3.5/5 overall rating based on 8 reviews, guests can expect a well-organized tour with a highly rated guide and transportation.

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Highlights of the Tour

The tour highlights a diverse range of experiences for visitors. Hikers can explore the 2018 lava flow, discovering the dramatic changes to the landscape. At the Painted Church in Kalapana, they’ll learn about the cultural heritage of the region. Within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, guests can marvel at the Kilauea Iki Crater Overlook and observe the Steaming Bluffs. The tour also includes a scenic drive through Hilo’s historic waterfront and Kalapana. Capping off the day, travelers will enjoy a picnic lunch and dinner, seeing the natural wonder of Kilauea.

| Tour Highlights | Key Experiences |

| — | — |

| Hiking the 2018 Lava Flow | Explore dramatic landscape changes |

| Visit Painted Church in Kalapana | Discover cultural heritage |

| Explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park | Marvel at Kilauea Iki Crater Overlook and Steaming Bluffs |

Detailed Itinerary

The tour begins with a drive to Kalapana and Mackenzie State Recreation Area, where you will hike along the closed highway and lava flow through a pine forest.

After a picnic lunch in the trees, the group will visit the Star of the Sea Painted Church.

Next, they’ll explore Kilauea Visitor’s Center, Kilauea Iki Crater Overlook, and Steaming Bluffs.

The final hike is to Keanakakoi Crater, where they’ll observe cracks from the 2018 eruption.

The tour concludes with a dinner after an eventful day exploring the volcanic landscapes of Hawaii.

Inclusions and Exclusions

This tour includes a full-day exploration, with all entrance fees, a picnic lunch, and dinner covered. Hotel pickup and drop-off are also provided, making the experience seamless. The tour’s inclusions ensure travelers can focus on enjoying the volcanic landscapes and cultural sites without worrying about additional costs.

| Included | Not Included |

| — | — |

| Full-day Tour | Travel Insurance |

| All Entrance Fees | Personal Expenses |

| Picnic Lunch | Gratuities |

| Dinner | Additional Food/Drinks |

| Hotel Pickup/Drop-off | –

The tour’s inclusions provide excellent value, allowing travelers to make the most of their Kilauea adventure.

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Cancellation Policy and Payment Details

Travelers can take advantage of the tour’s flexible cancellation policy, which allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This provides flexibility for tour participants in case of any last-minute changes in plans.

To book the tour, travelers can reserve their spot at no upfront cost and pay later. This convenient payment option ensures a hassle-free booking experience.

Additional important information includes:

Closed-toe shoes are required for the tour’s hiking activities.
The tour is limited to 13 participants.
Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.
Full-day tour with all entrance fees, picnic lunch, and dinner.

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Footwear Requirement

Closed-toe shoes are a must for the tour’s hiking activities. The terrain can be uneven and rocky, so sturdy footwear is essential for your safety and comfort.

Sandals, flip-flops, or other open-toe shoes aren’t recommended, as they provide little support and protection. Tour participants should wear comfortable, closed-toe hiking shoes or sneakers that have good traction.

This will help prevent slips and falls as you navigate the lava flows and uneven ground. Proper footwear is a crucial part of being prepared for the tour and ensuring you have an enjoyable and safe experience.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

According to the customer review details provided, the Kilauea Lava Flow Tour has an overall rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars based on 8 reviews.

The tour guide received a high rating of 4.6 out of 5, while the transportation was also well-received at 4.4 out of 5.

However, the value for money rating was lower at 3.1 out of 5.

Reviewers came from diverse backgrounds, including couples and families.

The tour appears to offer a good experience for visitors, with opportunities for hiking, sightseeing, and dining, though the overall value may not meet everyone’s expectations.

Overall Rating: 3.5/5
Guide Rating: 4.6/5
Transportation Rating: 4.4/5
Value for Money Rating: 3.1/5

Getting to the Meeting Point

How does one reach the meeting point for the Kilauea Lava Flow Tour? The tour departs from the Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo, located at 93 Banyan Drive in Hilo, Hawaii. Travelers have a few transportation options to get to the meeting point:

| Transportation | Cost |

| — | — |

| Rental Car | Varies |

| Taxi/Rideshare | $10-20 |

| Public Bus | $2 |

Parking is available at the hotel for those driving themselves. For those using public transportation, the nearest bus stop is just a short walk away. Arriving at the meeting point 15 minutes early is recommended to ensure a timely departure.

Ask Away

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t specify a minimum age requirement. However, given the strenuous hiking involved, it’s likely best suited for participants aged 12 and above who are physically fit and able to handle the demands of the excursion.

Can Participants Bring Their Own Food and Drinks?

Participants can bring their own food and drinks on the tour, but a picnic lunch is provided. Bringing additional snacks or beverages is optional and at the participant’s discretion.

Is the Tour Suitable for People With Physical Disabilities?

The tour may not be suitable for those with physical disabilities. The hike to the lava flow and through the national park requires mobility and stamina. Participants should have the ability to navigate uneven terrain for extended periods.

What Is the Maximum Group Size?

The tour is limited to a maximum of 13 participants. This small group size allows for a more personalized experience and easier navigation during the hike and exploration of the volcanic sites.

Is There an Option to Upgrade the Tour Package?

There is no information provided about upgrading the tour package. The tour is offered as a fixed package, with a maximum group size of 13 participants.

Final Words

This Kilauea Lava Flow Tour from Hilo offers an immersive exploration of Hawaii’s volcanic wonders. Priced at $250.26 per person, the 9-hour experience includes hiking the 2018 lava flow, visiting the Painted Church, and exploring the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. With a small group size and personalized attention, this tour provides a seamless adventure through the island’s natural beauty.