The Big Island’s raw volcanic power and lush rainforests feel worlds away from Oahu, and this all-inclusive day makes the jump easy with round-trip flights from Honolulu. You’ll land in Hilo and head straight into Hawaii Volcanoes National Park – home to active Kīlauea and recently erupted Mauna Loa – peering into the massive Halema‘uma‘u Crater that doubled in size after 2018, feeling the steam rise from underground vents, and walking through the eerie Nāhuku lava tube surrounded by ferns. A scenic drive down Chain of Craters Road shows old lava carving paths to the sea. Picnic lunch in the park keeps you fueled before the lush Hamakua Coast and ‘Akaka Falls – a 442-foot cascade plunging into a misty gorge through bamboo and orchid rainforest. Upgrade for a 45-minute helicopter flight over fresh lava fields, hidden waterfalls and black-sand beaches for that jaw-dropping aerial view. Small-group mini coach, expert guide – the ultimate one-day escape to the Big Island’s dramatic heart, with easy return flight to Oahu.
