Big Island Volcano Tours
Kilauea · Active Lava Flows · Lava Tubes · Helicopter Tours
1983
Kilauea continuous eruption since
4,000 ft
Summit elevation
323,000
Acres in national park
4.9★
Average guest rating
The Living Island
Watch the Earth Being Born
The Big Island of Hawaii is the only place on Earth where you can watch new land being created in real time. Kilauea — one of the world's most active volcanoes — has been erupting almost continuously since 1983, adding hundreds of acres of new land to the island's coastline. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park protects 323,000 acres of this extraordinary landscape, from the summit caldera to the sea. Walking across a lava field, descending into a lava tube, or watching molten rock flow into the ocean is one of the most profound experiences available to any traveler anywhere in the world.
Choose Your Volcano Experience
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Day Tour
Best SellerA comprehensive guided day tour of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park — one of the most active volcanic landscapes on Earth. Visit the Kilauea Caldera, walk through the Thurston Lava Tube, hike across the Kilauea Iki Crater floor, and explore the Chain of Craters Road to the coast. Your guide provides expert commentary on the geology, mythology, and ecology of this extraordinary landscape. Park entrance fee included.
- Kilauea Caldera
- Thurston Lava Tube
- Crater rim hike
- Park fee included
Lava Flow Viewing Tour
Most DramaticWhen Kilauea is actively erupting — which it does frequently — this tour gets you as close as safely possible to flowing lava. Timing and location vary based on current eruption activity, and your guide monitors conditions in real time. Lava viewing at night, when the glow is most dramatic, is available when conditions permit. One of the most extraordinary natural experiences on Earth.
- Active lava viewing
- Night glow option
- Real-time conditions
- Expert volcanologist guide
Volcano Helicopter Tour
Most SpectacularSee the full scale of Kilauea's volcanic activity from the air — the only way to truly grasp the size of the caldera, the lava fields, and the active eruption zones. Fly over the Kilauea summit, the East Rift Zone, and the black sand beaches where lava meets the sea. Doors-off options available for photographers. Departs from Hilo Airport.
- Aerial caldera views
- Active rift zone
- Doors-off option
- Hilo departure
Private Volcano & Lava Tour
PrivateA fully private, fully customized volcano experience with a dedicated volcanologist guide. Visit the national park, hike to active lava viewing areas, explore lava tubes and lava fields, and end the day at a private vantage point for sunset over the caldera. The most in-depth volcano experience available on the Big Island.
- Dedicated volcanologist
- Custom itinerary
- Lava tube access
- Sunset caldera views
The Science
What Makes the Big Island's Volcanoes Extraordinary
Kilauea — Most Active Volcano
Kilauea has been erupting almost continuously since 1983, making it one of the most active volcanoes on Earth.
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Biosphere Reserve, protecting 323,000 acres of volcanic landscape.
Mauna Loa — World's Largest
Mauna Loa, also on the Big Island, is the world's largest active volcano by volume — it last erupted in 2022.
New Land Being Created
Lava flowing into the ocean creates new land in real time — the Big Island is the youngest and still-growing island in the Hawaiian chain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kilauea currently erupting?
Kilauea erupts frequently and has been one of the world's most active volcanoes since 1983. Eruption status changes regularly — call us for the latest conditions. When Kilauea is active, lava viewing tours are available. When it's in a pause, the national park and lava fields remain spectacular.
Is it safe to visit an active volcano?
Yes, with proper guidance. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is open to the public and has well-maintained viewing areas. Our guides monitor conditions in real time and always keep guests at safe distances. Volcanic smog (vog) can be present — guests with respiratory conditions should consult their doctor.
What is the best time of day to see lava?
Lava is visible at any time, but it's most dramatic at night when the glow is brightest. Night lava tours are available when conditions permit. The national park is open 24 hours a day.
How far is the volcano from Kona?
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is approximately 2 hours from Kailua-Kona and 45 minutes from Hilo. Most tours depart from Kona in the morning and return in the evening. Hotel pickup is available from most Kona and Kohala Coast resorts.
What should I bring?
Wear layers — the volcano summit is at 4,000 feet elevation and can be cool and windy even when the coast is warm. Bring sturdy closed-toe shoes, sunscreen, water, and a light rain jacket. The park can be foggy and wet even on sunny days.
Can children visit the volcano?
Yes. The national park is family-friendly with paved viewing areas and accessible trails. The Thurston Lava Tube is a highlight for children. Lava flow viewing tours are suitable for children 8 and up due to the terrain.
More Big Island Adventures
Book Your Volcano Tour Today
Call us to check current eruption conditions and book your tour.