Location: Volcano
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What to do and see in Volcano, United States: The Best Places and Tips
The stunning white, black, green and red sand beaches and fiery lava flows near Volcano are best seen by rental car, moped or tour bus. This town adjacent to Kilauea, the youngest volcano on the Big Island, offers attractions like the enticing Volcano Winery, Thomas A. Jaggar geological and historical museum and the Cooper Center. At the end of a day experiencing Volcano's myriad marvels, take a seat by the imposing stone fireplace in romantic Kilauea Lodge and sample Polynesian-inspired cuisine.
Restaurants in Volcano
1. Kilauea Iki Trail
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
A moderate 4 mile hike into a an old volcanic crater.
Reviewed By jjluke - calgary, ab
Kilauea Iki Trail was the hike recommended by the visitor center at Volcanoes National Park. The hike takes you through dense forest, down into the frozen lava lake, then back up through the forest where it meets back at the top. Once you meet the other parking lot, you can add the Thurston Lava Tubes across the street, then go back to the trail where it meets the parking lot where you started.
You can journey one of two ways, but we found going counterclockwise to be the most fulfilling (i.e. follow the trail markers in sequence 1, 2, 3… etc.). There are good views going down to the valley for picture-taking and coming up you can focus on hiking back as by then you will be tired. It goes without saying that it is smart to wear sunscreen/coveralls even though it will be more cloudy than sunny there. Also ensure you have good walking/hiking shoes as the trails are looked after but the terrain is rocky especially at the base. The terrain is doable with flip-flops and sandals but wont be enjoyable! The hike is over 3 miles on moderate terrain but with an elevation loss and regain of 600 feet, meaning you go down then back up.
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2. Kilauea EcoGuides
Overall Ratings
5 based on 87 reviews
Volcano's newest private tour option, Kilauea EcoGuides, offers custom explorations of Kilauea Volcano and Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. We are changing the way that guests explore the volcano! Get out of the big buses and vans and see the REAL Hawai'i. Winner of the 2014 'EcoTour Guide of the Year' award from the Hawai'i Ecotourism Association. Education based hikes (no buses or vans!) that take guests to hidden and highlight areas of the worlds most active volcano! Focus on subjects such as Geology, native flora and fauna, and traditional Hawaiian culture specific to Kilauea. Your private tour is fully customized to your preferences - you choose the tour length and start time. Family friendly options available!
Reviewed By ann m - Orlando, Florida
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3. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By K10trips - Apex, North Carolina
This is a MUST DO on the Big Island! We got there early to beat the crowds and it was well worth it. First we ate at the Volcano House, service was great and food was too! Nice brunch at a great price. Then we moved on to the Lava Tube, it was early so we had to use our phones to light the way, very cool. Bring a sweatshirt if you are going early it was chilly. We drove around and stopped at almost every crater. It was amazing! The craters themselves then when you get to the lava overlooking the ocean. It is something everyone needs to see if life. We made our way back up to the observatory and what a sight! My 7 year old was upset, he wanted to see hot red lava..and he did! Right there bubbling up from the ground. It was amazing. We missed the visitor centers because by the time we got back up, it was packed and we were hungry again. So happy we took the almost 2 hour drive to see this amazing sight
4. Akamai Adventure Tours & Travel
Overall Ratings
5 based on 168 reviews
Are you planning a trip to Hawaii? If so, explore the Hawaiian Islands with Akamai Adventure Tours & Travel!! When you travel with us you have the chance to experience an adventure of a lifetime. We are a guiding service company that wants to share the most unique place upon our planet and show you hidden Hawaii.We provide the island of Hawaii's most private, exclusive, intimate adventure tours at very affordable rates. We are a family owned business with 32 years of experience in the outdoor recreation industry. Our professional, knowledgeable and friendly staff brings an exuberant amount of passion and energy to every trip they lead. Through extensive interpretation, Akamai Adventure Tours & Travel hope to instill in your hearts the respect, admiration and ALOHA spirit that will connect you to the 'Aina (land) forever. Call us to book your adventure of a lifetime. By making your reservation today, you're already AKAMAI (wise, smart intelligent). Explore the Big Island with us! Hawaii Volcanoes National Park * Lava Viewing * Hawaii's largest fresh water lake (Wai O' Pele) * Black Sand Beaches * Akaka Falls * Rainbow Falls * Queen Liliuokalani Garden * Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Farm * Panaewa Botanical Zoo * Big Island Candies * Volcano Winery * Art Galleries * Hawaiian Vanilla Company and much, much more
Reviewed By YumanLuvz2Vacation - Yuma, Arizona
What a great day! We did a private tour of Hilo Town Treasures and the Evening Summit Glow. Hayley was wonderful. She has so much knowledge of the island. We had a group of six. Hayley was accommodating to everyone in the group and I think even had some fun herself with us. Her communication prior to our arrival on island was above and beyond. She arrived on time for our tour and was ready to go. She answered all our questions and provided additional information on not only the park but the other islands. If you want a wonderful tour with a special person who loves the island and wants to share her knowledge do a tour with Haley. You will not be disappointed. Thank you Haley for everything. We will see you on our next trip.
5. Mt. Kilauea
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 790 reviews
Active volcano built on the southeastern slope of Mauna Loa features a caldera approximately 4 by 3.2 kilometers wide and walls from zero to 120 meters high.
Reviewed By BobWE - Manhattan Beach, CA
Great hiking experience in the Big Island across the volcano flow lava. The trail leading up to the trail head includes numerous steps but is well worth the hike. Make sure you bring water and head gear to protect you from dehydration and the heat. The hike across the lava bed will take about 30-45 minutes at a leisurely pace. I strongly recommend hiking shoes for the trail and lava flow hike. The vastness of the lava bed is very interesting. Several plants are beginning to grow through the lava bed. Definitely a site to visit with teens and adults. I would be reluctant to take young children.
6. Epic Lava Tours
Overall Ratings
5 based on 327 reviews
EpicLava is a once in a lifetime adventure to experience the volcanoes of Hawaii. We make safety and fun our priorities as we guide you to the current volcanic eruptions and features. The volcanoes national park tour takes the guesswork out of the park. VNP is over 505 square miles(that's bigger than the island of Oahu) there are so many great features to see that often times people don't see the best! You will learn the legends of the Hawaiian Gods and be amazed by the volcano's power! We definitely take you off the beaten path to the very best of the park and swing through the "must see spots" as well. Our guides are extremely professional and welcoming. Let our years of experience become an amazing day for you in this truly EPIC place. This tour is fantastic and will leave you with a great memory of your volcano experience.(maximum group size of 11) Group tours include transportation in our comfortable Mercedes sprinter van. This tour includes essential gear needed for the tour. Let us show you the park in EPIC fashion and you'll understand why we are "the greatest show on the flow" Mahalo and ahui hou!
Reviewed By kallam125 - Saint Louis, Missouri
We did the early morning hike with John and others. We did this back in December, 2017. It was an incredible experience, to start at dawn go through the long hike through the endless black lava fields, to see the glowing red lava. It would have been nice to throw food and etc in the lava at the very end as started by the some people as a sign of respect.
7. Thomas A. Jaggar Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
A geological and historical museum.
Reviewed By WorldTravelers34 - Chicago
My wife and I picked the cruise excursion that brought us to the Volcano National Park. The Jaggar Museum is a museum on volcanology. In this museum are several displays of the types of lava, eruption "by-product" displays, real-time monitors, equipment used by scientists in the past to study the volcano and working "state of the art" electronic seismographs. The overlook outside of the museum offers a breath taking panoramic view of Kīlauea Caldera with several interpretive displays about Kīlauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes. From this newly renovated overlook, one can view the March 19, 2008, on-going gas eruption of Halema'uma'u crater.
About:
The Jagger Museum is not the same as the Visitor Center near the Park entrance. The Visitor Center will have restrooms and lots of rangers who can provide ideas on what to see, recommended hikes based on your schedule, etc.
The Jagger Museum has three parts. First of course, is a full view of an active volcano! It will spew vapor during the day and seep glowing lava at night. Second, you have a real scientific museum that covers geology, seismology, and volcanology. Last but not least, there's a fun aspect with a gift shop and a very nifty museum with awesome artwork - much of it tells some of the mythological aspects of Pele and other ancient gods from Polynesian culture.
8. Akatsuka Orchid Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 403 reviews
Reviewed By WaSunlover - Kailua Kona
We been here twice, once by ourselves when they had a maze going on, and another time bringing our friends visiting the island. The second time seemed much more organized and able to see the greenhouse area. So many beautiful, variety of orchids to view and take many pictures. It was a nice surprise to even see and smell orchids having some fragrance to them. I have sent a floral arrangement to someone on the mainland in the past. Stop by here before or after going to the volcano.
9. Volcano Art Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 186 reviews
Reviewed By DudefrmAK - Anchorage, Alaska
First of all -- pay close attention to the building. It is older than you are and has an amazing history. Then check out the offerings: an amazing diversity of art and craft by mostly local artist. Some of the most beautiful woodworking around, including furniture and turned objects. Lots of fine photography with the local theme - volcano, endemic birds and plants. Wild divergence of prices from items exclusively for the 1% visitor to the $8 greeting card that is worth a frame.
Worth a visit just to get the visual juices flowing!
10. Volcano Garden Arts
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 95 reviews
Volcano Garden Arts, a working Art Studio and Gallery is set on three lush acres in Volcano Village, a mile from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. This unique gallery is housed in an old Hawaiian Estate, recognized as a World Heritage Site. You will be delighted to find art work from over 70 local artists, from fresh fun collectibles to works of significant impact. Enjoy our lovely, cultivated gardens and greenhouses and visit our spectacular 70 year old tree sanctuary. While visiting the Volcano Art Gallery, be sure to take some time to relax and have lunch, coffee or tea at our Cafe' Ono.
Reviewed By Kipuka - Big Island of Hawaii
The feeling at Volcano Garden Arts is relaxed and comforting. You can tour the gardens, visit with the house rabbit "Noble", take pictures of the lovely grounds then go inside for a real treat. There is a gourmet vegetarian restaurant called Café Ono and an art gallery of fine arts by local artists. They will ship your found treasures to your home by Priority Mail. Try to get there between 11am and 2pm if you want to eat some of the freshest food in Hawaii or order a picnic lunch to take with you to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
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