Kilauea Eruption Tour

The Kilauea Eruption Tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to witness firsthand the dramatic changes that have swept through Hawaii’s Big Island following the devastating 2018 eruption. This tour takes guests on a captivating journey, providing a powerful glimpse into the raw power of one of the world’s most active volcanoes. From exploring the newly formed Isaac Hale Beach to hearing stories from a local whose home was transformed into a "lava lot," the tour promises a truly immersive experience. However, the tour’s true significance lies in its ability to convey the lasting impact of Kilauea’s eruptions, as the charred remnants of once-thriving communities serve as a sobering reminder of the volcano’s destructive force.

Key Points

1. The tour provides a firsthand look at the dramatic changes to Hawaii’s Big Island following the 2018 Kilauea volcano eruption.
2. Guests can explore the newly formed Isaac Hale Beach, the world’s newest black-sand beach created by the lava flows.
3. The tour includes a visit to the tour guide’s home-turned-‘lava lot’ to hear stories of the eruption’s devastating impact on the community.
4. The 4-month long Kilauea eruption destroyed over 700 homes and transformed the island’s landscape.
5. The tour showcases the raw power of Kilauea and the lasting impact of its eruptions on the affected areas.

Tour Overview

The Kilauea Eruption Tour provides visitors a firsthand look at the dramatic changes to Hawaii’s Big Island following the 2018 eruption of the island’s most active volcano.

Kilauea, the most active volcano in the United States, experienced a history-making eruption in 2018 that destroyed over 700 homes and transformed the landscape.

This private tour takes guests to the tour guide’s home-turned-‘lava lot’ to hear stories of the eruption’s impact.

Visitors will also explore the newly formed Isaac Hale Beach, the world’s newest black-sand beach, created by the eruption’s lava flows.

With hassle-free round-trip transfers and a private experience, this tour offers a unique window into the dramatic changes that reshaped the Big Island.

Kilauea Volcano Eruption

In 2018, Kilauea, the most active volcano in the United States, experienced a history-making eruption that devastated parts of Hawaii’s Big Island. Over 700 homes were destroyed as lava flows ripped through residential areas. The eruption left an indelible mark on the landscape, creating the island’s newest black-sand beach at Isaac Hale.

Effects of the 2018 Kilauea Eruption
Homes Destroyed	700
New Black-Sand Beach Created	Isaac Hale
Duration of Eruption	4 Months

This private tour provides a firsthand look at the impacts of the Kilauea eruption, including a visit to a property turned "lava lot" where guests can hear personal stories of this historic event.

Destroyed Homes and Lava Lot

Hundreds of homes fell victim to the relentless march of Kilauea’s lava flows, with entire neighborhoods reduced to barren ‘lava lots’ in the eruption’s wake. The tour guide’s own property was among those decimated, providing a first-hand account of the destruction.

Visitors can witness the sobering reality of the 2018 event, including:

• Scorched earth where vibrant communities once stood
• Twisted and charred remains of homes and businesses
• Dramatic changes to the island’s landscape
• Resilience of those who lost everything, yet strive to rebuild

Through personal stories and a glimpse of the aftermath, the tour offers a powerful reminder of Kilauea’s raw, unstoppable power and the resilience of those who call the Big Island home.

Isaac Hale Beach

Visitors on the Kilauea Eruption Tour can witness the creation of Isaac Hale Beach, the newest black-sand beach in the world, formed in the aftermath of the volcano’s 2018 eruption. This stunning new beach emerged from the lava flows that devastated the area, creating a captivating and unique landscape. Guests can explore the beach, taking in the breathtaking views and marveling at the power of nature.

Feature	Description
Sand Color	Jet-black, a result of the volcanic eruption
Beach Size	Continuously expanding as more lava cools and solidifies
Accessibility	Accessible via a short hike from the tour’s meeting point

The tour provides a rare opportunity to witness the dynamic transformation of the island, offering a glimpse into the ongoing geological processes that shape the Hawaiian landscape.

Private Property Decimation

The 2018 Kilauea eruption decimated a private property visited on the tour, leaving behind a stark reminder of the volcano’s destructive power.

The tour guide shares chilling stories of how the lava flow swept through the area, destroying everything in its path.

Visitors can see:

• Charred remnants of a once-thriving home, now reduced to rubble.
• Twisted metal and debris scattered across the barren landscape.
• A layer of hardened lava blanketing the ground, forming a new, uneven surface.
• The eerie silence, a stark contrast to the vibrant community that once stood here.

This sobering experience underscores the raw power of Kilauea and the lasting impact of its eruptions on the lives of those who call this island home.

Hassle-free Transportation

After exploring the harrowing aftermath of the eruption on private property, the tour provides hassle-free round-trip transfers from the designated meetup point in Pāhoa, ensuring a seamless and comfortable journey to the volcanic sites.

Travelers won’t have to worry about navigating unfamiliar roads or finding parking, as the air-conditioned vehicle takes care of all the logistics. The tour’s commitment to convenience extends to gratuities, which are included in the price, allowing guests to fully enjoy the Kilauea experience without the burden of additional expenses.

With a private tour limited to just your group, the transportation experience is tailored to your needs, ensuring a personalized and stress-free exploration of this captivating volcanic landscape.

Included in the Tour

The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle to transport guests comfortably, with gratuities covered in the price. The tour package provides a hassle-free experience, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey.

Guests can expect the following inclusions:

1. Private transportation from the designated meeting point to the tour sites and back.
2. Guided exploration of the newly formed black-sand beach at Isaac Hale Beach.
3. An exclusive visit to a private property that was impacted by the 2018 Kilauea eruption, with the opportunity to hear firsthand accounts from the tour guide.
4. The chance to visit the tour guide’s own ‘lava lot’ and learn about the personal experiences and historical significance of the event.

Tour Logistics

Guests meet at the Longs Drugs located at 15-1454 Kahakai Blvd, Pāhoa, HI 96778 to begin the Kilauea Eruption Tour. Confirmation is received at the time of booking, and the tour is not wheelchair accessible, nor recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnant individuals, or those with heart conditions or other serious medical concerns. Participants should possess a moderate level of physical fitness to fully enjoy the tour experience.

Meeting Point	Confirmation	Accessibility
Longs Drugs	Received at Booking	Not Wheelchair Accessible
15-1454 Kahakai Blvd, Pāhoa, HI 96778		Not Recommended for Back Problems, Pregnant, or Serious Medical Conditions
		Moderate Physical Fitness Required

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need to Bring My Own Snacks and Water?

No, snacks and water are usually provided on tour experiences like this. The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, so you won’t need to bring your own refreshments. Just come prepared to learn and enjoy the experience.

Can I Take Photos During the Tour?

Yes, you can take photos during the tour. The tour allows ample opportunities for participants to capture the volcanic landscapes and personal stories shared by the guide. Photography is encouraged to document the unique experience.

Is There a Minimum or Maximum Group Size?

The tour has no minimum group size, but is limited to just your group, providing a private experience. There is no maximum group size specified, though the tour will be tailored to your group’s size and needs.

Can I Change the Tour Itinerary?

The tour itinerary is generally fixed, but customers can consult with the tour provider to discuss any special requests or modifications. However, significant changes may not be possible, as the tour is designed for a private group experience.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for the Tour?

The cancellation policy typically allows travellers to cancel their tour for a full refund up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time. Cancellations within 24 hours may incur fees or forfeit the entire booking cost.

Recap

The Kilauea Eruption Tour provides a poignant and unforgettable experience, offering visitors a firsthand look at the dramatic transformation of Hawaii’s Big Island.

Through the tour, guests can witness the raw power of Kilauea and the lasting impacts of its eruption, from the creation of the world’s newest black-sand beach to the haunting remnants of once-thriving communities.

This tour is a sobering yet captivating exploration of the island’s resilience in the face of nature’s destructive forces.