What to do in Kalapana, HI

Activities, attractions and tours

My wife Jennifer standing in front of a lava flow with a flashlight on her face. i have to say this was a heated moment. A slip would have been fatal so I was a nervous wreck. Thankfully she has great balance and coordination.
My wife Jennifer standing in front of a lava flow with a flashlight on her face. i have to say this was a heated moment. A slip would have been fatal so I was a nervous wreck. Thankfully she has great balance and coordination.
This, my friends, is #lava. Real molten flowing lava coming down the pali (cliff) in Kalapana, #Hawaii on the #BigIsland. Last weekend, my Fiance and I partook in one of the coolest excursions of our lives; we hiked 10.5 miles in 5 hours to active, flowing lava. The trek certainly isn't for the faint of heart, pregnant women, people with asthma or heart problems, or the unfit. The lava flow is changing every second of every day, and on this particular day it was quite far away, hence the long trek. We went with a company called #HawaiiForestAndTrail, whom I highly recommend! You can read more about our experience, how to book it, the cost, and inclusions, and see all the cool photos on my detailed blog post here: https://contoursofatravelersmap.com/2018/03/28/hiking-to-active-lava-in-volcanoes-national-park-hawaii/ #lifeatexpedia #expediaconcierge #hawaiiconcierge
A door's off helicopter tour from Hawaii's Big Island gave me a unique perspective of the lava flow as it was just flowing into the ocean. Here you can see a little bit of the flowing lava, which is what I had wanted to see. However, what I found even more interesting, even after getting a better angle on the red lava, was seeing the hardened lava which had overtaken the road at certain points. I particularly loved the dramatic contrast between the devastated earth and the beautiful blue water, full of so much life. #BVSBlue
The ocean entry in Kalapana that was created when a 4 acre chunk of coastline fell into the sea leaving an open hole in the cliff face shooting hot magma into the ocean. The sight of this in the middle of an overcast day is incredible. It has been raining for 3 days so this was our first trip out to the ocean entry.

Kalapana Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that Kalapana has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Activities and Tours

Kalapana is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Kalapana to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights.

Kalapana Attractions

Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Kalapana.

Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Kalapana attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.

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What to do in Kalapana

Discover the most popular places to visit in Kalapana

Hawaii

Thurston Lava Tube

Head deep into the rainforest to walk in this ancient tunnel carved from lava and marvel at the astonishing power of nature.

Thurston Lava Tube
Palm trees on the Black Sand Beach, Hawaiian Islands, Hawaii, USA

Pohoiki Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Pohoiki Beach during your trip to Pahoa? Discover the volcano viewpoints while you're in the area.

Pohoiki Beach
In 1790 a swift moving lava flow leveled the forest here and drained away, leaving behind a new forest of "lava trees". These hollow rock columns were formed when the lava wrapped around the cool tree trunks and quickly solidified. When the molten lava drained away, these rock columns were left standing. The columns are hollow because the tree trunks themselves were incinerated during the process, but only after the rock had cooled enough to hold it's shape. If you look closely, you can sometimes see the texture of the tree bark in the rock molds.

Lava Tree State Monument

Enjoy the volcano viewpoints and explore Lava Tree State Monument, a lovely green space in Pahoa. Wander the seaside in this relaxing area.

Lava Tree State Monument
Road stops here

Ka Lae Apuki

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Ka Lae Apuki during your travels in Pahoa. While you're in the area, wander around the natural setting.

Ka Lae Apuki

Kehena Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Kehena Beach during your trip to Kehena? Wander the seaside and beaches in this romantic area.

Kehena Beach

Isaac Hale Beach Park

Enjoy the volcano viewpoints and explore Isaac Hale Beach Park, a lovely green space in Pahoa. Wander the seaside in this relaxing area.

Isaac Hale Beach Park

Kapoho Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Kapoho Beach during your trip to Pahoa? Discover the volcano viewpoints while you're in the area.

Kapoho Beach

SPACE Seaview Performing Arts Center

You can get tickets for a performance at SPACE Seaview Performing Arts Center on your trip to Kehena. Stroll along the seaside or discover the volcano viewpoints in this relaxing area.

SPACE Seaview Performing Arts Center

Pahoa Museum

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Pahoa Museum in Pahoa. Wander the seaside or discover the volcano viewpoints in this relaxing area.

Pahoa Museum

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Kalapana

Pahoa featuring night scenes, mist or fog and rugged coastline

Pahoa

Kaimu beach park. Land which is younger than me.

Kaimu

Frequently asked questions

Is Kalapana worth visiting?
Kalapana has a unique mix of local charm, culture and attractions. Whether you're into history, outdoor activities or traditional food, there's a lot here to enjoy.
How do I spend a day in Kalapana?
Start your adventures with a visit to Kehena Beach and SPACE Seaview Performing Arts Centre. Then, tour different parts of Kalapana for local dining and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Kalapana?
Kehena Beach is one of the top tourist attractions in Kalapana and should feature high on every sightseeing list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Kalapana?
Three days is enough for a quick escape to Kalapana — you'll tick off the main attractions and get a good feel for the place. But if you want to truly soak it all in, visit for at least a week to check out the surrounding areas too.
What are some activities to do in Kalapana with kids?
Planning what to do in Kalapana with kids has never been so easy. Whether you're getting away with teenagers or little ones, there are plenty of family-friendly sights and activities to keep them entertained here.

What to do in Kalapana for adults?
Adults of all ages will find lots of things to do in Kalapana. Whether you're into the arts, nature or just enjoy visiting new places, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Kalapana?
One of the best ways to discover free things to do in Kalapana is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on interesting neighbourhoods, parks and other attractions you can experience without opening your wallet. Kehena Beach is one spot that doesn't charge an admission fee.