The Island of Hawaii offers some of the most extraordinary scenery in the United States, making it an ideal place for an evening tour that combines natural wonders with a delicious dinner. Unlike typical nights out, these tours blend adventure, culture, and cuisine, giving you a deeper appreciation of the island’s volcanic landscapes, starry skies, and local flavors. Whether you’re interested in exploring active volcanoes, relaxing at a black sand beach, or learning about Hawaii’s unique geology, these dinner tours are tailored for travelers who want more than just a meal—they want an experience.
The island’s diverse terrain and active volcanic activity mean you can enjoy a twilight volcano walk, a lava viewing experience, or a scenic black sand beach picnic. Plus, many tours include local treats like Kona coffee and traditional Hawaiian snacks, ensuring your evening is both scenic and flavorful.
Quick Overview
Below, you’ll find a selection of top-rated dinner tours that showcase Hawaii’s volcanic power and starry nights. These include guided adventures that explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, sunset lava glow experiences, and even stargazing near Mauna Kea. For a comprehensive look, check Big Island, Hawaii: Volcano and Stargazing Tour with Dinner, which ranks highly for its combination of natural wonders and cultural insights.
Next, we review each of these tours in detail, helping you decide which best matches your interests and travel style.
1. Big Island, Hawaii: Volcano and Stargazing Tour with Dinner
At number 1, this 12-hour guided tour offers a full day exploring Hawaii’s volcanic and starry secrets, with a satisfying dinner to cap off the night. Starting with sunrise or twilight pickup at one of 17 locations, you’ll visit a Kona coffee farm to learn about coffee harvesting, then venture into the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to see Kilauea and Mauna Loa. The highlight is an evening spent stargazing near Mauna Kea, where the clear sky reveals stars and planets you rarely see from city lights.
What makes this tour stand out is its mix of natural beauty, cultural storytelling, and practical comfort. The guide shares insights into the island’s geology, history, and culture with engaging commentary. You’ll enjoy a delicious dinner after a day of sightseeing—often a local-style meal or buffet—placed in a scenic spot. The star gazing near Mauna Kea is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many travelers, especially with the expert guidance on celestial bodies.
Guests love the knowledgeable guides and the carefully curated stops, with reviewers praising the guide Dreu for his storytelling and Felix for his local knowledge. At $287 per person, it’s a longer, more immersive experience, perfect for those who want to truly connect with the island’s natural forces.
Bottom line: Excellent for those interested in volcanoes, stars, and local culture, and willing to dedicate a full day for an unforgettable adventure.
2. Hawaii: Big Island Volcanoes Day Tour with Dinner and Pickup
For around $324, the Hawaii: Big Island Volcanoes Day Tour with Dinner offers a thorough exploration of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park combined with a day of scenic stops. Starting early with hotel pickup, you’ll visit a Kona coffee farm where you can sample some of the island’s best brews, then hike through Thurston Lava Tube—a unique underground passage carved by flowing lava.
Later, the tour takes you to Punalu’u Black Sand Beach, famous for its sea turtles and black volcanic sands, offering a chance to relax and explore on your own. As the day winds down, you’ll experience the glowing lava in Halema’uma’u crater at night, which is a breathtaking sight—especially if there’s active lava flow. The tour culminates with a 3-course dinner at Kilauea Lodge, giving you a chance to enjoy local cuisine in a cozy setting.
Guests often mention the guide Dave’s extensive knowledge and storytelling, making each stop informative and engaging. The tour also includes a visit to Punalu’u Bakery, where you can enjoy local snacks, and the overall value includes multiple scenic and cultural highlights for a reasonable price.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers wanting a comprehensive volcano experience with a good balance of sightseeing, local treats, and an evening lava glow experience.
3. From Hilo: Kilauea Lava Flow Tour with Lunch and Dinner
For those staying in Hilo, the Kilauea Lava Flow Tour offers an active and hands-on experience. This 9-hour tour is perfect if you’re eager to hike and see the volcano’s recent eruptions firsthand. You’ll hike across the 2018 lava flow, walking through fresh volcanic landscapes and learning about the island’s fiery geology.
The tour also includes a visit to the historic Painted Church in Kalapana, a colorful structure with a story as vibrant as the surrounding volcanic terrain. The highlight is exploring the current activity at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where you can witness the power of active volcanoes up close. You’ll also visit a black sand beach, where you may see turtles basking on the coast.
While reviews are mixed with a 3.5/5 rating, many mention the excitement of walking on recent lava flows and the knowledgeable guide’s effort to make the experience memorable. The tour includes a picnic lunch and dinner, making it a full-day adventure that’s especially suited for those physically comfortable with hikes and eager to connect directly with volcanic activity.
Bottom line: Best suited for active travelers who want the thrill of hiking across recent lava and experiencing the island’s eruptive forces firsthand.
How to Choose
Deciding between these tours depends on what kind of experience you want. If you’re after a full day of volcano exploration combined with starry skies and cultural insights, the Big Island, Hawaii: Volcano and Stargazing Tour with Dinner offers a well-rounded option. For a more comprehensive volcano sightseeing with a focus on lava glowing at night and a relaxed dinner, the Hawaii: Big Island Volcanoes Day Tour with Dinner provides excellent value.
If you prefer an active volcanic hike and love the idea of walking on recent lava flows, the Kilauea Lava Flow Tour from Hilo suits you best—but be prepared for a physically demanding day.
In terms of budget, the first two tours are comparable, with the third being slightly less expensive but more physically intense. Consider your fitness level, interest in star gazing versus lava hiking, and whether you want a relaxing or more active evening.
Booking early is wise, especially during high season, as these tours tend to fill up quickly, and some include limited access to certain volcanic sites or star-gazing opportunities.
Final Thoughts
Hawaii’s natural forces, from erupting volcanoes to star-studded skies, are truly captivating. For a luxurious, all-in-one experience, the volcano and stargazing tour is hard to beat. If you want a broad exploration with good food and scenic stops, the day tour with dinner is a great choice. For those seeking a hands-on volcanic adventure, the lava hike from Hilo will deliver.
Whatever your style, these tours provide a memorable way to enjoy Hawaii’s volcanic heart at sunset or night. Be sure to book early, pack layers for cool evenings, and get ready for some of the most unforgettable sights in the Pacific.