Kalapana Lava Site

This tour allows you to visit various famous Hawaiian sites including the Pana'ewa Tropical Rainforest, Ahalanui Spring, Pohoiki Beach, Kehena Beach and Star of the Sea Church. Both fun and educational, this tour will give you an insight into Hawaiian culture and nature. 

Your day will start in Hilo at the beautiful Japanese Gardens named after Queen Lili'uokalani. Here you can enjoy a stunning view of Mauna Kea, one of the world's tallest mountains and an inactive volcano.

From here, you'll drive south to the Pana'ewa Tropical Rainforest, a 12 acre (48 sq. km) zoo is located on the Pana'ewa Forest Reserve. In addition to being the only outdoor rainforest zoo in the United States, it offers over 50 species of animals from rainforest habitats around the world. Included are endangered Hawaiian birds exhibited in a natural setting, Sumatran the tiger, Brazilian tapirs, pygmy hippos and other rare animals.

Pohoiki Beach: check out the locals do their thing on the waves at this popular surf spot. 

Red Road: as you travel to Kalapana, you'll be treated to a wonderful ride on the historic Red Road. It is here that you can see the marvelous waves crash against steep cliffs and scenery that you'll want to capture on camera.

Kehena Beach Lookout: it is here that you will marvel at the majestic appeal of this hidden black sand beach. Warning: You may see nude sunbathers here.

Kalapana: lava flow from a 1990 Kilauea eruption annihilated this town. A treasured Hawaiian fishing village richly steeped in the traditions of the past. This is the site of the most famous black sand beach in the world which today is entombed beneath 50-75 feet (15-22 meters) of lava.

Star of the Sea Church: built in 1928 and moved to its present location to escape the lava flows of 1990.

Additional stops along the way include Pahoa Town and Ahalanui Spring.

Schedule details

Puna Kalapana Beach

Departure Point:

Pick-up is provided from the following hotels:
Hilo Hawaiian Resort & Naniloa Volcanoes Hotel

Departure Time:

• 9:30am - Hilo Harbor for Big Island arrival by Cruise Ship (NCL, RCCL)
• 10:15-10:30am - Hotel Pick-up (Hilo Hawaiian Resort or Naniloa Volcanoes Hotel)

Pricing information

Click the link below for a price quote on your preferred travel date. Our pricing is constantly updated to ensure you always receive the lowest price possible.

Additional information

Best of Puna

Inclusions:

• Umbrellas and Raingear
• Round-trip Transportation
• Local taxes

Exclusions:

• Gratuities (optional)

Additional Information:

• Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.
• If you require pick-up from Hilo International Airport or Hilo Harbor, please specify this at time of booking.
• Wear lightweight, comfortable clothing and shoes.
• Wear a sweater or a light jacket in the winter months to ensure your comfort.

Local Operator Information:

Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.