The Island of Hawaii is a place where natural wonders and local flavors collide in the most delicious ways. From steaming volcanoes and star-filled skies to aromatic coffee farms, this island offers more than just stunning scenery—it’s a haven for memorable dining experiences that blend the landscape with local cuisine. We particularly love tours that combine the island’s explosive geology with a good dose of island hospitality, like the Volcano and Stargazing Dinner Tour, which offers a unique way to enjoy Hawaii’s natural beauty after dark. Imagine watching the starry sky near Mauna Kea while savoring a hearty dinner—truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Whether you’re after a full day of exploring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park or an intimate evening under the stars, these tours provide authentic flavors and unforgettable scenery. They also cater to different interests and schedules, making it easier to find a perfect fit for your trip. Below, you’ll find a quick overview of each experience, followed by detailed insights to help you choose the best Hawaii dining adventure.
Quick Overview
Our list features three standout tours, each with its own focus:
– The Big Island, Hawaii: Volcano and Stargazing Tour with Dinner (#1) combines volcanic wonders with a magical night sky, perfect for those seeking a balance of nature and gourmet food. Learn more
– The Hawaii: Big Island Volcanoes Day Tour with Dinner and Pickup (#2) offers a full-day exploration of lava fields, coffee farms, and coastal adventures, plus a cozy dinner. See details
– The From Hilo: Kilauea Lava Flow Tour with Lunch and Dinner (#3) is ideal if you want to hike active lava flows and experience Hawaii’s volcanic activity up close, with excellent meals included. Check it out
1. Big Island, Hawaii: Volcano and Stargazing Tour with Dinner
This tour is a fantastic way to see Hawaii’s volcanic landscapes and then enjoy a magical night under the stars. It lasts about 12 hours, making it a long but incredibly rich experience. The trip kicks off with a guided tour of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where you’ll learn about the island’s fiery origins and see volcanic craters, lava tubes, and steam vents. The guide, with their deep knowledge, makes these geological features come alive.
After exploring during daylight, the journey continues with a visit to a Kona coffee farm, where you can learn about the harvesting and milling process. As evening falls, the real highlight begins: observing the stars and planets near Mauna Kea. This part of the tour offers some of the clearest night skies in the world. The tour wraps up with a tasty dinner, providing a perfect end to a day filled with natural and cultural insights.
Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 165 reviews, it’s clear that many visitors find this experience unforgettable. The blend of nature, culture, and cuisine makes it stand out. It’s ideal for those who want a comprehensive Big Island adventure with a touch of stargazing magic.
Bottom Line: This tour is best for travelers who want a full-day adventure with a combination of volcano exploration and an evening of stargazing, topped with a satisfying dinner.
2. Hawaii: Big Island Volcanoes Day Tour with Dinner and Pickup
At number 2 on our list, this full-day tour offers a thorough exploration of the island’s volcanic features. Starting with a convenient pickup, the tour takes you across the island to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park where you’ll hike through the Thurston Lava Tube—a tunnel formed by flowing lava that’s now a walk-in geological marvel. The guide’s expertise makes the history and science behind the lava flows engaging and easy to understand.
Midday, you’ll visit a Kona coffee farm for a tasting and a deli-style lunch. The tour then moves to Punalu’u Beach, famous for its black sands and sea turtles. As night approaches, you’ll witness the glow of lava in Halema’uma’u crater, a truly awe-inspiring sight. The day concludes with a 3-course dinner at Kilauea Lodge and treats from Punalu’u Bakery, rounding out a day packed with volcanic activity, cultural insights, and island flavors.
With a 4.7-star review from 28 guests, this tour offers value for money by combining multiple highlights into one day. It’s especially suited for those eager to see active lava flows and enjoy a mix of scenic, culinary, and geological sights. The only potential downside is the long day—perfectly suited for adventurous travelers.
Bottom Line: For those who want a comprehensive, all-day experience exploring Big Island’s volcanoes, coffee, and black sands with a delicious dinner, this tour hits the mark.
3. From Hilo: Kilauea Lava Flow Tour with Lunch and Dinner
This tour is tailored for those keen on hiking active lava flows and witnessing volcanic activity firsthand. Starting from Hilo, it lasts about 9 hours but delivers a focused look at Kilauea’s recent eruptions, including flows from 2018. The guided hike takes you to the recent lava fields, where you can walk across the cooled black sands and see the raw power of Earth’s interior.
Along the way, you visit the Painted Church in Kalapana, an artistic reflection of the local community’s resilience amidst volcanic change. You’ll explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park’s current activity and get close to the volcanic black sand beaches—ideal for photos and quiet reflection. The tour includes a picnic lunch and dinner, making sure you’re fueled for this active adventure.
With a 3.5-star rating from 8 reviews, this tour appeals most to physically active travelers with a love for geology and volcano photography. The main attraction is the hike to the recent lava flow, which makes it a memorable, hands-on experience. Be aware that the focus on hiking and volcanic activity means it’s best suited for those comfortable on their feet.
Bottom Line: If you’re eager to hike recent lava flows and see Hawaii’s volcanoes in action, this tour offers an authentic, hands-on volcanic adventure, with good meals to keep you going.
$275 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect Dining Experience in Hawaii
When selecting a tour, consider your budget, fitness level, and interests. If you’re after a full-day exploration combined with starry skies, the Volcano and Stargazing Tour offers a well-rounded experience. Those who prefer a more active and close-up volcanic hike might opt for the Kilauea Lava Flow Tour. For a balanced, sightseeing-heavy day with scenic stops and multiple highlights, the Big Island Volcanoes Day Tour is perfect.
Book early, especially during peak travel seasons, as these tours often fill up quickly. Think about whether you want a leisurely evening under the stars or an active day hiking lava—both provide authentic tastes of Hawaii’s volcanic landscape with satisfying meals included.
Final Thoughts
Hawaii’s Big Island offers an incredible range of dining experiences that pair well with its volcanic scenery. The volcano and stargazing tours provide a blend of geological marvels and night sky magic, ideal for romantic or adventurous travelers. For those wanting a deeper dive into active lava flows and scenic coastal stops, the hiking-focused Kilauea Lava Flow Tour delivers an authentic volcano experience.
No matter which tour you choose, you’ll enjoy the island’s flavors and natural wonders in unforgettable ways. Remember to book early, pack your sense of adventure, and prepare to indulge in some of Hawaii’s best local fare along the way.