All things to doVolcano and the saddle
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park tour
The park is the other half of the island: the crater, a lava tube, Chain of Craters Road, and, when Kīlauea is erupting, a glow after dark. From Kona that is close to five hours of driving before you have seen anything. That drive is what you are paying a tour to absorb.
- Time
- 10–12 hours from Kona
- Worth it from
- Kona or Waikoloa
- Skip it from
- Hilo or Volcano village
- Pack
- A warm layer
Who should book
Book a tour if your hotel is in Kona or Waikoloa and you do not want a 12-hour driving day. A good one covers the visitor center, Nāhuku lava tube, a crater viewpoint and Chain of Craters, and stays for the glow if there is an eruption.
If you are sleeping in Hilo or Volcano village, skip the tour. Rent a car and follow the one-day park guide. You will see more, on your own clock, for the price of the entry fee.
Before you pay
Check whether park entry is included. A lot of listings add it at the gate. Ask what happens if the eruption pauses or Chain of Craters is closed. The park is still worth the day. The listing should not pretend otherwise.
Bring a warm layer. The summit is around 4,000 feet and the rim after dark is windy. Sandals are a bad idea on the lava.
