Big Island Volcanoes
Go See The Volcanoes Any Way You Can
The Big Island is practically synonymous with volcanoes. While it’s best known for Kilauea, the volcano that made international news when it erupted in 2018, the island is actually home to five volcanoes, two of which are still active today. This constant flow of lava is increasing Hawaiʻi Island’s already large size, daily.
No visit to Big Island is complete without visiting Volcanoes National Park and witnessing an active volcano. No lava is guaranteed to be flowing during your visit but if it is, thatʻs an extra special. We visit this active volcanic landscape in a variety of great tours so you can get up close with natureʻs most destructive, new land building forces.
There may be no Hawaiian experience more magical than stargazing on the world’s tallest sea mountain, Mauna Kea. Once there, one can’t be blamed for forgetting where they are; between the rocky landscape of this former active volcano, the frigid temperatures, and the proximity to the stars, Mauna Kea feels more like outer space than Earth—much less Hawaiʻi!
The mountain boasts two places ideal for stargazing: halfway up the volcano at the visitor station or through the telescopes at the actual summit. While it’s possible to get to the visitor station with a personal vehicle, the road to the summit is steep, winding, and gravelly. For this reason, visitors will find it much easier and enjoyable to experience Mauna Kea through an organized tour. In addition to ease of access, our tours also provide visitors with additional perks such as a private planetarium star show at the Imiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo, a walkthrough of a koa forest in a state preserve*, and a complimentary deli lunch.
A crossroads of ancient Hawaiian culture (Mauna Kea is considered sacred in the Hawaiian culture and community) and the technological exploration of our universe, a tour to Mauna Kea allows visitors to connect with two worlds at once, making for a unique experience you won’t want to miss!
*Designated nature preserve
Staying on the Island of Oahu and want to visit an active volcano? You can with our one-day tours from Oahu. We take care of the transportation and flights. We will make sure you are picked up at the airport and returned in time for your return flights too!
With that being said, no trip to Hawaiʻi is complete without a visit to Madame Pele, the revered Hawaiian fire goddess said to reside in Halemaumau Crater in Kilauea’s caldera within Volcanoes National Park*. The park can be experienced in a myriad of ways including narrated tours, a visit to the historic Jaggar Museum, and dinner at the Volcano Winery. Hiking the barren, black lava fields is also a must-do for visitors, especially when the lava flow viewing areas are open. (It’s important to note that molten lava cannot be guaranteed at any time or on any specific tour—but that’s what makes finding it a thrill!)
*Designated nature preserve