Secrets Of Puna

Exploring Hawaii Island’s explosive side is what this tour is all about. Walk Kilauea’s most recent lava flows along the East Rift Zone, including the historic flows of 2018. Start with a drive through quaint Hilo town where you’ll drive along the historic waterfront past Liliuokalani Japanese Gardens before heading out to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Your National Park Service certified guide will discuss the volcanology, geology, and history of Hawaii, as well as providing in-depth narration on the various lava flows and flora and fauna that you’ll be passing by. Visit the Kilauea Visitor’s Center, take a short hike through the Thurston Lava Tube, visit Kilauea Iki, the Volcano House, and steaming bluff. Leaving the park the next stop is quaint Pahoa town where there is some shopping and food for purchase. Lava entered the town in 2018 destroying the main road and several homes here. Take a look around parts of the rebuilt town before heading to Kapoho town. This town was destroyed by lava in 1960 and again overrun by lava in 2018. See where lava rivers traveling highway speeds completely destroyed everything in their paths. Lava filled in Green Lake, added more than 100 feet of elevation to the lava field, filled in Kapoho Bay, and moved the coastline out one mile further than it was before! Explore the famed lava trees at Lava Tree State Monument then make a stop to pick up fresh roasted Kona coffee, Hawaiian macadamia nuts, and other local products and crafts before heading back to the port.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Walk recent Kilauea lava flows, including 2018 eruption sites
• Visit Thurston Lava Tube, Kilauea Iki, and Steam Vents
• Stop at Lava Tree State Monument and local shop

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Closed-toe shoes are mandatory.