Our most recommended things to do in Kilauea

Hilo: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Waterfalls Flight

1. Hilo: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Waterfalls Flight

Take a helicopter ride over ever-changing scenery at Volcano National Park with this tour from Hilo. Journey over black sand beaches where lava once flowed into the sea. Take off from Hilo and fly directly to Volcano National Park. See the caldera of the Kilauea volcano. Admire the Pu'uo'o' volcanic cone. Snap pictures of the massive volcanos Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. Discover new lava fields that are forming and go over old lava fields. View how waterfalls create a deep blue pools amid jungle greenery.

Hawaii: Big Island Self-Guided Driving Tour

2. Hawaii: Big Island Self-Guided Driving Tour

Start by downloading the Action Tour Guide app, which will function as your personal tour guide, audio tour, and map. Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together! Note: This 100+miles-long tour covers the essentials of Yellowstone National Park in 3-5 hours. Experience Hawaii's Big Island at your own pace with a self-guided driving tour. Stops include Hulihe's Palace, Magic Beach, and the Lekeleke Burial Grounds. Your tour of the Big Island begins outside the quaint town of Kailua-Kona. Start by downloading the Action Tour Guide app that will function as your personal guide, audio tour, and map all in one. As you drive, you’ll see the historic Hulihe’e Palace, once the vacation home of the island’s royalty. Continue south to Magic Beach, where the sand sometimes simply disappears. After that is Kahalu'u Beach, a perfect place for snorkelers, followed by the sacred Lekeleke Burial Grounds. Next, pass the remnants of Hikiau Heiau, an important religious site in ancient Hawaii. Past that is the Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park for those looking to learn more about the island’s history. See the Honaunau Rodeo Arena and learn all about Hawaii’s cowboys. Next up is Pebble Beach, where you’ll get to know the Hawaiian volcano goddess Pele. You’ll also have the option to check out the Kula Kai Caverns, left by ancient volcanic activity. Continuing on, reach the startling Punalu'u Beach, which features totally black sand. The route then passes an old sugar plantation, followed by the huge volcanoes Kilauea and Mauna Loa. Pass by Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where you can explore the island’s volcanoes up close. After that, drive through the picturesque town of Hilo. Then, cruise through the almost impossibly scenic Liliuokalani Park and Gardens. Find surfers catching waves next at Honoli'i Beach. After that is Onomea Bay, featuring a spectacular hiking trail with views that can’t be beaten. Then, admire the astonishing flora at the Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Garden. Continuing on, you’ll arrive at the surprising sight of the Honohina Hongwanji Mission, a historic Buddhist temple. Next pass the Laupahoehoe Train Museum before reaching Laupahoehoe Point, a spectacular ocean vista. Don’t forget to snap some photos. Anyone hankering for a snack will definitely want to stop at the Hamakua Harvest Farmers Market before continuing on to the cowboy town of Waimea. Up next are a pair of great beaches: Hapuna Beach is the largest white sand beach on the island and Beach 69 is beloved by locals, so take your pick. Then you’ll arrive at the Kings Highway Foot Trail, where you’ll have the chance to see the ancient Waikoloa Petroglyphs. After that are another few scenic overlooks, followed by the beautiful Kekaha Kai State Park. Your tour concludes here, just north of where it began.

From Kona and Waikoloa: Kilauea Volcano Discovery Tour

3. From Kona and Waikoloa: Kilauea Volcano Discovery Tour

Begin your adventure with a scenic drive over the stark and beautiful Saddle Road to set the stage for the day. or. Your first stop will be an exclusive lava tube on private property. Venture beneath the Earth's surface and discover how lava travels around the islands underground. Explore a unique cave with ceilings as high as 35 feet, expansive rooms, bright golden walls, and an “upside-down” forest of roots. Enjoy a peaceful picnic lunch on this private property's natural surroundings in the middle of a Hawaiian rainforest. Following lunch, continue to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Discover the park's must-see spots including the dramatic Halemaumau Crater. Learn about the history and culture of the world's most active volcano, Kilauea, as your guide leads you through the park's diverse terrain. After a full afternoon of exploring the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, enjoy a warm picnic dinner with your fellow travelers. As your full-day experience comes to an end, sit back and relax as your guide returns to your meeting location while reflecting on your volcano experience. If the twilight option is available and selected, stay in the Park past sunset to view the eruption's glow. Experience a once-in-a-lifetime view of the glowing lava at one of the last remaining active volcanoes in Hawaii. Have your camera ready to capture the orange glow of lava against the night sky

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Self-Guided Driving Tour

4. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Self-Guided Driving Tour

Start by downloading the Action Tour Guide app, which will function as your personal guide, audio tour, and map all in one. Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together! Note: This 25+ mile-long tour covers the essentials of Hawaii Volcanoes in 3-6 hours. Once you’ve downloaded the tour, your journey begins at the entrance station to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. From there, you’ll head to the Visitor Center and have an option to hike the popular Sulfur Banks Trail. Then, you’ll pass steam vents where water is constantly boiling beneath the earth’s surface, before continuing on to Kilauea Overlook. This astonishing vista looks out across the massive Kilauea Crater, and it’s one you won’t want to miss! Next up is Kilauea Iki Trail, which actually goes through a volcanic crater that was once filled with lava! Then there’s the Thurston Lava Tube, offering an underground experience you won’t soon forget. As you drive toward Puʻupuaʻi Overlook, you’ll hear about how volcanoes actually created the Hawaiian islands. Then you’ll pass a string of remarkable craters left over from past eruptions. On your way to the Pu’u Huluhulu Trail, next, you’ll hear about the goddess Pele and her mysterious hair, which can be found across the park. Then you’ll find out how that national park was created in the first place. After that, you’ll reach Mauna Ulu Lookout, offering views of the aftermath of a five year long eruption! Then you’ll visit a spot overlooking the site where a village once stood… before disaster after disaster erased it. Continuing on, you’ll learn to identify different kinds of lava, find out how certain plants survive in this inhospitable climate, and hear the dramatic true story behind the “day of falling sands.” Next, you’ll hear an ancient Hawaiian legend and stop by Alanui Kahiko Overlook, offering views of where the Chain of Craters Road was before being destroyed by a lava flow. Then you’ll reach the Pu’uloa Petroglyphs, authentic rock carvings dating back hundreds of years! Finally, you’ll arrive at the Hōlei Sea Arch, a magnificent sight that may not last very much longer. Your tour concludes here.

Big Island Tour Bundle: Self-Drive Sightseeing Road Trip

5. Big Island Tour Bundle: Self-Drive Sightseeing Road Trip

Welcome to Shaka Guide's audio tour app, your gateway to the remarkable wonders of the Big Island of Hawaii. Get ready to embark on a captivating adventure through diverse landscapes, active volcanoes, lush rainforests, and stunning coastlines. As you begin your tour of the Big Island with the Shaka Guide app, prepare to be amazed by the island's natural beauty, unique geological formations, and rich cultural heritage. The app will provide informative and engaging audio commentary, sharing insights into the island's volcanic activity, endemic wildlife, ancient legends, and local traditions. Your journey starts along the Kona Coast, known for its pristine beaches and vibrant marine life. The app will guide you to scenic overlooks, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the turquoise waters and explore picturesque beach towns such as Kailua-Kona and Kealakekua Bay. Continue your exploration of the island as you venture to the majestic Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The app will lead you through the park's scenic drives and trails, providing information about the island's volcanic history, geological wonders, and the awe-inspiring Kilauea volcano. Discover the lush beauty of the Hamakua Coast, where the app will guide you through scenic drives and waterfalls. Marvel at the towering Akaka Falls, stroll through the tropical gardens of the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, and learn about the island's agricultural history in the charming town of Hilo. Explore the mystical Waipio Valley, known for its dramatic cliffs, black sand beach, and rich cultural significance. The app will share stories and legends associated with this sacred place as you navigate the steep road into the valley or opt for a scenic lookout. Visit the stunning beaches of the Big Island, from the golden sands of Hapuna Beach to the green sea turtle haven of Punalu'u Black Sand Beach. The app will guide you to the best spots for relaxation, snorkeling, and witnessing the island's diverse marine life. As you venture to the Kohala Coast, the app will lead you to historic sites such as Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site, where you can learn about the island's ancient Hawaiian history and visit sacred temples. Throughout your journey, the Shaka Guide app will recommend local eateries, hidden gems, and cultural experiences that will enrich your visit to the Big Island. Whether it's sampling local Hawaiian cuisine, attending a traditional hula performance, or visiting a coffee plantation, the app will provide valuable insights to enhance your trip. With the Shaka Guide app as your knowledgeable companion, your tour of the Big Island will be enriched with fascinating stories, natural insights, and practical information. So, grab your phone, and get ready to embark on an extraordinary journey through the captivating landscapes and rich culture of the Big Island of Hawaii.

Kauai: Island Highlights Audio Guide

6. Kauai: Island Highlights Audio Guide

Don’t miss a thing as your favorite audio tour narrator guides you across Kauai to not-to-be-missed viewpoints, along with fascinating stories, tips and directions along the way. Follow the suggested itineraries, or divide the commentary and create your own half, full or multi day sightseeing trips. Not only does the Garden Isle of Kauai’s wondrous set of natural features make it distinctive from the other islands, its place in Hawaiian history makes it truly unique Major Highlights: Anini Beach Ha'ena State Beach Hanalei Hanapepe Kapa'a Kilauea Lighthouse Koke'e State Park Lihue Monk Seals Na Pali Coast Poipu Princeville Spouting Horn Tree Tunnel Wailua Falls Waimea Canyon Includes: North and East You'll feel yourself slip into the friendly laid back personality of the island as you visit North and Eastern Kauai and the beach resort areas of Hanalei and Princeville. The tour continues all the way to the end of the road at Ke’e Beach, and it’s also the best place to see endangered monk seals, often lazing on north shore beaches. Along the way, a trip to view Wailua Falls, one of Kauai’s most popular and just 10 minutes from Lihue, is not to be missed. Sample delicious smoothies and shave ice flavored with local tropical fruit, while you stroll the shops or watch surfers in the vibrant town of Kapa’a. And the views from Kilauea Lighthouse at the northernmost point of the island are amazing, and this location also acts as a bird and marine life refuge. South and West Waimea Canyon and the lookout from the Kalalau Lookout down to Na Pali are the most amazing sights when touring this section of the island. But there are also many great beaches, artsy communities, a blowhole and the resort area of Poipu that are excellent to explore. Expect to spend a whole day to enjoy the many stops.

From Waikoloa: Big Island Tour with Lunch

7. From Waikoloa: Big Island Tour with Lunch

Circle the Big Island of Hawaii, stopping at many of its iconic attractions in just 1 day. Get picked up from your accommodation. Head to a Kona coffee farm for a private tasting tour to sample one of the island's most important products. Then stop at one of the black sand beaches the island is known for and spot giant sea turtles sunbathing. From there, head to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the island's natural crown jewel. Visit the Kilauea Iki Crater Overlook and Steaming Bluffs before taking a walk through the famous Volcano House to view smoking and steaming Kilauea Caldera. Journey down the lush eastern side of Kilauea Volcano to your next stop at Big Island Candies, an island institution boasting an assortment of high-quality, handmade confections. Peek through the windows into the factory or browse the selection of gorgeous jewel-box gifts. Next, head to the fertile Waipio Valley where taro farmers have tilled the land for nearly a thousand years. Catch sweeping views of the valley from the overlook and even glimpses of native wild horses if you're lucky. At the end of an epic day, enjoy drop-off at your hotel.

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What people are saying about Kilauea

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 151 reviews

This was an amazing experience. I would have enjoyed more hiking. But the stops were all incredible and I loved everything we viewed. The steaming crater was amazing. The private lava tube was absolutely spectacular and a truly unique experience. I really enjoyed the fissures and the cinder cone. And the view from the cliffs at dinner was awe inspiring! Maddie was a great guide and took care of everything you could want on a full day tour. The food and snacks were delicious and dinner hot and a wonderful. I highly recommend this excursion!

It was fantastic, from start to finish. Our guide Maddie was excellent - clear, easy to understand and extremely interesting. She knew exactly how to get everywhere, took us to the least crowded places with great views, pointed out a lot of the wildlife along the way and told us all about it.... The van was comfortable, the food [lunch, dinner and snacks] very good and plentiful, great walks... I really can't say enough about the whole experience.

Our guide was really knowledgeable about the history of Hawaii and about the plants and agriculture. I liked traveling around the island and seeing sights, such as the active volcano and the lush vegetation on the “wet” side.

Loved it. Pilot was very professional made sure everyone could see the volcano and waterfalls

Our guide Maddie was terrific. She made it interesting and fun.