Evening Volcano Explorer from Hilo

Make Kilauea Volcano and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park your destination, and stay past sunset! This is a fully narrated adventure that starts at our store in downtown Hilo. Boarding your tour vehicle, the lush greenery of Hilo gives way to stark black basalt lava flows in Kalapana, a village completely destroyed by the advancing lava just a few years ago. Our first stop will be a walk across the recent lava flows to the newest black sand beach on the island. You will witness how the volcano engulfed everything in its path, even completely filling in Kaimu Bay with molten lava. This walk takes you over what once was the best swimming beach on Hawaii Island. Next stop is the Lava Viewing Area in Kalapana, where your vehicle drives over the lava flows that overran the highway. Look for any current volcanic activity available before heading to the Painted Church. Now decommissioned, it was the first home in Hawaii to Saint Damien before he famously found his calling among the lepers of Molokai. This Church was so important to the determined local villagers that it was moved, not once, but twice, to evade the advancing molten lava flows. Finally, your trained park ranger guide reveals the highlights of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, from active volcanic craters and steam vents to the historic Jaggar Museum. Enjoy dinner at Volcano Winery. Guests can expect a vineyard and tea orchard tour, plus a wine tasting or glass of wine included with dinner at the Winery. Return to the Park and watch for current volcanic activity as the sun sets before returning to Hilo. What to Expect: Moderate air temperatures at sea level with cooler temperatures at higher elevations on the drive from Kona; occasional rain showers; strenuous hike across uneven and steep, rocky terrain including black lava rock. Red molten lava may not be seen and cannot be guaranteed. Volcanic activity changes constantly and cannot be guaranteed.