Big Island Volcano tours - Hilo or Kona

[DCwom]

The NCL POA stops in both Hilo & Kona and there are volcano tours from both ports, although different. It seems the volcano national park tour is from Kona, while there are a few other volcano tours out of Hilo. I'm have trouble figuring out the differences, is the nation park "the one to do"? Does it overlap the Hilo tours or they covering different areas?

[CruiserBruce]

Volcano National Park is much closer to the Hilo side. Yes, its the one you want to do. I suppose the Hilo side might take you into the Kalapana area, where the was active flow a few years ago. But, to make best use of your time, I would do the tour from the Hilo side.

[KeepCalmBearOn]

Hilo, only Hilo.

[Expat Cruise]

On 5/19/2023 at 8:23 AM, DCwom said:

The NCL POA stops in both Hilo & Kona and there are volcano tours from both ports, although different. It seems the volcano national park tour is from Kona, while there are a few other volcano tours out of Hilo. I'm have trouble figuring out the differences, is the nation park "the one to do"? Does it overlap the Hilo tours or they covering different areas?

Our last trip this year we did from the Hilo side, rented a car and did a self-guided tour. About an hour to the park and an hour back, spent about 2 hours inside the park. Enjoyed take the road from the top through the lava fields to the ocean, about 18 miles each way. The road only goes down to the ocean, so you must come back the same way. 

 

If you do a self tour, and you are a senior get the annual pass, only $20 good at all national parks for a year, covers the whole car. We had enough time to explore around Hilo on our return. 

[BermudaBound2014]

On 5/18/2023 at 9:34 PM, scottca075 said:

Hilo, only Hilo.

 

This ^