While on vacation on the Big Island of Hawaii, my girlfriend and I were looking for something new…read moreand exciting to do. Not being really familiar with the island (through our Airbnb host) was provided a short list of local attractions. This tour was one of them. We definitely do not regret it! Kris was extremely helpful in providing insight as far as what happened in the area back in 2018. Although a really unfortunate situation, Kris provided details as far as how and why it happened. Climbing down the ladder, into the lava filled landscape was really a cool experience! Standing over and looking into Fisher 8 was an eye opening experience! One can tell that Kris has a true passion for what he does. So much so, that we became very interested in learning much more about the regions history with situations such as this...LAVA!!. I definitely say check it out!

Kris was a wealth of information on what is truly one of the most interesting geological landmarks…read morein the world and actually one of the wonders of the world.

I broke my leg on 04/06/18 when I took the "Sunset Lava Hike" which was a distance of over 13 miles…read moreand nearly 8 hours. I broke my fibula on a fall I took at about mile 10. I was required to hobble for 3 miles/ 2 hours on a broken bone. Chris was our guide and offered zero first aid or concern for my situation. When we returned, Fabienne was unaware that I had even been injured. Neither she or Chris offered any first aid or advice as to where I could seek medical attention. I knew that this hike would be strenuous, but the longest estimate I could find for how long this hike would be was 6.5 miles. It was at least 13 miles. That's a half marathon. I booked the tour and was told I would be contacted three days before to confirm the start time. I heard from Fabienne less than 24 hours before, and that was the first time a distance of 8 miles was mentioned. I said 8 miles was at my top limit of ability. No mention was made that there was the potential for longer. When we arrived at the starting point for the hike, flashing road signs said "3.5 miles to lava". A group of 6 of us (another couple, a father and his 10 year old son ) started at 3:50pm. Sunset was at 6:36pm. As 6pm passed, we had already traveled nearly 5 miles. When questioned how much longer until we would find lava, Chris answered defensively. He stated that we were traveling a longer distance because it was a less steep incline, which while true, he refused to tell us how much more distance this was was adding. He said we'd find lava "In another 15 to 20, no more than 25, minutes ". We found lava at 7:05: an hour after Chris' estimate and well after sunset. We stayed for about 20 minutes and then agreed we were exhausted and wanted to head back. We estimate we had already hiked 7 miles. We left the lava around 7:30. At about 9:40, around mile 10, I fell and (unknown to me at the time) broke my left fibula. I was in a tremendous amount of pain, but tried to put on a brave face and say "I hope it's only sprained". My husband asked Chris "Do you know first aid"? Chris, standing 15-20 feet away, in the dark, did not approach me or examine my foot in anyway and replied "Yeah, I know first aid, but she doesn't need it. If she was really hurt, she'd be having a bigger reaction". Fortunately, my husband had an ankle wrap and we tended my food as best as we could. I was unable to put weight on my ankle at all. I tried hobbling with my husband supporting me on my left side, but it was excruciating. Another member of our group, Hung (the father of the 10 year old) came to my assistance without being asked. With his and my husband's aid, I hobbled the last 3 miles. Chris never once called back to see how I was doing or offered any moral support or guidance. About 1 mile before reaching the road, I misstepped with my bad food into a fissure in the lava field. I cried out in pain and was stuck. I managed to slip my foot out of my shoe, and pried it out of the crack. Chris came back to check on us and said "Yeah, you really have to be careful where you put your feet". At this point, my husband lost it, raising his voice to Chris. "Great advice. 'Watch where we put our feet'. Got it. You have one job. Get us to the road!" Chris replied "Man, nobody has ever yelled at me before". We arrived back on the road at about 11:40 pm: 7 hours and 50 minutes after setting out. Fabienne came out to meet us, all smiles, asking if it had been awesome. When we informed her of my injury, her response was a simple "Oh bummer, but did you at least get there before sunset?" When we told her no, she said, "Oh man, I'm going to have to start these hikes earlier". That's it. No care or concern or even awareness that I had been injured two hours earlier. When we started the hike we had made a note that my husband's fit bit registered 8500 steps. When we finished, it read 42,332 for a total of nearly 34,000 steps. This hike is dangerous. There is no way to not make it so. I accepted that before I booked the trip. What I take enormous issue with is the lack of forthrightness about how long this hike could potentially be. I was leery of an 8 mile hike, but was up for it. If I had been told "But it could be over 10-12 miles" (let alone over 13 miles) I would not have done it. We signed no liability waivers. Chris, as a guide, offered no leadership skills. His defensiveness and lack of answers when questioned fostered no confidence. His complete disregard for my injury and unwillingness to perform first aid (let alone actually examine me) is negligent bordering on criminal. The injury occurred on April 6th. I returned to L.A. on April 9th and saw a doctor on April 10th who confirmed I had broken my tibula. I have had my leg in a cast for nearly 5 week, am facing another 3 in a walking boot, and will require physical therapy after that.

Our tour guide took us (family of four) at the last second on Thanksgiving day. The group was…read moreprobably 16ish, led by two guides. Our kids were younger, and she ended up staying with just the four of us all night. The lava is always changing, so there was concern (on our part) that we might walk away without seeing lava, but you can tell she wouldn't let us leave without seeing lava, so we kept trekking until we got to some good flows. Once we got there, we didn't feel rushed at all, and she helped us take tons of pictures. Long hike back, in the dark, but that's where the provided headlamps came in handy. Small operation that obviously focuses on the customer's experience...would highly recommend if you're looking to cross this off your bucket list.

Amazing tour and so worth it! I would highly recommend this as a way to see the Volcano National…read morePark vs. driving and struggling to find parking. Tylor was our tour guide and did an amazing job. He is very knowledgeable about the history of the park and had lots of interesting stories to share along the way. We were even lucky enough to see the volcano erupting that day so he was quick to take us straight there and gave us plenty of time to catch all the action. Definitely a highlight of our vacation!

Awesome! Can't remember the guides names but they were a very nice couple from Denver Co. They were…read moreorganized, had a plan, coordinated things well, full of info on the island (especially the trees) and allowed us to go at our own pace. Definitely would recommend! But be aware that an e bike is a little tricky to drive and I say this as a healthy 22 year old!

Way cool stop after our guided tour of the caldera rim and a short hike from the rim. Drinks are…read moreavailable and JUST what I needed. I'm not used to the altitude or using this much energy at this altitude. The gift shop has a good variety for what you will likely need. There are park rangers to answer your questions. I fond just standing back and listening in, there is a lot to learn!

The visitor center had historically been the first venue you come across when arriving to the park…read more Now that it is under construction, you are diverted to the former military facility that has barracks for rent. There are still guides there to greet you and manage the Junior Rangers program and to instruct you of the hazards associated with the active volcano.

I know that Robert's of Hawaii Tours have a reputation as a tourist cattle car but I happen to…read morethink they do a very good job at an affordable price. Like many of the other Yelps here, I also took the "Circle Island Tour" around the big island of Hawaii. It was a long day but what a wonderful way to see the island. I was fortunate enough to have James (aka Miles) as my driver & guide. He was fabulous and shared all his knowledge about the islands with the 18 people on the bus. All the stops we made along the way never felt rushed or rote. Although my personal preference is to take the tour in smaller buses and not the large coaches Robert's utilizes, I still learned so much and soaked in unbelievable beauty along the way. Stopping at the University of Hawaii at Hilo's Imiloa Astronomy Center was fascinating and, of course the Volcano overlook was fabulous. I managed to get some shopping done for the family back home at the Macadamia Nut Farm & Kona Coffee Company. It is one thing to come to Hawaii and lay by the pool or on the beach soaking up the island sun, which is fine by me. But I also want to learn and take in the magnificent scenery. If I did not take the Robert's Tour, I would have probably skipped on seeing Hilo, and it is a wonderful wet world over there. You will not regret spending the day on the Robert's Circle Island Tour. 5 YELP STARS for tour guide James (aka Miles) !

Aloha A wonderful experience all the way around…read more Polynesian Cultural Center was great. The Trip out to Dole etc was also great. The drive to the airport also a good experience. The driver from the Cultural center was very friendly and knowledgeable he used to dance for this very place, he was very kind and we enjoyed our day with him very much. So upset that I can't remember his name. The Dole trip was very informative as well. Koko was our driver. We liked him very much too. The man who picked us up from the hotel the morning of the 13th or 14th was nice and we enjoyed the Hawaiian music on the way to the Oahu airport. We were heading to Hilo. All in all a wonderful bunch of guys. A great company. Clean buses in good condition w good AC. Highly recommend Roberts !!! Call them ! Aloha

Longest lava tube on earth waiting to be explored .. Located in a beautiful rainforest with an…read moreexperienced guide named Harry .

If you're adventurous and curious, a volcano tube tour is perfect for you. Those with…read moredisabilities.... no this is not for you. Even the short tour is pretty extensive. There are miles of lava tubes snaking throughout the underground on the Big Island. They provide hard hats and flashlights so no equipment is needed other than appropriate clothing and footwear. You will need the ability to climb ladders and ropes. Extensive history is provided during your tour. It was a great and memorable experience.

Beautiful rain forest, welcoming and caring company, and awesome family memories. We'd go back…read moreevery year if possible.

Fascinating activity to include if you're in the Kilauea area. The tour of this farm showcases how…read morethey are farming Mamaki ( makes a great tasting tea with health properties) and in the process improving the indigenous forest. Tour guide is very friendly and knowledgeable. Tea tasting at the end is a treat.

Fissure 8 is really called Fissure 8 Tours. Melissa is the tour guide and does an amazing job! Very…read moreslow, easy pace and so informative. She does the tour and only takes donations but the time and energy involved would require at least $50 per person. I would not even come to volcano national park without including this tour. You get a front row seat look at all the devastation a lava eruption and flow can do to a community. You will not get this type of experience at the national park. A must see and do!

This is by far the perfect adventure for those people who are volcano nuts or those who are crazy…read moreabout rocks and or just history. This landscape is living and will be different for every visitor who comes out to look. It's eerly sad as well knowing that this area was once a flat piece of land with homes and people's lively hoods on it. If you went to Volcano National Park or are planning on going you should go here to complete that adventure or start it. The lava flows in 2018 started at Kilauea crater in VNP and spewed out here. You can see steam rising in vents atop the fissure going back the direction of Kilauea. Things to know - Cost = free, but realize this area is closed off to everyone except those who are residents and or property owners. This means your touring with a resident. The Tour is with the resident and has super good vibes and lots of knowledge on this area. You do occupy her time so I would do a donation for that time. I spent about an hour with her. She accepts venmo, cash etc. What to wear - wear some shoes if you can. The area is filled with fibrous rocks that wouldn't be to comfortable in sandles. Call ahead. This is just to make sure she is available and not occupied with other chores etc and helps her plan for bigger groups. I will not forget this experience.