PRIVATE VOLCANO ADVENTURE

HISTORY

Kīlauea is home to one of the most active volcanos in the world. In the most recent eruption (2018) 2,500 people were displaced as 14 square miles of land became engulfed by lava. The flow reshaped the land of Leilani Estates, Pohoiki, and many other highly prized areas. The big island is composed of many lava flows over the years allowing it to be the largest island in the chain. In fact, it is still growing as we speak. In 2018, The lava lake drained a depth of almost 1,000 ft in the span of a single week. A 6.9 earthquake struck the south side of Kīlauea then the caldera collapsed and drained completely. The most concerning part of the 2018 lava flow is that there was little to no visual signs of where the lava has gone. The magma navigated through underground lava tubes and would explode in the form of a fissure miles away from the caldera. Geologist used past lava flows to map possible paths that the lava could have took but it was not certain. A total of 28 fissures opened up in Leilani Estates and Lanipuna Gardens. Ahuʻailāʻau also known as fissure 8, became a tourist attraction both from sky and ground level. Some fountains from this fissure were able to reach a height of 246 ft.

In 1881 Mauna Loa erupted and caused the closest call for Hilo town yet. The flow came within 1.1 miles of the Hilo Bay shoreline. In Hawaiian history, royalty and status was determined by an individuals ability to trace their genealogy back several generations. Often times, the cheifs can prove their relation to the gods. It just so happened Princess Ruth Keʻelikolani could trace her geneology back to Pele (the goddess of fire, lava, and creation). The people of Hilo were able to get Keʻelikolani to come to Moku O Keawe and help with the threat. This was not an easy task as Keʻelikolani had high demands and weighed over 400 lbs. The road to the lava flow consisted of 3 days at sea, and many hours of travel on uneven roads. Where the carriage could not carry her, men had to do so using logs thatched together with lining in between. Keʻelikolani brought a bottle of alcohol, a satin handkerchief and her voice as an offering to Pele. She chanted to Pele, gave her offerings and laid directly in front of the flow until it stopped at her outline. The people were forever indebted to her for saving the city of Hilo from destruction.

OVERVIEW

The tour is 4-10 hours in duration, depending on the pickup location. During the tour we will see parts of the Big Island that will help our guest to have a better understanding of the lava flows and interesting phenomena that came with it. The general flow of the tour will depend on the pick up location. We will visit saddle road which will allow the guests to see many past flows and to drive between the two largest mountains in the state, which are very rich in history. On the way to volcano national park, we will say many indigenous plants with cultural . At volcano, we will look at the caldera, large map of the Big Island with marked flows, explore mini-hikes, and/or look at the spectacular view of Kaʻu from the south side of the park. Lunch can be purchased at the Volcano House, however there are no reservations, so we thank you ahead of time for your patience. Other stops can be added and negotiated on our way back to the drop off location.

Options:

Saddle Road

Puʻu Huluhulu

Mauna Kea

Mauna Loa

Hilo

Pohoiki

Kīlauea

Kaʻu Lookout

Kaʻu coffee area

Keep in mind that because this is a private tour, you have the freedom to adjust the duration at each stop. Your guide will keep track of time and the total time of the tour.

TAKEAWAY

This tour will leave you with a better understanding of the geology, demographics, and history of Hawaiʻi.

SERVICES

Pick up location are from Waikoloa, Hilo, and the airports. The tour is 4 hours minimum in duration, but will last closer to 8-9 hours from the Kona/Waikoloa area. We take a maximum of 6 persons per tour. Our standard tour includes a knowledgeable guide and a Ford Expedition. If you have a large party, please contact us. We will be able to provide a quote based on the total number of people. Lunch or admissions is not included in the tour. For airport pick up locations please see our homepage.

REMINDERS

Please pack light! If you leave the vehicle, take your valuables with you. Comfortable walking shoes, clothing and sun protection is advised.

FEES

Our prices are based on an hourly rate with a minimum of 4 hours per booking, Big Island tours range from 4-10 hours. These are private tours, and it will not be combined with another tour or group. This price is also based on pick up locations near Waikoloa and Hilo. Winter rates are between 20 December and 10 January. Please contact us for a quote.

Small Group (1-6 people)

Upgrade SUV (Ford Expedition): $185 per hour x 4 hours (minimum) = $740

Large Group (7-12 people) (Currently Unavailable on Big Island)

Ford Transit: $350 per hour x 4 hours (minimum) = $1,400

Large Group (13-18 people) (Currently Unavailable on Big Island)

Sprinter or Bus: $450 per hour x 4 hours (minimum) = $1,800

Large Group (19-24 people) (Currently Unavailable on Big Island)

Bus: $555 per hour x 4 hours (minimum) = $2,220

We require collection of payment prior to confirming the tour. Taxes and processing fees will be added to all prices.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Tours cancelled within 48 hours are non-refundable.