Things to do in Kalapana

Find and book 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

Find out what makes Kalapana tick with the very best tours & day trips. Look into our {3 fun activities in Kalapana fun activities in Kalapana}, and book with confidence knowing that we offer free cancellation and no added fees.

  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    One Key members save % or more on select activities, hotels, cars and vacation rentals.
    Learn about One Key

What to do in Kalapana

Free Things to Do in Kalapana

There's no need to max out your credit card in Kalapana. The following won't even cost a dollar.

Star of the Sea Painted Church - Take a moment for some meditation or prayer at this revered sacred site.

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Kalapana? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Kalapana

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
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
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.

 

 

Popular day trips from Kalapana

Pahoa which includes rocky coastline, night scenes and mist or fog

Pahoa

Kaimu beach park. Land which is younger than me.

Kaimu

Frequently asked questions

Is Kalapana worth visiting?
Whether you're planning to enjoy the local charm and cultural highlights or try unique foods and venture into nature, there are many things to do in Kalapana.
How do I spend a day in Kalapana?
Kehena Beach and SPACE Seaview Performing Arts Center are two good places to begin your getaway adventures. Remember to check out the retail and dining options in Kalapana while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Kalapana?
The top tourist attraction in Kalapana is Kehena Beach, so don't forget to put it on your sightseeing agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Kalapana?
Book a break in Kalapana for three days and you'll comfortably be able to explore its key sights and get a feel for the local way of life. For the chance to enjoy highlights in the surrounding areas and get away from the tourist trail, consider staying for a week or longer.
What are some activities to do in Kalapana with kids?
If you're searching for attractions and activities for all ages, have a look at these excellent ideas for what to do in Kalapana with kids.

What to do in Kalapana for adults?
From regional food and cultural attractions to outdoor adventures and one-of-a-kind experiences, there's no shortage of fun things to do in Kalapana for adults.
Are there free things to do in Kalapana?
One of the best ways to discover free things to do in Kalapana is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on exciting neighborhoods, parks and other highlights you can enjoy without taking your wallet out. Kehena Beach is one spot that doesn't have an admission fee.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia