Volcano by Air & Land
On the Volcano by Air & Land tour you will get to explore the Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park area by air and by foot! You can sink your toes into a beautiful black sand beach and sip on award-winning coffee. From Kona Airport you will soar over the world-famous Kona coffee district and skirt three of Hawai‘i’s towering volcanoes: Hualālai, Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. As you arrive to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, your pilot will search out the day’s lava activity. Sometimes it’s a stream or lake of glowing lava, a burning forest fire, or a sizzling entry into the ocean. Usually these activities are only accessible from the air.
After your “air” experience, you will touch down in Hilo. Then, you will meet your expert Hawaii Forest & Trail interpretive guide who will take you through the remote and rugged landscape of Kaʻū - home to historic farms, ranches, and the famous black sand beach of Punaluu. Learn how the powerful forces of nature have shaped the people and landscape of this dynamic region. This tour is a perfect blend of nature and culture and reveals what it’s like to live on two active volcanoes.
At Kaʻū Coffee Mill, you can ample and shop for award-winning farm fresh coffee along with other Hawai‘i Island grown treats like honey, macadamia nuts, and chocolate. Search for basking sea turtles at Punaluʻu beach and stroll along its crystal-fine black sand. Delve into the stories of Hawaiian legends and mythology, and learn about Pele, Hawaiian goddess of fire, lightning, wind and volcanoes.
Enjoy a picnic lunch before you return to Hilo Airport. As you fly back, your route will take you along Kona’s eastern and northern coasts. Venture deep into uninhabited valleys that boast Hawai‘i’s wild, untamed beauty. Waterfalls cascade down sheer valley walls, and the surf pounds rocky cliffs and unreachable beaches. The landscape shifts again, as you fly over Pololū Valley, south to Kawaihae and over beautiful white and black sand beaches. You will to make your way down the coastline and return to the Kona Airport just in time to enjoy a golden sunset.
Schedule: Morning departure
Duration: Approximately 11 hours total, including check-in, and the total flight time typically varies from 1.7 – 2.1 hours.
Sights: Approximately 7 hour guided tour of Rainbow Falls, the Volcano Art Center, Kaʻū Coffee Mill, and Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach.
Included in this tour: Ground transportation to and from Hilo airport and within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, Park entry fees, deli style lunch with assorted beverages.
Gear Provided: Walking staffs, rain gear, warm wear, and daypacks.
Restrictions: Must be able to walk over uneven terrain and short climbs.