9 of the Best Volcano Tours in Hawaii 2024

Have you been wondering the Best Volcano Tours in Hawaii? I’ve got you covered!

I’ve lived in the USA for a few years and have seen some of the most impressive volcanic activity the world has to offer. Of all the volcanoes I’ve seen, none compare to those found in Hawaii. If you’re looking for a truly unique experience, then a volcano tour in Hawaii is hard to beat.

With so many different tours on offer, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. That’s why I recommend talking to fellow travellers who have taken similar tours before – they can provide valuable insights and advice about which ones are worth considering.

Plus, if you get personal recommendations from people you trust, it can also give you that extra bit of confidence when booking your own trip.

So if you’re planning an unforgettable trip full of tropical scenery and natural wonders, look no further than these amazing volcano tours in Hawaii!

1. Volcanoes National Park Safari 

⭐️ RATING: 5/5  | ⏳ LENGTH: 55 minutes |📍 LOCATION: Hilo Pick up | ✅ Book it!

Fly high above one of Hawaii’s active volcanoes as you hop aboard a helicopter ride from the Hilo Airport. In this Hawaii Volcanoes National Park helicopter tour, you will experience a wild aerial adventure while a pilot drives you above volcanoes, lush forests, waterfalls, and much more. 

The helicopter you will be riding has been managed by a family in the business for several years, even the longest-running on the island. After you meet your captain at the Hilo Airport, you will be debriefed on safety protocol and start your aerial adventure. 

“Fun and exciting to see the summit of Kileau with its lava lake and most active lava cone! Totally recommend an aerial tour, especially with a guide as knowledgeable as Chewy, our pilot and tour guide!!” -Julie_S

Hawaii is home to plenty of volcanoes, and to see it up close, getting on this helicopter ride through the Volcanoes National Park is something to consider. After meeting up with your captain at the Hilo Airport, you will be briefed on the safety protocols you must follow during the ride. 

You will fly directly to the national park’s volcanoes, and the captain will also serve as your guide, sharing information about the island’s history and everything you will see from above. 

Along the way, expect to see volcanoes of the island, some flowing with lava. You will also see orchid farms, lush forests and even waterfalls found within the big island. This tour is something new and unique to experience! 

Important details 

• Start Time (and location): Starts at your chosen time at Kekuanaoa St Hilo
• Duration: 55 minutes 
• Includes: All Fees and Taxes

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3. Big Island Volcano Deluxe Helicopter Tour 

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  1 hour 45 mins |📍 LOCATION: Waimea | ✅ Book it!

This Big Island Volcano Deluxe Helicopter Tour features an hour or more flight time to see the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park aboard a 6-passenger helicopter. During the ride, you will view iconic spots such as the Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa and the active Kilauea on a unique vantage point. 

More landscapes to see are the cascading waterfalls from the cliffs of Kohala as well as the rain forest of the Hamakua coast. This tour includes souvenir photos and HD flight videos to be given on a USB. 

“You have not seen the Big Island until you’ve done this tour! Ben was an amazing pilot and tour guide. Plan to watch the video over and over again – until we can come back!” – ann_m

Compared to the other helicopter tours around the island, this deluxe helicopter ride lets you view almost all of the Big Island’s iconic spots, including the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea and even the valleys of Kohala. 

As you soar through the island, you’ll be able to enjoy natural sceneries, including waterfalls cascading on cliffs and lava sprouting off volcanoes while being surrounded by snow-capped mountains or lush rain forests – something to look forward to!

Important details 

• Start Time (and location): Starts at a chosen time at the Westin Hapuna Beach Resort 
• Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes 
• Includes: All taxes, fees and handling charges, Professional guide

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4. Private Guide Meet In Hawaii Volcanoes National Park 

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  3hours 30 mins | 📍 LOCATION: Kilauea | ✅ Book it!

Experience seeing the magnificent landscapes of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park with a private certified guide. This private tour sets you apart from other Hawaii volcano tours as it ensures the undivided attention of your guide, who will share important information about the places you will be visiting. 

This tour also highlights the use of a comfortable luxurious Mercedes van for your time, which you can enjoy for the duration of the trip. Since it’s private, the itinerary is customisable and can let you explore each stop at your pace. 

“We hade a great time on our private tour. We were lucky to go on our tour while Kilauea was erupting, and our guide had a great route planned out and got us positioned for great pictures of lava spewing out of the caldera. He was also extremely knowledgeable about the geology of the Hawaiian archipelago, as well as the flora and fauna within the park diverse ecosystems. If you have the means and interested in more than just sightseeing, I highly recommend this tour.” – Jay_S

For this private tour, you can choose whether to have it in the morning or the afternoon. Either way, a private guide will be with you along the way and will ensure you have everything you’ll need for the duration of the tour. 

Aside from seeing the famous site of the active volcanoes and learning about the volcanic activities and history of the island from your guide, you will also be walking a 1-mile path on a paved path. 

Along the way, you will see native plants and different species of birds. There are also steaming vents, lava tubes, trees, fissure cracks and pit craters at the trails. Consider this if you want to enjoy one of the best volcano national park tours on the Big Island. 

Important details 

• Start Time (and location): 9 AM or 1 PM at the Kilauea Visitor Center 
• Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes 
• Includes: National Park Certified Interpretive Guide, Sunscreen and bug repellent, 4 trekking poles, Bottled water, Snacks, Binoculars, Private transportation, Air-conditioned vehicle, Free photos of you and your family/group only

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5. Volcano Unveiled Tour In Hawaii Volcanoes National Park 

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 11hours 30 mins |📍 LOCATION: Kailua | ✅ Book it!

Like any tour around the National Park, this Volcano Unveiled Tour lets you enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the Big Island for a whole day. What makes it different, however, is you get to enjoy a delicious lunch along the way and have a pau hana (Hawaiian happy hour) at the end of the tour. 

After a convenient pick-up from your hotel, you will enjoy a scenic drive on Saddle Road and head over to hike at the Volcanoes National Park. You will also see Kauhi Cave and have lunch in the area. You will finish off with some locally-sources appetisers while enjoying pau hana. 

“We had an incredible time! The tour was switched to an evening tour after the eruption and it was well worth the change from just day time. We learned so much about the land, history, animals, and plants! I’d highly recommend this tour as a great way to see the national park with bonus stops (the lava tube)!” – Roaxanne_C

Many travellers who visit Hawaii consider this one of the best volcano tours on the big island. This is because they have the chance to explore the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and end the day with an incredible pau hana. 

Starting with a scenic drive at Saddle Road towards the Hawaii Forest and Trail, you will be joined by a National Park Certified Guide who will share helpful information throughout the day. There will also be a time for snacks at the Maunakea Recreation Area. 

Another highlight to look forward to is a stop at the private lava tube, known for its bright yellow and gold microbial mats that are only accessible to Hawaii Forest & Trail guests. 

Important details 

• Start Time (and location): Starts at your chosen time at the meeting point selected
• Duration: 11 hours 30 minutes
• Includes: National Park Certified Interpretive Guide Park and Private Cave access fees Hawaiian juices, flavoured sparkling waters, refillable filtered water Walking sticks Sunscreen and bug repellent Lunch Snacks Central meeting locations for pick-up Dinner

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6. Departing From Maui: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  12 hours 30 mins |📍 LOCATION: Kailua | ✅ Book it!

Explore the active volcanoes, black sand beaches and lava-sculpted landscapes as you set off from Maui to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. You’ll spend the whole day visiting the highlights of the Big Island with a small group for a more personalised experience. 

Some of the places you’ll get to visit and see during this tour are the Punalu’u Black Sand Beach, Chain of Craters road and the views of the Kilauea Iki Steam Vents. Of course, you won’t miss out as well to see the famous Halema’uma’u Crater and Thurston Lava Tube. 

“Mel was an amazing tour guide. He was passionate about the island and all of the history it holds. This tour hits a lot of parts of the island, with our day filled with fun activities: black sand beach, chocolate shop, waterfalls, volcanoes, and more.” – Laura_K

If you are coming from Maui, this tour is perfect for you, as it already includes round-trip airfare from Maui to Kona International Airport. As you arrive at Kona, you will be picked up by your group’s driver and guide and head to the Volcanoes National Park. 

This tour’s itinerary includes visiting the Kona Town & Kona Coffee Farm, Black Sand Beach, Punalu’u Sweet Bread Bakery, Kilauea Iki Rainforest and Thurston Lava Tube. You will also be provided with some water and snacks you can munch on along the way. 

Important details 

• Start Time (and location): 8:00 AM at Kona International Airport
• Duration: 12 hours 30 minutes
• Includes: Air-conditioned vehicle, Snacks, Round trip airfare to Kona International Airport from Kahului Airport on Maui is included, Hawaii Volcanos National Park Admission is Included

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7. Triple Crater Hawaii Volcano Hiking Adventure 

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 11 hours |📍 LOCATION: The Big Island | ✅ Book it!

In this Triple Crater Hawaii Volcano Hiking Adventure, you will take a unique trail to explore three volcanic craters on the Big Island. Get to trek to the still-steaming Mauna Ulu, and then enjoy a hike across the Kilauea Iki crater. 

As you hike to the summit, you will come across steaming craters, native plants and even different species of birds. This is a great way to look at the Big Island’s volcanoes; lunch and dinner will already be provided. 

“This was the best tour of many I had during my 2 week stay across 3 islands! It’s one of those once in a lifetime experiences. Our tour guide was amazing and so knowledgeable! Highly recommend. It should be top of your list!” – Ana 

In the morning, expect a luxurious high-ceiling Mercedes Van to pick you up from your Waikaloa or Kona Hotel. The tour will start with an early deli-style lunch served along Saddle Road. The first trek of the day will be at Mauna Ulu, where you’ll spend at least 2.5 hours to see the steaming crater. 

A guide will be with you along the way to share important historical and scientific facts about natural activities. Your next hike will be a 2-hour round trip at a ridge to see the crater floor of Kilauea Iki, where you’ll enjoy surreal lava formations and smoky steam plumes. 

Last but not least, you will be hiking briefly through a lava tube to see the summit of Kilauea itself.  This is a relatively easy walk to get a view of Halema’uma’u Crater. Finish the day off with a dinner at a local-style eatery. All this in one tour makes it one of the best volcano tour in Hawaii.

Important details 

• Start Time (and location): 8:30 AM or 9:00 AM (depending on day) at chosen meeting point
• Duration: 11 hours 
• Includes: Lunch, Dinner, Bottled water, Entertaining and informative local guide

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8. Doors-Off Hawaii Helicopter Tour Of Kohala Valleys And Waterfalls From Waimea 

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  30 minutes |📍 LOCATION: Waimea | ✅ Book it!

Enjoy a quick yet thrilling ride into the heart of Kohala as you ride aboard this Hawaii Helicopter ride. During the helicopter tour, you’ll see a bird’s eye view of Kohala’s valleys and waterfalls. 

Your pilot will also serve as your guide, who will communicate with you on their provided two-way headset to ensure you get all the information you need. The helicopter can only accommodate four passengers, which makes the experience intimate and private, especially if you are with a group. 

“We had such a great time on this trip. Our pilot Ryan was knowledgeable, entertaining and made sure we were having fun. It was wonderful to see the waterfalls and coastline from the air. The trip was well worth the money!”-Steve_C

Travellers will enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience as they fly above one of the most beautiful sceneries in the world. With live commentary from the pilot, you will fly above Waimea Town and Kohala, the oldest volcano on Hawaii Island. 

You will also get a vast view of the famous Kohala Coast and enjoy sheer cliff faces and waterfalls. Among the other big island volcano tours, this is a unique experience for travellers. 

Important details 

• Start Time (and location): Starts at a chosen time at Waimea-Kohala Airport 
• Duration: 30 minutes 
• Includes: Two-way headset communication with your pilot, Live commentary on board, Fuel surcharge, Landing and facility fees

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9. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Experience Departing From Oahu 

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  12 hours | 📍 LOCATION: Kona | ✅ Book it!

Considered one of the best Hawaii volcano tours from Oahu, this full-day trip lets you on an experience to go on a whirlwind volcano-chasing tour and get away from the Oahu buzz. This tour includes an inter-island flight to Kona International Airport from Honolulu. 

Once you arrive at Kona, your driver and guide will pick you up and start touring you around town. You will expect to make some stops at the Mars-like Kilauea Iki Overlook and the black sand beach. The highlight of this trip is the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, an active landscape almost always included in every big island Hawaii volcano tour.

“This was a great experience from booking all the way through the end of the tour. The company was extremely professional. They took care of travel arrangements between Oahu and the big island and even called the night before the tour to ensure we had everything we needed. The tour itself was phenomenal. Volcanoes National Park was a highlight, but there was so much more we got to see! Our tour guide, Mel, was very knowledgeable about Hawaii culture and history, and entertaining as well! I would definitely recommend this tour!!!” -Gregory_A

Everything in this tour experience to see the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park from Oahu is already planned ahead of time, including your inter-island transport from Honolulu. This makes it easier to plan your day and worry less about aeroplane tickets. 

Along the way to see the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, you will also see the famous black sand beach and other beautiful landscapes unique to the Big Island. As you arrive at the National Park, you’ll enjoy seeing active volcanoes, with lava flowing and steam vents and overlooking views of the Thurston Lava Tube. 

Important details 

• Start Time (and location): 8:00 AM at the Kona International Airport/Hilo International Airport
• Duration: 12 hours 
• Includes: Air-conditioned vehicle, Inter Island airfare to Kona International Airport from Honolulu International Airport, Snacks, Hawaii Volcanos National Park Admission

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FAQs About best volcano tours big island

What should I bring on my volcano tour?

Be sure to dress appropriately for your trip and wear closed-toe shoes as you will be walking through some rocky areas near various viewpoints during your tour.

Bring along sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and water bottles as well as snacks or a packed lunch if desired. A camera is also recommended for capturing all of the beautiful sights!

what is the best active volcano to visit in hawaii?

Hawaii is home to five active volcanoes, four of which are open to visitors: Kilauea, Mauna Loa, Haleakala and Hualalai.

Of the four, Kilauea is the most popular and accessible volcano to visit in Hawaii. Located on the Big Island of Hawaii, Kilauea is one of the world’s most active volcanoes and offers a variety of activities for visitors.

Visitors can take guided hikes through volcanic craters and get up close to molten lava flows as they make their way across the island. The summit crater of Kilauea also offers some amazing views that can’t be found anywhere else in the world.