Experience the Best Volcano Tour on the Big Island!
Hawaii is a land formed by volcanoes, and many of them are still active today. On the Big Island, there are four active volcanoes, accessible by hiking trails or by helicopter. A volcano tour on the Big Island is a fantastic way to witness one of these incredible natural formations.
If you are planning a trip to Hawaii, be sure to download our Free Vacation Guide. It’s packed with everything you need to know to make your Hawaii trip a dream vacation. We’ve included more information about our vacation rentals, along with all our recommendations for places to eat and exciting things to do, including a volcano tour on the Big Island.
Where to Find the Best Volcano Tour on the Big Island
Seeing the volcanoes up close is essential for any trip to Hawaii. Nowhere else in the world can you witness something so majestic. There are many ways to see the volcanoes, so we’ve highlighted a few of our favorites! Before scheduling a tour, we recommend checking with the National Park Service to make sure the volcano is still accessible. Occasionally, the areas around the volcanoes are closed due to increased activity.
1. Wasabi Tours Hawaii
One of our favorite touring companies, Wasabi Tours Hawaii, consistently ranks at the top of the Google and Tripadvisor lists. Their Big Island Twilight Volcano Tour is a twelve-hour excursion where you and a small group will be guided through Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. During the tour, you may spot sea turtles and get sights of incredibly beautiful rainforests, and of course, the foreboding Mauna Loa volcano. Weather permitting, the tour will end after sundown to allow viewing of the lava’s glow. The tour includes a gourmet lunch and dinner, entrance into all the parks, and easy hiking.
- Address: 74-581 Honokohau St.
- Volcano Tour Price: Starting at $249 for Adults
- More information
2. Paradise Helicopter Tours
If you’re looking for a fun and memorable way to see the Big Island, Paradise Helicopter Tours has exactly that. This charter specializes in lava and volcano viewing. Strap into the helicopter and prepare to get a bird’s eye view of some of the most spectacular sights on Earth, with many of the tours flying not only volcanoes, but around the entire island. The pilots are very knowledgeable about Hawaii and the volcanoes and will answer any of your questions.
- Volcano Tour Price: Starting at $750 for Adults
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3. The Volcano Van
Hop in a van and take a trip up to Kilauea’s fiery summit with this tour ride! Choose from two different volcano tours with this charter for an experience suited to you. The Big Island Volcano Adventure will take you through old sugar routes along the Hamakua Coast, during which you’ll see waterfalls and rainforests along the way. The Kilauea Summit to Shore tour is gonna be your pick for a more volcanic trip, with the tour starting around Maunia Loa, passing by black sand beaches and coffee plantations. Both tours are over 200 miles long and will take you to the top of Kilauea.
- Volcano Tour Price: Starting at $235 for Adults
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4. C Big Island Tours
C Big Island Tours is a great place to find the unexpected at a great value! Their tour of Volcanoes National Park will have you exploring much of Hilo’s beauty, including its black-sand beaches, Rainbow Falls, a drive-by of the Liliuokalani Japanese Garden, and much more. The highlight of the trip will, of course, be the excursion up to the Kilauea Crater. Tours are also wheelchair accessible with advance notice, making this a great option for just about anyone in your group!
- Address: 71 Banyan Drive
- Volcano Tour Price: Starting at $149 for Adults
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Enjoy Volcano Tours and more on your next trip to Hawaii!
Featured Property: Mokulua Aina
Hawaii is a land filled with culture, adventure, and excitement, and there’s no better way to see it all than to start with a home base like one of our vacation rental properties. We have an extensive list of properties that will suit your needs! When you finish your volcano tour on the Big Island, you can come back to one of our beautiful homes with all the amenities you need to rest and relax before your next big adventure. Our world-class concierge service is always here to help with any questions you have.
Browse our complete collection of properties throughout the Big Island and start planning your getaway today! We can’t wait to help make your trip unforgettable.
FAQs About Volcano Tours on Big Island
Can you see lava on a Big Island volcano tour?
Sometimes, but it is heavily dependent on current volcanic activity and weather conditions. Kīlauea has had visible activity from open viewing areas in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, but lava viewing is never guaranteed.
Which volcano do most Big Island volcano tours visit?
Most Big Island volcano tours focus on Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, which includes Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. Kīlauea is usually the main draw because it is one of the world’s most active volcanoes, while Mauna Loa is the largest active volcano on Earth.
Is Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park safe to visit?
Yes, as long as you follow the posted rules and stay in open areas. The National Park Service warns visitors to stay on marked trails and overlooks, avoid closed or restricted areas, and watch for hazards like volcanic gases, unstable cliffs, earth cracks, and changing conditions.
What should I wear on a Big Island volcano tour?
Wear comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and layers. Many tours include a mix of driving, short hikes, overlooks, rainforest areas, and higher-elevation stops where temperatures can feel cooler than the coast.