If exploring a raw, living landscape shaped by lava and legend excites you, a Hawaii Volcanoes National Park tour on the Big Island of Hawaii belongs at the top of your travel list. This one-of-a-kind destination is home to Kīlauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes. Which has been currently erupting off and on for weeks lately! When it’s not erupting, the park offers a dramatic and unforgettable journey through craters, lava tubes, and steaming vents. BUT…if you’re lucky enough to visit during a period of activity, the experience is even more magical.
This blog covers everything you need to know about visiting the volcano, including the best ways to see it, safety tips, and why the Big Island is an incredible destination beyond the lava.
What Is the Active Hawaii Volcano Called?
The volcano currently captivating visitors is Kīlauea, located on the southeastern side of the Big Island inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. While Hawaii is home to five volcanoes – Kīlauea, Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea, Hualālai, and Kohala, Kīlauea is the most well-known due to its frequent eruptions and accessibility that make it the star of the show most of the time. However, Mauna Loa erupted in 2022 (the first eruption since 1984) and captivated both visitors and locals who were fortunate enough to witness the rare event.
How Often Does Kīlauea Erupt?
Since Kīlauea is one of the most active volcanoes in the world, it has a long history of frequent eruptions that continue to shape the landscape of the Big Island. Volcanic activity however is episodic, with eruptions separated by pauses that can last several days or more, and sometimes eruptions are as short as a few hours. Therefore, if you’re asking how often does Hawaii volcano erupt or will it erupt again, the answer is – It depends. It does erupt quite often, but not always when you’re there.
Where Is Kīlauea Located?
Kīlauea is located inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, about 45 minutes from Hilo and 2.5 hours from Kona. Many travelers choose to stay in Volcano Village or Hilo for a night for easy access to the park, especially if they want to catch nighttime lava views. Whether you drive yourself or book a guided tour, it’s worth spending at least a day, or even a night or two exploring this remarkable region and the charming town of Hilo.
The Best Ways to See the Volcano
There are two great options to witness this incredible event: self-drive visits and guided tours.
Self-Guided Visits
If you’re up for a flexible, do-it-yourself experience, you can drive into on your own. The park is open 24/7, and some of the best self-guided viewing spots include Uēkahuna Overlook, Kīlauea Overlook, and portions of the Crater Rim Trail. These areas often offer excellent views of the lava glow, especially at night. If you’re staying in Hilo or Volcano Village, you’ll be just a short drive away.
If you opt for a DIY approach and we are booking your trip for you, we will give you expert guidance, so you won’t have to wonder or worry where to go, and we’ll also include all of our tips and tricks to help make the experience top notch.
Guided Volcano Tours in Hawaii
Booking a guided tour is a fantastic way to make the most of your experience. Whether you’re coming from Kona or Hilo, many operators offer Hawaii Volcano National Park tours that include roundtrip transportation, meals, expert narration, and stops at additional scenic locations such as waterfalls and the famous black sand beach – Punalu’u. These Hawaii Volcanoes National Park tours are led by professionals who know the most scenic, and most educational ways to explore the area. Some even include stargazing or cultural storytelling.
If you’re looking for someone to lead the way, this is the way to go. And again, if you are booking your trip with us, we will offer you different options for guided tours that we know are great experiences!
Safety Tips for Visiting During an Eruption
Seeing an erupting volcano is an unforgettable experience, but safety is key. Here are a few tips to help keep yourself safe:
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Stay on marked trails and follow all signage within the park.
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Listen to park rangers and tour guides for the latest safety updates.
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Avoid touching or walking through areas with Pele’s Hair—these are thin, sharp strands of volcanic glass that can cause skin and respiratory irritation.
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Wear closed-toe shoes and layered clothing. It can get pretty chilly at the summit, especially at night.
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Bring water, a flashlight, and a face mask if you have respiratory concerns. Vog (volcanic smog) can impact air quality in some areas.
There’s More to the Big Island Than Just the Volcano
While Kīlauea and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park are the island’s biggest draws, there’s so much more to discover. The Big Island offers something for every traveler, such as:
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Stargazing at the summit of Mauna Kea
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Snorkeling with manta rays along the West Coast of the island.
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Touring world-famous Kona coffee farms
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Relaxing on black, green, and white sand beaches
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Exploring scenic valleys like Waipiʻo and Pololu
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Visiting waterfalls like Rainbow Falls or Akaka Falls
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Visiting cultural and historical sites like Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park
From adventurous hikes to relaxing beach days, the Big Island is full of experiences that make it a destination worth visiting, even beyond the volcanoes.
Plan Your Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Tour Today
If you’re looking for a travel experience that’s thrilling, meaningful, and unlike anything else on Earth, a Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park tour is a must. And if you happen to visit during an active eruption, it’s an unforgettable bonus to an already extraordinary adventure.
But the adventure doesn’t stop there. The Big Island of Hawaii offers so much more to explore. Spend an evening snorkeling with manta rays, stargaze atop Mauna Kea, zipline over a waterfall, or sample world-famous Kona coffee straight from the farm. The Big Island combines raw natural beauty with rich Hawaiian heritage, making it one of the most diverse and rewarding destinations in the islands.
Ready to start planning? Contact us today and let us help you book the best vacation to Hawaii you’ve ever had! We will help you with everything you need for an unforgettable trip to the Big Island.
