Volcano Hiking FAQs | Volcanoes Hiking Guides

Question 1

Should I choose a group hike or a private hike?

Accepted Answer

Choose a group hike if you are comfortable sharing the experience with other travelers. Public groups are kept small, with no more than 10 guests. Choose a private hike if you want the guide dedicated to your party, need a more adaptable pace or are traveling with children, older family members, photographers or guests with different hiking abilities.

Question 2

Is Volcanoes Hiking Guides authorized to operate in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Volcanoes Hiking Guides is an authorized commercial hiking operator in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

Question 3

Does Volcanoes Hiking Guides provide hotel pickup or transportation?

Accepted Answer

No. Hotel pickup and guest transportation are not provided. Guests travel in their own vehicle and are never driven by Volcanoes Hiking Guides. Most hikes do not require moving a vehicle after meeting the guide. A Kīlauea Iki itinerary may occasionally require guests to reposition their own vehicle or follow the guide’s vehicle. Follow the instructions provided for your reservation.

Question 4

Will I see active lava?

Accepted Answer

Active lava is never guaranteed. Volcanic activity, viewing access, weather, air quality, closures and safety conditions can change without warning. A tour may still include lava fields, craters, steam vents, native ecosystems and evidence of past eruptions even when no active lava is visible.

Question 5

How much water should I bring?

Accepted Answer

Bring at least two quarts—approximately two liters—of water per person for every hike. Guests are responsible for bringing their own water; it is not provided. A guide may carry limited backup water for emergencies, but it should not replace the water each guest is required to bring.

Question 6

Are drones allowed?

Accepted Answer

No. Launching, landing or operating a drone is prohibited on National Park Service property unless written approval has been issued by the National Park Service.

Question 7

What is the cancellation policy for public group hikes?

Accepted Answer

Cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start to receive a 100% refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the hike are not eligible for a refund. When space and scheduling allow, Volcanoes Hiking Guides may offer an opportunity to move the booking to another scheduled hike, but rescheduling is not guaranteed.

Question 8

What is the cancellation policy for private hikes?

Accepted Answer

Cancel at least 72 hours before the scheduled start to receive a 100% refund. For a cancellation made less than 72 hours before the hike, Volcanoes Hiking Guides may apply the booking value to one rescheduled date when scheduling permits. A late cancellation is not eligible for a cash refund, and rescheduling is not guaranteed.

Question 9

How do I cancel a direct booking?

Accepted Answer

For a reservation made directly with Volcanoes Hiking Guides, cancel by phone call or voicemail. Text messages and emails do not count as an official cancellation. The cancellation becomes official when Volcanoes Hiking Guides confirms it. If you booked through a third-party marketplace, follow that marketplace’s cancellation process and policy.

Question 10

What if the scheduled guide becomes unavailable?

Accepted Answer

Volcanoes Hiking Guides will first try to provide another qualified guide. If that is not possible, guests may choose to reschedule or receive a refund of the tour price.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers for Planning Your Volcano Hike

Which hike is right for me?

What is the difference between the 3-hour, 4.5-hour and 6-hour hikes?

Should I choose a group hike or a private hike?

Do I need a guide to hike in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park?

Are these hikes suitable for first-time visitors?

Still Have Questions?