Poke-A-Stick Guided Lava Tours

Don’t ever do this!!! Not only is it dangerous it’s also illegal! If you’re walking through a restricted area expect to get arrested if you get caught, guide or no guide. Surface conditions may appear solid but lava is known to crest over air pockets which leaves surface areas brittle. Falling through a lava tube would be equivalent to falling through a hole of cracked glass which may lead to serious injury or death.

Please do not be misled. This company does not run these tours. This company actually contracts with another agency– Ahui. Cheryl seemed like a nice lady on the phone. She said the tour would go from 9am-​5pm and that it was a muddy hike and people should be in shape. My husband and I are in shape but I have a medical condition that would prevent me from doing extreme sports, etc. This is why even though I read reviews from Ahui and they were great, I didn’t go with them because all reviews warned that even marathon runners and people who have done triathlons had difficulty. I chose Poke a Stick. 3 hours into the tour I find out Poke a Stick doesn’t really exist. That they contracted with Ahui. The tour lasted until 12:30 am. That’s 14 hours– 11 of which were spent hiking across tree roots, mud and lava fields– 5 of those hours in the dark! This is far different from what Cheryl advertised. We did see lava, but we would not have done so if we knew how long a day it would be. We had to cancel all our other activities the next day as a result. When we spoke to Cheryl and asked for at least our deposit back (which apparently was her cut), she said she would give it back to us. Several days later, she said that she changed her mind because if not, she wouldn’t make any money and we had seen lava. I don’t think that she understands that she completely misrepresented her services. I don’t hold the other company responsible because I didn’t interface with them. As for payment for services she rendered, if anything, she did us a disservice. I had Ahui’s contact info all along but I chose not to go on that tour, but to pick a less grueling tour. Turns out they’re one and the same and Cheryl gets $ 80 for doing nothing.

I have nothing but good things to say about this company and the people who run it. The tour was long, information and fun. Im glad that i was able to experience it. The guides might be the coolest people Ive ever met. Their house was the starting point. which is in the middle of an old lava field completely off the grid. If your going to go on a lava tour you need to go with these guys they have passion to say the least. Word of caution. They don’t control the flow so be prepared to HIKE to it wherever that may be.

The lava tour itself is extraordinary but grueling… for my review of that, please see
I’m reviewing Cheryl here because my girlfriend and I booked the tour through her, only to later find out that she doesn’t do these tours anymore (the lava flow has changed and is now only accessible via a hike through 3 miles straight of very deep mud) and is instead referring to Ahiu.
Now, I have no problem with referrals — they’re a normal part of business — but I expect people to be upfront about it. I spoke to Cheryl three times before showing up at the Ahiu office and not once did she mention that she wasn’t actually providing the tour. So imagine our surprise when we show up to an office early Saturday morning that doesn’t say «Poke a Stick» and where the guides have no idea who «Cheryl» is. Not to mention the fact that the tour left a good 90 minutes after Cheryl told us to show up and cost more than she quoted. And, finally, the advice that she gave me that one could wear tennis shoes on this hike was 100% wrong (and I have the blisters to prove it!)
All of this could have been prevented had she just told me «I don’t do this tour but these Ahiu folks do and I highly recommend them… I’ll pass your info on to them but you may want to double check at this number». Instead, our trip was more problematic and less enjoyable than it ought to have been.

Scott and Cheryl are great! My wife and I had an amazing trip to the ocean entry and fresh lava flows. This is definitely a life changing experience. Beware it is Mother Nature and Madame Pele, so there is never a guarantee on what you’ll see. Also of note, this is not an easy walk in the park it is a strenuous hike.

Called the number on Unilocal and spoke to Cheryl who was very nice providing details on what to wear/​bring on the hike. Arrived at the office where the front desk gals were very nice as well. I definitely recommend renting the higher top hiking boots they have for $ 15. My bf has those finger toe shoes and I brought running shoes but we were both glad right from the beginning of our hike we rented the hiking boots!
Would highly recommend wearing longer socks to prevent mud from going into your socks.
I wore Nike ¾ Capri pants which was fine but if you don’t want to have any scratches from small branches I would wear light-​weight long pants. I had a tank top on the entire time – no need for jackets maybe bring an extra shirt in case you get cold hiking through the rain forest at night and extra clean clothes to change out of after the hike.
Our tour guide was Matt (he helped build the trail we walked on) knew the ins and outs of guiding us through the tour without any troubles. He’s knowledgeable, enthusiastic, provided informative info about the island, also kept our group entertained with stories which helped a lot making the hike seem shorter.
The hike itself was strenuous even though there is no elevation gain overall. The terrain was tough there definitely was mud everywhere. Even with Matts guidance it was only a matter of time before you sank your legs in calf-​deep mud. The entire terrain is ankle deep mud which is the norm. No pesky bugs on the trip, except a few Mosquitos when returning from the lava fields.
The lava fields felt super hot it was as if you were in a sauna/​oven. Your shoes would definitely melt while walking on the lava terrain however with our rented boots we were fine. Matt would walk out to find exactly where the lava was flowing then bring the group to see it. Someone brought marshmallows which was awesome because we got to roast it over the lava! We spent about 1 to 2 hours viewing/​poking the lava.
Overall it was a once in a lifetime experience and definitely worth doing! The hike is tough especially when returning because you’re exhausted and already muddy so you will end up just sloshing through the mud. It’s not the easiest hike but definitely doable, Matt never rushed any of us or made us feel pressured to walk faster and would check on the fast and slow hikers the entire time. It took our group about 3.5 hours going to the lava fields and about 3.5−4 hours back.
So what are you waiting for?

The lava tour was definitely the highlight of our trip. Cheryl and her team are incredibly knowledgeable when it comes to the region and did a great job keeping everybody save and in good spirits. This is not surprising, as Cheryl has owned land right in the path of the last lava flow and lived there on and off for the last 20 some years. Her stories are remarkable, she hiked into her properties for years carrying everything needed to build her home on her back before plowing a driveway through the lava-​bed! Overall a highly recommended tour, the guides are amazing and entertaining. Poking lava with a stick, as the name of the company suggests, is a once-​in a lifetime experience. We had the good fortune to run into a very active surface flow that day. But even if there is not much activity on the surface, the ocean entry is well worth the hike by its own. Plus, you get to roast marshmallows over lava vents, how awesome is that…

Though a bit on the pricey side, this tour is one of those things most folks get to do ‘once in a lifetime.’
Our guide was knowledgable and cares about the area because it’s his neighborhood and he knows the people who live there and those who lost houses to the lava flows. While we didn’t get to poke-​our-​sticks in any lava, we did get to see the ocean entry which was flowing away while we were there-​prime for some fantastic evening photos.
Our hike was about two miles each way — which doesn’t seem like a lot, but most of the time your head will be down at your feet to make sure you don’t trip on the sharp/​glass and uneven lava rocks.
The company is insured which can put your mind at ease and the guides are well-​trained when it comes to knowing how the lava flows and what is safe (so listen to them). They also carry a small first aid kit for small accidents in case they happen along the way.
Don’t miss out on an opportunity to see a volcano in action.

This was a great tour. There are not many reviews here, so I will write a longer one than usual. This company and the event are both five stars.
The company:
Our guide was Sarah, and she did a great job leading our group. The owners and their guides are very skilled, own the land at the entrance/​flow, and you will have no worries. I heard Sarah telling another group member how she learned, trained, and did the walk in the dark before ever taking a group and could tell where she was just by the type of lava flow. They keep you safe and are prepared to provide, replacement flashlights when yours dies (and it will, don’t be a hero and try to walk in the dark, just yell up the line and you will get a new one ASAP), first aid when injuries occur, and it is likely that someone will fall on the way back (we had two in our group, fatigue and lack of light make it likely) and the lava is sharp. They guides also provide information, and overall safety when around surface flows. Even as the ground creaked around us, I felt safe the entire time.
Note on time. Our tour was almost an hour late/​over getting back. This isn’t a complaint, and our group moved quickly with very little breaks and we got to the surface flow near sunset, which was perfect timing for photos. You can’t control nature, and the lava was much further out than a few weeks earlier, as we walked over the previous flows, only weeks old, to get to it. This is nature, don’t plan on an exact schedule. Also, this will likely be your only chance to see lava, I would highly recommend if there is a group vote, you vote to see it all and do anything extra the guides suggest. It will be worth it. When we knew we would be late, Sarah gave me her phone to call my wife/​ride, which was a good idea, and the guides are thinking about everyone in the group.
The hike:
It is not easy. The owner, Scott, told us we would probably end up walking 5.25 miles that evening if we wanted to see the surface flow and ocean entry. I have no idea how far we walked, but it was a lot. I am an athletic, but out of shape 38 year old. If I were older, fatter, or more out of shape, this hike would have been very hard (although I was not sore the next day). If you are in shape, no worries, just bring plenty of water as you will drink what they recommend. The walk will not make you winded, but the uneven terrain is tough on the body and shoes (wear good shoes). I took my 10 year old son, he had no problems, and very few complaints, only at the end. He is fit and energetic. Judge for yourself, but I wouldn’t recommend kids any younger, and only those who really like to hike (like my son). If not, it could be the most miserable time of your life since there is no ATV, or ride back.
The Lava:
Well, it is awesome. We poked sticks, roasted marsh mellows, and saw a surface flow with multiple streams, it was great. The ocean entry was great as well and we viewed it from the cliff, and very close, no binoculars needed. Up close is personal and way better then the helicopter ride, but it is much more effort and work.

The hike to the lava was the best part of our trip to the Big Island. Cheryl was fantastic. Myself, my wife, and three boys had a great time. The best part was as we were watching the lava enter the water, a new surface flow opened up not far from us, and we were able to walk right up to it and «poke a stick».
This trip is a must for anyone wanting to experience what the big island is all about.

Great tour and the highlight of our Big Island vacation. Cheryl makes it a personal experience and our guide Sarah was excellent even though I called her Sharon throughout the hike (sorry!). A couple of tips: —
Make sure you get good directions to Cheryl’s place many of our tour group got lost as the civil defense people on the road took the day off! Sarah had to round them up before we could head out.
Think about wearing gloves — not needed unless you slip (as I did) and can end up with some nasty cuts on your hands from the lava — I got this advice and didnt take it!
Recommend this tour to anyone with respect for nature and a sense of adventure watching the lava pour into the sea and form new land is a unique and memorable experience — thank you Cheryl, Sarah and all at poke-​a-​stick for making this possible.

Cheryl was a fantastic guide and provided invaluable knowledge about the lava flow and area. She was a gracious host and came with supplies that clients may have forgotten (ponchos, rain jackets, water, home grown bananas). This hike was worth every penny and poking the lava with a stick was amazing. We would recommend her over and over! Get out there and poke away!

I would give these guys six or seven stars if I could. They are so nice and care about what they do. I mean they get you to the lava and back in the dark, they like it when you wear good shoes and bring lots of water. You really get to poke a stick in the lava I was in a large group and they didn’t miss a beat they did the perfect amount of guiding us and leaving us alone to have our own experience. I would do it again.

We have seen on TV where people walk right up to lava and get to see it up close. We never got a chance to do it before, especially since the flows go over private property and access is limited.
We did research on lava boat tours and had friends who said the ride was really rough.
Then we found Poke A Stick! Everything they promised to be – we found great surface flows and walked close enough to set our walking sticks on fire and make designs in the lava.
After that we walked to the water entry area and saw great lava waterfalls enter the ocean. We saw one boat go by, and they got close to the lava but seemed to stay for less than 10 minutes in our area of flow.
Wonderful memories — don’t miss an opportunity to experience Madame Pele up close! It’s worth the $ 100
Tough hike at a fast pace over rough terrain. What a workout! Our guide was Sarah — experienced hiker and a cheerful leader.
Bring at least 1.5 liters of water per person. Sturdy shoes are a plus. Light sun protection layers are helpful, but we got really hot while hiking. Poncho/​bags to protect camera equipment in case of rain.
Overall, we got to spend a long time (1 hour) with the lava — both in surface flows poking sticks and playing with the slow moving lava flows — and observing the lava entering the ocean.
Tour takes about 4 hours. Started at 4:30p and returned about 8:30p. Eat before you go, and bring snacks of you get hungry.
Hope you enjoy!

Took the guided lava tour last nite (March 1, 2013). We set off about 4 PM and returned about 8:30 PM. An arduous trek over rough lava and a return by flashlight, but well worth it.
We first hit the ocean entry, which was amazing. We then found a surface flow, which was great. The best part had to be the return to the ocean entry at sunset. The views were insanely wonderful.
I highly recommend this tour. You’ll definitely need water, good hiking shoes and a digital camera with lots of memory.

Took our family of 5. Amazing experience! Great guides, stunning views, and you get to poke the lava with a stick!

This was one of the highlights of our trip to the Big Island. Cheryl and Scott are very knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides. They were able to find the lava flow pretty quickly and gave us ample time at the lava once we found it. As the name suggests, we actually got to poke the lava with sticks and get right up to it. One guy in our group threw chunks of lava rock in and we watched the rocks melt and sink into the molten lava. The lava flow is entirely up to Madame Pele, and she did not disappoint. We were very lucky. The whole thing was such a cool experience.
It was around a 2 – 3 mile hike each way and totally worth it. It was so much fun that it didn’t feel nearly that far, and I only started to feel tired during the last mile on the way back. They provided us with flashlights since we left at 3pm, we ended up walking back in the dark. It is a very good idea to bring a light rain jacket or a poncho. We did get rained on. Fortunately it was only on the way to the lava, and the heat of the lava helped to dry us off.
Anyway, if you are going to the Big Island, you should definitely contact them. It was one of the best things we did on our trip. A once-​in-​a-​lifetime experience.

Had a great time with Scott out on the flows yesterday. I took my ten-​year-​old — he had a blast. You get what they promise — to poke a stick in it! A must-​do. You must be in good shape for the approximate 4 hour hike (2 in, 2 out). Bring your camera, snacks and several water bottles each. I would recommend good shoes, long pants and a poncho in case it rains.
This is a must-​do on the big island!
Great time, thanks Scott and Scott’s niece! (forgot her name)!

If you want to actually see lava flow up close you should take this hike. Lava flow is up to Pele so we couldn’t see it in the volcano park. Taking a tour from the Kalapana side did the trick. Cheryl knows the area and was an excellent guide. Like the name of the tour, we got to poke the lava with a stick! Bring lots of water.
(We went with a Norwegian couple who brought their 6-​yr-​old. Really bad idea. They made it in good humour, but they had to carry her for most of the way. Tripping on glass-​like lava could have led to a disaster.)