Start the day with Breakfast and a Site inspection of the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel

Our Volcano Adventure Day begins with a tour of downtown Hilo’s quaint shops and historic sites. You will surely believe the clock has turned back at least 50 years! We will visit Imiloa Astronomy Museum where Astronomy meets Hawaiian Culture. After the short tour and the amazing planetarium show, you will enjoy a buffet lunch.

Now we are on our way to the Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. This Park displays the results of 70 million years of volcanism, migration, and evolution — processes that thrust a bare land from the sea and clothed it with unique ecosystems, and a distinct human culture.

We will explore the summit of Kilauea volcano via Crater Rim Drive; an 11-mile road that encircles the summit caldera, passes through desert, lush tropical rain forest, and traverses the caldera floor.

The Thomas A. Jaggar Museum is built on the edge of Kilauea Caldera. Visitors may enjoy spectacular views of the current eruption that began March 11, 2008,  the caldera and the main crater Halema`uma`u.

Prior to its opening as a museum on volcanology (the study of volcanoes and volcanic activity), the building housed offices for the US Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, the scientists who monitor the volcanoes in Hawai`i. Working seismographs and displays on equipment used by the scientists are exhibits in the center.

From there, we will explore the East Rift and coastal area of the Park via Chain of Craters Road. This road descends 3,700 feet in 20 miles and ends where a 2003 lava flow crossed the road. Lava flow activity is always changing but as the sun begins his descent, we are planning on a short 20 minute hike to where the active lava flows can be seen. As the sun sets and with the Ranger’s permission, we will see the eerie glow of our active lava flows before our hike out under an almost full moon.

Our perfect day will finish with a stop for dinner before we return to our hotel.

Closed toe shoes are required for the volcano hike (no exceptions). Walking sticks and flash lights will be provided. Beverages and snacks will be available throughout the day. Bring your camera, sunglasses and a light jacket. Participants should be in good physical condition, able to walk over irregular ground and willing to commit the entire day to exploration and discovery.

Pack your bags and meet for breakfast and a fond farewell to Hilo. Your luggage will be transported directly to your Kohala Coast Host Hotel and once again, you will be transported back in time as we travel the northern most coast of Hawai‘i, The Big Island.

Our leisurely day will take us on a Cultural Tour of ancient Hawaiian sites as well as fascinating visits to notable agricultural endeavors. We are not adverse to a little adventure as we visit a Zipline site for a ride on the giant swing.

Suspended between three 75 foot poles, two daring adventurers safely swing side by side up to 150 feet over the waterfalls below, a breathtaking event! (This event has limited capacity and will be available on a first come basis.)

You will visit the stunning Akaka Falls and Omauma Falls and our knowledgeable guides will share exciting historical information at various locations. The lunch stop will be a great surprise you will thoroughly enjoy. Our final stop along the Hamakua Heritage corridor will be at Tex’s Drive In (a historic landmark and local favorite) to try their famous malasadas. Your exciting days adventure will end at your Kohala Coast host hotel.