Hawaii Volcanoes National Park 2026 | Book Big Island Tours, Activities & Things to Do with HawaiiActivities.com
Search Activities
Currently Viewing
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (31)
Most Popular
Top Big Island Sights & Attractions (150)
Helicopter & Airplane Tours (18)
Big Island Helicopter Tours / Private Helicopter Charters
Luau, Shows & Entertainment (5)
Big Island Luau Tickets
Snorkeling Cruises & Tours (42)
Kona Manta Ray Night Snorkel / Kealakekua Bay Snorkeling Tours / Kona Snorkeling Tours / Waikoloa & Kohala Snorkeling Tours / Hilo Snorkeling Tours / Snorkeling Tours for Beginners / Dolphin Tours
Sunset & Cocktail Cruises (9)
Sunset Cocktail Sails / Sunset Dinner Cruises
Other Interests
Outdoor Adventures (40)
Horseback Riding Tours / Zipline Adventures / ATV Tours & Off-Road Adventures / Bike Ride Tours / Hiking Tours / Waterfall Tour Adventures / Big Island Stargazing Tours / Fishing Charters & Tours
Watersports & Ocean Adventures (14)
Kayaking Tours / Scuba Diving / Surfing / SUP Lessons
Marine Wildlife Encounters (27)
Submarine & Glassbottom Boat / Day Sailing Cruise from Hilo / Big Island Whale Watch Tours / Traditional Hawaiian Sailing Canoe / Kona Manta Ray Night Snorkel
Sightseeing / Guided Tours (57)
Circle Island Tours / Private Guided Tours / Kona Pier Cruise Shore Excursions / Farm Tours / Walking & Segway Tours / Volcano Sightseeing Tours / Volcano Night Lava Viewing Tours
Inter-Island Day Trips (8)
Day Trips to Pearl Harbor / Island Hopping from Kona
Private Boat Charters (9)
Big Island Private Boat Charters
Airport Transfer & Services (3)
Kona Airport Lei Greetings / Car Rental
Cruise Ship Shore Excursions (21)
Kona Pier Cruise Shore Excursions / Hilo Pier Cruise Shore Excursions
Family & Accessible Travel (113)
Baby Friendly (Ages 0-2) / Toddler-Friendly (Ages 2-4) / Kid Friendly (Ages 5-7) / Kid Adventures (Ages 8-12) / Teen Adventures (Ages 13-17)
Specialty & Services (1)
Seasonal & Holiday Activities

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

4.69
(673)
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is Hawaii’s most popular attraction. Join a top-rated Big Island volcano tour and visit one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Explore dynamic volcanic landscapes and see lava tubes, venture across lava flows from past eruptions, and connect with the most unique place in Hawaii. Soar over Kilauea Volcano on an epic helicopter flight, or explore the park on a sightseeing tour. For outdoor adventure lovers, you can also join a volcano hike or bike tour.

Visiting Hawaiian Volcanoes National park is one of the best things to do on Big Island. Hawaii Activities has a great selection of the top-rated volcano sightseeing tours. Find great deals and discounts on Hawaii Volcano Tours. These popular Kilauea volcano tours book up early, make your reservation today!

Frequently Asked Questions


Can I see lava at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park?

Lava is not currently flowing on the surface of the Big Island and sightings are not guaranteed. Kilauea Volcano was erupting continuously from 1983 until the fall of 2018. Conditions are constantly changing. It is recommended to check the website for the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park for the most updated information on volcanic activity.


What are the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park top attractions?

Spend the day exploring the main attractions at Volcanoes National Park and the surrounding areas.

Lava Tubes: The most famous cave inside Volcanoes National Park is the Thurston Lava Tube. Some tour companies take you to other incredible lava tubes such as Kaumana Caves formed by Mauna Loa Volcano, Kula Kai Caves, or a Private Lava Tube with golden walls.

Craters:Halemaʻumaʻu is the main Kilauea Volcano crater, but you may also visit Kilauea Iki overlook during your tour.


What are the best tours for Cruise Ship passengers?

You can only visit the Volcanoes National Park on the day you stop at Hilo. You can join Hawaii Forest & Trail on the Discover Volcano Tour, Golden Lava Tube Cave & Black Sand Beach or book a private volcano tour with Wild Orchid Tours


How can I see the most recent lava flow / 2018 eruption?

Most of the places affected by the 2018 eruption are off-limits. However, there are some tours that can take you closer to witness the forever changed landscape of the Leilani Estates and you can even see Fissure 8 from a distance.

Deluxe Volcano Tour & Stargazing Experience - Exclusive Access to Fissure 8

Kilauea Volcano Hike & 2018 Lava Flow


Which tour will show me the most of Volcanoes National Park?

See and explore more of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on these tours.

Volcano Park Unveiled - Ultimate Kilauea Volcano Tour & Private Golden Lava Tube (from Kona), Wild Orchid Tours (from Hilo), Big Island Twilight Volcano Tour & Stargazing with Dinner (from Kona), and Guided Volcano Tour, Black Sand Beach, Wine Tasting & BBQ Dinner (from Hilo)


Can I take a private tour of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park?

Yes, a private tour is the best way to experience the Volcanoes National Park. Customize your itinerary with Wild Orchid Tours on a top rated Private Volcano tour.


What are the best bike tours to explore the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park?

To explore volcanoes national park by bike, the best tour is the Summit to Sea - Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Biking Tours. To explore the 2018 eruption sights, the best bike tour is the Bike to Pele - Hawaii Volcano Biking Tour at Puna Lava Fields


Where is Hawaii Volcanoes National Park located?

From Hilo: 30 miles southwest on Highway 11. (About 45 minute drive)

From Kailua-Kona: 96 miles southeast on Highway 11. (About 2.5 hours drive), or 125 miles through Waimea and Hilo via highways 19 and 11. (About 2.5 - 3 hours)


What is the best way to visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park?

Volcanoes National Park is one of Hawaii’s top places to visit. We recommend visiting the park on a guided tour. The guides know the best stops at the park, so you can spend less time researching and driving and more time enjoying Hawaii Volcanoes National Park top attractions. Having an expert guide to share their knowledge of the history and geology of the park makes for a much more memorable experience. Check out the best volcano tours:

• Volcano Air Flights & Tours

• Volcano Sightseeing Tours

• Volcano Hiking Tours

• Volcano Bike Tours

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Volcano Night Lava Viewing Tours
Set out on a unique evening active lava glow adventure that can only be found on the Big Island of Hawaii. Explore the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and watch the orange glow from molten lava within the Kilauea caldera against the beauty of the starry evening sky, a sight only visible when the volcano is actively erupting. These popular one-of-a-kind evening tours are the best ways to see active lava flows on the Big Island, and definitely a "must do" for anyone visiting Hawaii.
Volcano Sightseeing Tours
Explore Big Island's active volcanoes and the attractions at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on a half-day or full-day volcano sightseeing tour. Here's your chance to immerse yourself in the power of this living volcanic landscape, its misty rainforests, thermal ponds, waterfalls and even lava flows. Tours allow you to go with a group and meet new friends or get your own personal expert guide to introduce you to the volcano and visit areas seldom visited by other volcano tour companies.
Volcano Helicopter Tours
Big Island volcano helicopter tours offer an unforgettable way to witness Hawaii’s active volcanic landscapes from above. Fly over Kīlauea and Mauna Loa to see craters, steam vents, and—when active—glowing lava flows. Some tours feature open-door options for an immersive experience, letting you feel the heat and capture incredible photos. Discover the raw beauty of the Big Island’s volcanoes on a breathtaking aerial adventure.
Volcano Hiking Adventures
Immerse yourself in nature on the best Big Island volcano hiking tours for a closer look at the amazing beauty of Hawaii's active volcanoes! Here's your chance to hike with an expert guide to the edge of a volcanic crater and see moving lava flows and lakes, learn about the vast living landscape of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, trek through volcanic rainforests to beautiful waterfalls, or even discover the glow of Kilauea after dark.
Volcanoes National Park Bike Tours
Big Island volcano bike tours offer an efficient, fun and eco-friendly way to explore Big Island and Volcanoes National Park. Explore the park's vast living volcanic landscape and bike to area attractions, panoramic lookout points and, depending on lava conditions, maybe even get close enough to feel the heat of the volcano's power.

Top-Rated Activities for Big Island

card image
1

Dolphin Quest Hawaii - Dolphin Swim & Encounter at Hilton Waikoloa Village
From USD 272.25
card image
2

Legends of Hawaii Luau Dinner Show with Open Bar at Hilton Waikoloa Village
From USD 225.13
card image
3

Island Breeze Luau at King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel with Show, Dinner & Drinks Included
From USD 192.41
card image
4

Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Meal, Transportation & Guide
From USD 280.00
card image
5

Waipio Shuttle - An Exceptional Guided Sightseeing Tour of Waipio Valley
USD 75.39
card image
6

Hawaii Horseback Riding Tour with Waterfall Swim at Umauma Falls
USD 151.43
card image
7

3-Hour Spirit of Aloha Kohala Coast Morning Snorkel Tour with Lunch & Drinks - Hawaii Nautical
USD 182.88
(8)
card image
8

Twilight Volcano Tour with Stargazing, Black Sand Beach & Coffee Farm
USD 281.68
card image
9

Hawaii Loa Kohala Luau & Dinner Show with Open Bar at Fairmont Orchid Waikoloa
From USD 214.66
card image
10

Oceanfront Royal Kona Resort Luau Voyagers of the Pacific Show - Dinner, Drinks & Fire Knife Dance
USD 190.91
card image
11

Grand Circle Island Tour - Volcano, Black Sand Beach, Waipio Valley & Waterfalls
USD 250.26
card image
12

Hawaii Big Island Helicopter Tour – Volcanoes, Valleys & Waterfalls Flight
From USD 760.00
card image
13

Luxury Private Boat Charters from Kona - Daytime & Sunset Cruises aboard No Wiki
From USD 1,436.43
(7)
card image
14

Mauna Kea Evening Stargazing & Daytime Solar Viewing Tour with Dinner
From USD 197.90
card image
15

Hawaii ATV Ride Tour at Kohala Coast - Sea to Mountain Off-Road Adventure
From USD 380.00
card image
16

Big Island Helicopter Tour - Volcanoes, Valleys & Exclusive Waterfall Landing
From USD 1,010.00
card image
17

Kailua-Kona Sunset Cocktail with Free Drinks - Honi Olani Catamaran

USD 152.11
card image
18

Mauna Kea Summit Adventures Sunset & Stargazing Guided Tour with Transportation
From USD 335.07
card image
19

Big Island All-Inclusive Luxury Private Circle Island Tour & Professional Photos
From USD 2,195.00
card image
20

Hale Hoaloha Luau at Mauna Lani - Polynesian Dinner & Show with Fireknife Dance
From USD 230.37

Latest reviews of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Ultimate Hawaii Circle Island Sightseeing, Kilauea Volcano & Waterfall Tour

*** An Unforgettable Day Around the Big Island!***

2026/04/19 Couples Tony & Cathy

After researching several options, we chose the Ultimate Hawaii Circle Island Sightseeing tour from Veltra for our mid-April 2026 trip, and it did not disappoint. Our guide, Marcus, was total pro, wWith 15 years of exper... more

Close
Hawaii Big Island Helicopter Tour – Volcanoes, Valleys & Waterfalls Flight

1st time on a Helicopter

2026/04/03 Families with Young Children Trevman

Wow just wow, Shane was our pilot and boy he had a lot of knowledge of the island and for him to give a good answer to everyone's questions was exceptional. The ride was smooth, we felt safe and it was longer than I expe... more

Close
Volcano Highlights Tour, Rainbow Falls, Black Sand Beach, Coffee Farm with Meals

Girls trip 2026

2026/03/10 Families Happy Travels

Terrific experience! Derek was a wonderful guide! Knowledgeable, friendly, and professional! Gave a preview of events, a timeline, and kept to the schedule.
The tour took us to places we probably wouldn't have gone to on... more

Close
Hawaii Big Island Helicopter Tour – Volcanoes, Valleys & Waterfalls Flight

An awesome way to experience the big island!

2026/02/10 Couples golfrmunn

We had an awesome experience with Blue Hawaiian. We weren't able to experience the complete experience because of poor weather over Volcano National Park but Blue Hawaiian did an excellent job of working with us to crea... more

Close
Blue Hawaiian Helicopters Discover Hilo Tour - Volcanic Landscapes & Waterfalls

View the volcano

2026/02/07 Couples Bid Island lover

We were hopping the volcano would be erupting when we booked the flight, but missed by 2 days. We did see the layout of the volcano and got a better understanding what happens and where it happens.

Volcanoes National Park Tour from Hilo Hotels, Airport & Cruise Ship Pier

Great tour even on a dreary day

2025/12/29 Families Group of 10

We had a great time with Kimo. He made us feel at ease. He was very knowledgeable and funny. He was able to answer our questions and did not make us feel dumb. He also seemed to genuinely enjoy our party’s craziness.

Volcanoes National Park Essentials

What is Hawaii Volcanoes National P
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park spans 335,000 acres of Big Island encompassing Kilauea (one of Earth most active volcanoes) and Mauna Loa. The park features lava tubes, steam vents, the Halemaumau Crater, and Chain of Craters Road descending to ancient lava flows on the coast. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 and an International Biosphere Reserve. Open 24 hours; visitor center 9 AM-5 PM.
View details
How long at the park
Drive-through tour with key stops takes 4-5 hours. Full exploration including a hike (Kilauea Iki Trail, 3 hours) and Chain of Craters Road to the coast (1 hour each way) takes 8-10 hours. From Kona, allow 2.5 hours each way; from Hilo, 30 minutes each way. Most full-day tours from Kona run 11-13 hours total. Sunset and after-dark visits offer the best lava glow when active.
Park entry & fees
Park entry fee is $30 per vehicle, valid 7 days. Annual pass $55. America the Beautiful federal pass ($80/year) covers all national parks. Walk-in or bicycle entry $15. Active military and seniors (62+) discounts available. Pay at entrance gate (cash or card) or buy in advance at recreation.gov. Guided tours from Kona or Hilo include the entry fee in the price.

Top Sites in the Park

Kilauea & Crater Rim Drive
Crater Rim Drive is the 11-mile loop around the Kilauea Caldera with multiple overlooks. Major stops: Kilauea Visitor Center (films and ranger talks), Halemaumau Crater overlook (most active vent), Steam Vents, Sulphur Banks, and Jaggar Museum (currently closed for renovation). Kilauea Iki Crater Trail descends 400 feet into a former lava lake (4-mile loop, 3 hours, moderate). Strollers and wheelchairs work on most main overlooks.
Chain of Craters Road
Chain of Craters Road descends 19 miles from the Kilauea summit to the coast, dropping 3,700 feet through lava landscapes from multiple eruption eras. Stops include Mauna Ulu pull-out, Kealakomo overlook, the Holei Sea Arch, and the end-of-road where 2003 lava flows blocked the route. Allow 2 hours round-trip without stops; 4 hours with photography. No services on the road; bring water and full tank of gas.
Lava viewing & after-dark visits
When Kilauea is in active eruption phase, after-dark visits to Halemaumau Crater overlook offer the best lava glow viewing. Eruption status changes; check the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory site before planning. The park is open 24/7 with self-pay after gate hours. Tour operators run sunset-to-evening tours timed for the glow. Photographer tip: bring a tripod and use long exposures (3-15 seconds).

Logistics & Best Time

Best time to visit
Year-round access. Summer (May-October) brings drier weather and clearer crater views. Winter (November-April) is wetter; the Volcano area sits at 4,000 ft and can be cold and foggy (50-65F). Sunset to early evening is best for lava glow when active. Avoid peak crowds at midday; arrive at 8-9 AM or after 3 PM. Eruption status changes; lava-viewing tours adapt to current activity at Kilauea or sometimes Mauna Loa.
Kona vs Hilo as base
From Kona (west coast resort area), drive is 2.5 hours each way; full-day tours run 11-13 hours. From Hilo (east coast), drive is 30 minutes; tours run 5-7 hours and allow more time at the park. Day-trip visitors from Kona usually combine with Punaluu Black Sand Beach and Big Island macadamia nut farm. Hilo-based visitors can return for sunset glow viewing more easily.
What to bring
Layered clothing (60-70F summit, can drop to 45F overnight); rain jacket year-round; closed-toe walking shoes for trails; flashlight or headlamp for after-dark lava viewing; sunscreen and hat (high UV at altitude). Bring water and snacks; on-site Volcano House restaurant is the only major food option. Cell service is spotty; download offline maps. Camera with tripod for crater and lava photography.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park 2026 | Book Big Island Tours, Activities & Things to Do with HawaiiActivities.com
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is Hawaii’s most popular attraction. Join a top-rated Big Island volcano tour and visit one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Explore dynamic volcanic landscapes and see lava tubes, venture across lava flows from past eruptions, and connect with the most unique place in Hawaii. Soar over Kilauea Volcano on an epic helicopter flight, or explore the park on a sightseeing tour. For outdoor adventure lovers, you can also join a volcano hike or bike tour.