Exploring the Big Island’s active and inactive volcanoes is a must-do while you’re here. These top Hawaii volcano tours hit the major sights, from exploring Kilauea, the world’s most active volcano, to visiting Mauna Loa, its neighbor, and exploring Mauna Kea, its inactive counterpart.
But each tour is a little bit different–some tours will take you to the nearby must-see sights, like Rainbow Falls and Punalu’u black-sand beach, while others will take you into Volcanoes National Park. Pick the experience that best suits you with this top 5 Hawaii volcano tours list!
#1 – KapohoKine’s All-Day Volcano Explorer
This tour is the most popular option for its comfortable combination of Big Island must-see sights. Operated by KapohoKine Adventures, you’ll hit all the park highlights, visiting the volcanic crater and steam vents as well as the Jaggar Museum, while also making all those important pit stops along the way. You’ll stop off at the Big Island’s best swimming beach, Kaimu Bay, the Punalu’u black-sand beach, and Kalapana, a fishing town almost completely destroyed by lava. This is a small-group tour with minimal hiking and walking, making it a perfect choice for those who want to comfortably fit the Big Island’s best sight-seeing into one day. Departures from Kona, Hilo, and Kohala
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#2 – Mauna Loa’s Full Island Helicopter Tour
See the lava flows from the Kilauea Volcano, snow-covered peaks of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, and the rainforests of the North Shore on Mauna Loa’s Full Island Adventure helicopter tour. On this tour, get up close and personal with the volcano: explore the East Rift Zone of Kilauea, including Kilauea Crater, Pu’u O’o Vent, and the lava flows that are currently entering the Pacific Ocean. After you’re done, hit up the island’s other must-sees on this two-hour helicopter ride.
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