Best Tours of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

This article was originally published on Aug. 28, 2017, and was updated Jan. 18, 2026.

This is an excellent time to visit Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on Hawaiʻi Island. Construction on the new entrance is complete, the popular overlook at Uēkahuna — the former site of the Jaggar Museum destroyed during the 2018 eruption — has reopened and the new Kīlauea Visitor Center is slated to open in late summer 2026. While there is never a guarantee you will see flowing lava during your visit, Halemaʻumaʻu crater erupted 40 times in 2025 and is likely to continue as long as conditions remain the same.

While an erupting volcano is an incredible sight, there is much more to see and do at the park, which is nearly as large as the entire island of Oʻahu. Visitors can learn about the geological history and cultural significance of the volcanoes while hiking through diverse landscapes that range from lava fields to rainforests filled with endemic birds.

You can explore the park independently after stopping at the visitor center for maps and trip-planning advice from rangers or you can join a guided tour. One of the advantages of touring the park is the variety of ways to experience it. You can take a helicopter flight for a bird’s-eye view, join a small group to explore steam vents, lava tubes and massive craters or hike with expert guides who provide deeper insight into the park’s history.

The following tours offer some of the best experiences at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

You don’t have to be on-island to join Hawai'i Tours’ Big Island Volcano Tours. There is an excursion great for cruise ship passengers or travelers staying on O‘ahu and Maui who want to get a taste of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park that includes an interisland flight. For those already on Hawai’i Island, a comfy tour van will pick you up from your hotel in Hilo or Kailua-Kona, making it convenient for everyone, no matter where you’re coming from. I’m a big fan of not having to drive while on vacation, so this added perk is great for the passenger princess in all of us.

The 7-hour Volcano Adventure Tour from Hilo packs in the most popular attractions of East Hawai'i, including Rainbow Falls, and Carlsmith Beach. One of the things I love most about this tour is that all of the guides were born and raised in Hilo. As locals, they truly know their stuff and bring these beautiful places to life through expert knowledge and storytelling.

After time in Hilo, the tour heads to the park where guests will experience its highlights, including crater overlooks, steam vents, Volcano House, Nāhuku Lava Tube, Chain of Craters Road and more.

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If you are looking for multiple perspectives, the Volcano & Waterfalls by Air & Land tour is a collaborative excursion that offers a unique opportunity to see Kīlauea from above, below and all around. This eight-hour experience includes a helicopter flight with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters over Kīlauea and the Kohala Coast, exclusive access to a private historic ranch and two hours to explore the park.

Guests can choose to start the day with either the flight or the ground tour. Despite the earlier start, I prefer beginning on the ground. You arrive at the park early and beat the crowds, then return to your resort with enough daylight left to enjoy the rest of the day. The land portion of the tour travels over Saddle Road from Waikōloa to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, allowing ample time to talk with guides and learn about volcanic features that line much of the route.

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While most tours take a more standardized approach, Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park — the park’s official philanthropic partner — does things differently. Their excursions focus on creating a personalized experience based on guests’ interests.

As they like to say, “We give you the guide, you just have to give them back.” These are not typical tour guides. Botanists, scientists, volcanologists, photographers, former rangers and other experts lead the curated excursions, each with a long-standing connection to the park. They are able to offer deeper insight for travelers who want to better understand this dynamic landscape. The tours are educational, private and customizable and deliver strong value for the amount you see and do. Pricing is a flat fee for one to six people, depending on tour length, with four-, six- and eight-hour options available. I especially recommend this tour for multigenerational travelers who need flexibility to accommodate everyone’s needs.

Booking one of these excursions also supports the park. About 80% to 90% of proceeds go directly to conservation and youth programs. The experience also incorporates voluntourism, as guests spend part of the tour participating in conservation work. If you are looking for a meaningful way to give back during your visit, this is an excellent option.

fhvnp.org/institute/private-tours