Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour

The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour offers a flexible and affordable way to experience some of the Big Island’s most iconic volcanic landscapes. Priced at $16.99 per group of up to four, this tour provides 2 to 3 hours of engaging information and scenic stops. It’s perfect for visitors who prefer to explore independently, with the ability to pause, repeat, or skip content as desired.

The tour is self-paced and designed for extended visits and return trips, thanks to the one-year usage window after purchase. It covers essential sites within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, including the Kilauea Crater, Puu Loa Petroglyphs, and Holei Sea Arch. Travelers should be aware that it is not an entrance ticket and requires prior download of the Action app and Wi-Fi access for setup.

Despite its affordability and flexibility, this tour is best suited for those comfortable with self-guided exploration and looking for a personalized experience without the constraints of a traditional guided tour. It offers excellent value and detailed narration, making it an appealing choice for anyone keen to learn about Hawaii’s volcanic history at their own pace.

Key Points

• Affordable self-guided tour at $16.99 for groups of up to four, valid for one year
• Explore 16+ stops including Kilauea Overlook, Thurston Lava Tube, and Holei Sea Arch
• 2 to 3 hours duration, with offline maps and hands-free audio for easy navigation
• Ideal for extended visits or multiple trips over the next 12 months
• Requires Wi-Fi for initial setup; not an entrance ticket, check park hours before visiting

Starting Point at the Entrance Station

The tour begins at the Entrance Station in Volcano, HI, where you gain access to the park’s interior. Here, you can familiarize yourself with the visitor center and pick up your downloaded audio guide. The initial stop sets the tone for the journey, providing an overview of the park’s significant features.

Proceeding beyond the entrance, the route offers a comprehensive look at the park’s volcanic activity and historical sites, all accessible via self-guided stops. No guided group is involved, giving you the freedom to set your own pace.

Visiting the Klauea Visitor Center and Sulphur Banks Trail

Just after entering, the Klauea Visitor Center introduces you to Hawaii’s volcanic landscape, with the Sulphur Banks Trail starting nearby. Be prepared for a strong sulfur smell—the trail is known for its distinctive fumes that emanate from underground activity. This area offers an up-close view of geothermal features, providing insight into the underground heat sources fueling the volcanoes.

The Visitor Center also offers educational exhibits, but the main highlight here is the trail’s sensory experience. It’s a brief stop, but one that vividly illustrates volcanic gases escaping from the Earth’s crust.

The Significance of Steam Vents

The Steam Vents are among the most accessible demonstrations of volcanic activity. These vents are created when hot Kilauea Volcano heat heats groundwater, causing it to rise and escape as steam. These vents are both visual attractions and scientific indicators of ongoing geothermal activity beneath the surface.

Visitors can observe the steaming vents, which serve as a reminder of the dynamic processes that shape this landscape. The stop is free of charge and offers a quick but informative look at geothermal phenomena.

The Historical Kilauea Military Camp

The Kilauea Military Camp adds a historical dimension to the tour. Originally a recreational facility for soldiers, it has a more complex past as an internment camp during World War II, holding prisoners of war and Japanese citizens. This site provides context about the area’s military history and the role it played during wartime.

The stop offers about 10 minutes to appreciate the surroundings and reflect on this layered history, adding depth to the natural sights already seen.

Awe-Inspiring Kilauea Overlook

The Kilauea Overlook is a highlight in terms of scenery and activity. From this vantage point, visitors can get a spectacular view of the volcano’s crater, which, despite its non-traditional appearance, is one of the most active volcanoes in the world.

The overlook provides panoramic vistas and an understanding of the volcano’s ongoing eruptions. It’s a prime spot for photographs and for grasping the scale of Hawaiian volcanic activity.

Traversing Kilauea Iki Crater on the Trailhead

The Kilauea Iki Trailhead offers a 3.3-mile loop that takes about three hours to walk. The trail passes through the Kilauea Iki Crater, a cooled volcanic crater with a strenuous elevation change.

This stop is suited for those wanting a more immersive experience of the volcanic landscape, walking across hardened lava flows and exploring the crater’s interior. It’s a moderate to challenging hike, so physical readiness is recommended.

Exploring the Thurston Lava Tube

The Nahuku – Thurston Lava Tube is a captivating feature formed over 500 years ago. Molten lava carved a tunnel through the landscape, which cooled and hardened on the outside while lava continued flowing inside, creating a cave system now open for exploration.

This easily accessible stop offers a short walk into the underground tunnel, providing a unique perspective on lava flow processes. The tube is a must-see for geology enthusiasts.

The Formation of Luamanu and Puhimau Craters

The Luamanu Crater was once densely forested but now reveals the effects of volcanic activity, transforming the landscape in just a single day. Visitors learn how volcanic eruptions drastically alter geography and ecosystems.

The nearby Puhimau Crater showcases distinct geological formations created by volcanic activity. These craters serve as natural laboratories for understanding how new landforms emerge from eruptions.

The Explosive Pauahi Crater

Pauahi Crater is a steep-sided pit crater, about 330 feet deep and 1,000 feet wide. It was formed by explosive volcanic activity, and visitors can observe lava spatter deposits and fumaroles that emit steam and gases.

This site highlights violent volcanic processes, offering insight into the power of eruptions and the creation of geological features that stand for centuries.

Visiting Pu’u Huluhulu and Kipuka Puaulu

Pu’u Huluhulu is a cinder cone known for its “hairy hill” nickname, due to the shrubs that grow across its surface. The fuzzy appearance makes it an interesting visual feature during the drive.

Kipuka Puaulu presents a rare microhabitat formed when lava surrounds patches of older vegetation. These vegetation islands sometimes have distinct plants and microclimates, providing a diverse ecological experience within the volcanic landscape.

Mauna Ulu Lookout and the Petroglyphs

The Mauna Ulu Lookout offers breathtaking views of the Mauna Ulu lava flow, with distinctive toadstool-shaped formations. It’s a great spot for panoramic photos and understanding past eruption activity.

The Puu Loa Petroglyphs are a significant cultural site, featuring over 23,000 ancient carvings etched into lava rock. Booking an additional experience allows visitors to see these historic symbols created by early inhabitants, adding cultural context to the volcanic scenery.

The Holei Sea Arch and Art Center

The Holei Sea Arch represents the dramatic power of the ocean and volcanic erosion, naturally forming into a striking sea cliff arch. It’s a picture-perfect stop offering scenic views of the coastline and volcanic cliffs.

The Volcano Art Center Gallery nearby provides a quieter space to enjoy Hawaiian art and crafts. It offers a chance to appreciate local artistry, complementing the natural attractions of the park.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: Final Thoughts

This self-guided tour combines scenic drives with rich educational content, making it ideal for visitors who want flexibility and depth. The audio narration is praised for its engaging storytelling and expert delivery, giving a personal touch without the need for a guide.

While not including admission tickets or park entry, the $16.99 price offers exceptional value, especially given the one-year access and offline map capabilities. It is perfectly suited for those comfortable with self-navigation and eager to customize their experience.

The tour’s stops encompass a wide range of geological, historical, and cultural sites, providing a comprehensive look at Hawaii’s volcanic landscape. However, visitors should check park hours and be prepared for moderate physical activity at certain stops like Kilauea Iki.

This tour offers a cost-effective and flexible way to learn about Hawaii’s volcanic marvels, especially suited for independent explorers and repeat visitors seeking more insights with every visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, the tour is suitable for families, especially as it allows for pausing and skipping content for shorter attention spans. However, some stops like Kilauea Iki Trail may require moderate physical activity.

Do I need to purchase park tickets separately?
Yes, this tour does not include admission tickets. Visitors must check park hours and purchase entries separately if required.

How do I access the tour?
After booking, a confirmation email provides instructions to download the Action app and enter a unique password. The app works offline after initial setup, but a Wi-Fi connection is needed for download.

Can I use this tour multiple times?
Yes, the purchase allows for one-year use, making it perfect for multiple visits or extended exploration of the park.

Is there a guided element?
No, this is a self-guided experience that provides audio narration without a guide physically present. It offers flexibility to explore at your own pace.

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour typically takes 2 to 3 hours, but you can spend more or less time at each stop depending on your interest.

Are there any physical requirements?
Some stops, such as Kilauea Iki Trail, involve hiking over uneven terrain, so physical readiness is recommended for certain areas.

What kind of content is included?
The tour includes storytelling about geological features, historical background, and cultural insights related to the sites visited.

Can I skip certain stops?
Yes, since the tour is self-guided, you can pause, skip, and revisit sections as you wish.

What makes this tour stand out?
It combines affordable pricing, comprehensive coverage of major sites, and the ability to explore at your own pace with offline accessibility, making it a top choice for independent visitors to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.