THE USA · VOLCANO HIKES AND TREKS
Good volcano hikes and treks in the USA fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Review of Oahu’s Diamond Head hike and North Shore tour, with beaches, macadamia nuts, garlic shrimp, Dole Plantation, and practical tips.
“It was a great trip. John made sure we found out of the way spots to eat and sample food. He was full of information and was thoughtful in his explanations.”
Review of Kona’s Hidden Craters Hike, a small-group Hualalai volcano trek with lava tubes, forest, views, snacks, and expert guides.
“We had a splendid experience. The hike was a little more than moderate. There was some challenging terrain and steepness. Awesome views up on the elevation. Our guide Mark and Nick were great. Knowledgeble and safe concious. This hike can be slippery, there are lots of loose gravel. I would recommend this activity to anyone.”
Hike St. Mary’s Glacier, soak in Indian Hot Springs caves, and enjoy Idaho Springs pizza on this small-group Denver day trip.
“It was lovely! We’ve been in a beautiful glacier and inside of a thermal waters. It was an amazing experience! The guide was excellent! Super friendly and helpful! I traveled alone and it was great people who took the trip with me was nice as well. At the end of the tour the lady gave us a Polaroid that she took!”
Review of Maui’s Haleakala Crater hike, with 4 miles of volcanic scenery, expert guides, lunch, logistics, value, and practical tips.
“Guides were friendly and experienced and really took care of us. Joel helped take amazing photographs for Instagram. Wished the hike was longer and was one continuous hike rather than splitting into two. But otherwise, it was an excellent adventure with great views.”
Review of Kilauea’s 3-hour guided hike: native forest, lava geology, small groups, practical tips, pricing, and eruption viewing.
“It was a great experience. We learned a lot about the Vulkane. Thanks Jennifer”
Review the Oahu Volcanic Rainforest Hiking Adventure, with waterfalls, streams, guides, hotel pickup, trail advice, and honest value notes.
“Such a great tour! Our guide, I forgot his name but he had short blonde hair and i think was born in Sweden, was fantastic and kept me motivated during the rains, humidity, mosquitoes, mud sliding and water crossings! Very knowledgable and kudos for all the trail work they do. Best tour I went on!”
Review of a guided Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park hike with Kilauea Iki, Thurston Lava Tube, meals, guide details, and practical tips.
“Our guide, Jennifer, was fantastic! She was very personable, knowledgeable, and considerate of all the people on the tour (she even baked cookies for us to snack on!). The best part of the tour was walking across the caldera and recognizing the magnitude of what had happened to create it. To improve it, have the lunch break earlier (it was essentially at the end of the tour).”
Walk Kīlauea with Native Hawaiian guide Christian, hear stories of Pele and the island, and watch for lava near Halemaʻumaʻu on a private hike.
“The coolest tour we have been on in many years. You have access to one of the most knowledgeable people on Hawaiian culture and history. As well, he knows the park and all of the flora and fauna. On top of that he is a most interesting man with some fantastic stories to entertain while you traverse some of the most beautiful spots in the park.”
Review of the Elite Volcano Hike from Hilo, with Kilauea views, 2018 eruption sites, meals, winery dinner, price, and practical tips.
“This was a great way to experience Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and some other sites. Our guide Henry was knowledgeable and a lot of fun.”
Explore Hualalai Volcano on a private-access crater hike through cloud forest, lava tubes, fissures, and wide Kona views.
“It was amazing! Loved being able to see and walk through places very few have been!”
Review of a private 8-mile Volcanoes National Park hike with crater trails, lava tube, meals, gear, and expert local guides.
“It was awesome. Jennifer was very knowledgeable about the the fauna and the volcano. It’s a great hike. The morning breakfast was a nice welcome And lunch was perfect for the day. You will love this trip. I’m t may even by the highlight of the Hawaiian Islands.”
Slow down at Kīlauea on a private three-hour walk with a former park archaeologist, learning about Hawaiian ecology, geology, and culture.
“This exceeded expectations. Chris took me on a lovely trail run. Chris has a fascinating life story. He has spent decades exploring the cultures of indigenous peoples around the world and that perspective informs his sharing of his Hawaiian culture. Our run was at a conversational pace with pauses to appreciate and experience the park. I learned so much about the park, the flora, the fauna and about the cultural practices of the Hawaiin people. And I got a nice run in too. And he shared some delicious local produce at the end.”
Review of the 13-hour Big Island volcano hike from Kona and Kohala resorts, with lava flows, crater hiking, meals, and practical tips.
“This is a FULL day with lots of hiking...we logged over 20K steps and nearly 6 miles. This experience was amazing, culminating with a spectacular night view over the edge of the erupting Kilauea volcano. Wear hiking / walking shoes and bring layers of clothing...the range of temperatures from near freezing to warm can make this a miserable experience if not dressed appropriately. Also, plan for rain as this is a very wet area on Hawaii. You do not want to miss this great opportunity, especially if you are generally active/athletic. Would not recommend for young children, or those who are mobility limited.”
Hike Haleakala’s volcanic crater with a local guide, enjoy rare plants, summit views, snacks, lunch, and practical support for a $208 day.
“Great hike! Our guide was very helpful, she made sure we have everything we needed.”
Review of a three-hour Kīlauea hike with crater views, steam vents, rainforest, expert guides, gear, pricing, and practical tips.
“Our tour guide Jennifer came prepared with hiking sticks, jackets and backpacks. It helped tremendously. She had a great wealth of knowledge about the flora found throughout the park. A ten out of 10!”
Pick a mountain, a crater or a way up it.
