Big Island – Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Driving Tour

If you’re considering exploring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on your own terms, a self-guided driving tour could be a great way to go. It offers a mix of convenience, flexibility, and in-depth storytelling that can make your visit more memorable than a typical group tour. This particular option, offered by Shaka Guide Apps, has been rated highly by travelers, with a solid 4.5 out of 5 from 86 reviews.

What really caught our eye about this tour is how it combines audio commentary with turn-by-turn GPS directions and offline maps. That means you can focus on the scenery without worrying about data or getting lost, all while learning some fascinating stories and legends about the area. Plus, at just $19.99 for the whole group, it’s a wallet-friendly way to see the park at your own pace.

One thing to keep in mind is that some users have experienced issues with the app’s performance — from login hiccups to missing turn alerts. If you’re tech-savvy and prepared to troubleshoot a bit, this shouldn’t spoil your trip, but it’s worth being aware. This tour setup is perfect for those who want control over their schedule and enjoy a self-paced, immersive experience. It’s a good fit whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a small family who loves exploring independently.

Key Points

• Flexible self-guided experience allows you to explore at your own pace.
• Audio narration and offline maps make navigating easier and more informative.
• Affordable price point offers great value for a full two-day tour for up to 15 people.
• Highlights include volcanic landmarks, petroglyphs, and scenic drives that reveal the island’s raw beauty.
• Some users report technical glitches, so being prepared helps.
• Tour never expires once purchased, so you can do it on your schedule.

This tour by Shaka Guide is essentially a self-guided vehicle adventure through one of Hawaii’s most iconic locations. It includes audio commentary that plays automatically as you drive, delivering stories, background, and local music. Think of it as having a knowledgeable local guide riding along with you—without the group or the cost.

How It Works

Once you purchase the tour for $19.99, you get lifetime access to the audio files, downloadable maps, and GPS-guided directions. This setup means you can start whenever you’re ready, pause and resume as needed, and explore the park on your own terms. The app is designed to work offline, so you won’t have to worry about spotty cell coverage at the park itself.

Duration and Group Size

The tour is designed for about two days, with flexible start times. It’s ideal for small groups up to 15 people, making it perfect for families, friends, or couples wanting a private experience. The duration isn’t strict—if you want to linger at a spot or skip around, you can.

The tour covers a full spectrum of the park’s most compelling sights, with a mix of driving, short walks, and stops.

Day 1 Highlights

• Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: This is the core of the experience. You’ll see immense landscapes, volcanic craters, and get stories about Hawaiian myths associated with these sites. One review mentioned that the narration helps bring the landscape to life: “We loved the way the stories complemented the views,” they said. Expect to spend about an hour here, soaking in the scenery and learning about the volcanoes’ history.

• Nahuku – Thurston Lava Tube: This natural wonder is a highlight. The lava tube is a popular stop, and the app provides directions for parking and visiting. A reviewer noted the importance of grabbing the first parking spot and bringing water — it’s a short but warm hike to the tube.

• Kilauea Iki Trail: Walking across the crater floor, you can feel the earth’s living energy. It’s a short hike, but one that gives you a real sense of the volcano’s power. One guest appreciated the detailed narration that enriched the walk.

• Chain of Craters Road: This scenic drive itself is a major attraction, offering incredible views of the coastline and volcanic formations. It’s a good place for a break and taking photos.

• Devastation Trail: This trail shows the aftermath of eruptions—fresh lava flows and new land formations. One review called it “a perfect example of how mother nature forms new mountains.”

• Pu’u Loa Petroglyphs: Walking among roughly 23,000 ancient carvings offers a glimpse into early Hawaiian life. It’s a short stop, but deeply fascinating for history buffs.

• Holei Sea Arch: A dramatic, towering 90-foot sea arch formed from a lava tube. It’s a favorite among visitors, and the app provides the story behind its formation.

Day 2 Highlights

• Another visit to the park: Reinforces the flexibility of the tour. You can re-explore certain spots or just enjoy the self-guided experience at your leisure.

The main draw is its flexibility. Unlike a typical bus tour, you control where to stop, how long to stay, and what to skip. The audio narration, with storytelling, music, and background info, makes the drive more engaging and educational. Several users raved about how it “helped us enjoy our visit” and “made the trip much more than expected.”

Cost-wise, at just under $20 for a group, it’s incredibly budget-friendly, especially considering the value of having a guide that provides detailed info without additional fees. The offline maps are a significant bonus, as the park’s cell service can be spotty.

The reviews show a mostly positive trend, with many noting that the narration is “very informative,” “easy to use,” and “perfect for our schedule.” However, some reviewers experienced technical issues, such as the app not keeping up or missing turn prompts. A few have expressed frustration, especially when they couldn’t get the app to work at all, so being prepared with patience or troubleshooting skills might save your day.

• Price: For $19.99, the tour covers up to 15 people, making it very cost-effective for groups or families.
• Duration: Expect about 3-5 hours of content spread across two days—plan your visit accordingly.
• Start Time: Tour start is customizable—you can begin as soon as you arrive at the park.
• What’s Included: Audio narration, offline maps, GPS directions, activity and restaurant suggestions, and a no-expiry pass.
• What’s Not Included: Entrance fees and meals. Make sure to budget for park admission and your food.
• Technical considerations: Download everything before heading into the park to avoid connectivity issues.
• Accessibility: Service animals are allowed, and most travelers can participate comfortably.

Many reviews speak to the value and enjoyment of this tour. One reviewer shared, “It was very informative and gave insights on where to stop and when to take pictures,” highlighting how the app guides your photo opportunities as well. Another mentioned, “Without the narration, I don’t think we would have enjoyed our visit as much,” emphasizing how storytelling enhances the experience.

However, not all reviews are glowing. A few users had trouble with the app’s functionality, with one saying, “It was never able to keep up with the driving,” and another noting “the redemption code never worked.” These are important considerations — a well-prepared traveler will download everything beforehand and be patient if tech glitches occur.

This self-guided tour is ideal if you want full control over your visit and love the idea of customizing your experience. It’s well-suited for small groups or families who don’t mind a bit of tech setup in exchange for personalized exploration. If you enjoy storytelling and want to learn about the park in a relaxed, informal way, this is a solid pick.

It might not be the best fit if you’re expecting a flawless app experience or prefer guided group tours with in-person guides and fixed schedules. Travelers comfortable with technology and flexible in troubleshooting will get the most out of this experience.

If you’re after a cost-effective, flexible way to explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park—and you don’t mind managing your app — this tour offers a lot of value. It combines informative narration with scenic drives and multiple highlights, allowing you to tailor your visit without rushing or feeling boxed in.

While some users report technical hiccups, most find that the offline maps, engaging stories, and scenic routes make the experience worthwhile. It’s especially good for groups who want to avoid the crowds and create their own adventure. The price point makes it an accessible option for anyone looking to add a little extra depth to their park visit.

If you’re ready to explore at your own pace and love learning about volcanic landscapes and Hawaiian legends, this tour could turn a good trip into a memorable one.

Is there an additional cost for entrance to the park?
Yes, you’ll need to pay for park admission separately. This tour does not include entrance fees, so budget accordingly.

Can I start the tour whenever I arrive at the park?
Absolutely. The tour start is customizable, so you can begin as soon as you get there.

Does the tour work offline?
Yes, once downloaded, the maps and audio files work without an internet connection, which is perfect since cell service can be spotty in the park.

Will I need to log in multiple times?
Some users experienced issues with the app needing to log back in during stops, so a bit of patience might help if glitches occur.

Is this tour suitable for families with children?
While not specifically marketed as family-friendly, the flexibility and educational content make it suitable for travelers of all ages who enjoy self-guided exploration.

How long does the tour take?
The full experience extends over approximately 3-5 hours of content, spread across two days, giving you plenty of time to explore at your own pace.

What’s included in the price?
You get lifetime access to the audio narration, offline maps, turn-by-turn GPS directions, and activity suggestions for up to 15 people.

Are there any age restrictions?
Most travelers can participate comfortably, but children should be supervised during hikes and outdoor activities.

What should I bring along?
Water, comfortable shoes, sun protection, and a fully charged device with downloaded files to ensure a smooth experience.

In the end, this self-guided tour offers a unique way to experience Hawaii’s volcanic wonders. With a little prep and patience, you’ll enjoy a personalized, informative journey that adds depth and fun to your trip. Whether you’re a first timer or a repeat visitor, it’s worth considering if you want to explore without the constraints of a group and with the comfort of your own schedule.