Big Island Volcano Tours

Explore the Wonders of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park!

Big Island Volcano Tours: Hiking tours vs. Sightseeing tours

There are two main types of Big Island volcano tours: sightseeing tours and hiking tours. The primary focus for both tours is a visit to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Both tours will stop at the park’s main attractions. Stops include an overlook at Kilauea’s active crater, steam vents, a lava tube, and lava fields. Lunch, water, snacks, ground transportation, and admission fees are included with both types of tours. Here’s how the two types of tours differ.

Hiking Volcano Tours

Hiking tours will spend a few more hours in the park doing a hike that will take you closer to the crater’s edge. These hikes are around 3 miles long, rated moderate, and may include some steep but short inclines. Additionally, hiking tours are typically led by a naturalist guide. As a result, these tours tend to be more educational. You’ll learn much more about Hawaii’s natural history and the area’s flora and fauna than you would on a sightseeing tour.

Sightseeing Volcano Tours

While a sightseeing volcano tour is less strenuous, there are plenty of stops where you can get out of the van and explore. These tours usually include additional stops in the Hilo area. Stops at local waterfalls Rainbow Falls and Akaka Falls are usually on the itinerary. As are historic stops in Hilo town such as Liliuokalani Gardens and the King Kamehameha statue. Your guide may also take you to a local business or a black sand beach if there’s time.

Note: Lava sightings are never guaranteed. Check the USGS site for Kilauea’s current conditions.