PRIVATE Kilauea Summit to Shore from Kona

Take the Kīlauea Summit to Shore tour as a private experience for up to 6 guests on this 8-hour journey south around Mauna Loa to the Big Island's most volcanic landscape. Same epic route as the shared tour but with exclusive use of the van and guide for a personalized pace.

Pickup from your Kona, Waikoloa, or Kohala accommodation. Pass through famous Kona Coffee country on Mauna Loa's western slopes, then continue south through vast lava fields. Stop at Punalu'u Sweet Bread Bakery for lunch and their famous malasadas, then visit Punalu'u Black Sand Beach to look for Hawaiian green sea turtles basking on shore.

Spend the heart of the day at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, home of Kīlauea volcano. Gaze into the massive summit caldera and explore various volcanic sites within the park. Explore Kaumana Caves, a Mauna Loa lava tube where you can walk inside what was once a scorching conduit of molten rock.

The return follows Saddle Road, climbing to nearly 6,800 feet through rainforests, cloud forests, high desert, and vast prairies between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa — passing through many of the Big Island's distinct microclimates with stunning views of both towering volcanoes.

Lunch, snacks, and drinks are included along with all national park entrance fees. The itinerary is flexible and may be adjusted based on conditions and your group's interests.