Elite Volcano Hike-(Kona Pick Up)

A 14-hour hiking-focused volcano tour departing from Kona that explores the Big Island's volcanic landscape on foot. The journey begins with a drive across Saddle Road between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, with a National Park Service-certified guide narrating the volcanology, geology, and history along the way. Stop at Kaumana Caves to peek inside the cathedral-like lava tube from the 1881 eruption, then pass through historic Hilo before heading to Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. After a picnic lunch surrounded by native birdsong, set off on the main hike - approximately three miles along the Halema'uma'u Trail from behind Volcano House down to the caldera floor. See evidence of the 2018 eruption including the massive 1,000-foot-deep pit left when the lava lake drained, hike past ancient tree fern forests, and climb roughly 400 feet to Byron Ledge for sweeping caldera views. The trail continues through forest past Pu'u Pua'i and Kīlauea Iki to Waldron Overlook. After the hike, explore the Mauna Ulu lava flow to find Pele's tears and lava trees, and visit the Nāhuku lava tube. The day ends with dinner at a local restaurant in Volcano Village. When a summit eruption is active, the guide returns to the park after dark to view the lava glow. Lunch and dinner included. All ages welcome, with pickup from Kona-area hotels. A 48-hour cancellation notice is required.