Volcano Tours On The Big Island Of Hawaiʻi
Visit Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Black Sand Beaches, Kilauea & more
Aptly nicknamed “the Big Island”, Hawaiʻi Island boasts 4,000 square miles of explorable land. The youngest of the archipelago, the Big Island is the result of five volcanoes, two of which are still active today! This ever-growing island is already so large that it could fit all the other major islands within its coastline – twice! Today, Hawaiʻi Island has the most active volcano in the world – the Kilauea Caldera. Kilauea has been erupting continuously since 1983 and in the spring of 2018, the lower east rift zone expelled the largest amount of lava ever recorded in the islands since record-keeping began in 1794! Now quiet, the skies over Hawaiʻi Island are clear of volcanic haze and its new coastline has cooled, but the event served as a reminder of just how powerful Pele, the Hawaiʻian goddess of the volcano, can be.
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime exploration of one of nature’s most curious and thrilling phenomena. This land tour of Kilauea is a top priority for your Hawaiian island vacation. Explore the rare geological wonder from the blackened, razor-sharp lava fields to the festering boiling pots of Pele, the volcano goddess’s, lair. The views of the great Pacific will leave you breathless as you take in the panorama from the mountain’s slope. The gaping crater and lava-scarred land are sights unique to volcanic activity, and set this national park apart from any other in the US. With stops at the Kilauea Visitor Center and information and ancient Hawaiian lore from certified guides, this educational tour is fun and interactive for visitors of all ages!
Let yourself get lost in the magic of an enchanting night sky with an unparalleled stargazing experience. There is no better place to let darkness emboss you and stars enchant you than stargazing from the side of the world’s tallest volcano. Breath in the crisp, cool air of the calm evening. Experience the romance of the night sky with a loved one or bring the family and get swept up in the storytelling of the legends of the land. Offering a glimpse into the heavens with views unobscured by light pollution, celestial sighting from the slopes of Mauna Kea is an astronomer’s dream and a must-do for visitors to the Big Island.
Nicknamed “the Big Island” for good reason, the most effective way to explore the ever-growing expanse of this grand isle is by sky. Whether you are on the island for the day or the week, this ariel tour explores the remarkable beauty of coastline and topography the volcanic wonder has to offer. Take in the vast lava fields, steaming vents, and cavernous crater from a bird’s eye view. By air, you gain exclusive access to sections of the island including those now isolated by 2018’s eruption. Glimpsed from above, the sheer size, stunningly dramatic coastline, and active volcano that make up Hawaiʻi Island will be an unforgettable.
Will we see lava?
Though constantly active, Kilauea Volcano’s flowing lava is not always at surface-level. Kilauea last erupted in 2018. Occasionally the glow from the lava lake is viewable or a surface flow of lava is viewable, but you will need to check the status with your tour advisor or the local weather forecast.
What is the best time of year to visit Hawaiʻi Island?
The Big Island is located just 19 degrees north of the equator making seasonal changes less dramatic than locations further from the Earth’s median. Therefore, Hawaiʻi has a rainy season spanning from November - March and a drier season April - October. The drier leeward side (Kona) provides pleasant weather most days. Regardless of the season, temperatures are typically in the 80s year-round. Other things to consider when planning your trip:
With so many outdoor activities like hiking, snorkeling, surfing, swimming, and stargazing, what gear should I pack?
Hawaiʻi has so much to offer which is why so many people love to vacation on the island! However, we know our visitors are flying to our island from far away and don’t have much room in their suitcases. That is why on our tours, all the additional gear you will need is provided. All we ask is that you bring your own comfortable walking shoes. Sun protection is also advised, even on cloudy days! For all other activities, any gear you may need, such as a surfboard or snorkel, is easily available on-island. Just pack a swimsuit!
What is unique about Big Island compared to the other Hawaiian Islands?
Even if you have visited other Hawaiian islands, the Big Island is the only island that has all 13 possible climates all on one island - including snow! It is the only active volcano in the inhabited island chain; boasts the sole location for amateur and scientific stargazing to be conducted at an exclusive astronomically aclaimed site; is rich in natural, untouched landmass and low in population and development; you are never more than 29 miles to the nearest beach. Yes, the Big Island is a Hawaiian Island treasure worth visiting! If you want to stay on the Big Island, but spend the day on an outer island, several tours are available allowing you to do so easily - and still be back on Hawaiʻi Island by nightfall!
Is park admission and airfare included in the price of the tour?
Inter-island and circle-island flights generally are in the cost of the tour. The national park and other admission tickets are also included in the tour price. Please review the tour description for more information.
Every tour purchased with us comes with access to our team of travel experts who make your vacation experience better.
Have an amazing experience with our small group tours in comfortable vehicles driven by certified, professional guides.
We handle all travel aspects so you can have an incredible vacation to the worldʻs best volcanoes. Go with confidence.
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