Smokin' Hot! - Volcano Unveiled May 13,2024 A long ride from Kona to Hilo to the Volcano National Park. Then I did a Google map search and found that whether you go Kona—Hilo—Volcano or directly from Kona to Volcano, it’s the same distance! Andrew was our tour guide and he kept things interesting explaining geological features as we crossed up and over the saddle. Our first point of interest was the lava tube. I have explored five lava tubes in New Mexico’s El Malpais (Bad Lands). For those you have to check in at a ranger station where you buy a pass and he checks to see if you have all the proper gear (helmet, headlamp, gloves, hiking boots, & knee pads). Those lava tubes require scrambling over rocks to enter and sometimes within. So my wife never joined me on those adventures. HOWEVER, This experience had EASY ACCESS! This lava tube had a predominantly smooth floor and uniform tube unlike those in NM. Andrew pointed out the different features. After that we had lunch. The lunches provided are always good. We had pastrami sandwiches and later stew and chilli (Wife, chilli, me, stew). Then we drove to the big, most recently active volcano, Kalua Pele. We took a short hike/walk there. Beautiful flowers, ominous steam vents, and the occasional whiff of sulfur. Andrew explained the different area of the immense caldera, and what happened just a couple years prior with the last eruption. Then we were off for a second volcano which sits right next to the first! The second volcano, Keanakako, required a 1.4 mile hike round trip, the last part of which was over hardened lava. This, too, was different from NM. In NM the trails lead over what I call lava plates. Flat pieces of hardened lava that can flip over as you walk. This has none of that. So a very safe trail. Andrew told us about the Ohia plant. It has a beautiful red flower and is the first plant to grow on the freshly hardened lava. Over time it provides the soil for other vegetation. Cool. This last hike was in the rain which by the time we reached the crater’s edge was a downpour. We were thoroughly drenched by the time we got back to the van. Andrew took us to Natinonal park welcome site, so we could dry off by a roaring wood fire and eat our delicious hot stew. Good plan, but they threw us out for eating. Nice. Recommendations: It always seems to be raining, so: waterproof hiking boots and waterproof pants. They provide a raincoat, but if you take your own make sure it has a hood and is waterproof, not just water resistant. Waterproof gloves would complete the ensemble. A must tour! Super guide! Great itinerary. Oh, yes, you can go to a lava tube at the park, but there is limited parking and a long line. Plus our guide told us that the tube has suffered from all the tourists. The lava to tube the tour takes you to is in pristine condition. JUST GO!

Very informative! - We had a great experience on this tour! On guide, Jon, was so knowledgeable about Hawaiian culture and history, volcanic history and geological history. The private lava tube is a really cool experience, especially when you get to the Volcano National Park and see the crowds for their lava tube. The snacks and meals provided were generous sizes. Overall we had an excellent time!

Interesting and Informative Hawaiian Volcanoes - Long tour be prepared. Our guide ,Tracy,was very knowledgeable which made the trip very worthwhile. Great views, moderate walking activity, craters, lava flows, walking in lava tube was cool.

Best Volcano Tour on the Big Island - Tracy with Hawaii Forest & Trail is an expert in the knowledge of the volcanos, trees, birds, and all wildlife on the Big Island. Her stories will amaze you! She will keep you entertained throughout the entire tour. The lava tunnel was the best that I have ever seen. I highly recommend the Volcano Unveiled Tour and Hawaii Forest & Trail for all your outdoor activities! They are a 5-star company!

A Tour That Is Worth Every Dollar!! - This was our first time on the Big Island. The Forest and Trail tour was the highlight of our stay! At first we thought it was a bit pricey, but it was worth every dollar! It was a long day, from 8am to 8pm, and a lot of riding. Our tour guide Adam was amazing! He was very informative about the history of the island, the flora and fauna, and the volcanos. He took us to some places that we would have never found on our own and kept us well fed with multiple snacks, beverages, and meals. Would definitely recommend this all day adventure of a lifetime! Next time we will sign up for the star gazing. Thank you Hawai'i Forest and Trail. And a special thank you to Adam!!

A Can’t Miss Experience! - This was the 2nd tour we did thru Hawaii Forest and Trail because they do such a great job. Our guide, Tracy, was extremely knowledgeable and shared many interesting facts and tidbits throughout the day. We saw and did many things that we wouldn’t have on our own, the most impressive being the lava tube! For me, this alone is worth the price of admission.

Excellent tour…totally awesome. - Our guide Tracy was excellent. She worked really hard and her knowledge was very extensive. We learned about geology, plants, Polynesian culture,local customs and history. The lava tube was incredible. Tracy was very personable and funny at times. She answered many questions that we all had. I would highly recommend this tour.

Full Day Wonderful Experience - This was a fabulous tour. We met at their office which was a short drive from our hotel. Our tour guide was very friendly and efficient. She was very knowledgeable about the entire island and answered all our questions. We made a few stops along the way to the national park and so we were able to get an overview tour of this beautiful island. We did a few short hikes in the park and stopped into the visitor centre where we had a wonderful view of the crater at night. Since we don't like driving in the dark this was a perfect tour for us. It was a full day with a stop for a light dinner, which was provided and was totally delicious and filled us up! Would highly recommend this tour!

Tour Guide Tracy was Incredible! Learned more about Hawaii and history of volcanoes than I thought was possible! A+++ - We absolutely loved this tour experience. Our tour guide Tracy was fantastic and provided insights and learnings all along the way. The lava tube that this tour has as a “special experience” was truly remarkable and breathtaking inside. The care the tour company provided through Tracy with snacks, lunch, and a lite dinner excellent. At the volcano site we felt like we were on another planet. Really impressed and one of the best and most insightful tours we have been on. Well Done!

Amazing! - Guava Jon was the best guide - super passionate and knowledgable. Saw and learned so much about the Big Island and its history and volcanoes.