Volcano Express (Kona Departure)

The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is the jewel in the Big Island’s crown, and home to many of Hawaii’s most impressive natural attractions. Our 8-hour daytime or nighttime Volcano Express tour is designed for travelers short on time, and takes you directly to the Kilauea Volcano with minimal stops along the way. With meals, park fees, and transportation included, you’re free to soak up the spectacular volcanic views. For their comfort, this tour is not suitable for children under the age of 5.

Check out the itinerary section to learn more of what you can expect during this experience.

Tour pickup

Begin your daytime or nighttime tour at the designated meeting point in central Kailua-Kona, and relax in comfort on route into the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park – considered among Hawaii’s top natural attractions.

Punalu’u Bake Shop

First stop: the southernmost bakery in the U.S.! Delight in fresh Hawaiian sweetbreads and Portuguese-inspired malasadas. This spot is loved by locals and travelers alike, and sits on the south side of the Big Island – the perfect place to pick up a tasty treat to fuel your adventure (own expense).

Punalu’u Black Sand Beach (nighttime tour only)

This stunning beach is home to many nesting Hawaiian sea turtles, also known as honu. Your guide shows you the best places to see the sea turtles as they bask in the sun on the beach, though we cannot guarantee sightings. Along with enjoying the wildlife and scenery, you also get to learn more about how many Polynesian explorers first came ashore on the island.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park – the crown jewel of the Big Island

For many visitors, seeing a Big Island volcano is a highlight of this tour. Expect a visit that lasts over an hour at the crown jewel of the Big Island, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which contains two of the world’s most active volcanoes: Kilauea and Mauna Loa. From sea level to the peak, Mauna Loa’s peak stretches 13,667 feet above sea level, making it the world’s largest volcano. The park is designated an International Biosphere Reserve, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The visitors’ center hosts interesting and interactive displays, something to look at in between visits to see and feel the heat of steam vents and view Kilauea and Kilauea Iki craters. During the visit, you can also take a short hike through the Thurston Lava Tube and admire the scenery from the Kilauea Caldera lookouts.

Please note: In the event of an active lava flow, or an eruption, we will not be able to access certain parts of the park. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park officials have been known to restrict and/or close access to certain parts of the park without prior notice to visitors or tour providers. Kailani Tours will not refund a tour booking caused by park restrictions.

Rainbow Falls/Hilo town (daytime tour only)

Scenery on this side of the island is the postcard perfect example of Hawaii — a lush rainforest that is home to the 80-foot-tall Rainbow Falls. The waterfall plunges over a natural lava cave and into the Wailuku River below. It is said that the Hawaiian goddess Hina, mother of the storied demigod Maui, dwells in the lava cave behind Rainbow Falls. On a sunny day, rainbows reflect off the mist of the falls, and it is perfectly magical.

Tour drop-off

When your tour comes to an end, return in comfort to the drop-off point in central Kailua-Kona where your adventure began.

The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is the jewel in the Big Island’s crown, and home to many of Hawaii’s most impressive natural attractions. Our 8-hour daytime or nighttime Volcano Express tour is designed for travelers short on time, and takes you directly to the Kilauea Volcano with minimal stops along the way. With meals, park fees, and transportation included, you’re free to soak up the spectacular volcanic views. For their comfort, this tour is not suitable for children under the age of 5.

Check out the itinerary section to learn more of what you can expect during this experience.

Tour pickup 

Begin your daytime or nighttime tour at the designated meeting point in central Kailua-Kona, and relax in comfort on route into the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park – considered among Hawaii’s top natural attractions. 

Punalu’u Bake Shop 

First stop: the southernmost bakery in the U.S.! Delight in fresh Hawaiian sweetbreads and Portuguese-inspired malasadas. This spot is loved by locals and travelers alike, and sits on the south side of the Big Island – the perfect place to pick up a tasty treat to fuel your adventure (own expense). 

Punalu’u Black Sand Beach (nighttime tour only) 

This stunning beach is home to many nesting Hawaiian sea turtles, also known as honu. Your guide shows you the best places to see the sea turtles as they bask in the sun on the beach, though we cannot guarantee sightings. Along with enjoying the wildlife and scenery, you also get to learn more about how many Polynesian explorers first came ashore on the island. 

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park – the crown jewel of the Big Island 

For many visitors, seeing a Big Island volcano is a highlight of this tour. Expect a visit that lasts over an hour at the crown jewel of the Big Island, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which contains two of the world’s most active volcanoes: Kilauea and Mauna Loa. From sea level to the peak, Mauna Loa’s peak stretches 13,667 feet above sea level, making it the world’s largest volcano. The park is designated an International Biosphere Reserve, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

The visitors’ center hosts interesting and interactive displays, something to look at in between visits to see and feel the heat of steam vents and view Kilauea and Kilauea Iki craters. During the visit, you can also take a short hike through the Thurston Lava Tube and admire the scenery from the Kilauea Caldera lookouts. 

Please note: In the event of an active lava flow, or an eruption, we will not be able to access certain parts of the park. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park officials have been known to restrict and/or close access to certain parts of the park without prior notice to visitors or tour providers. Kailani Tours will not refund a tour booking caused by park restrictions. 

Rainbow Falls/Hilo town (daytime tour only) 

Scenery on this side of the island is the postcard perfect example of Hawaii — a lush rainforest that is home to the 80-foot-tall Rainbow Falls. The waterfall plunges over a natural lava cave and into the Wailuku River below. It is said that the Hawaiian goddess Hina, mother of the storied demigod Maui, dwells in the lava cave behind Rainbow Falls. On a sunny day, rainbows reflect off the mist of the falls, and it is perfectly magical. 

Tour drop-off 

When your tour comes to an end, return in comfort to the drop-off point in central Kailua-Kona where your adventure began. 

What is the group size of a Volcano Express Tour?
The group size can depend on the tour operator, but at Kailani Tours Hawaii, we always promise groups of 12 people or less per vehicle to create a small-group experience. We can also customize your Big Island tours to be private and exclusive to your group.

How crowded does it get at the stops on a Big Island Tour?
While we can’t predict the crowds, our guides know the best times to visit the stops on this tour to ensure you have the space and time to enjoy your surroundings.

Can you accommodate wheelchairs?
Yes, we are happy to accommodate wheelchairs. In the booking section, simply mark the “ADA Accessibility” and/or “Accommodation Request” section. Depending on your needs, we are happy to coordinate by phone or email as well. Please note, however, that our vans do not have lifts.

What should I bring on a Volcano Express?
Kailani Tours Hawaii will provide meals, snacks, hiking gear, jackets, umbrellas, flashlights, and parkas for all weather conditions. Please bring close-toed shoes, a hat, sunscreen and a camera.

Is this tour all-inclusive?
At Kailani Tours Hawaii, we act as a concierge to ensure your whole day is planned out on your behalf. This tour includes plenty of refreshments and snacks in the vehicle, and covers all tastings and meals mentioned in the Inclusions above. We work closely with the coffee roasters, wineries, and other establishments on the island to bring you exclusive tastings and experiences.

Can you accommodate dietary needs and restrictions on this tour?
Yes, we are happy to accommodate your dietary requirements. At the time of booking, please let us know in the “meal option” section if you have special requests or food allergies.

Who is this tour suitable for?
This is the ideal Big Island tour for couples, friends and solo travelers. We welcome ages 5 and up on this Big Island day tour, and with just 12 people per vehicle, this is a family-friendly tour. Choosing a private tour option is more suitable to children under 5.

How much walking do you do on a Big Island tour?
This tour allows people to explore at their fitness and comfort level. Throughout the day, we make a handful of stops for people to get out and enjoy the lush and unique landscapes of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Rainbow Falls, and Punalu’u Black Sand Beach. All walks are optional, and we always recommend joining your guide at our stop in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park for a short, easy hike along the lava trails when they are safe to access.