Punalu'u Black Sand beach

Start the adventure towards Hawaii Volcanoes National Park driving to Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach. Have you ever seen a beach with black sand? Because of constant volcanic activity, you'll find white sands and black sands on the island of Hawaiʻi. Located on the southeastern Kaʻū coast, Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach is one of the most famous black sand beaches in Hawaiʻi. Located between the towns of Pāhala and Nāʻālehu in Kaʻū, Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach's jet black shores are an unforgettable sight. Coconut palms fringe the upper edge of sand and you may also discover large honu, (Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles), basking on the beach. Although it may be tempting, do not touch these protected turtles and do not remove any black sand from the beach. 90 minutes drive plus 30 minutes in the beach

2 hours

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Born of Fire, Born of the Sea Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park protects some of the most unique geological, biological, and cherished cultural landscapes in the world. Extending from sea level to 13,680 feet, the park encompasses the summits of two of the world's most active volcanoes - Kīlauea and Mauna Loa - and is a designated International Biosphere Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will then make our way to the summit of Kilauea volcano at the Volcanoes National Park, the most highly regarded and revered volcanic area on Earth. The Park highlights two of the world's most active volcanoes--Kilauea and Mauna Loa--and offers insights on the birth of the Hawaiian Islands and views of dramatic volcanic landscapes. At the park, you will stop at the Visitor Center, witness the spectacular collapsed caldera, steam vents, sulfur banks, and fascinating scenic lookouts. No trip to Hawaii is complete without a trip to Volcanoes National Park.

3 hours

Nahuku - Thurston Lava Tube

The Nāhuku lava tube is one of the few accessible lava tubes in the park and is considered to be the most popular destination in the park, besides the summit of Kilauea. Walking through a tall tunnel formed by a 500-year-old river of lava is an incredible and memorable experience .To think that the vacant space was once a fast-moving torrent of molten rock from Kilauea volcano can be hard to fathom. Equally astonishing is that Nahuku is accessed by a gorgeous, easy trail surrounded (by a) verdant native rainforest. Towering tree ferns, ohia trees, and rare Hawaiian plants thrive where this massive flow once dominated the landscape.

35 minutes

Banyan Drive (Pass By)

Start the adventure towards Hilo driving through the historical Banyan Drive- a tree-lined street at the shoreline of Hilo, Hawaii. It is known as the "Hilo Walk of Fame" for the banyan trees planted by celebrities. These trees have withstood several tsunamis that have devastated the town on the Big Island of Hawaii. The trees, which still bear the names of the planters, honor movie stars, religious leaders, political leaders, famous authors, adventurers and local Hawaiians.

Rainbow Falls

Rainbow Falls is an awe-inspiring waterfall that tumbles 80 feet into the Wailuku River that gushes below. Surrounded by lush tropical rainforest, this waterfall is easily reached from downtown Hilo as itʻs just a 5-minute drive away. Known as Waiānuenue in Hawaiian language, the name translates to “rainbow [seen in] water” and is befitting for these falls, as the rising sun commonly ignites a dazzling rainbow in the mist. Visit Rainbow Falls to experience the home of Hina, the ancient Hawaiian moon goddess, that is said to live within a lava cave encapsulated behind the falls. This peaceful oasis is a fantastic place to visit in the early morning to view the falls and explore the stunning natural environment that surrounds them.

35 minutes

Kailua-Kona

Drop the guest back to pick up place and stop for a drive through lunch. 2 hours drive time

2 hours