This ambitious tour for a small group of 3-8 persons is aimed towards providing the best possible opportunity to observe volcanic activity on Hawaii.
The primary purpose of this expedition is to enable a small group to spend several days on and near the active volcano of Kilauea, Hawaii, to observe volcanic activity and study volcanic/ geologic features for purposes of photography, understanding, and the enjoyment of nature in a unique setting.
Kilauea volcano, on the island of Hawaii, the world's most active volcano, has been erupting continuously since 1983. In cooperation with a team of international volcano scientists, this trip is held by Tom Pfeiffer and/or Philip Ong, two passionate volcanologists who have worked at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.
Besides the ongoing eruption of Kilauea volcano at the Pu'u O'o vent, outstanding geologic features that reveal dramatic volcanic and geologic processes, characteristic for the Hawaiian hot-spot, will be observed.
The tour includes a full spectrum of natural and cultural highlights. Delicious dinners in internationally mixed restaurants - ranging from local Hawaiian cuisine, Thai, Japanese (Sushi), Mexican to Italian - round up each day.
The highlights of a typical 13-day tour will usually include:
Your Itinerary
Day 1:
Arrival on the Big Island Hawaii, transfer to Volcano village on the rim of the Kilauea caldera. Accommodation in private suites or large rooms (most with terraces on the colorful garden, all with private bathrooms) at a superb B and B. When the group is complete, we can relax or start exploring the area around the caldera of Kilauea, with its lush rainforest on one side and the dry, desert-like lava landscape on the other side. In the evening, we will meet for a dinner in a restaurant of our choice (e.g. very good Thai food on Hawaii) and discuss the week ahead.
(B) (L) (D)
Day 2:
Day 2-12:
- Visit of the Kilauea caldera, the volcanological museum, the active rift zones and their surroundings (craters, steaming vents, young lava flows, impressive cones formed by lava fountains, sulphur deposits, lava tubes, lava trees)
- Kilauea's ongoing volcanic activity (in the case of important activity everyday-) with repeated visits from land, sea and air (helicopter flight).
It cannot be predicted where the lava flows will be by the time of the tour, but at the time of updating this document (early 2004) spectacular activity was concentrated to the cone Pu’u O’o and the lava flow field around. Access to this area takes ca. 3-5 hours hiking on easy to intermediate terrain. The situation might change any time, since the activity is unpredictable on both the short and the medium term.
If lava reaches the sea again as it was in 2001 and 2002 and weather conditions permitting, a boat trip will be undertaken on one of the days to view this spectacle from the sea.
- Waterfalls, rain forest, tropical beaches, remnants of the ancient Hawaiian culture and the charming town of Hilo with its colorful relaxed atmosphere.
- 3-hours trip on an original double-hull Hawaiian sailing canoe.
- Repose day every 3rd day (on average), mainly spent on one of the various tropical beaches around Big Island.
A helicopter sightseeing flight for each participant is included.
Since we will have rental cars at hand, we will be able to visit the lava fields virtually every day and night- as much as we wish, especially if eruptive conditions change, e.g. when new lava outbreaks or sea entries form.
- A visit of the occasionally active Pu'u O'o lava lake, the vent of the ongoing eruption. This involves a spectacular, 18 km long hike along the E rift zone and probably an overnight camp at the base of Pu’u O’o cone. For this, 1- and 2-man tents and cooking equipment are provided, but each single/ couple has to carry his/their tent (2-3 kg) in addition to other personal equipment.
- On one of the days, we will visit Mauna Loa and/or Mauna Kea, the two largest mountains (and volcanoes) on earth. Mauna Kea will be reached for a spectacular sunset, including if possible a visit to at least one of the large telescopes on top.
Usually, we will conclude our day in a local restaurant of our choice (meal and drinks included).
(B) (D)
Day 3:
Day 13: Departure, transfer to Hilo airport or prolonged stay.
(B)
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Also see tour packages in:
USA
Hawaii
USA
Nature & Wildlife
Volcano Tours
Walking Tours
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