Frequently Asked Lava Ocean Tour Questions

Q:  Where does my party need to drive to meet my tour coordinator for check-in?

 A:  Please click on our Location/Map Page, for a Map and Driving Directions.   

Q:  Who can go on a Lava Ocean Tour?  Are there restrictions or precautions for passengers to consider?

 A:  We accept travelers ages 4 years old and up, no exceptions.  We do not allow any passengers that are pregnant, or have back injuries of any kind.  Because we board our vessels on dry dock, there are approximately 6-8 solid ladder-type steps our guests will need to ascend to board.  Please make our reservation specialist aware of any particular inability or questions in handling this tour, and if you are 300+lbs.   We trust you will inform us correctly when creating your reservation and will reserve the right to determine any particular passengers in-ability to handle this tour at check-in, with your safety as the deciding factor.  This tour may not be for everyone!   

Q:  How long will my Lava Ocean Tour take?

A:  All Kalapana Lava Boat tours are approximately 2.5 hours long.  Be sure to allow for travel time to your assigned meet location, and meeting time instructions. Please review the directions on our Location/Map Page to ensure proper boat departure.  You may review our Lava Tour Page for our three different Lava Ocean Boat Tours.  You can also click on these links, "Sunrise Tour"or "Morning Tour" or "Sunset Tour".  

Q:  What should I wear?  What do I need to bring with me on my Kalapana Lava Boat Tour?

 A:  A light rain/wind breaker jacket is recommended, as weather conditions will vary and, of course can change at any moment.  If you will be viewing Lava aboard the Sunrise Tour or evening Sunset Tour, it can be cool.  We also recommend that you bring a small water-resistant bag of some kind to protect any electronic belongings that can be stowed during your tour.  Really, what you are comfortable with is appropriate attire.  There are restrooms and beach showers available at our Isaac Hale Beach Park check-in point should you have to regroup before or after your Lava Ocean Tour.  Bringing along an extra set of clothes and towel for each in your car might be a good idea just incase!         

Q:  Will I get seasick?  Is there anything you recommend for sea sickness?

 A:  We recommend Bonnie, an over-the counter sea-sickness aid.  It'd also be better to have something light in your stomach, as well as hydrating with your morning drink about 1 hour before your tour.  We also provide bottled water on board upon request.  

Q:  Will we see other sights along the way, to and from the Lava entry point? 

A:  Yes, we will be sightseeing along approximately 12 miles of coastline viewing different locations like the beautiful Fox's Landing and Kehena Beach.  Sea birds and flying fish (malolo) will skim the oceans surface searching for food, and an occasional cast of dolphins might hop alongside and ride the waves from our vessel.  Fun!     

Q:  Is there really a volcano in Hawaii with lava flowing into the ocean?

 A:  One word answer:  YES. 

Q:  How close will we be to the lava flowing into the ocean?

 A:  Based on ocean conditions, we keep within guidelines for a safe distance from the lava flow on the shoreline.   

Q:  Is the boat and company we are touring with comfortable and safe?

 A:  YES.  Safety of our passengers and crew is our #1 concern.  Our 34 foot double-hull lava tour boat is rated by the USCG to seat 24 persons.  It's 34 foot length and "double-hull" makes for a much more controlled ride, eliminating much of the uncomfortable movements you'd experience on a typical "V" hull vessel.  It is powered by two 200 hp Honda four-stroke outboard engines.  As is for our 27 Foot double hull vessel rated for 6 persons, our vessels are clean, well maintained and equipped with forward-facing rollercoaster style seating for a safe and comfortable viewing experience.  Remote controlled spotlights and life preservers along with all required safety equipment is on board.   

Q:  How many persons are allowed in our party to view the lava?  What's the "X" factor? 

 A:  We are able to provide your group with seating for up to 6, 10-15 and 20+ increments. State tour operator guidelines are followed precisely, assuring your safety as a passenger on our licensed USCG tour operating vessels in the State of Hawaii.  We are able to accomodate large families comfortably, wedding party's and many other occasions!  The best part of our tour is we treat you all as if you were our own family.  Why should we go out of our way to bring you out to our special tour, and treat you like krud!  We believe that goodness comes to those who share it in their lives, thus we try our best to help you with any individual needs.  We do business with the "X" factor, and treat you with professionalism, respect and ALOHA......just like family!    

Q:  What methods of payment do you accept for my tour?

 A:  We prefer to accept cash at your check-in, however as a convenience we also accept Visa, Mastercard and Discover.  We also accept payment via Paypal. 

Q:  Does a trip ever cancel due to weather or tide?

 A:  Yes, safety is always first and it is possible that your Lava Ocean Tour can cancel due to weather and ocean conditions.  Our Captain will determine the safety of all tour departures in concordance with the United States Coast Guard and any small craft advisory's from the Hawaii County Civil Defense, for ANY unfavorable ocean conditions.  A call to cancel any tour due to an act of mother nature will result in rescheduling your tour or a refund.  Any personal cancellations inside 48 hours or missed tours due to late arrivals are non-refundable.

Q:  So does the lava ever stop flowing?  What if we get there and there is no lava?  

 A:  Of course, this is also an act of nature, and the Lava Flow may stop flowing from it's entry point into the ocean.  (see daily updates on our home page) Early this year, the lava flow re-directed inland and stopped flowing into the ocean over an 8 month span.  As of December 9, 2011 the flow reached back into the ocean and has blessed with the opportunity to show you how our islands were born and continue to grow.  We continue to share the beauty, education and amazing sequences of time....as we have for our guests for years.  

Q:  How can we experience both upper and lower geography and landscapes of Kilauea Volcano and recently affected areas? 

A:  At the upper level located off HI-11 Volcano, visit Halema'uma'u Crater located inside the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.  Visibly active, Jagger Museum inside the park gives you an excellent view directly over the crater rim allowing you to have an excellent experience from the top of Kilauea Volcano.  There are many other amazing experiences to see and learn about for the entire family at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.  The Visitors Center, Thurston Lava Tube, Steam Vents and Hiking Trails are all located within the main park area.  Shoes and jacket recommended.

Our coastline lava scapes ocean journey will show you 12 miles of hidden beauty...and allow you to experience the volcanoes activity from the warm Pacific Ocean looking onto the shoreline.  There is no better way to be up close and personal with the birth, growth and evolution of life and inhabitance of an island.  Sadly, you will also see what was lost...and learn about the new extensions of land that have been created over recent times.

Call us Toll Free today.  Early seat registration is recommended to hold your available date.  ALOHA!

1-866-478-4044