Volcano Travel · Tour
Kilauea and the Big Island Loop: Greenwell Farms 1850 to the Southernmost Bakery
Ratings collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
Big Island of HawaiiA full circuit of the youngest Hawaiian island, built around Kilauea, the most active volcano in Hawaii, and around the goddess the eruptions belong to. Madame Pele is who the old accounts credit with making these islands, and the guides tell those alongside the geology. The day starts on the Kona side at Greenwell Farms, a coffee farm going since 1850, when Henry Nicholas Greenwell planted it on the slopes of Mauna Loa. Sunny mornings, cloudy afternoons, steady rain and volcanic soil are why Kona coffee tastes the way it does, and the farm sits in the middle of that. Manuka State Wayside Park comes next, 13 acres along the Hawaii Belt Road, where wet and dry forest meet and a two-mile nature trail runs through native woods that hold the Hawaiian hawk and the honeycreeper. Then the Punalu'u Bake Shop at Na'alehu, the southernmost bakery in the United States, where the Hawaiian sweet bread comes in taro, guava and mango. Punalu'u Black Sand Beach follows, and the green sea turtles are often on it. The park itself takes the centre of the day: the visitor center first, then Halema'uma'u Crater, the Kilauea Iki Rainforest Lookout, the Thurston Lava Tube, and steam vents where the ground gives off its own heat. The return crosses the Mauna Kea Access Road, up off Saddle Road, and passes the Kohala Coast and Hilo.
What's included
- Pick-up and Drop-off service is included from Kona
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park admission is included
- Narration from a local guide, sharing stories and insights throughout your tour.
- Air-conditioned vehicle
Itinerary
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Greenwell Farms
Greenwell Farms is one of the oldest coffee farms in Hawaii, established in 1850 by Henry Nicholas Greenwell, and its history runs alongside the development of Kona coffee itself. It stands in the Kona district, on the slopes of Mauna Loa. The combination that makes this ground work for coffee is specific: volcanic soil, sunny mornings, cloud cover in the afternoon, and rain that arrives reliably.
Manuka State Wayside Park
Manuka State Wayside Park covers 13 acres along the Hawaii Belt Road, Highway 11, on the slopes of Mauna Loa. Wet and dry forest ecosystems meet inside it, which is unusual in so small an area. The two-mile Manuka Nature Trail goes through native forest, past volcanic features, with interpretive signs on the geology and the ecology. The park is little visited, and it holds native Hawaiian plants along with endemic birds, the Hawaiian hawk and the honeycreeper among them. There are picnic areas along the way.
Punalu'u Bake Shop
Punaluʻu Bake Shop, at Naʻālehu, is the southernmost bakery in the United States. It opened in 1991 and is known for its Hawaiian sweet bread, made in taro, guava and mango. There is a range of other baked goods, a gift shop and a garden, and the bakery works to a sustainability standard.
Punalu'u Black Sand Beach
A black sand beach, with a chance of seeing the native Hawaiian green sea turtle.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
The park begins at the visitor center, with the geology and the history, before anything gets walked. Halemaʻumaʻu Crater is where the molten lava glows, and it is the clearest evidence on the island that this is still going on. The Kīlauea Iki Rainforest Lookout sits above a massive crater with rainforest around it, and a trail runs through what a past eruption left behind. The Thurston Lava Tube is a natural tunnel that flowing lava built for itself. At the steam vents the heat comes up out of the ground, which settles any doubt about what is underneath.
Mauna Kea Access Road is a steep
The Mauna Kea Access Road is steep and winding, and it climbs to the summit of Mauna Kea, the tallest volcano in Hawaii and the highest point in the state. It leaves from the Saddle Road, Route 200, and passes through several climates on the way up: grassy plain first, then bare volcanic ground. The air thins and the temperature drops as it goes.
Kohala Coast
The Kohala Coast has the beaches and the resorts, and a drier climate than the rest of the island, which is why the outdoor activities concentrate here. Mauna Kea is close by.
Hilo
Hilo carries a good deal of the island's history. The Lyman Museum covers the natural and cultural side of Hawaii, and the Hilo Historic District has its early twentieth-century buildings still standing. The Pacific Tsunami Museum is about what the ocean has done to this coast, which in Hilo is not an abstract subject. Liliuokalani Gardens are named for Hawaii's last reigning monarch, Queen Liliuokalani. The Hilo Farmers Market is not historic, but it is where the place shows what it grows.
Not included
- Gratuities
- If you enjoy your tour tipping your guide in cash is always appreciated
- Meals are at your own expense
Good to know
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Weather Variability - The weather can change quickly, especially at higher elevations. Bring layers, including a rain jacket, as it can get cool and wet.
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- Sturdy Footwear - Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes suitable for walking on uneven and potentially sharp volcanic terrain. Flip-flops or sandals aren’t recommended.
- Volcanic Hazards - The park is an active volcanic area, so be aware of potential hazards like volcanic gases, which can be harmful, especially for those with respiratory issues. Follow all safety guidelines and stay on marked trails.
- Pack Essentials - Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and a hat. There are limited services within the park, so it's important to be prepared.
- Respect Sacred Sites - The park is home to many culturally significant sites for Native Hawaiians. Show respect by not disturbing or removing anything from these areas
- No or Limited Cell Service - Cell phone service is limited or nonexistent in many parts of the park, so plan accordingly and download maps or guides in advance.
- Leave No Trace - Help preserve the park’s natural beauty by not leaving any trash behind. Follow the "Leave No Trace" principles to protect the environment
- All entry tickets to the attractions will be provided by your driver on the morning of your tour
- Meals are at your own expense
- We stop for lunch at Punaluʻu Bake Shop where you can enjoy a variety of lunch options including sourdough sandwiches, Kalbi beef, and Hawaiian plate lunches, all complemented by their fresh baked goods and local treats
- Bring cash for roadside stands, food trucks, and local shops—many are cash-only
- If you enjoy your tour tipping your guide in cash is always appreciated
- Car seats are available for children ages 4 years and under
- People with Respiratory Issues -The park can have high levels of volcanic gases, like sulfur dioxide, which can exacerbate conditions like asthma or other respiratory problems.
- Those with Mobility Challenges: Many trails and viewpoints require walking on uneven, rocky terrain, which can be difficult for individuals with limited mobility or those who rely on wheelchairs or walkers.
- Up to 15 travelers per booking.
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Guiding available in: en.
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Ratings collected by Viator and Tripadvisor