PRIVATE Kilauea Summit to Shore from Kona

This private tour departs from the Kona side of the Big Island and travels south and east to explore Kilauea volcano from its summit caldera down to the shore. The route passes through Kona Coffee Country on the western slopes of Mauna Loa, where coffee plantations cover the hillsides, then continues through broad lava fields as the tour moves into the southern area of the island.

Lunch is picked up at Punalu'u Sweet Bread Bakery, where the stop also includes malasadas, a Portuguese doughnut. Punalu'u Black Sand Beach is a stop where Hawaiian sea turtles can be seen resting on shore. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park brings the group to Kilauea's caldera and surrounding volcanic sites. Kaumana Caves, a lava tube created by Mauna Loa, rounds out the volcanic geology portion of the day.

The return follows Saddle Road back toward the west side of the island, climbing through rainforests, cloud forests, high desert, and open prairies. The tour is rated easy, and the itinerary is flexible, with adjustments possible based on guide and guest preference.