Volcano, Chocolate and Waterfalls of the Big Island

Explore Hawaii’s Volcanoes, Waterfalls, and Chocolate Farm in a Day

This 11.5-hour tour on the Big Island offers a well-rounded glimpse into Hawaii’s volcanic power and lush scenery. For $308.90 per person, travelers enjoy a full day of sightseeing, hiking, and learning, with a maximum group size of 12 ensuring a personalized experience. The tour is recommended for those with moderate physical fitness who are comfortable walking up to 2 miles on uneven terrain.

The experience begins with a pickup from convenient central locations, making it easy to join without navigating unfamiliar streets. Highlighting Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, a 1,000-acre tropical farm, and Rainbow Falls, this tour balances nature, culture, and culinary delights, with many reviews praising the knowledgeable guides and stellar scenery.

While the tour is rich in highlights, it is a long day, so guests should prepare for moderate walking and unpaved, bumpy roads to the lava tube. This tour suits travelers eager to see active volcanoes, cascading waterfalls, and sample Hawaii’s famous chocolate in a single, immersive experience.

Key Points

• All-day adventure covering Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, a tropical cacao farm, and Rainbow Falls
• Includes a guided hike through Volcanoes National Park and a lava tube walk
• Learn the chocolate-making process from cacao trees to bars at a private tropical farm
• Complimentary lunch, snacks, juices, and flavored waters included for a full sensory experience
• Limited to 12 guests for a more intimate and personalized tour experience
• Suitable for ages 6 and older with moderate walking ability required

Starting the Day at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

The tour kicks off with a visit to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where a National Park Certified Guide leads the group through the volcanic landscape. The guide explains how the large collapse of Halemaumau Crater has reshaped Kilauea Volcano, showcasing the dynamic activity of Hawaii’s most famous volcano.

Expect a 4-hour exploration that includes viewing craters, lava flows, and the remnants of past eruptions. The guide’s insights into volcanic activity and the park’s formation enrich the experience, making it more than just sightseeing. Since admission is included, no additional fees are necessary to access the park’s main sights.

Walking Through the Lava Fields and Craters

The hike involves moderate walking over uneven terrain, which is manageable for most physically fit participants. The landscape shows the aftermath of volcanic eruptions and lava flows that continue to shape the island. Guests can observe new formations and learn about the geology that makes the Big Island so unique.

Guests should wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes, bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, and prepare for possible breezy conditions on the volcanic slopes. The guide provides walking sticks to assist with uneven ground, ensuring safety and stability during the walk.

Visiting the Private Tropical Farm and Learning About Chocolate

After the volcano exploration, the tour transitions to a 1,000-acre tropical farm overlooking Hilo Bay. This farm produces delectable chocolates and tropical fruits, and the visit focuses on the entire cacao process—from growing and harvesting cacao beans to crafting chocolate treats.

Guests participate in a tree-to-chocolate adventure, where they learn how cacao trees thrive on volcanic slopes and how the farm turns beans into delicious chocolate bars and treats. This interactive experience is a highlight praised for its in-depth insight into sustainable farming practices and locally made chocolates.

Marveling at Rainbow Falls

The tour’s final stop is Rainbow Falls, an 80-foot waterfall famous for the rainbows that often appear in the mist. The waterfall’s lush surroundings create a scenic backdrop that perfectly caps the day’s exploration.

This brief 15-minute stop offers a chance to take photos and enjoy the tropical scenery. The views make a fitting conclusion to a day filled with volcanic activity, lush farms, and stunning waterfalls.

Practical Details and Tour Logistics

The tour includes transportation from centralized meeting points, making logistics straightforward. All access fees for the park and farm are covered, along with snacks, a full lunch, and refreshing beverages such as juices and flavored sparkling waters. The tour provides sunscreen, bug spray, and walking sticks, so guests can focus on enjoying the sights.

Guests should be prepared for long hours, with a long day of walking and driving, and unpaved, bumpy roads to the lava tube. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes and light jackets are recommended, as weather can vary on the slopes and at the waterfalls.

The Lava Tube Walk: An Unmissable Highlight

A standout feature of this tour is the walk through a lava tube, which is not accessible on many other excursions. The tunnel offers a rare opportunity to see geological formations up close in a cool, dark environment. Guides share interesting facts about volcanic lava flow formations and the formation of the tube.

Due to unpaved roads leading to this site, guests prone to motion sickness may want to consider this before booking. Despite the long day, the lava tube experience is often cited as one of the most memorable parts of the tour.

The Expertise of Guides and Guest Experience

Reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides, with names like Tracy, Jon, Eugene, and Brett receiving particular praise. They are described as friendly, well-informed, and able to bring the landscape and history to life with engaging stories and explanations.

Guests appreciate the deliberate pacing, ensuring enough time at each stop without feeling rushed. The small group size allows for more personalized attention and interaction, enriching the overall experience.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This tour is ideal for adventure-minded families with children aged 6 and above, those interested in volcanoes, waterfalls, and chocolate, and travelers who enjoy moderate physical activity. Since cruise ship guests cannot be accommodated due to timing restrictions, it suits land-based visitors exploring the Big Island extensively.

While the tour offers a lot of walking, it does not require advanced fitness levels, but participants should be comfortable with short walks on uneven terrain. The long duration makes it better suited for those who enjoy full-day excursions rather than quick visits.

Cost and Booking Considerations

At $308.90 per person, the tour provides a comprehensive package with lunch, snacks, and guide services included. The high rating of 5.0 based on 230 reviews and a 97% recommendation rate reflect its popularity and quality. Booking 63 days in advance on average suggests it’s well-liked by those planning ahead.

Guests can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance, making it flexible for changing plans.

The Sum Up: An All-Inclusive Big Island Adventure

This Volcano, Chocolate, and Waterfalls tour on the Big Island offers a well-balanced combination of geological wonders, scenic waterfalls, and culinary insights. The expert guides, interactive chocolate farm experience, and access to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park make it stand out as a rich, educational day.

While the day is long and requires moderate walking, the memorable lava tube walk, stunning views, and delicious local treats make it a worthwhile investment. It suits travelers eager to see Hawaii’s active volcanoes and experience its lush landscapes with small group intimacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for young children?
Yes, children aged 6 and older can participate, provided they are comfortable with moderate walking and outdoor conditions.

What should I wear for this tour?
Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are essential. Also bring sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, a light sweatshirt or jacket, and long pants to handle varying weather.

Are meals included?
Yes, a complimentary lunch along with snacks, juices, and flavored waters are part of the package.

How long is the lava tube walk?
While the exact walk duration isn’t specified, the lava tube experience is a major highlight and part of the overall long, full-day itinerary.

Can cruise ship passengers join this tour?
No, cruise ship guests cannot be accommodated due to timing restrictions.

What is the cancellation policy?
Guests can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour start time.