Dating back thousands of years, Hawaii has a dramatic volcanic history, and understanding it is a powerful way to connect with the islands. The Hawaiian Islands were literally built by molten rock from the Earth, and wherever you travel you’ll see evidence of past lava flows and volcanic landscapes. While major eruptions aren’t constant, volcanic activity still happens on the Big Island – and seeing an active volcano can be much more accessible than most visitors expect.
Located on the Island of Hawaii (the Big Island), Kīlauea is one of the world’s most active volcanoes. Activity can be episodic, but when conditions are right, you may witness fresh lava, glowing crater views, and new land being created in real time – making Kīlauea a bucket-list stop for many travelers.
Over the decades, Kīlauea has reshaped entire areas of the Big Island, including major lava flow events that changed nearby communities and added new coastline. Even when lava isn’t visible, the region is still fascinating – hardened lava fields, steam vents, and dramatic crater scenery show how the island continues to evolve.
A visit to Kīlauea can feel otherworldly. Black lava rock stretches across the landscape, trade winds sweep through open plains, and the sheer scale of the terrain gives you a sense of how powerful nature is here.
Kīlauea is located within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where you’ll find a variety of must-see volcanic sights that help tell the story of the Big Island – lava tubes, scenic lookouts, steam vents, crater viewpoints, and historic areas in the summit region. Depending on current conditions, visitors may also see a glow from within Halema’uma’u Crater at night.
If you’re traveling to the Big Island, a visit to Kīlauea and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is highly recommended. Volcanoes are a major part of Hawaii’s natural history, and you can explore them with a guided Big Island volcano tour. Even visitors staying on Oahu can experience the volcano on an Oahu to Big Island Volcano Adventure. Be sure to reserve early – popular tours can sell out weeks (sometimes months) in advance.
Due to the high volume of visitors traveling to Hawaii year round, our Hawaii tours and activities sell out quickly. In many cases, tours sell out weeks or months in advance. To ensure your spots on tour, we recommend reserving your tours today. Call our office or book online to take advantage of our low price guarantee today.