Big Island – Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Driving Tour

Discover the Big Island’s Volcanoes with a Self-Guided Driving Tour

For just $19.99 per group, up to 15 people, this Big Island – Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Driving Tour offers an affordable, flexible way to explore one of Hawaii’s most iconic landscapes. With a duration of approximately 2 days, the tour provides hours of audio commentary, detailed offline maps, and turn-by-turn GPS directions, allowing visitors to design their own experience at a comfortable pace.

This tour is ideal for those who want independent exploration combined with rich storytelling about Hawaiian myths, geology, and legends. Keep in mind, admission fees to the park or specific stops are not included, so travelers should plan accordingly. The tour’s high rating of 4.5 out of 5 reflects its value, especially considering the lifetime access to the audio content. However, some reviews note technical issues, so it’s wise to download the app and tour files before arriving.

Key Points

• Affordable self-guided experience with offline maps and audio narration
• Includes 3-5 hours of audio content covering history, stories, and local music
• Designed for flexibility: start, pause, and resume as needed
• Key stops include Thurston Lava Tube, Holei Sea Arch, and Devastation Trail
• Tour begins and ends at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
• Suitable for most travelers due to easy app access and straightforward directions

Self-Guided Tour of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park at Your Own Pace

This self-guided driving tour allows visitors to see the main highlights of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park while enjoying the freedom to explore according to personal interests. The tour starts at the park’s entrance, providing offline maps so navigation remains clear without internet service. The audio commentary automatically plays as the vehicle moves, offering background stories, Hawaiian myths, and local music to enhance every stop.

The flexibility provided by the app means travelers can skip stops, linger longer at favorites, or explore lesser-known areas. This setup appeals especially to those who prefer customized pacing over rigid group tours. Reviews praise the app’s ease of use when downloaded in advance and highlight the value of lifetime access to the content.

Exploring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park’s Stunning Landscapes

A key attraction of this tour is the chance to view breathtaking volcanic landscapes and experience the unique terrain of the park. Visitors will see active and dormant craters, lush rainforests, and volcanic features that showcase the raw power of nature. The landscape views are complemented by informative narration, which explains the geological processes behind formations like the Chain of Craters Road and Devastation Trail.

The Hawaiian myths and legends narrated during the drive deepen the understanding of the park’s significance to local culture. While the landscape is impressive, some stops, like the petroglyphs at Pu’u Loa, involve short walks and are best prepared for with water and appropriate footwear.

Highlights of the Stops: Thurston Lava Tube and Holei Sea Arch

One of the most popular stops is the Nahuku – Thurston Lava Tube. Visitors get to walk inside a natural lava tunnel that formed from cooling lava flows, a captivating experience. The trip inside takes about 30 minutes, and the app’s narration provides insights into how such tunnels develop.

Another standout is the Holei Sea Arch, a towering 90-foot-tall formation created from an ancient lava tube roughly 500 years ago. This spot offers spectacular coastal views and photo opportunities. The 30-minute stop combines natural wonder with stories of volcanic activity, making it a favorite among users.

The Scenic Drive on Chain of Craters Road

The Chain of Craters Road is a highlight of the tour for its spectacular vistas and volcanic features. Travelers can stop at various viewpoints, and the app guides suggest the best photo spots and areas to explore. The road meanders through volcanic landscapes, with many stops that help visitors appreciate the magnitude of the eruptions and lava flows.

A recommended break point on the drive is after visiting multiple stops, allowing visitors to relax and take in the scenery. The self-guided nature means you can spend as much or as little time as you like along this route.

Seeing the Petroglyphs and the Power of Devastation Trail

The Pu’u Loa Petroglyphs are among the oldest features on the tour, with around 23,000 petroglyphs carved by early Hawaiians. The short walk to this site is worth planning for, and the narration offers context about the carvings’ significance.

Following this, the Devastation Trail demonstrates how volcanic eruptions create new landforms. The trail provides a visual record of geological change, showing the force of Mother Nature. This stop typically takes about 30 minutes, and the app guides visitors through the volcanic destruction and renewal process.

Navigating the Park with Turn-by-Turn Directions and Offline Maps

A significant advantage of this tour is its turn-by-turn GPS guidance and offline maps, eliminating the need for data or Wi-Fi. This feature ensures smooth navigation even in remote areas of the park. The app indicates exact locations for each stop and provides easy-to-follow instructions, making self-guided exploration accessible for all.

The downloadable content allows visitors to start the tour at any time, pause, or revisit sections without concern about internet connectivity. The easy setup makes it suitable for first-time visitors and seasoned explorers alike.

The Value and Practicalities of This Tour

At $19.99, this private, self-guided tour offers excellent value for money, especially considering lifetime access to all audio and maps. There are no additional fees for the guidance itself, but travelers should remember that park entrance fees are not included.

The tour’s flexible start time and ability to explore at your own pace make it appealing for travelers who want control over their visit. The app’s narration covers history, stories, and travel tips, enriching the experience beyond a simple drive.

However, some reviews caution about technical glitches, such as the app not keeping up with the driving or turn notifications being missed. To avoid these issues, it’s recommended to download the tour before arriving and use a device with sufficient battery life.

Meeting Point and Practical Information

The tour begins at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and ends back at the same location. The park is open daily from 12:00 AM to 11:30 PM, offering ample time to explore. The activity is compatible with public transportation and service animals are allowed.

To get started, guests receive an email confirmation with instructions on downloading the app and the tour files. The app is designed to be user-friendly, with easy activation through a redeem code. The support team offers help via call, chat, or email if technical issues arise.

Limitations and Considerations

While this tour offers excellent flexibility and educational content, it does not include park admission fees or meals and refreshments. Some stops, like the Thurston Lava Tube and petroglyphs, involve short walks that may require appropriate footwear and water.

Technical issues have been reported, such as app connectivity problems or difficulty logging in, emphasizing the importance of downloading content beforehand. The refund policy allows cancellations up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, so travelers should plan accordingly.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour Most

This self-guided exploration appeals to independent travelers who want control over their schedule and an engaging narrative for their park visit. It’s particularly suited for families, small groups, or couples looking for value and personalized pacing. Nature lovers and history enthusiasts will find the detailed stories and geological insights especially enriching.

Travelers comfortable with technology and downloadable apps will appreciate the offline functionality and turn-by-turn directions. Those seeking a more structured or guided experience might prefer group tours or guided excursions.

This tour offers a cost-effective, flexible way to experience Hawaii Volcanoes National Park while learning about Hawaiian culture and volcanic geology. The audio narration and offline maps enhance the journey, making it accessible even in remote parts of the park.

While some technical issues may occur, the overall value and depth of information make it an attractive choice for adventurers who prefer exploring at their own pace. For those with a sense of curiosity and independence, this self-guided tour provides an informative, engaging, and personalized experience of one of Hawaii’s most iconic natural wonders.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is suitable for most travelers, including families, as it involves driving and short walks at stops. Make sure to bring water and appropriate footwear for stops like petroglyphs.

Do I need to pay for entrance to the park?
Yes, park entrance fees are not included in the tour price. Visitors should be prepared to pay at the entrance.

Can I start the tour at any time?
Yes, the tour is completely flexible; you can start, pause, and resume at your convenience.

What should I do before arriving?
Download the tour app and files using strong Wi-Fi to ensure smooth operation in the park.

Are refunds available?
Yes, cancellations made at least 24 hours in advance are eligible for a full refund.

What stops are included?
Stops include Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Thurston Lava Tube, Kilauea Iki Trail, Chain of Craters Road, Devastation Trail, Pu’u Loa Petroglyphs, and Holei Sea Arch.

Can I explore the stops on foot?
Yes, some stops like the petroglyphs and lava tubes require short walks.

Is the app easy to use?
Based on reviews, the app is user-friendly when downloaded beforehand and features automatic narration synchronized with driving.

What happens if I experience technical issues?
Support is available via call, chat, or email. It’s recommended to download all content before your trip to minimize problems.

Is the tour private?
Yes, this is a private activity, with only your group participating.