Lava Tours on the Big Island of Hawaii

Kilauea Active: Lava flow, black sand beaches, Kalapana Painted Church.

Hawaii's famous Volcano National Park, Hawaiian history and legends.

Are you ready for an unforgettable adventure? Embark on a journey of discovery and awe as you explore the captivating landscapes of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park with Hawaii Local Connection Tours.

Highlights of Our Tour:

Please note: This tour will need a minimum of 4 people booked to operate.

Embark on an electrifying journey with Hawaii Local Connection Tours and discover the awe-inspiring beauty of Hawaii on our exciting e-bike adventure. This thrilling tour will take you on a captivating journey from the present to the past, exploring remarkable locations such as Lava Tree Park, the 2018 lava flow and devastation, Wa'a Wa'a Scenic Drive, and the Honolulu Landing.

Our tour is not just about cycling; it's an exhilarating adventure filled with thrilling stops and short hikes. Take leisurely strolls through captivating landscapes and enjoy delightful picnic lunches at fascinating locations along the way. And remember, it's all on eco-friendly e-bikes, ensuring a sustainable and eco-conscious exploration of this stunning region.

We'll start our journey at Lava Tree Park, located off Pāhoa Road in the district of Puna. This 17-acre State Monument showcases the unusual lava molds of tree trunks created during a volcanic eruption in the 1700s. Take a 0.7-mile loop trail to witness Pele's amazing sculpture garden, frozen in time. This is a perfect opportunity to take photos and appreciate the work of the volcano goddess. Restrooms are available for your convenience. Afterwards, we'll provide a quick e-bike safety and use demonstration before heading through the 2018 lava flow devastation area. Along the way, we'll make stops for photos, allowing you to capture the stark beauty and power of the volcanic landscape. Next, we'll venture into the Wa'a Wa'a area, where you'll experience the prehistoric grandeur of an immense forest adorned with Bird's Nest Ferns. Towering trees entwined with vines and teeming with life will enchant your senses as you explore this verdant oasis. Each turn will reveal a captivating surprise, showcasing the unique beauty of Hawaii's natural wonders.

Our journey continues with a visit to the protected Na Kupuna area, which is home to native Hawaiian burial sites. We'll respect the sacredness of this land, passing by Kapu signs that remind us to honor these ancestral grounds. Let the serenity of this hallowed place surround you as you drive through, appreciating the beauty and cultural significance it bestows. Next, we'll arrive at Nanawale Park Cinder Hills, where you'll witness the fascinating Sand Hills. These black sand hills are the result of an eruption that occurred in 1840 when lava entered the ocean, creating three littoral cones through explosive interactions. Explore this unique landscape and discover the hidden wonders nestled within. Continuing our adventure, we'll reach Honolulu Landing, where you can savor breathtaking views of the ocean. Take a moment to enjoy a well-deserved snack or picnic while immersing yourself in the history of this once-thriving Hawaiian village. The remnants of its storied past will captivate your imagination as you gaze upon the remnants of ancient times.

As a special addition to our tour, we'll take you on an exclusive private tour to meet Patricia Leo, a talented resident artist living in the jungles of Wa'a Wa'a. Patricia's innovative and enchanting artwork combines fresh ideas with traditional techniques, showcasing the vivid and magical beauty of Hawaii's flora. Explore her captivating gallery, where each handcrafted painting tells a unique story. You'll have the opportunity to purchase postcards or even an original masterpiece to preserve the memories of this extraordinary journey.

Hawaii Local Connection Tours invites you to embark on this thrilling adventure, where every moment is filled with excitement and wonder. Leave the vehicles behind and embrace the freedom and exhilaration of our e-bikes. Unleash your spirit of exploration and immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of Hawaii. Book your tour today and get ready to create lifelong memories!

Shared tours: Ages 5+
Private Tours: All ages

Join us on a spectacular Hilo to Puna scenic tour that offers the experience of a lifetime. The tour begins with an unforgettable snapshot of you at the Hilo King Kamehameha statue with your complimentary Hawaiian tea leaf lei. Then, enjoy an engaging interpretive cruise through the peerless Banyon Drive, Lili’uokalani Park, and Coconut Island (Moku Ola). As we drive along Banyan Drive, travelers will encounter a wide array of trees named after prominent personalities like Amelia Earhart, King George V, Babe Ruth, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Richard Nixon. Don’t miss the exceptional views of Lili’uokalani Park adjoined to the gorgeous Hilo Bay. This park is one of the many parks and gardens in this part of town; it boasts a Japanese garden, occupies approximately 30 acres (120,000 m2), and is an oasis of serenity. While off the coast of Liliuokalani Park and Gardens, discover Coconut Island (Moku Ola), which arguably supplies the best panoramic view of downtown’s striking waterfront shops and palm tree-lined boulevards. The island got its name – ‘the island of life’ – for a reason, and we encourage you to find out why during the tour.

Then, we will head towards the Keaukaha coast, where you will have abundant opportunities to click memorable and unique photographs. Look out for majestic turtles basking in the sun and do not disturb them. Afterward, we head south to the Puna district to see the remains of the 2018 lava flow and lava-inundated territories. Firstly, we will take you to view a section of the lava flow near the Lava Tree state monument, which sits silently over a forest of 80-foot-high lava trees. This unusual geologic formation was the result of a volcanic eruption that swept through the forested area and left behind patterns of lava molds of the trees, a sight to behold. Inside this monument network, there is an 0.7-mile loop trail that offers visitors the opportunity to take a leisurely walk and bask in the splendid and awe-inspiring natural scenery. Our attention then turns to the famous fissure 8 vents; we will make about two stops at this location for you to take photos. After the excellent view of the fissure 8 vent, we will drive down to Pohohiki Beach Park, where you will witness a breathtaking new black sand beach created after the 2018 lava event. This park offers the opportunity to relax and soothe your senses away from the hustle and bustle of the town.

Next, we will take you for a challenging Puna coastal cruise along Via Kalapana Rd that stops at Kalapana for some fantastic photo opportunities. Once we arrive at the Kalapana market, you will have the chance to hike out to another bewitching black sand beach, the new Kaimu, or hang out at the Kalapana marketplace. The Kalapana general marketplace sell an array of local food and handmade crafts available for purchase. At this point, you will experience something entirely different from the other locations you will visit during the tour. Our Last stop is at the Star of the Sea Church, Kalapana Painted Church. This beautiful church, fondly called the ‘Painted Church’ of Kalapana, is correctly named the Star of the Sea Painted Church. The community worked together to save this historic and stunning church from the ravages of lava flows in the 1990s, and it now sits five miles away from its original location, waiting to enchant you with its architectural splendor and folk-inspired art that adorns its walls and altar parts painted by the Belgian Catholic missionary priest Father Evarist Gielen. 

To cap off our memorable Hilo to Puna scenic tour, we will drive you back to your initial drop-off area. This tour has everything, from nature, culture, history, scenic topography, and relaxing ambiance, guaranteed to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Shared tours: Ages 5+
Private Tours: All ages

Our tour of historic sites and legends in Hawaii begins with a visit to the Hilo King Kamehameha statue where you will have the opportunity to take photos while wearing a traditional Hawaiian tea leaf lei. Next, we will travel to the famous Hawaii Volcanoes National Park where we will take a 45-minute drive to watch a video about Hawaiian history and the goddess Pele. Upon arriving at the park, we will visit the visitor center before heading to the steam vents and the Halemaumau creator lookout point. You will feel the unique presence of the goddess Pele while enjoying the breathtaking scenery.

During the drive to our next destination, we will stop to pick up preordered lunches from Eagles Lighthouse cafe and eat while we head to Pu’uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park( PUHO). While on the way to PUHO, we will watch a movie/documentary about the City of Refuge which, where we will learn lots more about its history

Once we arrive at PUHO, our guide will lead us through to all the important sights and historical locations. One of the highlights of the day’s visit will be an exploration of an ancient Hawaiian sport called He’e Holua(sled surfing) with a stop at the ancient Holua slide nearby.

Our next stop takes us to Puʻukoholā Heiau ( PUHE), where we will see a stunning historical site, which includes a chance to learn about important temple Heiau and meet learn about King Kamehameha who united the Hawaiian Islands. During this visit, you will watch a video and hear stories about the historical significance of the area in the context of the story of the Hawaiian Islands,

Throughout the tour, you will learn so much about the rich history of this Hawaiian island, including the battles waged by ancient Kings (Ali’i) to establish their authority and land (Aina). Moreover, our guide will take you back in time with tales of Hawaiian legends related to the sites we visit. In short, this tour is the perfect way to experience Hawaiian history and its unique legends. It is a fun and exciting visit to the beautiful Island of Hawaii.