Volcano Tours Big Island: 5 Incredible Hawaii Adventures

Who doesn’t daydream about an Aloha state vacation full of sun and surf? While the Big Island may be best known for its striking black sand beach and towering 420-foot waterfall, this tropical oasis is also home to an unforgettable volcanic landscape.

Follow along to discover the best of Hawaii Big Island Volcano Tours. From glowing lava flows at the National Park to participating in a sky-high volcano journey. There are endless ways to complete a Big Island Hawaii Tour.

Hike through fields of fire or observe the fiery glow of the Halemaumau Crater. Enjoy Hilo Volcano Tours, and catch a close-up look at the famous steam vents Big Island. Or complete a blood-pumping 5-mile Kona volcano hike.

Whether you are searching for day trips or private tours, there is a medley of Big Island volcano tour options to choose from. Ready to plan the ultimate Volcano Big Island escape? Read on…

What to Expect in Volcanoes Big Island?

Wondering what is the most active volcano on Hawaii Big Island? Six volcanoes joined together to form the largest and youngest landmass of Hawaii. These six volcanoes are as follows: Mahukona Volcano, Kohala Volcano, Mauna Kea Volcano, Mauna Loa Volcano, Hualalai Volcano, and Kilauea.

However, during your Hawaiian Volcano tour, you’ll learn that only three of these are still active: Hualalai, Mauna Loa, and Kilauea. The award for the most active Volcano goes to Kilauea (sometimes referred to as Volcano Kona), which just recently erupted in January 2023.

This staggering 4,000-foot-tall mountain has been active since Jan. 3, 1983. The biggest Big Island active volcano is Mauna Loa. Thanks to an abundance of Hawaii hot spot action, you can always find many choices for lava tours Big Island.

Lava Flowing over cliffs into the ocean at Hawaiian Volcanoes National Park - The Big Island, Hawaii, USA

Where Can I Find the Best Volcano Tours Big Island Hawaii?

Lava tubes, Rainbow Falls, and the Waipio Valley oh my! With so many volcanoes on the Big Island and tropical treasures to discover on the Big Island of Hawaii, it can be hard to know which Volcano Tour Hawaii is right for you.

From aerial excursions in a soaring helicopter tour to Kona Crater hikes led by a certified guide, we will lay out every last volcano tour Hawaii Big Island attraction.

Big Island Hawaii Helicopter Tours Volcano: Don’t tire your digits googling a ‘helicopter tour Hawaii Big Island Volcano,’ Big Island Helicopter Tours has over twenty years of experience assisting guests with their volcanic dreams. Witness the raw unbridled power of nature from the sky, when you book a breathtaking Blue Hawaiian experience.

Deciding which Big Island volcano helicopter tour you should book? Opt for the 50-minute Circle of Fire tour and embrace the beauty of Kilauea and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Witness billowing gusts of steam and smoke rising from the ragged crater. Soak in the emerald-green jungle forests of the island as you cruise through cloudless skies and make your way above the Wailuku River.

Be on the lookout for a pool of red glowing lava, or relax in your epic ECO-Star Chopper, as your pilot details the incredible repercussions of these massive eruptions.

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Evening Volcano Explorer: Plan a pilgrimage under the cover of nightfall when you pay a visit to the infamous Kilauea Volcano. Known as the ‘spewing one’ in Hawaiian, the Big Island Volcano Night Tour lets you unravel the mysteries of this destructive, yet dazzling jewel of Hawaii.

Your Evening Volcano Explorer puts a new twist on the tired standard of Kilauea Volcano Tours, letting you uncover the mysteries of this magnificent lava-filled rock by evening. Kickstart your adventure with a charming drive through Hilo to peak at the historic waterfront.

Glimpse remnants of the old fishing village of Kalapana, before diving into your lesson on volcanology, geology, and history from a National Park Service certified guide. Next up on your 8-hour tour is a spirited hike across the lava flow to a new black sand beach.

Feel the ebony granules beneath your feet as you stop by the twice-moved Star of the Sea Painted Church. Finally, conclude your trek of lava, sand, and Hawaiian history with a visit to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Be sure to bring along that camera, as you’ll want to memorialize the staggering views of Kilauea Caldera.

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The Hidden Craters Hike: Looking to amp up that heart rate? Inject your Hawaii vacation with some much-needed physical exertion on a Hidden Craters Hike. Embrace the misty slopes and savor the sweeping scenery of this emblematic volcano on Kona.

Unique to this 5-hour trek, participants will be treated to intimate access to Hualalai volcanic sites. Step beyond three locked gates and enter a world of precipitous volcanic craters, lush flora, and intact lava tubes unaltered by man.

Stretch out those quads as you ascend on a rocky 3-4 mile hike through native cloud forests, completing the ascent at a 6,500-foot elevation. Pause to admire the black lava flows and listen as your guide details the geologic forces that created the islands at the heart of Hualalai’s 1801 eruption, the Kaupulehu Crater.

Evening Volcano Explorer Kona Pick-Up: Ready to witness the enchanting beauty of Kilauea Volcano at sunset? The Evening Volcano Explorer (Kona Pick-Up) offers a unique adventure that promises excitement for guests of all ages.

Your journey begins with a delightful picnic-style lunch, setting the stage for an unforgettable day. Next, you’ll explore the famous Punalu’u black-sand beach, where the striking contrast of sand and surf invites you to relax and take in the views. As twilight descends, indulge in a delicious dinner at the historic Volcano House, surrounded by the breathtaking volcanic landscape.

The highlight of your evening will be watching the vibrant volcanic activity illuminated by the setting sun, creating a magical atmosphere. With captivating narration throughout the adventure, this experience is a perfect blend of exploration, relaxation, and culinary delight. Prepare for an evening you won’t soon forget!

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Kilauea Hike & Glow (Hilo): Ready to uncover Hawaii’s volcanic wonders? The Kilauea Hike & Glow tour from Hilo offers an exhilarating full-day adventure that immerses you in the island’s stunning landscapes.

Start by exploring the fascinating Kaumana Caves, where ancient lava tubes tell tales of the island’s fiery history. As you hike through lush rainforests, you’ll be surrounded by vibrant flora and the soothing sounds of nature.

Witness the dramatic impact of the 2018 Kilauea eruption at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, learning about the powerful forces that shaped this breathtaking area.

Enjoy convenient round-trip transportation, a picnic lunch in the park, and dinner at a local favorite in Volcano Village. This tour perfectly blends adventure, education, and local flavor for an unforgettable experience!

Elite Volcano Hike from Kona/Kohala Resorts: Looking for an unforgettable Hawaiian adventure? Join the Elite Volcano Hike from Kona/Kohala Resorts for an exciting journey led by a certified park service guide.

This 4-mile hike takes you through the mesmerizing Thurston Lava Tube, showcasing the unique beauty of volcanic formations. You’ll then venture down into the Kilauea Iki crater, where the landscape tells the story of past eruptions. As you explore the breathtaking Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, enjoy a picnic lunch amidst nature’s splendor.

After your hike, indulge in a hearty dinner at a beloved local restaurant in Volcano Village. This tour combines adventure, education, and local flavors, making it a must-do for any nature enthusiast!

Volcano Unveiled Tour: Calling all nature lovers! Does your heart go pitter-patter for spores, microbes, and native plants? Unearth the secrets of a volcanic ecosystem when you tour the Kona volcanoes with a local interpretive guide.

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Your tour guide will tell you everything you need to know about lava flow, volcanic eruption, lava tubes, steam vents, and much more. The Volcano Unveiled Tour promises hours of hiking, nature, and lava tubes.

Stroll through a privately owned lava tube complete with 30-foot ceilings. As you are educated on the historical events that forever changed both the island and the Kona Hawaii volcano landscape.

Revel in the spellbinding landscape of Saddle Road before starting your passage to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Feel free to ask your guide all the questions you have! How many volcanoes on Big Island, what’s the most active, and all that? Fire away!

Marvel at the intricacies of Mother Nature when you wander through the Kauhi Cave and spot the golden walls composed of special microbial mats. Before moving on to the remaining must-see spots within the park. Munch away on a snack of appetizers at a local farm, before making your way to the dramatically changed Halemaumau Crater.

Night view of an active Volcano with smoke in Hawaii

What Other Attractions to Do in Big Island Hawaii?

Indulge in a little luxury with your Hilo Hawaii volcano escape. This incomparable Deluxe Volcano Experience is chock full of special little touches that are guaranteed to make you feel like a true VIP. Leave the itinerary planning to the experts, as you take advantage of hotel pickups in your premier Mercedes 15-passenger mini coach.

This 12-hour journey will cover everything from Kona Coffee Farm to the Punalu’u Black Sand Beach and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Delight in delicacies from the Punalu’u Bake Shop before extracting integral knowledge on the Kilauea Caldera Overlook and the Kilauea Volcano Summit Eruption Area.

Capture misty photos of Steam Vents and the Thurston Lava Tube. Appreciate first-class touches such as a gourmet snack basket and Lavender scented hot and cold towel service. Wind down your day of outdoor adventure with an incredible 3-course dinner at Historic Kilauea Lodge coupled with summit night views.

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Please note that the Deluxe Volcano Experience also includes a tasty gourmet picnic lunch. Which consists of fresh sandwiches served on Pulalu’u Hawaiian Sweet Rolls with Waipoli Butter Lettuce and Island-Style Kettle Chips. Yep, this Volcano Hawaii tour won’t let you go hungry!

Are you looking to inject even more Hawaiian culture into your getaway aside from a Big Island Hawaii volcano tour? Book a sightseeing tour or partake in a festive luau when you explore all of our Hawaii Things to Do. This land of surfers, sun, and shaved ice is just ripe with incredible vacation opportunities.

You can’t visit Hawaii without a marine adventure on your itinerary! Get your fill of Vitamin Sea with a Spirit of Aloha Catamaran Snorkel Sail and swim among dolphins, turtles, exotic fish, and even whales.

Or, awaken your inner adrenaline junkie with a day of high-speed thrills with a Umauma Falls & ZipLine Experience. Choose to elevate your ziplining experience with a Deluxe ATV tour or a refreshing kayak excursion through a private river.

More in the market for an evening interlude? Be sure to stop at a Kona natural attraction! Take in the Kona Coastline and the searing colors of sunset with a Sunset Cruise & Night Manta Swim.

Enjoy a dip with these friendly creatures as you splash around in the original ‘Manta Village.’ While you watch the rays devour an abundant buffet of phytoplankton. You might even spot more marine life, like gigantic sea turtles and colorful fish!

a wide shot of the big island where there's a plenty of coconut trees, pool and a huge building
photo credit: Aston Kona by the Sea via Facebook

Where Can I Find Big Island Hotels & Resorts?

Before you get bogged down with all of your Hawaii volcanoes trip itineraries, It’s time to lock in those lodgings. Ensure you have the perfect suite or ocean-view room to recuperate from the varied volcano tours in Hawaii when you reserve any of our top-notch Big Island Hotels & Resorts today.

From upscale accommodations overlooking Anaeho’omalu Bay to full-service resorts and spas, we have options for every type of traveler. The best part is you can bundle your stay with a Big Island Tour Volcano, from Kona volcano tours to Hilo volcano tours!

A Big Island getaway beckons with many fascinating sights and landmarks. From jungle forests rife with Koa and palm trees to the white sand beaches of Kauna’oa Beach, every inch of this earthy nirvana is enthralling.

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Nevertheless, it is the active volcano in Hawaii Big Island that entices visitors time and time again. That’s why Hawaii volcano tours are popular! An intriguing combination of geology, volcanology, and history come together on every Hawaii Big Island Volcano Tour.

Explore craters and lava tubes with the company of lavender-scented towels and gourmet snacks. Or discover the intrepid plants and flowers that thrive in the harsh volcanic ecosystem.

Meander through inactive lava flows, or plan your interlude for the night, and witness the sparks and glowing embers of Kilauea accompanied only by the stars.

Volcano Tour Big Island FAQs

The best time to visit the volcanoes on the Big Island depends on your preferences. For comfortable weather and fewer crowds, consider spring or fall.

If you want to see lava flows, it's best to visit during an active eruption, which can occur anytime. However, always check the latest safety advisories and volcanic activity updates before planning your trip.

The best way to see lava on the Big Island is usually by helicopter tour. These tours offer aerial views of active lava flows and volcanic landscapes, providing a unique and awe-inspiring perspective.

However, during active eruptions, you might be able to see lava from designated viewing areas within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park or by hiking to specific trails.

Yes, you can visit volcanoes in Hawaii without a tour. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is open to the public and offers various hiking trails, scenic drives, and visitor centers where you can learn about the volcanic history and geology of the area.

However, guided tours can provide valuable insights, access to restricted areas, and ensure a safe and informative experience, especially when dealing with active volcanic activity.

Tell us, Which Hawaii Volcano Tour Big Island Will You Book First?

Share your Hawaii Volcanoes trips experience and leave a comment below!


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Written by Isis Maya Nissman

A New York native, Isis-Maya spent most of her professional life working in TV production until a vacation whisked her away to Central...


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