Location: Kalapana
What to do and see in Kalapana, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Kalapana in United States, from Nouth America region, is best know for Geologic Formations. Discover best things to do in Kalapana with beautiful photos and great reviews from traveller around the world here!
1. Lava Viewing Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 298 reviews
Reviewed By isilwath - PA
I wouldn't dream of doing this hike on a sunny day or at night. The way is treacherous and deadly. Easily some of the most difficult terrain I've ever crossed. We took the shuttle to the second parking lot ($15/pp- round trip), then cut across the lava field towards where the map we were shown said there was lava flowing. Mostly look for smoke, heat shimmers, and people standing around. Once you leave the road, you will hike for AT LEAST 1:30 hours, probably more.
The way is dangerous! Watch your step. Be careful! Wear closed toed shoes and long pants. Go during the day! Yes, I know, it's more spectacular at night with all the glowing, etc, but hiking on the lava field at night could get you a broken bone or worse. I'm not kidding! The ground gave way under my foot while we were hiking out and trapped my leg. The rough surface is sharp as glass and my hand and leg got torn up. I had to really yank my leg to get it out of the crack.
The soles of my shoes melted!!
Be careful, go slow, stay with your group. Bring lots of water. It's amazing when you get there, but keep in mind that you'll have to hike back out. Give yourself at LEAST 4 hours of daylight.
2. Uncle Robert's Awa Bar and Farmers Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 120 reviews
Reviewed By Bob L - San Diego, California
We stopped here with a tour group. Treated us like family and served us a delicious meal. Restrooms were clean. We really enjoyed our visit! Only negative was the dogs...lots of them under our feet at the table, barking, and just being annoying. I'm not a dog person, so I didn't appreciate this small thing.
3. Maku'u Farmer's Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 124 reviews
Reviewed By Sona_G81 - Redwood City, California
Having found cool souvenirs, clothes & art/decor on Oahu & Maui on my previous trips, I was looking forward to find some area to bring a piece of Big Island back with me home. Kona was alright but rest of my trip down south to Volcanoes & up north to Hilo was disappointing till the last day where I saw this market enroute from Pahoa to Hilo.
The market has 2 USD entry fee with ample open air parking. There are lots of local food stalls, clothes (great quality tees, dresses, accessories, etc.), jewellery, food items, soaps, wall decor, etc - think everything Hawaiian. We spent a good 2-3 hours.
Everything is locally sourced & made & prices are a fraction of what you would pay in Kona e.g. for Hawaiian soap bar from a local company, we saw Kona shop selling for $12 while we found the exact same bar for $6 in this market.
A must visit, you wont be disappointed.
4. Aloha Lava Tours
Overall Ratings
5 based on 134 reviews
Aloha Lava Tour is located on the Big Island of Hawaii in Kalapana. We offer the experience of a lifetime hike to the actual hot lava surface flows. Our guides have an extreme knowledge and understanding of the active lava conditions,which enables them to provide a safe, fun and memorable lava adventure. Feel the heat under your feet as we hike to the new ocean entry.
Reviewed By Roman_Austria - Vienna, Austria
As the lava stream didn’t flow into the ocean when we were on Hawai’i, getting to the lava required some serious hiking through older lava fields that are like a special kind of desert. I would book with Aloha Lava Tours again any time because it’s really dangerous to get lost in the lava fields during night when you are on your way back with just a flashlight in otherwise complete darkness. Be sure to come prepared as they say and expect some serious hiking.
We paid 100$ per person - although that’s quite a lot, it’s definitely worth it. The only way I would consider going to the lava on my own or on a rental bike would be if the lava was flowing into the ocean again and thus could this be easily reached via the emergency access gravel road. Otherwise, I’d definitely recommend going with a guide.
To me it seemed that the guides from Aloha Lava Tours knew what they were doing and had quite some experience in their jobs. The guides explained a lot along the way. Unfortunately I couldn’t hear most of it. Walking on older lava is quite noisy and this you cannot hear the guides most of the time. I’m not sure how this could be improved. Otherwise the tour was perfect. We were lucky and also saw some fresh lava flows. Remember: Don’t stick lava/Pele.
5. Star of the Sea Painted Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 63 reviews
Reviewed By Deanna O - St. George, Utah
If you find yourself frazzled from all the coffee sampling while in this area of Kona take time to stop by this sweet little church for a few peaceful moments. It has beautiful painted murals and a quiet little graveyard. While there was no caretaker there when we visited they did have a table set up with small souvenirs you could purchase via the honor system. Beautiful grounds and a delightful way to spend a little time.
6. Ahalanui Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 340 reviews
Reviewed By VEE1225 - Raleigh, North Carolina
We went to the Pohoiki Bay and Hot Springs late one evening after dark to relax in the warm hot springs. The moon was full or almost full and a group was out there doing chants and blowing conch shells as part of a solstice ceremony. The waters were so relaxing and it was incredible to see the moon rise up over the ocean. Fun spot! Apparently this land belonged to a man who built the hot springs area up for himself. When he died, he gave it to the county/city so all could enjoy.
7. Volcano Hiking Tours
Overall Ratings
5 based on 40 reviews
Admire lava flows entering the ocean and then be safely guided to where you will be within 1 or 2 meters of active flowing lava. This is an amazing opportunity not to be missed.
Reviewed By Andreas G
Thanks a lot to our tour guide Mattie. It was an awesome day and we had luck to see extraordinary lava flows. Absolutely recommandable.
8. Kalapana
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 200 reviews
Reviewed By Mark I - Boise, Idaho
Advisory, if you plan to hike to the lava flow, ITS A HIKE. Over the lava flows with no path, at night. Bring water, a small LED flashlight or headlamp and some Scooby snacks. You will hike about an 1.5 hours one way. It was well worth the hike but that is something you NEED ago know in advance. I would go late afternoon so you only have to hike back at night, the lava isn’t as spectacular during the day. The lave where the town was is really great. Lots of coconut trees have been planted, in death there is life
9. Hawaii Lava Bikes
Overall Ratings
5 based on 21 reviews
Aloha and welcome to Hawaii Lava Bikes! We specialize in ELECTRIC BIKE RENTALS and GUIDED ELECTRIC BIKE TOURS on the east side of the Big Island of Hawaii. Located in sunny Kalapana, Hawaii Lava Bikes offers e-bike rentals for riding out to view the active lava flow as it pours into the ocean. We also have several guided e-bike tours available for you to choose from. Mahalo Nui Loa!
Reviewed By SuppyKuppy - Seattle, Washington
I highly recommend Hawaii lava bikes. Shawn was our guide and he made sure we were all safe and had a great experience. This hike has uneven footing, hot lava under your feet and running down the mountain, the terrain is unmarked. The price is well worth your life. The electric bikes were so cool and an experience in themselves. Thanks Shawn for making sure we had a great time! Take the sunset tour and wear hiking shoes and light weight long pants. Have fun!
10. Kalapana Kava Bar
Overall Ratings
5 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By Brenda B - Bellingham
This place is great at night on Wednesdays, don't come here looking for trouble and you will be ok, there is lots of food and pupus to choose from, there is lots of vendors, is a farmers market, true local made stuff and a few non-local cute items too. there is areas where to seat and enjoy the local music, all kinds of bands, and if you would like to under a full moon, walk over to the beach and just relax (dont go alone, lol)
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