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On the southwest side of the Island of Hawaii, the earth is still being shaped by volcanic forces. Over time, lava flows and underwater activity can create new coastline and fresh stretches of black volcanic rock. While this new land isn’t ready for development, it’s a powerful reminder that the Big Island is still growing.
For now, life near Kīlauea’s active areas can change quickly depending on volcanic conditions, and some landscapes on the volcano’s slopes may remain off-limits or unsafe for years at a time.
Kīlauea has been one of the Big Island’s most active volcanoes for decades, giving researchers and visitors a front-row seat to how the Hawaiian Islands were formed. While the Big Island is made up of five volcanoes, Kīlauea is the one most often associated with ongoing eruptive activity and evolving lava landscapes.
A visit to Kīlauea can feel out of this world. The wide lava fields and stark scenery take you back to a time long before modern development. Some visitors even joke they half expect a dinosaur to appear. And when you look into Halemaʻumaʻu Crater, it’s hard not to feel like you’re witnessing something truly rare and unforgettable.
Kīlauea is located within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and the park is filled with volcanic features that tell the story of the island’s creation – hardened lava flows, lava tubes, crater viewpoints, scenic lookouts, and steam vents. It’s one of the best places in Hawaii to experience volcanic landscapes up close and gain a deeper respect for the forces that formed the islands.
If you’re visiting the Big Island, a trip to Kīlauea and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is highly recommended. Exploring the volcano is a meaningful way to understand Hawaii’s natural history, and you can do it with a guided Big Island volcano tour. Even visitors staying on Oahu can experience it on an Oahu to Big Island Volcano Adventure. Be sure to reserve early and get ready for an adventure you won’t soon forget.
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.