Skip to Main Content
Road Scholar logo
Hawaii

A Volcanic Exploration: Hiking on Hawai'i's “Big Island”

Program No. 24566RJ
Hike among the impressive volcanoes and varied landscapes of the island of Hawai'i while learning about its rich culture, geology and wildlife.
Watch VideoWishlistShare
Start
National ParksWalking/HikingOn the RoadSmall Group
Length
8 days
Rating (5)
Activity Level
Starts at
4,599

Enroll with Confidence

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. Learn more

Protecting the Environment

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more

Program
At a Glance
Duration
8 days
Program Begins
Hilo, Big Island of Hawaii
Program Concludes
Kona, Big Island of Hawaii
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
19 ( 7B, 5L, 7D )
Activity Level
Hawai'i is home to unique microclimates, incredible geology and fascinating wildlife — get up close and learn about this amazing place by hiking Hawai'i’s “Big Island.” Move from sea level rainforests to the Kilauea Volcano, where you’ll walk among dense tropical ferns, native ohia trees and lava deserts, before departing for the drier coast. Experience the heat of subsurface magma and the picturesque beauty of a waterfall in the Kohala mountains, all while learning from geologists and other experts about these astounding natural wonders and how the landscape is deeply intertwined with native Hawaiian culture and spiritual beliefs.
Best of all, you'll...
  • Hike along the caldera of Kilauea, one of the most active volcanoes in the world.
  • Learn about petroglyphs, wildlife and Hawaiian history as you hike throughout the island.
  • Stay at Kilauea Military Camp, located within Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.
View Full Itinerary
Profile Image
Will McGough
Will McGough has spent the better part of the last decade seeing the world as a travel writer. His contributions have appeared in many magazines and online publications, including Alaska Airlines Magazine, AFAR, Conde Nast and Forbes. In 2017, he was the Hawaii Ecotourism Association’s Travel Writer of the Year for his local travel publication, Wake and Wander Hawaii. Will graduated from Virginia Tech and now calls the windward side of Oahu home. When traveling, he enjoys a combination of culture, adventure, and scenic beauty.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
Daily hiking between 2 and 5 miles, with one day of 7 miles. Daily elevation gains up to 1,100 ft. Walking/hiking along irregular forest trails and through lava fields in varying weather conditions. Elevations up to 4,100 ft.
Small Group (13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List (14 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call 800-454-5768
Start Enrolling
Enroll with Confidence
Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

Assurance Plan

Road Scholar's continued commitment to our participants and their well-being is exemplified whether participating on a program in the United States or on one of our International programs, every Road Scholar participant receives coverage under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan.

Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.






Recommended For You