Aulani - Which Tour Operator for Volcano Tour - Updated

[Texas Disney Fan]

We have decided that we want to do a day trip to the Big Island for a Volcano Tour. We know that none will pick up at Aulani and that it will make for a long day. The prices are ranging from $300 to $350. So the question really comes down to which operator provides the best tour. Any suggestions would be appreciated especially from locals.

 

[hakepb]

It would be interesting to hear more.
I have heard the volcanoes are most spectacular at sunset but there is not enough time for a flight after walking back from a prime volcano observation point.

 

[izzy]

Subbing to this thread - I want to do the same thing!

 

[living20057]

This is something I want to do to, but I haven't decided if we are going to do this. Are you going to use Hawaiian airlines for the inter flight? With Aulani being so new with limited information, you want to check fodors forum, virtual tourist, or tripadvisor. I have find them very helpful.

 

[Texas Disney Fan]

The tours I have been looking all include airfare. I will check out a couple of the sites you have reference.

 

[CrazyDuck]

Why don't you just book the airline tickets, rent a car in Hilo, and drive there yourself. Just make sure your flight to Hilo is before or after rush hour traffic.. You don't want to be driving to the airport on a weekday between 530am and 800am.

And whatever you do, don't fly Go airlines!

 

[SueTGGR]

We haven't been to the Big Island in awhile but from what I remember it is a good walk to get where you can really see anything. If you want to get a good view look at a helicopter tour or maybe a sail? Plus you won't be able to see much unless it is darker outside unless you want to just tour the National Park, if that is the case I would just rent a car. I know there is no guarantee you will see flowing lava either. But once again it has been about five+ years since I have been.
Good Luck!

 

[snwwht]

Although we are staying at Aulani first and then cruising to Hilo I found a great family owned tour operator Ainatours.com they have answered all our questions and have many positive reports on Cruise Critic.I bet they could help!

Arlene

 

[Yvonneb]

Take a look at the National Park Service web site. Last time I checked, there were no active lava flow sites that were reachable, safely, to view.

 

[Texas Disney Fan]

I was thinking about using Discover Hawaii Tours or Polynesian Adventure tours.

I just called Discover Hawaii tours and they use Go airline. What is the problems with Go?

 

[Texas Disney Fan]

Does anyone have any experiences with the Tour Operators?

 

[Anal Annie]

Last time we stayed on the Big Island we booked a 2 hour helicopter tour with Blue Hawaiian out of Waikoloa. Not cheap but we LOVED it. It was amazing and it was a great way to see a lot of the island, not just the volcano.

http://www.bluehawaiian.com/bigisland/tours/

 

[living20057]

Although we are staying at Aulani first and then cruising to Hilo I found a great family owned tour operator Ainatours.com they have answered all our questions and have many positive reports on Cruise Critic.I bet they could help!

Arlene

The Ainatours look pretty reasonable.

 

[Texas Disney Fan]

I have decided to go with Discover Hawaii.

 

[disneymom13176]

I have decided to go with Discover Hawaii.

I have been looking at using Discover as well. I called them last week, they seemed very organized and friendly. I also considered doing it on my own, but then one of us has to drive. This way we don't have to worry about the details and everyone can sight see. I felt much better about the choice after calling Discover. I think you made a good decision. Enjoy your adventure!

 

[Texas Disney Fan]

I have been looking at using Discover as well. I called them last week, they seemed very organized and friendly. I also considered doing it on my own, but then one of us has to drive. This way we don't have to worry about the details and everyone can sight see. I felt much better about the choice after calling Discover. I think you made a good decision. Enjoy your adventure!

I am glad to hear others have had positive feedback from communications as well. I called them two or three times asking questions before booking. I was very pleased with my interactions with them. I booked online. It is going to be myself and my DS 13. I did not want to stress about getting back to the airport in time for return flight and as you said if I was driving I may miss some sights.

 

[abdmom]

You really won't miss anything by driving. The sights in VNP are generally off the road, on the walking trails or in the museum. The driving is extremely easy. If there was only one of you, a tour would be fine, but if there's more than one, you'll spend a lot of money for someone to drive you 45 minutes there and back.

 

[dianeschlicht]

You really won't miss anything by driving. The sights in VNP are generally off the road, on the walking trails or in the museum. The driving is extremely easy. If there was only one of you, a tour would be fine, but if there's more than one, you'll spend a lot of money for someone to drive you 45 minutes there and back.

I agree. We drove ourselves and were able to spend as much time as we wanted at each of the lookouts and venues. I'm quite sure a tour group would not let me take the time we did to explore the lava tubes!

 

[izzy]

I contacted Discover, but they said they couldn't take me. Since it's just me, I think I'm just going to go with the excursion offered thru Aulani. By the time I try to price out my airfare separately and then add in the tour through another company, price wise it's not too different anyway

I'm hoping that I can wait until I get to Aulani to book this. I hate to make that decision so far in advance.

 

[Texas Disney Fan]

I am surprise they would not let you book for one. I do not remember seeing minimum booking on their website. I know they do not pick up at Aulani and you have to go to the airport or another pick up site.