big island travel volcano

Kilauea volcano in Hawaii continues to erupt. Here's how to watch the lava fountains

One of the world's most active volcanoes, Kilauea on the Big Island of Hawaii, continued to erupt Thursday, sending up fountains of lava from its crater floor.

The U.S. Geological Survey said the eruption began at 4:44 a.m. Wednesday local time with the glow of lava at the summit, and moved its volcano alert level from "warning" to "watch," and the aviation warning in the area to "red."

Viewers can see the glowing red lava ooze out of Kilauea for themselves via a livestream on YouTube . On Thursday morning, the stream showed lava bubbling to the surface of the crater and oozing down the volcano.

The eruption is confined to a closed area of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, the service said.

The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency said on Twitter that populated areas were not under threat. Lava flows from other parts of the volcano have destroyed populated areas in years past.

But officials warned Wednesday of airborne health hazards to people, agriculture and livestock as the eruption can generate gases that react as smog, and drop ash and even shards of volcanic glass that worsen breathing problems and irritate eyes and skin.

"High levels of volcanic gas are the primary hazard of concern, as this hazard can have far-reaching effects downwind," the USGS said.

How can I watch the Kilauea eruption?

USGS broadcasts a livestream video of the crater on its YouTube channel, where viewers can see glowing molten lava bubbling and oozing out of the ground. The lava is especially visible in the dark hours before dawn. Hawaii time is several hours behind the mainland U.S.

What island is Kilauea volcano on?

The volcano that began erupting Wednesday is located on Hawaii's Big Island, otherwise known as the Island of Hawaii. Five volcanoes make up the island. Kilauea's bigger neighbor, Mauna Loa , sent molten lava sliding toward a major highway as recently as last year.

How often does the Kilauea volcano in Hawaii erupt?

The Kilauea volcano has erupted as recently as March. It also erupted from September 2021 through mid-December. 

The eruption of Kilauea volcano is happening in a section of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park that has been completely closed to the public since 2007, according to the USGS .

Is Kilauea dangerous?

Past eruptions have led to lava flows from different parts of the volcano that caused extensive damage.

A 2018 eruption flooded an area 10 times the size of New York's Central Park, destroying more than 700 structures, including 200 homes, and displacing about 3,000 people . The damage estimate totaled nearly $300 million for residents, with another $236 million in damage to roads, waterlines and public parks.

Officials note that the eruption is currently contained within the Halemaumau Crater, meaning it poses no risk at this time to nearby homes or roads.

The crater at the site of the volcano has unstable walls, the earth in the area of the volcano cracks open and there are earthquakes that cause rocks and other materials to fall apart.

"This underscores the extremely hazardous nature of Kīlauea caldera rim," the USGS website said.

Kilauea volcano eruption resumes on Hawaii's Big Island, alert elevated from watch to warning

USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory elevated the alert from "watch" to "warning."

The Kilauea volcano on Hawaii's Big Island has started erupting again.

The U.S. Geological Survey said Thursday night that its Hawaiian Volcano Observatory "detected glow" in webcam images of the Kilauea summit, "indicating that the eruption has resumed within Halemaʻumaʻu crater in Kīlauea's summit caldera, within Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park."

MORE: Hawaii's Big Island abuzz over simultaneous eruptions at Mauna Loa and Kilauea

The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory has elevated the volcano alert from "watch" to "warning."

"The opening phases of eruptions are dynamic. Webcam imagery shows fissures at the base of Halemaʻumaʻu crater generating lava flows on the surface of the crater floor," the USGS said. "The activity is confined to Halemaʻumaʻu and the hazards will be reassessed as the eruption progresses."

The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency said lava is confined to the crater and that no communities are threatened.

Just last month, both Kilauea, one of the most active volcanos in the world, and Mauna Loa, the largest volcano in the world, ignited the landscape of Hawaii's Big Island.

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Officials told ABC News at the time that it was a sign that Pele, the Polynesian goddess of fire, is blessing the land.

Locals and tourists alike flocked to the best spots to take in the views of the red-hot lava slowly bubbling from the crater of the volcanoes at the time.

The double eruption was so unique because the volcanoes are fed by different magma or "plumbing" systems, and neither eruption is sparked by the other, Jessica Ferracane, public affairs specialist for Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, told ABC News at the time.

Mauna Loa had not erupted since 1984.

A lake of lava has been forming inside the summit crater of Kilauea since September 2021, and Kilauea has been erupting consistently ever since, according to Ferracane. But in 2018, about 700 homes were destroyed during a particularly devastating eruption at Kilauea, which caused the entire summit to collapse into a crater quadruple its size and closed the park for 134 days, Ferracane said.

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Hawaii’s Big Island gets warning as huge volcano rumbles

Officials are warning residents of Hawaii’s Big Island after increased activity in Mauna Loa, the world’s largest active volcano, could mean a chance of eruption (Oct. 27)

FILE - Molten rock flows from Mauna Loa on March 28, 1984, near Hilo, Hawaii. Hawaii officials are warning residents of the Big Island to prepare for the possibility that the world’s largest active volcano may erupt given a recent spike in earthquakes at the summit of Mauna Loa. Scientists don’t expect the volcano to erupt imminently, but officials are reminding people lava could reach some homes in just a few hours when it does. (AP Photo/Ken Love, File)

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FILE - Molten rock flows from Mauna Loa, located on the south-central part of the island of Hawaii, on April 4, 1984. Hawaii officials are warning residents of the Big Island to prepare for the possibility that the world’s largest active volcano may erupt given a recent spike in earthquakes at the summit of Mauna Loa. Scientists don’t expect the volcano to erupt imminently, but officials are reminding people lava could reach some homes in just a few hours when it does. (AP Photo/File)

FILE - Hawaii’s Mauna Loa volcano, background, towers over the summit crater of Kilauea volcano in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island on April 25, 2019. Hawaii officials are warning residents of the Big Island to prepare for the possibility that the world’s largest active volcano may erupt given a recent spike in earthquakes at the summit of Mauna Loa. Scientists don’t expect the volcano to erupt imminently, but officials are reminding people lava could reach some homes in just a few hours when it does. (AP Photo/Caleb Jones, File)

FILE - Lava flows downhill from the crater of Mauna Loa, April 5, 1984, on the island of Hawaii. Hawaii officials are warning residents of the Big Island to prepare for the possibility that the world’s largest active volcano may erupt given a recent spike in earthquakes at the summit of Mauna Loa. Scientists don’t expect the volcano to erupt imminently, but officials are reminding people lava could reach some homes in just a few hours when it does. (AP Photo/John Swart, File)

HONOLULU (AP) — Hawaii officials are warning residents of the Big Island that the world’s largest active volcano, Mauna Loa, is sending signals that it may erupt.

Scientists say an eruption isn’t imminent, but they are on alert because of a recent spike in earthquakes at the volcano’s summit. Experts say it would take just a few hours for lava to reach homes closest to vents on the volcano, which last erupted in 1984.

Hawaii’s civil defense agency is holding meetings across the island to educate residents about how to prepare for a possible emergency. They recommend having a ″go″ bag with food, identifying a place to stay once they leave home and making a plan for reuniting with family members.

“Not to panic everybody, but they have to be aware of that you live on the slopes of Mauna Loa. There’s a potential for some kind of lava disaster,” said Talmadge Magno, the administrator for Hawaii County Civil Defense.

The volcano makes up 51% of the Hawaii Island landmass, so a large portion of the island has the potential to be affected by an eruption, Magno said.

There’s been a surge of development on the Big Island in recent decades — its population has more than doubled to 200,000 today from 92,000 in 1980 — and many newer residents weren’t around when Mauna Loa last erupted 38 years ago. All the more reason why Magno said officials are spreading the word about the science of the volcano and urging people to be prepared.

Mauna Loa, rising 13,679 feet (4,169 meters) above sea level, is the much larger neighbor to Kilauea volcano, which erupted in a residential neighborhood and destroyed 700 homes in 2018. Some of its slopes are much steeper than Kilauea’s so when it erupts, its lava can flow much faster.

During a 1950 eruption, the mountain’s lava traveled 15 miles (24 kilometers) to the ocean in less than three hours.

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, which is part of the U.S. Geological Survey, said Mauna Loa has been in a state of “heightened unrest” since the middle of last month when the number of summit earthquakes jumped from 10 to 20 per day to 40 to 50 per day.

Scientists believe more earthquakes are occurring because more magma is flowing into Mauna Loa’s summit reservoir system from the hot spot under the earth’s surface that feeds molten rock to Hawaii’s volcanoes .

The temblors have declined in frequency in recent days but could rise again.

More than 220 people attended a community meeting last weekend that county civil defense officials held in Ocean View, a neighborhood that lava could reach in hours if molten rock erupts through vents on Mauna Loa’s southwest flank.

Bob Werner, an Ocean View resident who didn’t attend the meeting, said it’s wise to be aware of a possible eruption but not to fear it. He’s not concerned that the neighborhood would be completely cut off, if lava flows across the only road connecting it to the bigger towns of Kailua-Kona and Hilo, where many people do their shopping.

The “greater concern is it will be extremely annoying to drive an extra hour or two hours to get the same stuff,” he said.

Ryan Williams, the owner of the Margarita Village bar in Hilo, said the volcanic unrest wasn’t worrying customers who are used to warnings.

There could still be a heightened sense of urgency since officials have been holding town hall meetings, urging people to prepare.

“But everything I’ve read or heard, they trying to kind of assure people that conditions have not changed,” Williams said. “There’s no imminent eruption, but just to be alert.”

Magno said his agency is talking to residents now because communities closest to vents likely wouldn’t have enough time to learn how to respond and prepare once the observatory raises its alert level to “watch,” which means an eruption is imminent.

The current alert level is “advisory” meaning the volcano is showing signs of unrest yet there’s no indication an eruption is likely or certain.

Residents in other parts of the island would have more time to react.

Lava from Mauna Loa’s northeast flank could take days or weeks to reach residential communities. That’s because the mountain’s slopes on that side are relatively gentle and because towns are farther from volcanic vents.

Frank Trusdell, research geologist at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, said all of Mauna Loa’s eruptions in recorded history have started in its summit crater. About half of them stayed there, while the other half later spewed lava from vents lower down the mountain.

Lava erupting from the summit generally doesn’t travel far enough to reach residential areas.

Mauna Loa has erupted 33 times since 1843. It last erupted in 1984 when lava flowed down its eastern flank only to stop 4.5 miles (7.2 kilometers) short of Hilo, the Big Island’s most populous town.

Mauna Loa also has a history of disgorging huge volumes of lava.

In the 1950 eruption, which lasted for 23 days, Mauna Loa released 1,000 cubic meters (1,307 cubic yards) of lava per second. In contrast, Kilauea released 300 cubic meters (392 cubic yards) per second in 2018.

The earthquakes could continue for a while before any eruption: increased seismic activity lasted for a year before a 1975 eruption and a year-and-a-half before the 1984 one. Alternatively, the temblors could subside and Mauna Loa may not erupt this time.

Trusdell said residents should look at his agency’s maps and learn how quickly lava may show up in their neighborhood. He also urged people living in one of the short-notice areas to pay attention if the summit turns red.

“All you got to do is look up there and see the glow. You grab your stuff, throw it in the car and drive. Go!” he said.

They can always go home after if the lava ultimately doesn’t flow into their neighborhood, he said.

Associated Press Writer Mark Thiessen contributed to this report from Anchorage, Alaska.

The 7 Best Big Island Volcano Tours [2024 Reviews]

Each island of Hawaii is made up of one or more volcanoes, so it makes sense that one of the top Hawaiian tourist destinations are the volcanoes.

This unique natural feature isn’t accessible to most people, so you can count on these being unlike anything you’ve ever seen before.

By signing up to any of the tours on our guide, you can rest easy knowing you’re in safe hands and will be guided by experts. Without further ado, we bring you the top volcano tours on the Big Island of Hawaii available!

Be sure to see our reviews of Big Island Helicopter Tours , Big Island Snorkeling Tours and Big Island Manta Ray tours .

Best Volcano Tours on the Big Island

Quick answer: the 7 best rated big island volcano tours for 2024.

• Best Guided Tour: From Kona and Waikoloa: Intimate Volcano Discovery Tour
• Best Full Day Tour: Big Island Volcano National Park Tour with Lunch and Transfer
• Best Adventure Tour: Triple Crater Hawaii Volcano Hiking Adventure
• Best Hiking Tour: Big Island Kilauea Volcano Hiking Tour
• Best Sightseeing Tour: Elite Volcano Hike From Hilo
• Best Small Group Tour: Big Island BIG Volcano Adventure from Kona: Small Group
• Best Night Tour: Small Group Big Island Twilight Volcano and Stargazing Tour

Be sure to see our other reviews of Big Island helicopter tours , Big Island snorkel tours and Big Island whale watching tours .

Big Island Volcano Tour Reviews

1. best guided tour: intimate volcano discovery tour from kona and waikoloa.

• Duration: 12 hours
• Departure: Central pickup locations
• Departure Time: 10:10 AM
• Includes:   Select central pickup and drop-off locations for Kona and Waikoloa, n ational park certified interpretive guide, p ark access fees, e xclusive lava tube access on private property, w alking sticks, daypacks, rain gear, s unscreen and bug repellent, l ocal taxes, f iltered water, sparkling water, and juices, d ay and evening meals

Let’s start things off with a bang (or not)! The From Kona and Waikoloa: Intimate Volcano Discovery Tour offers an in-depth volcano adventure that few others can.

The certified guide knows just about everything you could ever want to know about the area, leaving you practically an expert yourself! This 12-hour tour is comprehensive, yet you’ll never feel bored, hungry, or thirsty.

Start off with a great way to start the morning: with a scenic, relaxing drive in a comfy ride over Saddle Road. Along the way, stop at the famous Rainbow Falls or stay in the park after dusk to see the firey glow of the volcano if you select the “Twilight” tour.

Your first official stop will occur at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which spans from sea level to a whopping 13,677 feet!

Holding 2 of the world’s most active volcanoes (Kilauea and Mauna Loa), you’ll learn all about the history and culture of the area and of course get to see some insane sights.

At this point, your stomach will surely be growling, so enjoy a picnic lunch. Afterward, head over to Hawaii Forest and Trail’s private lava tube: Kauhi Cavern. Reaching up to almost 40 feet, the ceilings are impressively high, with rooms that are easy to walk around in and explore the roots and golden sides of the tube.

After you’ve seen your share of volcanic phenomena, enjoy a light snack with the rest of your group and guide while chatting about everything you just experienced!

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience, 2. best full day tour: big island volcano national park tour with lunch.

• Duration: 11 hours
• Departure: Hotel pickup included
• Departure Time:  7:00 AM
• Includes: Explore Kealakekua Bay, Rainbow Falls, Waipio Valley, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park day trip,  access to all locations , tour guide, transport for activity duration , l unch, w ater, s oft drink,  poncho

If you’re looking to see some of the most beautiful bays, falls, valleys, and volcanoes, you’ve come to the right place.

The Big Island: Volcano National Park Tour with Lunch and Transfer is the most seamless, comfortable way to check out the area. The tour guides are incredible knowledgeable about native culture, traditions, and much more.

Start things off with visits to magnificent waterfalls located on the Big Island. Make sure to stop and take a break at the Waipio Valley lookout. This picturesque spot features smooth, green hills contrasting against blue skies and sparkling waves below.

Get back into the tour vehicle, where you’ll travel along the Hamakua coast, enjoying unreal views from your window of the air-conditioned van.

When you arrive at a rainforest where you’ll get to see Akaka Falls and Rainbow Falls up close! After, check out the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Here, you’ll see steam vents, the Jaggar Museum, the legendary Kilauea and Mauna Loa active volcanoes, and the Halema’uma’u and Kilauea Iki crater lookouts.

After all this walking and hiking, it’s time to relax and enjoy the black sand Punalu’u Beach! Lunch, water, and soft drinks are all included so you’ll be feeling great the entire time.

Other Experiences You May Enjoy

3. best adventure tour: triple crater hawaii volcano hiking adventure.

• Departure:  Hotel pickup included
• Departure Time: 8:30 or 9:00 AM
• Includes:  Lunch, dinner, bottled water, local guide

Get picked up from your hotel and hop in a luxurious Mercedes van while your guide takes you and the rest of your group all around various volcanic craters and more.

With a deli-style picnic lunch and local restaurant dinner, you’ll be well-hydrated and fueled up for exploring. If you want a safe way to get up close to the island’s most massive volcanoes, the Triple Crater Hawaii Volcano Hiking Adventure Tour is a great tour!

Eat your lunch while traveling along the famous Saddle Road on your way to hike at Mauna Ulu. Here, you’ll check out the first crater mouth, which is sure to impress.

The experienced guide places safety at the forefront, and may even be able to take you to see the constant eruption at Pu’u O’o.

Continue hiking on your way to the crater of Kilauea Iki. These trails are incredible; filled with interesting flowers and critters native to the area.

Once you get down to the crater floor, you’ll be able to check out the glowing lava and steam being emitted from it. Before you head to dinner, take a little hike through a lava tube before trekking up to the 4,000-foot Kilauea summit.

4. Best Hiking Tour: Big Island Kilauea Volcano Hiking Tour

• Departure: Pickup included
• Departure Time: 10:20 AM
• Includes:  Snacks, b everages, d eli-style lunch, d inner, n ational Park entrance fees, h otel pickup and drop-off

Next, we bring you the Big Island: Kilauea Volcano Hiking Tour . This is yet another 12-hour tour where you’ll get to hike and see beautiful active volcanoes.

This one involves nighttime trekking, where you’ll even get to see the eruption inside the Halemaumau Crater with its glowing lava! Thanks to the efficient route and experienced guides, this is a great tour for the whole family.

Due to the guides’ skills at captivating an audience, you won’t be bored for even a second. They’ll educate your group on the geology and history of the area, along with interesting personal anecdotes. With the small group tours, they are also excellent at answering all questions.

Including 2-3 miles of hiking through the lush foliage and varied flora and fauna, it’s like traveling through another world.

Catch views of lava tubes, boulders, and lava from a safe distance. Seeing the bright gold microbial mats on the walls of these chambers is unlike anything else!

Make sure to dress appropriately, as it’s often raining in this tropical environment. Not only that, but you’ll be outdoors for the vast majority of the day and also after dusk, so a jacket is important.

Also take advantage of the included snacks, beverages, and deli-style lunch prepared at a local deli. Not only that, you get dinner at the end before you’re dropped off at your hotel.

5. Best Sightseeing Tour: Elite Volcano Hike From Hilo

• Duration: 9 hours
• Departure Time: 9:30 AM
• Includes: Lunch, bottled water, dinner

Perhaps you’re on the hunt for a tour that’s a bit shorter than the others we’ve covered so far. If so, then we have just the tour for you: the Elite Volcano Hike from Hilo . This 9-hour tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off, and will let you explore volcanic scenery all day long!

First, you’ll head to Kaumana Caves which is a portion of the enormous lava tube system. These caves have incredibly high ceilings, offering a kind of cathedral-like environment that’s unexpectedly breathtaking.

Next, head to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which we’ve covered a couple of times already. You’ll see an insane view of the Kilauea Caldera along with the massive Halema’uma’u Crater. The trails to get to them are also fascinating and filled with unique plants and wildlife.

In fact, some tree ferns are over 1,000 years old! The stop at the Star of the Sea Painted Church in Kalapana, which is almost 100 years old and has a very interesting history, itself. The colorful walls and folk art is certainly one-of-a-kind!

At this point, there’s no doubt you’ll have worked up an appetite! Head back in your luxury van with the rest of your crew to enjoy a delicious dinner with complimentary drinks at Volcano House with some equally as impressive views of the lush scenery and rolling hills.

6. Best Small Group Tour: Big Island BIG Volcano Adventure from Kona Small Group

• Duration: 9-11 hours
• Departure Time: 9:00 AM
• Includes:  Hotel/airport pickup and drop-off, bottled water, snacks, picnic lunch, transport by private vehicle

Get out in the fresh air with the Big Island BIG Volcano Adventure from Kona Small Group tour. If you’d like, you can even opt for a private tour just for your party! No matter who you’re traveling with though, you can rest assured you’re in for a real treat and a ton of entertainment!

Get picked up at your hotel, so you don’t have to worry about wasting any time or meeting at the right spot. The guides are so knowledgeable about the island, its history, and specifically, the volcanoes.

You’ll get to traverse through Mauna Kea’s Hamakua Coast’s tropical rainforest with thick, lush plants. You’ll even get to pass by sky-high waterfalls, which is quite the way to start off the tour.

Head through the town of Waimea, where you’ll get to see legendary cattle ranches, and experience all kinds of deep valleys and dramatic cliffsides. Stop at Laupahoehoe for sights of interesting rock formations and enjoy panoramic views of the turquoise waters below.

Next up, you’ll travel through the jungle to Akaka Falls, which measures an impressive 442 feet tall! Afterward, you’ll grab some food at Hila Sharks in Honomu.

Their fresh, locally-sourced wraps are equally refreshing as they are delicious. After regaining some energy, you’ll go to the backroads of the island, along the coast and jungle gorges.

Before heading to rest at your hotel, your group will go to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, summit the Kilauea, and check out the Chain of Craters road.

7. Best Night Tour: Small Group Big Island Twilight Volcano and Stargazing Tour

• Departure: 10:00 to 11:00 AM
• Departure Time:
• Includes:  Beverages, snacks, picnic lunch, restaurant dinner, rain/warm jacket use, hotel pickup/drop-off, professional guide, luxury Mercedes Sprinter van transport, all fees and taxes

No volcano island tour guide would be complete without the Small Group Big Island Twilight Volcano and Stargazing Tour . This tour is also 12 hours, yet packs in as many activities as possible to ensure you’re not missing out on anything!

You’ll taste some local eats and drinks, as well as enjoy some of the most exclusive sights on the island and world. First, you’ll take a tour of a Kona coffee farm, where you’ll learn all about how they harvest and mill while trying their coffees and teas!

Next, head over to the Punalu’u Bake Shop where you’ll get to try their famous Hawaiian sweet bread and malasadas! After that, you’ll surely have a lot of energy for adventuring!

Your first outdoor stop is at the Punalu’u Black Sand Beach, which is obviously quite the view. Here, you’ll take things slow and take it all in. It’s also a prime spot for catching sights of marine life from the shore!

Next, you’ll take a certified guided tour at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where you’ll actually get to see incredible volcanic eruptions and lava flows from a safe distance and location. Your guide will teach you all about these volcanoes and the history of the area.

Check out the Nahuku Thurston Lava Tube next, walking across a bridge that offers looks unmatched by just about any other. T

he tube features caves formed hundreds of years ago, while looking like something from an extraterrestrial film! The Chain of Craters Road is up next, which offers an interestingly contrasting appearance: black rock against deep blue waters!

Once it’s dark enough, the guide will take your group to a secret spot for stargazing. If it’s clear enough, you may even get the chance to see various planets and galaxies!

Big Island Travel Guide

The Big Island is the best Hawaiian island to visit by far. Why? Because it boasts active volcanoes, the world’s tallest mountain, 5 Marine Life Conservation Districts , and more wilderness and variety than any other island in the Hawaiian Archipelago.

Given its name, you won’t be surprised to learn that the Big Island is the largest island in the State of Hawaii. But this isn’t its official name. The Big Island is really the Island of Hawaii. However, calling it the Big Island helps to distinguish it from the state and avoid confusion.

It really is a big island. In fact, it’s the 3 rd largest island in Polynesia. Only the two main islands of New Zealand are larger. You may think the island gained its name from the name of the state. In fact, the state was named after this island.

Although the Big Island now has the lowest population density of the four main islands in the Hawaiian archipelago, historically it was the most powerful. In 1795, Kamehameha the Great from Hawaii united most of the islands under his rule and named his extended kingdom after his home island.

Today the low population density and many fascinating natural attractions on and around the Island of Hawaii make it the premiere Hawaiian destination for anyone who wishes to experience the full scope of Mother Nature’s variety, beauty, and majesty.

Airports & Entry

Most visitors come to the Island of Hawaii by air. You can fly directly from the mainland US and Canada to Hilo International Airport (ITO) in the east or Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA) in the west.

Alternatively, you can fly to Daniel K. Inouye Honolulu International Airport (HNL) in Oahu and then take a short half-hour connecting flight to the Big Island. Most direct flights are from large cities on the western seaboard. However, there are also direct flights to KOA from Tokyo.

Although only 185,000 people live on the island, KOA saw 4 million and ITO 1.4 million passengers in the immediate each year pre-COVID. The vast majority of these are tourists.

If you intend to explore the whole island, it’s a good idea to arrange to arrive at one airport and depart at the other. This enables you to tour the whole island with no need to backtrack. However, many visitors stick to one of the main resorts, such as Kailua-Kona.

Before choosing your arrival airport, consider where you are going to stay. This will depend upon what you most want to see on the Big Island. It makes sense to arrive at the airport closest to your hotel.

KOA is a modern airport with 3 terminals, only 2 used for international travellers. ITO is much smaller with a single large terminal. Both airports offer a limited range of shops and restaurants focused on tourism. For example, there are gift shops, lei stands, and newsstands. Opening hours are arranged around flight arrival and departure times.

Eight major car rental companies operate out of both airports: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, and Thrifty. All the rental agencies have rental bases that are reached by a shuttle bus from the airports. It is advisable to book vehicle rental in advance to save time and ensure you get the vehicle you want. If you plan to pick up at one airport and drop at the other, you must tell them in advance to avoid extra charges.

If you don’t want to hire a vehicle, you can take a taxi into Kailua for around $25. There is a much cheaper option — The Hele-On Bus operated by the Hawaii County Mass Transit Agency . However, they only operate a limited service.

Traveling in the time of Covid

Like many other destinations worldwide, tours and visitor attractions in the Island of Hawaii have adopted special procedures.

Wearing a mask in mandatory in many locations. You will be expected to supply your own mask and wear it when you enter public buildings.

Keep your distance from other visitors who are not in your family group or bubble. You will be expected to keep your distance inside minibuses and other vehicles and when seated in restaurants.

At the time of writing, the State of Hawaii welcomes visitors but requires pre-travel testing for Covid-19. You can obtain the most up-to-date information directly from the State of Hawaii Portal .

Eco-Tourism and Sustainability in the Big Island

The Hawaiian Archipelago offers many areas of outstanding natural beauty and protected wildlife areas you can explore. In order to maintain this wonderful place for future generations, many of the local tour companies operate eco-friendly tours.

When considering the tours we review on the World Travel Guides website, note that there are often eco-friendly options that empower you to become a more sustainable traveler. This is especially true around the islands of Hawaii. Take care of our world and it will take care of our children.

Planning Tips

It’s always best to be prepared. Here are 5 tips to help you make the most of your stay on the Big Island.

Tip #1: If you want to see whales, go in winter

During the summer, humpback whales feed and congregate around Alaska. In winter, they migrate south to mate and calve. From mid-December to mid-April, there are an abundance of whale sightings around the Big Island. For the best chance of seeing whales, take a whale watching tour . The boat captains know where to find the whales!

Between 10 and 12 thousand whales congregate in these tropical waters. Whales are often visible at a distance from the beaches and will circle any small boats that approach their pods. Winter is the best time to whale watch in Hawaii.

Tip #2: Take your time to appreciate all that the Island of Hawaii has to offer

Perhaps you only want to see the whales or surf in the sunshine, but there’s a lot more to see and do on the Big Island.

Don’t miss the opportunity to take a tour of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park , experience a traditional luau, and visit Hulihe’e Royal Palace in historic Kailua-Kona. See the information on Nightlife and Attractions below.

Tip #3: Book Big Island tours in advance, especially during winter

The Big Island is a popular destination for tourists, so tours quickly sell out. Book in advance to avoid disappointment. You wouldn’t be able to forgive yourself if you went all that way only to miss your opportunity to whale watch because the tours were full. Especially popular on the Big Island is fishing. If you want to charter a fishing tour out of Kona , be sure to book a few months in advance.

Since many tours offer free refunds up to 24 hours before the activity begins, you’re not taking a risk if you book before you go. Just check the refund policy of each tour before you book.

Tip #4: Take summer clothes and raincoats

Because the Big Island is tropical, you need to pack summer clothes. However, don’t forget it also rains a lot on the island.

Light raincoats are an excellent idea. If you intend to visit the observatories on Mauna Kea, you will definitely need a jacket.

And if you plan to visit a plush Martini lounge or attend a luau, you should bring something a bit smarter for those special occasions.

Tip #5: Buy traditional local craft souvenirs

If you want to take home something unique, check out the Volcano Art Center inside Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park.

Over 200 local Hawaiian artists contribute to this store, so you can find and original arts and crafts that will make a unique souvenir of your visit to the Island of Hawai’i.

Restaurants & Eating Out

The Big Island not only has a unique ecosystem with plants not found in the other 49 States, but it also boasts an uninterrupted cultural history.

That means during your stay you have the unique opportunity to taste genuine Polynesian food untainted by European colonial influences.

Because the Big Island is surrounded by abundant marine life, it’s no surprise many restaurants feature seafood on their menus. A popular dish is Opakapaka, which is crimson snapper either steamed, baked or grilled.

Monchong is a deep-water fish marinaded and grilled. Raw tuna is a favorite with the locals and is found in traditional foods like Poke.

Poke is like Japanese Sashimi but with the raw fish served in hearty chunks rather than thin slices.

Something unique to the Hawaiian Islands is luau food cooked in an earth oven called an imu. A tasty example of luau food is Laulau, made with pork, chicken, or fish.

The selected meat is wrapped in taro leaves and then cooked inside the imu for hours until it grows soft with a smoky taste. Delicious!

While many North Americans might consider either bread or potato to be their staple food during meals, on Maui taro is the staple root crop.

Taro is most often consumed as Poi, a thick paste that is either baked or steamed. Poi is slightly sour due to fermentation during its preparation.

And for dessert, why not try some Banana-Apple Fruit, Breadfruit, or Kulolo. Banana-Apple is a common fruit eaten cold or hot. Breadfruit is melon-sized and is served boiled, deep-fried, baked, or steamed.

Kulolo is steamed taro pudding. Yes! Taro is a versatile root.

Nightlife & Entertainment

This Big Island can’t offer the same nightlife and entertainments as Honolulu, but the large quantity of tourists passing through ensure that there are plenty of night spots where you can let your hair down.

Much like the resorts and hotels, the nightlife tends to be clustered along short sections of the east coast and the west coast. On the eastern side, most of the nightlife is found in Hilo. There you will find low key establishments frequented by locals and visitors alike. This is the best area for a quiet night and meeting friends.

On the west coast, the nightlife focuses on Kailua-Kona. There you will find a much larger range of options, from relaxed bars to elegant cocktail bars and lively nightclubs. The beach bars on this side of the island are the best place to witness an amazing sunset while you’re sipping a delicious cocktail.

But while you are in Hawaii, you really should attend at least one traditional luau. That’s a special Hawaiian evening party where you can hear local songs, watch amazing traditional performances, and eat luau foods.

If you go to an organised luau, you can expect a lei greeting, watch the Imu Ceremony (cooking a pig in an earth oven), join in a Hula Dance, and maybe play some traditional games. The highlight is a show by Polynesian performers who re-enact traditional sagas to educate and entertain you about the mythical origins of the Hawaiian Islands.

One of the most popular luaus is the Island Breeze Luau held in an historically significant location — the grounds of King Kamehameha’s Palace in Kailua-Kona. This king was responsible for unifying most of the State of Hawaii into a single kingdom. This luau pulls out all the stops, with an outrigger boat landing, a royal procession, and a fire knife dance.

Getting Around

The easiest and simplest way to get around the Big Island is to rent a car. There are vehicle rental facilities at both international airports. With your own car, you can go where you want to go when you want to go there.

The Hele-On Bus operated by the Hawaii County Mass Transit Agency is an option. However, because of the Island of Hawaii’s relatively low population density and large area, the public bus services are relatively infrequent and don’t go everywhere.

When driving around the island, bear in mind that the speed limits are lower than in the mainland US. Typical speed limits between settlements are 45 mph or 55 mph. When planning your journey, take the lower speed limit and the winding roads into account.

Note there are some locations you cannot reach with a rental car. Your rental contract will most likely forbid you from taking your car to the Green Sand Beach or to the top of Mauna Kea.

If you choose not to hire a car, your best option is to take guided tours to visit the attractions you are interested in seeing. Many guided tours have the option of a hotel pick up, and some tours take you to those locations forbidden to rented vehicles.

Of course, you could also take taxis to visit attractions around the Big Island. This is the most expensive option and not a great choice. The relatively large size of the island and slow journey times means that you’ll pay much more than if you hired a car.

Accommodations

Most visitors to the Big Island stay in one of the resorts. Many of these are clustered on the east coast and the west coast near the international airports.

The accommodation on the east side is centered on Hilo. This is the best place to stay if you’re interested in the beautiful scenery around the Big Island. It is near River State Park, where you will find the famous Rainbow Falls, and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, with active volcanoes and rainforests. It is also the best base camp for visiting the summit of Mauna Kea via Saddle Road.

On the west coast, most of the accommodation is found in Kailua-Kona. This is the best location for cultural attractions and beaches. Most of the boat tours, snorkeling tours, and whale-watching tours sail from Kailua-Kona.

If you plan to see everything interesting on the Island of Hawaii, it’s a good idea to split your time between Hilo and Kailua-Kona. I would recommend that you visit Hilo first, since visiting the waterfalls and the volcanoes involves a lot of walking. Then, when you go to the west coast, you can relax on the beaches and boat cruises.

Although the Big Island is small compared to a continent, you will still find several distinctly different climate zones due to the island’s unique geography. The two important factors are the side of the island and the elevation above sea level.

The island can be divided into two sides. The north and east coasts are relatively wet with higher levels of rainfall. The west and south are dry, with very little rainfall. This is because the prevailing wind hits the eastern coast, which is the windward side. As the air hits the island, it is forced up into the tall mountains. This upward movement causes the air to lose its moisture as precipitation.

At the top of the mountains, it’s much cooler than down below. On average, it is around 30 0 F cooler at the top of the mountains than on the coast. You might need to wear shorts and a T-shirt on the beach but a heavy coat and sweater at the top of Mauna Kea.

There are two seasons called winter and summer. In reality, in winter the temperature doesn’t often fall below 65 0 F, and in summer the temperature doesn’t usually rise above 90 0 F. The water on the beaches has an even narrower temperature range between 77 0 F and 83 0 F. The real difference between the two seasons is the level of rainfall.

The dry season is between April and October. The wet season is between November and March, which is winter on the Big Island. However, the west coast sees little rain even during the rainy season. So, if you want to sunbathe, the west coast is best for you.

Attractions

The Big Island boasts both natural beauty and a rich cultural history. There are many fascinating attractions and activities to enjoy.

As mentioned above, the island is easily divided into an east and a west side. The major natural attractions are to the east. The major cultural attractions, boat tours, and best beaches to the west.

If you are into an adrenaline rush, be sure to take an ATV tour of the Big Island . You can explore areas that are not seen by most tourists. If you want to get a rush from the trees, try a Big Island ziplining adventure ! Zooming between the trees is a rush!

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

The Island of Hawaii is volcanic in origin. It was created by lava flows from five separate shield volcanoes, two of which are still active. And you can visit these active volcanoes inside the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

The park covers an area of 21 square miles and growing. It’s growing because the volcanoes are spilling lava into the see and expanding the size of the island. The Halema’uma’u Crater is said to be home to Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of fire. Steam constantly rises from this crater, making it a popular attraction for visitors. One fascinating exhibit is the Thurston Lava Tube which is 20 feet high and 500 feet long.

Waipio Valley

There are many beautiful valleys on the east coast of the Big Island. Waipio Valley is a popular hiking spot. It is the site of Hiilawe Falls, which boasts a drop of 1,200 feet.

The valley is difficult to access because of steep cliffs inland and the proximity of the sea to the east. It can be reached by road, but this road is one of those the car hire companies do not allow rental vehicles to use. Most visitors get there on foot.

This dormant volcano is not only Hawaii’s tallest mountain, but it is also the world’s tallest. While Everest boasts a higher elevation at the summit, the height from the base of Everest to the top is less than the same distance at Mauna Kea.

This mountain is also where you will find the Mauna Kea Observatory. This is probably the best place in the world to go stargazing. The visitor’s Information Station sits at an altitude of 9,200 feet above sea level. If you reach the summit, that’s 13,800 feet above sea level.

Just like Waipio Valley, car hire companies often do not let their vehicles use the road that leads up Mauna Kea. Therefore, to visit this mountain it is easiest to take a stargazing tour.

Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park

This is a fantastic place to learn about ancient Hawaiian traditions. It features a palace complex and a restored temple complete with replica idols carved to replace those destroyed when the islands were converted to Christianity.

There are many things to see in this park, including the royal fishpond, the Keoua Stone, rock carvings, and the landing place of the royal canoes.

Ahu’ena Heiau

This is the best example of a traditional temple on the island. It was built by Kamehameha I in honor of the god Lona. The temple has been fully restored to its former glory so that visitors can appreciate the complexity and unique nature of the indigenous religion.

Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park

If you’re interested in Hawaii’s modern history, this is an essential spot to visit. It’s the location of Captain Cook’s landing and death in 1779. There you will find the Captain James Cook Monument.

This park also encloses Kealakekua Bay, which is one of the Island of Hawaii’s 5 Marine Life Conservation Districts. With its thriving coral and bright tropical fishes, this is a wonderful location for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Tour Guides

The Intimate Volcano Discovery Tour is our Editor's Choice for the best Big Island volcano tour.

Robert Baker

Related articles, the 8 best maui & molokini snorkel tours [2024 reviews], 🤿 the 5 best oahu snorkeling tours [2024 reviews], 🚁 the 7 best oahu helicopter tours [2024 reviews], top 15 things to do in maui.

10 Jaw-Dropping Big Island Volcano Tours

Are you planning a trip to the big island and want to know some fun big island activities to add to your itinerary find out the best big island volcano tours worth booking to see hawaii volcanoes national park ., this list of the best big island volcano tours in hawaii was written by hawaii travel expert marcie cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, i may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog..

The Big Island , known as Hawaii, is an incredible place to take a relaxing vacation where you can swim with dolphins , go snorkeling, ride through caves, and even zipline over the tropical rainforest.

It’s an area with so much to do, see, and enjoy while you’re with your loved ones, whether traveling with a group of friends or your family. The vast island is the perfect place to travel to when you’d like to enjoy a learning experience while spending lots of time in the sun and by the water. 

During your visit to Hawaii Island, be sure to check out the Hawaiian volcano tours. If you love learning about volcanoes, this is an excellent time to see dormant ones on the island that are large, unique, and worth visiting.

If you’re not sure which tour to take, check out this list of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park tours that will leave you with more knowledge and a new perspective on the Earth!

See the top-rated Hawaii volcano tour HERE!

Don’t have time to read many Hawaii blog posts and reviews? Here are some of our top picks for visiting the Big Island.

Popular Big Island Tours/Activities

• Manta Ray Snorkeling Tour (you can ONLY do this on the Big Island)
• Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Tour (this is the BEST way to see lava if you aren’t renting a car)
• Mauna Kea Stargazing Tour (this is a cool adventure for teens and adults)
• Swim with Dolphins (this is a unique experience for kids of all ages and adults)
• Kona ATV Tour (we love this one because they also do cultural activities)
• Book a Photo Shoot (this is a Hawaii souvenir you’ll treasure forever)

Favorite Big Island Resorts/Hotels

• Hilton Waikoloa Village (this is a mega resort where you can swim with dolphins or just enjoy their massive pool area)
• Courtyard by Marriott’s King Kamehameha Beach Hotel (this is a moderately-priced Kona hotel right on a little lagoon)
• Fairmont Orchid (this is a swanky resort with an awesome pool area and beach)

Want to Rent a Car in Hawaii? One of the best places to rent a car in Hawaii is Discount Hawaii Car Rental because they get the best rates from top national companies like Alamo, Dollar, Thrifty, Avis, Enterprise, Budget, and Payless.

Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Big Island Itinerary, complete with daily schedules, kid-friendly activities, and travel hacks? Click the button below.

Incredible Big Island Volcano Tours Worth Booking

Here are some of the top Hawaii volcano tours you can enjoy on the Big Island of Hawaii!

Volcano Circle of Fire Helicopter Flight From Hilo

Go on the exploration of a lifetime with the Volcano Circle of Fire Helicopter Flight From Hilo . You can ride on a helicopter for nearly an hour during the trip while heading out over the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

You may be surprised to see an active volcano on the excursion, but Kilauea Volcano is such a sight to see. People enjoy the experience so much that it’s common for the company to sell out of tickets. So it’s a good idea to buy your tickets in advance for such an unforgettable experience in the air. Check latest rates and more information .

Take Your Family to New Heights to See Amazing Views 

Infants and children under the age of one can ride free with their parents or guardians. There is enough space on the helicopter for a small family to hang together while taking in the views, including the beautiful ocean water, cliffs, waterfalls, and volcanoes.

Unlike outdated helicopters, this technologically advanced aircraft doesn’t make too much noise at all. The pilot provides a safe and comfortable experience for riders while offering valuable information on the area during the trip. It’s one Hawaii lava helicopter tour you won’t forget about taking while you’re on the Big Island.

As one of the Big Island’s top attractions, you will love this small group tour on a helicopter!

Ultimate Circle Island Tour – Volcano, Waterfalls, and Waipio

Do you look forward to heading out early in the morning and spending a full day exploring while seeing volcanoes? If so, the Ultimate Circle Island Tour – Volcano, Waterfalls, and Waipio is a must-do!

While you’re on this Big Island volcano tour, you get the opportunity to see some of the most exciting and popular places on the island.

Some of the stops that you’ll get to make include visits to the Volcanoes National Park, Waipio Valley, and the stunning Rainbow Falls, to name a few. Check latest rates and more information.

Fun for All Ages

The Kona volcano tour is ideal for people of all ages. If you’re traveling with young children, you can still enjoy this incredible full-day adventure that begins with a stop at the Bay View Coffee Farm and a trip to the Punalu’u Black Sand Beach. 

While you’re on the excursion, you can expect to visit the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Big Island Candies, and even the KKA Store. It’s a lot to see, do, and experience in one day, but it’s worth it! 

Lunch, Snacks, and Beverages are Included 

The tour is perfect for groups of 14 people or less! Don’t worry about going hungry or thirsty while spending so many hours exploring. Guests receive a picnic-style lunch on the beach. Snacks and beverages are also available throughout the excursion.

It’s a great tour to learn more about the Hawaiian culture and see the volcano national park all in one day!

Big Circle Island Tour to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Check out some of the top attractions with the Big Circle Island Tour which will take you to the Volcanoes National Park in Hawaii. The tour is available daily, takes place for roughly 12 hours, and is ideal for adults and children at least five years old or older.

The trip starts with an incredible breakfast consisting of fresh fruit and homemade delicacies. Next, you can spend time at the famous Punalu’u Bakery, head over to Black Sand Beach, and visit the Volcano Winery and Tea Farm.  Check latest rates and more information .

Witness Impressive Sights

From there, you’ll head over to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to see some of the most impressive sights, including Chain of Craters Road, lava flow depending on lava viewing conditions, and many natural steam vents.

While it already sounds like a lot of fun, there is even more for you to do on this tour. You can stop by Rainbow Falls and enjoy its beauty, along with the fresh and cool breeze that comes from it. 

You can also take a drive along the coast of Hamakua. Expect to have an incredible Hawaiian-style lunch while on the journey. If you look forward to seeing new sights and spending hours outside in the warm sunshine, this volcano tour will leave you satisfied and thoroughly impressed with the experience.

Big Island Twilight Volcano and Stargazing Tour

Discover Hawaii’s most mesmerizing sights on this Big Island twilight volcano tour. Sample Kona-grown coffee from a local Kona coffee farm, keep an eye out for sea turtles at Punaluu Black Sand Beach, and taste Hawaiian sweet bread at Punalu’hu Bakery before exploring Volcanoes National Park with views of the night sky.

Indulge in a Hawaiian dinner as you explore one of the best locations to see stars in all their glory—perfect for taking in amazing vistas of nighttime skies! Check latest rates and more information .

Perfect for Families with Kids Ages 5+

Because of the uneven terrain, this Hawaii Volcanoes National Park night tour is only offered for kids who are at least 5 years old. You’ll also get a picnic lunch and restaurant dinner, plus snacks and drinks.

You can even borrow jackets to stay nice and warm while gazing at the stars. Plus, it is awesome to see the volcanic activity on the active lava during the night!

Paradise Helicopters Volcano Tour

Why not take a thrilling trip while on the Big Island with the Paradise Helicopters Volcano Tour ? It’s the perfect way to see volcanoes from a unique angle that you wouldn’t see any other way.

This Big Island lava tour isn’t too long, lasting for roughly 50 minutes, but it’s worth every minute spent in the air while overlooking these incredible volcanoes in front of you. 

The comfortable and convenient ride gives guests a chance to see the stunning Kilauea volcano and the lava flowing from it. Helicopter tours are some of the best Hawaii volcano tours you can go on!

Along with the volcanoes that you’ll get to see, expect to enjoy views of the beautiful waterfalls on the island. The helicopter pilot will take you over to the Hilo area to see the waterfalls in action! Check latest rates and more information .

Ideal for Smaller Families with Children 2 Years and Older

The unique and unforgettable experience is available for adults and children at least two years old. If you’d like to go on a shorter tour where you’re excitingly experiencing the area from an aerial viewpoint, this tour is perfect.

It’s great for small families looking to do something exhilarating while enjoying the scenery. The sights you’ll see will leave you stunned because of the natural beauty of the island.

I love that the entire family can enjoy this helicopter tour to enjoy the active volcanic landscape and molten lava. The tour operators are so kind and truly try to make this one of the best volcano tours you’ll find!

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Private Tour

Visit the world’s most active volcano on a private tour around Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. These 3- and 6-hour, education-based explorations focus on native flora and fauna, geology, as well as Hawaiian culture that still thrives today.

Learn more about Kilauea’s summit area by hiking or watching an eruption from sunset to sunrise (if the volcano is currently erupting). With your own personal guide for a personalized experience, you will be able to explore this amazing park and get all your questions answered! Check latest rates and more information .

Perfect for Small Groups or Multi-Generational Trips

The main perk of this Big Island Hawaii volcano tour is that it is only your group participating. It’s completely private so you can fully enjoy an in depth volcano experience.

Because this tour is stroller friendly, it’s an easy Big Island tour to do with young kids as well as older people.

Oahu to Big Island – One Day Fly Away to the Volcanoes National Park

Take a trip from Oahu on this Oahu to Big Island – One Day Fly Away excursion. The lengthy trip lasts for a little over 15 hours and is ideal for people of all ages.

Even if you’re traveling with an infant or toddler , you can still go on this tour and have a great time with the family. The sightseeing adventure begins with a quick flight from Oahu to Hilo. 

Once you arrive at the destination, you’ll make one of the first stops at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. While you’re at the park, you can see enormous craters that will leave you in shock and excitement. You can even grab food from the Volcano House Restaurant. Check latest rates and more information.

Check-in at the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nuts Factory 

Once you’ve visited the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and have had time to explore and eat, you can take the trip over to the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nuts Factory. Not only can you taste some of these great nuts, but you’ll also have access to other delicious treats, including fresh cookies baked on the premises. 

Not far from the nut factory, you can take the trip over to the beautiful Akaka Falls . While you’re taking this tour, you’ll also get to check out other spots, including Rainbow Falls and Banyan Drive. Spend a day exploring Hawaii with this fantastic tour for children and adults.

It is one of the top inter-island tours on the Hawaiian islands!

Hawaii Volcano Explorer Tour Adventure

If you’re all about exploring Hawaii and its incredible volcanoes, take advantage of the opportunity to get out there with the Hawaii Volcano Explorer Tour Adventure . The 12-hour trip is perfect for families traveling together and looking to have wonderful experiences.

Even if you’re traveling with a toddler or infant, you can still go on this incredible adventure.  Check latest rates and more information .

Find Out How Coffee is Made 

Expect to stop at the Bay View Farm, where you can learn more about coffee produced in the area and even taste it for yourself! After a trip to the farm, you can make your way over to the Punaluu Black Sand Beach for fun on the sand and in the water. You might even come across some green sea turtles!

Learn Fascinating History

Once you’ve stopped at the beach and have had time to explore, it’s the perfect time to visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where you can spend several hours learning about the history of these impressive volcanoes, and you might even see some lava flowing from the Kilauea Volcano.

Then, enjoy a hike to some of the best spots in the area, including Mauna Ulu and Steaming Bluffs. You’ll also get to enjoy a picnic-style lunch with the family on this fun adventure.

3 Hour Fat Tire E-Bike Activity Volcanoes National Park

If you are looking for a fun adventure while on Big Island’s volcano tours, you will love this Fat Tire E-Bike Activity . Your tour guide will teach you all about Hawaiian history and culture and give you the latest volcano updates and facts as you zoom around the park.

It is one of the best volcano tours if you want to soak in as much of the park as you can while being out in the open air. Check latest rates and more information .

This tour is best for teens and adults who want to see the volcanic activity, see the steam vents, the Kilauea caldera, this incredible Hawaii forest, and so much more.

If you are comfortable riding an E-bike, you will love this small group tour!

Elite Volcano Hiking Tour

If you packed your hiking boots, this is one of the best Big Island tours for you. With the Elite Volcano Hiking Tour , you will get to explore Volcanoes National Park!

From the lava flows to lava tubes, Kilauea Iki Overlook, Mauna Ulu Forest Loop, and so much more! You will see lava up close from the glow of the lava as well as molten lava. Check latest rates and more information .

Not only can you enjoy the hikes at this national park, but you will also get to explore many other places around here. To start off the tour, you will drive along Saddle Road, which is located between Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea.

You will also drive through Hilo Town and see the Kaumana Caves. At the end of your tour, you will have a delicious dinner at Lava Rock Cafe.

This full-day trip tour lasts for 14 hours and is an awesome experience!

Enjoy the Most Incredible Hawaii Volcano Tours on the Big Island

You can see a volcano on television, but have you witnessed one in person? If not, consider booking one of the Big Island Volcano Tours for an adventure of a lifetime.

You’ll get to spend hours outside exploring some of these Hawaii lava tours. However, there are shorter options that allow you to ride on a helicopter to get some of the best views of all time.

Regardless of the tour you choose, you can expect the experience of the tour to leave a lasting impression on you and your loved ones.

And if you really want to turn it into an educational experience, try running one of these volcano experiments before your trip!

Hawaii Volcanoes FAQs

As of 2023, there are 6 Hawaii volcanoes that are considered active. And the Big Island of Hawaii is home to 4 out of those 6. The active volcanoes on the Big Island include Kilauea, Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea, and Hualalai. The remaining active volcano is Haleakala on Maui. There is also a volcano off of Big Island’s coast that is underwater too!

Unless the volcanoes are actively erupting, you will not be able to see lava in Hawaii. Kilauea last erupted in December 2020.

While you won’t die if you quickly touch the lava, you will definitely get a horrible burn. I definitely don’t recommend it!

It depends on traffic, but it usually takes about 2 hours if you don’t make any stops. There are a lot of cool places to see along the drive from Kona, so I suggest planning for 3-4 hours to take in some sights along the way.

Usually, the best way to see the volcano in Big Island is to go on a Hawaii volcano tour! You can also enjoy some self-guided tours if you prefer to go at your own pace to view these active volcanoes.

The best volcano tours take you to see the Kilauea volcano and help you to explore Volcanoes National Park. There are even some that take you to some black sand beaches and take you on a day trip all around the island of Hawaii.

If you want to see the red, hot lava glow, then you will want to go very early in the morning or after it gets dark under the night sky. However, there are plenty of other awesome things to explore at the Big Island volcanoes, so you can visit any time you want!

Where to Stay in Volcano Hawaii

Now that you know what to do at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, let’s talk about accommodations. There are tons of options for places to stay in Volcano Hawaii for all price points.

Unless you want to go camping, the only place to stay inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is the Volcano House Hotel . It’s a historic Big Island hotel that is super convenient for exploring the park. And it’s great for exploring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park with kids !

Otherwise, your best bet is to stay at a vacation rental in Volcano Village. Some of my top picks include Hale Sweet Hale (featured on HGTV), At the Crater’s Edge , and Volcano Hideaway Hale (also seen on HGTV).

Looking for more things to do on the Big Island? Check out my full guide to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park , where to find an affordable Big Island family photographer , how to go skiing at Mauna Kea , best things to do in Kona , coolest Big Island ATV tour , and best things to do in Hilo .

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Volcano Village Travel Guide

The small town of Volcano Village, located just outside of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, is a hidden gem on the Big Island.  With its lush rainforest, stunning waterfalls , and unique geothermal landscapes, Volcano Village is a destination that offers something for everyone.  Let’s take a closer look at what makes Volcano Village such a special place to visit.

Explore the Beauty of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

The main attraction of Volcano Village is, of course, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. This 333,000-acre park is home to two of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa, and offers visitors the chance to explore a unique landscape that is constantly changing.  Visitors can hike through the park’s rainforests, explore the geothermal features like lava tubes , steam vents, and hot springs, and even witness the awe-inspiring lava flows from a safe distance.

Discover Unique Geothermal Landscapes

One of the most fascinating things about Volcano Village is the unique geothermal landscapes that can be found throughout the area. Visitors can explore steam vents, hot springs, and even walk on lava fields.  The Volcano Art Center also offers tours that take visitors to see active lava flows and the dramatic landscapes they create.

Take a Dip in Natural Hot Springs

While the opportunities to soak in the Big Island’s natural hot springs may have dwindled, the singular hot spring, Pohoiki Hot Spring of the Puna District stands as a testament to the island’s ever-evolving beauty and the enduring allure of its volcanic heritage.  The geothermal waters of Pohoiki, heated deep within the Earth’s core, bubble to the surface at just the right temperature, offering a blissful respite from the outside world.  The mineral-rich composition of the springs adds to their allure, as it is believed to provide numerous health benefits, such as improved circulation, soothing joint pain, and promoting overall well-being.  Whether you seek solace from the stresses of daily life or seek to revitalize your spirit, the Pohoiki Natural Hot Springs offer a natural sanctuary for all.  Pohoiki Hot Springs is located east about a little over an hour from the famous Volcano Village!

Sample Local Cuisine at the Volcano Farmers Market

The Volcano Farmers Market is a must-visit destination for foodies. This lively market takes place every Sunday and features a variety of locally grown produce, artisanal products, and delicious prepared foods.  Visitors can enjoy freshly made smoothies, hot coffee, and a range of tasty snacks while soaking up the lively atmosphere. Bring a coat as it can get really chilly!

Visit the 10-Pin Grill & Bowling Alley

Nestled just a 10-minute drive from Volcano Village, an unexpected delight awaits visitors—a charming small-scale bowling alley near the heart of Kilauea Military Camp (KMC) on the Big Island of Hawaii.  Open to military personnel and civilians alike, the 10-Pin Grill offers a relaxed dining experience where you can savor classic American fare like hamburgers, pizza, hot dogs, fries, and occasionally local plate options.  Alongside the bowling alley, you’ll find an exciting arcade & game room, featuring an array of entertainment including arcade games, air hockey, billiards, and ping pong tables, ensuring a delightful time for friends and family alike.

Enjoy a Relaxing Stay in Volcano Village

Volcano Village is also a great place to stay while exploring the Big Island. There are several charming bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, and even a lodge located within the village itself.  Visitors can enjoy the peaceful surroundings and the cool mountain air while still being close to all the attractions of the area.

Volcano Village

Volcano Village is a destination that offers something for everyone, from nature lovers to foodies to history buffs.  With its stunning natural beauty, unique geothermal landscapes, and rich history, Volcano Village is a must-visit destination on the Big Island.  Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, Volcano Village has it all. So why not plan a trip to this beautiful region and experience all that it has to offer?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is volcano village.

Volcano Village is a small community located near the entrance to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island of Hawaii. It is known for its scenic beauty, peaceful atmosphere, and proximity to the active Kilauea volcano.

What is there to do in Volcano Village?

There are plenty of activities to enjoy in Volcano Village, such as hiking, birdwatching, exploring the lava tubes, and visiting the nearby Volcano Art Center. Visitors can also take a guided tour of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park or go on a helicopter tour to see the volcano from above.

Is it safe to visit Volcano Village during a volcanic eruption?

It depends on the current activity of the volcano. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the surrounding areas may close during a volcanic eruption, so it’s important to check the park’s website and local news for updates before visiting. Additionally, it’s important to follow all safety guidelines and listen to the instructions of park rangers or other authorities.

Are there any restaurants or accommodations in Volcano Village?

Yes, there are several restaurants and accommodations in Volcano Village, including bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, and hotels. Many of the restaurants offer locally sourced ingredients and traditional Hawaiian cuisine.

What is the weather like in Volcano Village?

Volcano Village is located at a higher elevation, so it can be cooler and rainier than other areas of the island. The weather can also change quickly, so visitors should bring layers and be prepared for any conditions.

Can visitors see lava in Volcano Village?

Currently, lava is not flowing in the area around Volcano Village, but visitors can see the lava lake inside the Kilauea volcano at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Visitors should check with the park for updates on lava activity and accessibility.

What is the best time of year to visit Volcano Village?

The weather in Volcano Village is relatively consistent throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to mid-70s Fahrenheit. The peak tourist season is from December to March, but visitors can enjoy the village’s natural beauty and attractions year-round.

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Big Island Volcanoes: Everything You Need to Know

Hawaii is famous for many things. Shave ice. Jurassic Park film sets. Forming over millions of years as the result of hotspot volcanism.

Okay, maybe not that last one. But volcanoes? For sure. Hawaii is known for the many active volcanoes across the island chain, formed by the Pacific Plate moving over a hotspot in the Earth’s mantle – an area where magma plumes funnel upward from deeper in the Earth’s mantle, unleashing eruptions and lava flows.

Today, Hawaii is one of the best places on Earth to view volcanoes up close and personal, often as they are actively erupting. This is especially true of the Big Island, the largest and most geologically active spot in the entire island chain.

Want to know more? We’ve got you covered.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Big Island volcanoes so that you can plan an unforgettable trip today!

How Many Volcanoes Are There on the Big Island?

There are six active volcanoes in the Hawaiian chain. Four of these are located on the Big Island: Kilauea , Mauna Loa , Mauna Kea , and Hualalai. Mauna Kea is sometimes labeled dormant since it hasn’t seen an eruption for around four millennia, but others designate it active. (There is a fifth major volcano on the island as well, Kohala, but that one is extinct.)

Off the coast of the Big Island, about 22 miles to the southeast, is another active volcano. Although it used to be called Lō‘ihi Seamount, it now goes by the name Kama‘ehuakanaloa and is completely underwater, submerged more than 3,000 feet beneath the surface. It is the Hawaiian archipelago’s only active submarine volcano at present.

The last active volcano in the island chain is Haleakalā on Maui. While its most recent eruption was somewhere between 400 and 600 years ago, it’s still considered active as well.

Which Big Island Volcanoes Are Most Active?

If you dig lava and eruptions, then Hawaii is a great place to visit. The Big Island has no shortage of volcanic activity, nor any lack of ways to view it. Before we talk about that, though, let’s take a look at the most active volcanoes and how each is currently expressing its fiery nature.

The youngest volcano in the chain except for Kama‘ehuakanaloa, Kīlauea is also the most active. According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), it erupted almost continuously at the vent Pu‘u‘ō‘ō between 1983 and 2018, as well as other vents nearby.

Also on its list of volcanic achievements was a lava lake within the summit’s Halema‘uma‘u crater between 2008 to 2018, after which followed the biggest eruption and summit collapse the volcano had seen in 200 years. Since 2021, Kīlauea has erupted continuously within the same crater.

How much of a volcano’s surface is covered with fresh lava is another measure of how active it is. Today, 90 percent of the surface of Kīlauea is covered with lava that is less than 1,100 years old, which is a mere blip in geological time. Considering the volcano’s age ranges in estimates from 200,000 to 600,000, 1,100 years is nothing!

Mauna Loa is the largest volcano on Earth. On average, it erupts once every 5 years. Since 1843, it has erupted 33 times, so there’s a decent chance your visit will sync up with some activity. However, its eruptions aren’t to be trifled with, so officials will sometimes close the summit during times of “heightened unrest” and earthquake activity, which often predates more serious events.

That said, Mauna Loa is in the same park as Kīlauea, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. You can visit both of them, whether they’re currently showcasing visible activity or not, easily in one day – it is only a 45-minute drive between the two of them.

When Was the Last Big Island Eruption?

This is a question many tourists have, but it’s a little tricky to answer for the simple reason that Kīlauea Volcano is always kind of erupting. Therefore the lava lake in Halemaʻumaʻu crater is always under observation by the USGS.

Both types of lava from this volcano (aa and pahoehoe) are basaltic, however, which means they are smooth and runny and tend not to explode. As such, the caldera is often safe for visitors to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, who can access viewing points via car or on foot.

The last truly devastating eruption on the Big Island was also Kīlauea, back in 2018 . Its significant effects included fissures opening amongst inhabited lands, 60,000 earthquakes of various magnitudes within a several-month period, large lava flows and the loss of more than 700 homes. Yet again, Kīlauea has shown us that every force of nature can be both beautiful and terrible.

Although such a loss of real estate is tragic, the bright side is that such activity makes Kīlauea a very desirable tourist destination. This funnels money into the Big Island’s economy, so never feel bad for wanting to make a stop to see volcanoes in action yourself.

Can You Visit Active Volcanoes?

Every Hawaiian tourist has the same questions: Can you visit volcanoes? Which ones? Can you see lava? How about eruptions? And will you die in the process? The answers to these questions are yes, several of them, yes, yes and no. Happy?

Fine, we’ll fill you in a little bit more. Let’s take a look.

Which Volcanoes Can You Visit?

As discussed above, Mauna Loa and Kīlauea are both located in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park . This gorgeous preserve covers more than 335,000 acres of the Big Island – about 520 square miles. It extends from the Mauna Loa summit out to the sea, and boasts amazing scenery, impressive volcanic landscapes, and flora and fauna of rare types. It is also a good place to visit traditional Hawaiian cultural sites.

Parts of the park are sometimes closed off due to eruptions. The last time was in 2018, when Kīlauea exploded violently, spewed toxic ash into the air, caused earthquakes and broke up roads. The visitor center was closed and the area was cordoned off to protect inhabitants and tourists alike. While we can agree that’s not a good time to be visiting the park, it is, unfortunately a chance you’ll have to take when booking a trip to Hawaii.

Never fear, though! There are plenty of other sights to see while you’re on the Big Island. For instance, you can still visit other volcanoes.

Hualalai is one. Although Hualalai is technically active, its last eruption was centuries ago, so you won’t see any activity there. That doesn’t mean it’s not worth a visit, though! With a summit of 8271 ft, it often attracts climbers and hardcore hikers who want to take in the miles-wide views of the Big Island. If you fit that particular outdoorsy profile, this volcano might prove a good stop!

Mauna Kea is also completely safe from volcanic activity, having rested quietly for the last 4,000 years. It too proves excellent (but challenging) for hiking. The Mauna Kea hike starts at an elevation of 9,000 feet, taking you close to the summit of 13,803 feet. The view from near the top is stunning, but note that you can only get to the true summit with a 4×4.

What’s a Tour Like?

You can see volcanoes in a variety of ways. Driving and hiking are both options for all four of the Big Island’s volcanoes.

Other choices include:

• Boat tours : Many tours exist that will take you along Hawaii’s volcanic shorelines. While you can’t see volcanoes up close, there’s plenty of spectacular volcanism where the lava meets the ocean.
• Helicopter tours : These showcase Hawaiian volcanoes from the air. This is one of the best ways to see the island’s sights without having to exert yourself a lot!
• Guided trips : If you’re looking for a more inclusive experience, guided trips will take you from volcanoes to restaurants to coffee farms and beyond.

If you’re more of a self-reliant traveler, your best bet is to take a look at some of the tour itineraries and then plan the trip yourself. Note that you’ll need to get park passes to visit some of the best volcanic locations.

Volcano Time on the Big Island

Forget island time … we’re on volcano time now, baby, and it’s going to be a bumpy ride.

Well, maybe not that bumpy. After all, Hawaiian tourism is very conservative when it comes to volcanic dangers, and there are plenty of companies whose entire raison d’ être is ensuring you have a safe and enjoyable time.

If one of the above volcanoes has caught your attention, make sure to do a little research about tour companies and book one today. From helicopter rides to boat tours to guided hikes, you can see the volcanoes up close in a variety of ways – but they fill up fast, so don’t wait to stake your spot.

And, of course, if you have questions, you can always let us know. For now, enjoy your island dreaming and mahalo for reading!

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The Ultimate Hawai’i Big Island Travel Guide (2024)

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Volcanoes, stargazing, whale watching, and waterfalls galore will greet you on the Island of Hawai’i . Welcome to the ultimate Big Island travel guide!

The Island of Hawai’i is larger than all the other Hawaiian islands combined and then some. The Big Island has die-hard fans, and I am one of them. The Big Island is for coffee connoisseurs, astronomers, whale watchers, volcanologists, manta ray snorkelers, and travelers who crave a white-sand beach.

Everything you need to know about planning your trip is in the Big Island travel guide .

Here are some quick links to essential planning resources: – Check out the best (and worst) times to visit the Big Island – Pick what part of the island is the best fit for your group – Find the best beaches around the island – We’ve got you covered with 21 Incredible Things to Do on the Big Island

Want to hop around? Use our handy table of contents below to find exactly what you’re looking for.

Big Island Wayfinder Itinerary

Get the big island itinerary.

The step-by-step itinerary takes you to all the best beaches, snorkeling spots, restaurants, and sights. You’ll get six carefully planned excursion days to help you see the can’t miss stops no matter how limited your time is.

Get all the details on our itinerary and download it for a memorable and easily planned trip to Hawai’i (Big Island).

Big Island Travel Guide: Facts

Impress your seatmate on the plane or win trivia night with these facts about the Island of Hawai’i: 

• The Island of Hawai’i has 4 out of the 5 major climate zones in the world and 8 out of 13 sub-zones, following the  Köppen climate  classification scheme. That means the Big Island has deserts to polar tundra to rainforests and in-between. 
• Two of the five shield volcanoes that formed the island are still active. Kilauea and Mauna Loa are active but may not be erupting. Kilauea is the most active, see if it is  erupting here for your trip .  Hawaii’s Volcanoes National Park is worth a visit.
• The next Hawaiian island is forming fifteen miles off the island’s southeast coast. Loʻihi, is erupting 3,000 feet below the surface of the ocean. While it will still be several thousand years before this volcano breaks the sea’s surface, it has already risen more than 10,000 feet from the seafloor and has a crater that measures three miles across.
• Kamehameha the Great , who unified the Hawaiian Islands as one kingdom in 1810, is believed to have been born in the Big Island’s North Kohala area, Waipio Valley. 

• Captain James Cook , who is widely considered to be the first European to set foot on the Hawaiian Islands, was killed at Kona’s Kealakekua Bay in 1779.
• Measured from its seafloor base to its highest peak,  Mauna Kea  is the world’s tallest mountain, taller than Mount Everest, since the base of Mount Everest is above sea level.
• The island is often referred to as the Island of Hawaiʻi, the Big Island, or Hawaiʻi Island to distinguish it from the state.

Big Island Geography

The Big Island is aptly named:  it has 63% of Hawaii’s combined land mass . That means it’s larger than all of the other islands, combined. And, with new volcanic eruptions, the island is getting bigger.  

There are five major volcanoes on the Big Island and six main regions: Kona, Kohala, Hamakua Coast, Hilo, Puna, and Kau. 

Like all of the Hawaiian islands, there are two sides: a leeward side and a windward side. The leeward side of the island is drier and the windward side is wetter. 

Welcome to sunny Kona. The Kona district stretches for most of the leeward side of the island and includes beaches, snorkeling spots, coffee farms , and cultural sights. Here you’ll also find one of the two airports, Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA). It’s one of the most popular areas on the island to stay thanks to airport proximity, activities, and weather. 

Shielded from the winds, you’ll find warm weather, mostly clear skies, and calm, swimmable beaches (here are the  5 Best Kona Beaches ). Into the cooler hillside you can explore the coffee farms that are so prevalent in the area. And enjoy an incredible historic site,  Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park .

Plus, you will find the best snorkeling spot on the island here (in our opinion). 

Check out even more to love about Kona: The 21 Best Things to do in Kona (+ tips to know before you go) Where to Stay in Kona: the 7 Best Hotels and Vacation Rentals Tried & Tested: The 5 Best Manta Ray Night Snorkel (& Dives) in Kona

Kohala 

Just north of Kona on the leeward side of the island is the Kohala Coast, also sometimes referred to as the Gold Coast thanks to the number of five star resorts in this area. It’s also home to some of the best beaches on the island, like Hapuna Beach, with it’s white sand and beautiful blue water. Just note that in the winter, some of these beaches get hit with large currents and waves, making them dangerous for swimming.

Venture further inland and you’ll leave the resorts behind and find another side to the Kohala district, with the cowboy (paniolo) town of Waimea, the charming town of Hawi, and the sacred Pololu Valley. 

Related reads: The 15 Best Things To Do In Waikoloa Kona vs Waikoloa: What’s the Best Place to Stay on the Big Island

Hamakua Coast

Here, you’re off the leeward side of the island and you’re now on the lush, tropical windward side. The Hamakua Coast is famous for its jagged coastline, waterfalls , and stunning scenery. Waipio Valley is also located here, which is known for being the boyhood home of King Kamehameha I. 

The largest town of the windward side, here you’ll find another airport, Hilo International Airport (ITO), serving inter-island airports and some west coast airports. This small city has a great downtown and is also a launching point for many of the spectacular sights in the area, including Volcanoes National Park. Explore our  1-Day Hilo Itinerary for Things to Do and the Best Things to Do in Hilo (+nearby) .

South of Hilo you have the Puna district, an area known for its fertile soil. You’ll find plenty of farms here growing flowers, macadamia nuts, and papayas. You can also visit the lava viewing area of Kalapana, once a historic town before it was partially destroyed by lava. 

This southern region is quiet, but is home to two major attractions: Punalu’u Black Sand Beach and the majority of Volcanoes National Park (including Kilauea Volcano). You’ll also find coffee farms, mac nut farms, and hiking trails. What you won’t find are large hotels, golf courses, or a bustling town. 

What’s the Best Time of Year to Visit the Big Island?

While you may be visiting from a place that has four seasons each year, in Hawaii there are just two: summer (kau) and winter (hooilo). Summer runs from May to October and winter lasts from November to April. 

Luckily, the weather on the Big Island is warm and pleasant year-round, so there’s truly no bad time to visit.  But our favorite months to visit are May and October, because there are fewer visitors, the weather is great, and it’s a little less expensive to travel in this off-peak season period.  

You can find all the details for the best time to visit the Big Island (and the worst), plus our advice on when to visit for whale watching, snorkeling, and the cheapest costs!

While the winter months get a little more rain and might be a little cooler, the weather in Kona stays pretty sunny and warm year-round. It’s a  perfect spot to plan a winter vacation . On the Kohala Coast you’ll find even drier conditions but be prepared for some rough surf in the winter. 

That said, if you plan to visit the windward side in the winter, you are in for cooler temperatures and more rainfall. But that’s what makes that side of the island so lush and beautiful. 

Getting to the Big Island

There are two (two!) airport options for you to choose from on the Big Island. The main airport that serves the most visitors is  Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport  (KOA). The airport is located seven miles northwest of Kailua-Kona and serves inter-island, domestic, and international locations. 

Located on the other side of the island is Hilo International Airport (ITO), which is located two miles east of Hilo. This airport serves inter-island locations as well as some domestic airports on the west coast.

Renting a Car and Getting Around the Big Island

If you’re hoping to see all that the Big Island has to offer, having a car is going to be pretty important. Our favorite recommendation is  Discount Hawaii Rental Car . We use them  any time we island hop  and we’ve saved thousands of dollars by using them over the years. 

While the island is big, you can drive around the island in one day, either using the northern route, the southern route, or by taking the saddle road through the middle of the island. When driving from Kona to Hilo, the northern route will take approximately 2 hours. You can shorten your journey to 1.5 hours by taking the saddle road, however you’ll miss some of the sights on the  Hamakua Heritage corridor .

For the most part, the roads on the Big Island are well paved and easy to navigate with any type of car — no 4 wheel drive required! There are a few spots where having a 4WD car is preferred or required, but you can visit most sights just cruising around with regular wheels. 

If you don’t want to rent a car but you still want to get out and see the sights, a guided tour is a great option. Our favorite tour that will pick you up from your hotel and take you around is the  Big Island Circle Tour .

Where to Stay on the Big Island

Ready to book your stay on the Big Island? There are so many different options: a quaint vacation rental in coffee country, a tiny home on a bed of lava, a five-star resort, or a small boutique hotel. Whatever you’re looking for, the Big Island has something for you.

Should you stay in a hotel or vacation rental?

There’s something for everyone on the island. The Big Island has plenty of five-star resorts, quaint hotels, and unique vacation rentals. But what’s the right spot for you? 

The first choice you’ll need to make is whether you’re looking for a hotel or a vacation rental. There’s no bad choice. Go for a hotel if you’re looking for the traditional resort experience with big pools, nearby beaches, and restaurants within walking distance. Opt for a vacation rental if you want access to a kitchen, are looking for space, or are looking to save money. 

If you’re still not sure what you want to do, we  break down the difference between choosing a hotel and a vacation rental in Hawaii .  

Should you stay in Hilo, Kona, Kohala, or…?

Because you read our geography section (above) you know that the island has a leeward side and a windward side. The leeward side is the drier side and includes Kailua-Kona and the Kohala Coast. These are the most popular places for visitors to stay, but are they the right spots for you? 

Check out our where to stay guide, which walks you through the accommodation options for different areas of the island: from the luxury resorts on the Kohala Coast to the unique options on the windward side. 

Related Articles:

• Where to Stay on the Big Island: an area by area guide
• Hilo vs Kona: picking the right place for you
• Where to Stay in Kona: the 7 Best Hotels and Vacation Rentals
• Where to Stay Directory: Big Island

How Many Days Should You Stay on the Big Island

When you’re planning a trip to the Big Island, your list of things to see will be long. And the more you read about this beautiful island, the more you’ll add to your list of things to do and see. That’s why we recommend spending at least a week on the Big Island. This will give you time to check off some of your top experiences while also enjoying some downtime to relax. 

Most visitors seem to agree with our advice to stay for at least a week: the average number of days a traveler spends on the island is eight. 

Read more about  how many days you should spend on the Big Island .  And don’t miss our  Hawaii packing list   as you’re getting ready to go.

Beaches and Snorkeling Spots on the Big Island

Who doesn’t love a good beach when they’re on vacation? If you’re headed to the Big Island, you’re in luck. There are plenty of beautiful beaches for you to discover. Our favorite beaches include:

1.  Hapuna Beach : If you’re looking for white-sand beaches, this is the spot. One of the best beaches on the island (if not the best), Hapuna Beach offers plenty of soft sand, good swimming conditions in the summer, and plenty of parking. It is what beach vacation dreams are made of.

2.  Kikaua Point Park : This is the best spot for kids (though truthfully we love it as adults as well). This park has a protected cove that makes swimming here easy pretty much year-round. And it’s also surprisingly good for snorkeling. But the limited parking makes it a tough beach to get to.

3.  Punalu’u Black Sand Beach : A must-see beach on your trip to the Big Island, it’s the best black sand beach in the state (in our opinion). But swimming here isn’t so easy, so plan to spend your time on the shore marveling at your beautiful surroundings.

Check out this  list of our favorite Big Island beaches , complete with directions, parking information, and must-know tips.

If you’re coming to snorkel, we’ve got you covered. These are our  favorite snorkeling spots on the island .

The top one, Kealakekua Bay isn’t easily accessible from land so we recommend a  boat tour  or a  kayak trip  out to enjoy it. It’s one of our most memorable experiences in Hawai’i to date.

Remember that while the beaches in Hawaii are beautiful, they are not without risk. Currents, dangerous shore break, and changing ocean conditions make swimming in any ocean dangerous. Practice beach safety by swimming on beaches with lifeguards, obeying lifeguard flags, and when in doubt, don’t go out. This website has more excellent information to help keep you safe. 

Things To Do on the Big Island

The Big Island is full of amazing adventures, stunning natural beauty, and important heritage sites. There’s more to do and see than you can fit into one trip, so prioritizing what you want to experience is important. 

Ready to craft your list of things you can’t miss? Here are a few of our favorite experiences, but you can read the  full list of things you can do activities on the Big Island. 

• For an up-close experience with the ocean’s gentle giants, head out for  night snorkeling or diving with Manta Rays
• Hike in Volcanoes National Park , drive the crater rim, walk through a lava tube, and look into Halema’uma’u Crater
• Dip your toes in the water at a stunning  black sand beach
• Explore  underwater at Kealakekua Bay  — you may get lucky and be greeted by a pod of spinner dolphins
• Visit a coffee farm and sample fresh coffee in Kona’s famed coffee country (these are out favorite coffee farm tours! )

That’s just the tip of the iceberg of the amazing experiences the Big Island offers. To plan your trip, check out our  five  can’t miss experiences on the Big Island .  It’s also home to a ton more farm tours (not just coffee farms) and you can go whale watching in the winter !

And if you’re traveling with kids, don’t miss our  12 things to do in Kona with kids . It has some great ideas that your kids will love.

Want help seeing how to fit all of the best sights into your vacation?  Our Big Island itinerary  was created just for that. The step-by-step itinerary takes you to all the best beaches, snorkeling spots, restaurants, and sights. With the download, you’ll get six carefully planned excursion days to help you see the can’t miss stops no matter how limited your time is.

Get all the details on our itinerary  and download it for a memorable and easily planned trip to the Big Island.

Best Tours and Activities on the Big Island

While we embrace DIY travel, there’s something to be said for a  great  tour on the big island. Not only are you supporting a local business, but you’re getting time with a guide who truly knows the island. Whether they’re teaching you the history of the islands during a canoe tour or they’re educating you on the marine life during a snorkeling trip, a good tour experience can stick with you for years. 

We’ve done the hard work for you by finding the best of the best tours on the island. Here’s a sampling of our favorites to get started,  but don’t forget to check out our full list . 

If you’re visiting the Big Island on a cruise ship, don’t miss the best Big Island shore excursions and our Cruise Travel Guide .

Popular Big Island Videos

Get to know the Big Island and see some of our best recommendations with our most popular Big Island videos.

Or, explore our full library of videos on Hawaii .

Full Library of Big Island Articles

Want to binge-read everything we’ve written on visiting the Big Island? Pour yourself a Mai Tai and browse all Hawai’i Big Island articles here .

The Best Big Island Itinerary

If you’re planning a trip to Hawaii, we’ve got you covered.  Our island itineraries  help you navigate the planning process and make your trip smooth once you’re on-island. Thousands of customers have loved them, whether they were planning for a trip that was a year away or a trip that was a day away.

Thousands of customers have loved them, whether they were planning for a trip that was a year away or a trip that was a day away.

We hope you have an amazing trip!

~Jordan & Erica

Love this guide? Pin it!

I'm the co-founder, with my husband Jordan, of The Hawaii Vacation Guide. We have lived on Maui and Oahu and continue to travel, experience, and learn about the Hawaiian Islands. We travel with our kids, Henry and Edith. I am a planner! I love to plan trips from the mainland and island-hopping adventures, excursion days, and everything in-between. I spend a lot of my time in Hawai'i on a SUP and my favorite time of year in Hawai'i is whale season!

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Why Now is the Best Time to Go to Hawaii's Largest, Most Secluded Island

When is the best time to jet off to the largest of Hawaii’s islands, known for its diverse climates, active volcanoes, and tropical beaches? 

During my travels, I explored every corner of this island for over two weeks at the beginning of December. Although it is considered to be the rainy season, I found it a great time to visit. And there wasn’t even that much rain.

The weather on the Big Island is filled with microclimates as varied as its landscapes, ranging from sunny beaches to windy mountaintops. So, here’s a quick guide to the visitor seasons:

• Peak Season:  March, June to August, and December to January
• Off-peak Season (and Best Months):  April to June, September, October.
• Rainy season:  November to March
• Dry season:  April to October

Now, let’s take a closer look at the seasons, cool events to see, and what the weather is typically like. Whether you’re planning a short getaway to the Big Island or a longer adventure, sunbathing on Green Sand Beach, or watching the lava flow at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park , this is the best time to visit Big Island Hawaii.

Best Time to Visit Big Island

Best time of year to visit.

Compared to the mainland, Hawaii has incredible weather all year round, so you really can’t go wrong any time of the year. But to maximize the sunny days and the fewer people, the best time to go to the Big Island is from April to June and September to November. 

These months fall in the island’s dry season, with mostly sunny weather and fewer crowds. Plus, with the island less packed, you can snag some better deals on accommodations and activities.

Best Time for Good Weather

Come to the island during the dry season between April and October if you’re after that perfect mix of sunny skies and comfortable temperatures. That being said, the temperature throughout the year doesn’t vary too much, and even having gone in the rainy season, I still experienced plenty of sunny days.

However, if you want to avoid the heat and humidity, plan your visit in the winter months between November and March when temperatures are slightly cooler.

Best Time to Avoid Crowds

For fewer crowds, avoid the peak season months when school is out of session and Hawaii becomes a tourist hotbed. This would include spring break, the summer months, and winter holidays. 

The Big Island has relatively less tourism than places like Maui and Oahu. However, these months still see an influx of tourists overall and higher prices for accommodations and activities.

Cheapest Time to Visit

For cheaper accommodation and activities, come during the off-peak months or, at the very least, avoid the school holidays and the summer months. Flights are significantly more expensive, plus hotels can be more than 30% more expensive.

Worst Time to Visit Big Island

If there’s a time you might want to skip the Big Island, it’s during the peak of summer, specifically July and August. These months aren’t just sweltering, but the island gets crowded with families on summer break. Plus, prices for accommodations and flights can skyrocket, making it a less ideal time for travelers looking to make the most of their budget.

Seasons of Big Island

Spring (march to may).

From March through May, the island gradually shakes off the mild chill of winter, with temperatures comfortably sitting between the mid-60s to low 80s Fahrenheit. In the uplands, the cherry blossoms in Waimea draw locals and tourists alike. Down at the beaches, the ocean is tranquil, ideal for snorkeling and swimming, with sea life becoming more active and visible. 

Rainfall is present, but often in short, refreshing bursts. These bursts come with the bonus of colorful rainbows, which are amazing to witness in waterfalls like Rainbow Falls. 

Key Events: 

• Kona Brewers Festival (March) :  This festival at the King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel Luau Grounds in Kailua-Kona features microbreweries from all over delivering their best brews.
• Merrie Monarch Festival (March-April) :  This week-long event follows Easter Sunday and is a huge deal in Hilo. It’s a dance competition celebrating Hawaiian culture, art, and history.
• Big Island Chocolate Festival (April) :  Held at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort, this event is all about chocolate with tastings and cooking demos.

Summer (June to August)

From June through August, the island’s beaches and attractions are bustling with families and adventurers looking to soak up the Hawaiian sun. Temperature-wise, balmy days average between 85°F and 90°F, though the humidity may be overwhelming on some days. 

Go on snorkeling and scuba trips during the summer, as the dolphins and manta rays are very active. On land, the fields and forests are alive with wildlife, and the longer days mean more time for hiking through the volcanic landscapes or lounging on black, green, or white sandy beaches—yes, there are all three colors!

Summer is also festival season. The Kona Marathon, the Annual Cultural Festival, and the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Cultural Festival are opportunities to dance, eat, and laugh with the locals.

Summer does bring crowds. Schools are out, families are vacationing, and everyone wants their slice of paradise, meaning popular spots can get pretty packed. And with the demand, prices for accommodations and activities shoot up, making budgeting a bit more of a challenge.

• King Kamehameha Day Celebration Floral Parade (June):  Streets lined with colorful floats, marching bands, and dancers, all paying homage to King Kamehameha I.
• Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Cultural Festival (July):  Get ready for a day packed with traditional crafts, music, and hula that celebrate the rich culture of Hawai’i.
• Big Island Jazz & Blues Festival (June):  This event brings together some of the biggest names in jazz and blues for a series of concerts.
• Parker Ranch Independence Day Rodeo and Horse Races (July 4th):  This event features traditional rodeo competitions, horse races, and many family-friendly activities. 
• Mango Festival (July):  The Mango Festival celebrates all things mango with cooking demonstrations, tastings, and workshops. Learn about the different varieties of mangoes, their health benefits, and how to incorporate them into your cooking.

Fall ( September to November) 

The pace of life gently slows down in Autumn with vacationers returning to school and their jobs. The island feels more ‘local.’ With the peak tourist season behind them, you’ll find local events, from small-town rodeos to community markets.

Temperature-wise, the mercury returns to the comfortable 70s to low 80s°F, with the humidity dialing back to more crisp, pleasant evenings. The ocean remains invitingly warm, with excellent conditions for swimming, snorkeling, and even catching the early season waves that start to pick up on the island’s surf spots.

The more competitive prices are here. Since fall is considered a ‘shoulder season,’ you’re likely to snag some excellent deals on accommodations and activities.

• Annual Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival – Kona Style (October):  This month-long festival celebrates the music of Hawaii’s unique guitar style.
• Hawaii Food and Wine Festival (October):  This epicurean adventure spans three weekends to munch through the best local cuisine, wine, and cooking talent.
• Ironman World Championship (October):  Witness the pinnacle of human endurance at the Ironman World Championship in Kona.
• Kona Coffee Cultural Festival (November):  Celebrate Kona’s world-famous coffee with nearly 50 events over 10 days, including tastings, farm tours, and barista competitions. 

Winter (December to February) 

Winter on the Big Island brings cooler evenings and the sight of humpback whales breaching off the coast. With temperatures still ranging from mid-60s to low 80s°F, the island remains a warm escape for those fleeing colder climates. 

Lush rainforests receive nourishing rains, while the summit of Mauna Kea may even boast a delicate dusting of snow. Beach days are still a joy, with warmer ocean currents. Surfers also find their paradise, with the winter swells providing some of the year’s best waves. 

Despite being part of the high season due to holiday travelers, the rest of the season sees moderate tourism, and you’re likely to find some off-peak prices on accommodations and activities. 

• Waimea Twilight Christmas Parade (December):  Floats, bands, and dancers light up the night, spreading cheer throughout Waimea.
• Christmas With The Chefs Fundraiser (December):  Local chefs share their talents with delicious dishes, all in support of local culinary students.
• Hawaiʻi International Music Festival (January):  Experience the world through music at this festival that presents artists from around the island.
• Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival (February) :  Waimea turns pink with cherry blossoms, and there’s live music, a Malasada 5K run, and a Spring Festa. It’s a beautiful blend of Japanese and Hawaiian culture.

Big Island Weather By Month

This is a detailed month-by-month analysis of the average high and low temperatures, along with precipitation levels, at Big Island:

Before you Close That Tab…Where to Next in Hawaii?

Hawaii may have been the site of a family vacation when I was twelve, but having gone back for a month as an adult is even better. If you’re looking for other places in Hawaii too, check out these other posts I have on the archipelago.

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Kilauea, active Hawaiian volcano, could erupt like a 'stomp-rocket toy,' new study suggests

Scientists may have found the mechanism behind the unusual explosive eruptions seen at one of the most active volcanoes in the world.

Kilauea, located at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island, experienced at least a dozen instances in 2018 when lava was spewing from the crater like a "stomp-rocket toy," a children's toy that involves launching a rocket into the air after stomping on the release mechanism, according to a paper published Monday in Nature Geosciences .

The unusual eruption behavior likely contributed to the severity of that lava flow that year that destroyed more than 600 properties, Josh Crozier, a geologist at Stanford University and lead researcher of the study, told ABC News.

The eruptions -- sometimes up to 30 feet high -- were atypical because explosive eruptions are typically driven by either rising molten rock -- magma -- or by expanding steam from magma heating underground water. The stomp-rocket toy mechanism geologists believe caused the 2018 eruptions likely stemmed from the collapse of the magma reservoir, which suddenly increased the pressure of gas trapped in the chamber and lead to an explosive eruption.

MORE: This is how heat from a volcano can be used to power an entire town

A combination of seismic and geodetic instruments indicate a large, abrupt inflation of all the ground around the magma reservoir, while infrasound measurements that essentially measure low frequency sounds suggest a drop in air pressure, Crozier said.

"It's really quite different from a typical spectrum of groundwater-driven, magma-driven eruptions," he said.

The findings also may help to explain the formation of atmospheric plumes of hot gas and rock particles erupted by the volcano, the researchers said.

When the plumes are that high, it creates aviation hazards, falling ash and the release of gases, Crozier said.

MORE: Kilauea volcano eruption resumes on Hawaii's Big Island, alert elevated from watch to warning

Abnormal eruptions at Kilauea have been documented as early as the 1920s, which began a series of relatively large explosive eruptions, said Crozier, who conducted the study during his time with the U.S. Geological Survey.

In 2018, the extra explosive activity at the summit helped to drive the heavy outpouring of the magma, Crozier said. The lava then poured along the east rift zone of the volcano, damaging hundreds of homes on its path toward the ocean, he added.

Each time there was a collapse event at the summit, it pushed up the explosive plumes and increased the pressure at the summit magma reservoir, which then increased the rate at which the magma was pushed out, Crozier said.

The stomp-rocket mechanism may not be unique to Kilauea and may have also occurred eruptions at other volcanoes around in the world, several of which have occurred in the past century, according to the study.

MORE: Hawaii's Big Island abuzz over simultaneous eruptions at Mauna Loa and Kilauea

Similar eruptions at Kilauea could occur in the future, but it would be "highly unlikely" in the next decade, Crozier said.

"Importantly, they can happen in potentially conditions where you wouldn't otherwise necessarily expect an explosive eruption to come out of the volcano summit," Crozier said of the unique mechanism. "So it's certainly something to be aware of is a possibility in these volcanoes."

Understanding the dynamics of plume formation, especially those that contain hot gas and rock particles that can be hazards to human health, are important to forecast to residents living nearby, the researchers said.

MORE: Kilauea volcano in Hawaii has destroyed at least 600 homes: Officials

Kilauea, active Hawaiian volcano, could erupt like a 'stomp-rocket toy,' new study suggests originally appeared on abcnews.go.com

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Hawaii’s Big Island warned to be ready as huge volcano rumbles

HONOLULU — Hawaii officials are warning residents of the Big Island that the world’s largest active volcano, Mauna Loa, is sending signals that it may erupt.

Scientists say an eruption isn’t imminent, but they are on alert because of a recent spike in earthquakes at the volcano’s summit. Experts say it would take just a few hours for lava to reach homes closest to vents on the volcano, which last erupted in 1984.

Hawaii’s civil defense agency is holding meetings across the island to educate residents about how to prepare for a possible emergency. They recommend having a ″go″ bag with food, identifying a place to stay once they leave home and making a plan for reuniting with family members.

“Not to panic everybody, but they have to be aware of that you live on the slopes of Mauna Loa. There’s a potential for some kind of lava disaster,” said Talmadge Magno, the administrator for Hawaii County Civil Defense.

The volcano makes up 51% of the Hawaii Island landmass, so a large portion of the island has the potential to be affected by an eruption, Magno said.

There’s been a surge of development on the Big Island in recent decades — its population has more than doubled to 200,000 today from 92,000 in 1980 — and many newer residents weren’t around when Mauna Loa last erupted 38 years ago. All the more reason why Magno said officials are spreading the word about the science of the volcano and urging people to be prepared.

Mauna Loa, rising 13,679 feet (4,169 meters) above sea level, is the much larger neighbor to Kilauea volcano, which erupted in a residential neighborhood and destroyed 700 homes in 2018. Some of its slopes are much steeper than Kilauea’s so when it erupts, its lava can flow much faster.

During a 1950 eruption, the mountain’s lava traveled 15 miles (24 kilometers) to the ocean in less than three hours.

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, which is part of the U.S. Geological Survey, said Mauna Loa has been in  a state of “heightened unrest”  since the middle of last month when the number of summit earthquakes jumped from 10 to 20 per day to 40 to 50 per day.

Scientists believe more earthquakes are occurring because more magma is flowing into Mauna Loa’s summit reservoir system from the hot spot under the earth’s surface that feeds molten rock to  Hawaii’s volcanoes .

The temblors have declined in frequency in recent days but could rise again.

More than 220 people attended a community meeting last weekend that county civil defense officials held in Ocean View, a neighborhood that lava could reach in hours if molten rock erupts through vents on Mauna Loa’s southwest flank.

Bob Werner, an Ocean View resident who didn’t attend the meeting, said it’s wise to be aware of a possible eruption but not to fear it. He’s not concerned that the neighborhood would be completely cut off, if lava flows across the only road connecting it to the bigger towns of Kailua-Kona and Hilo, where many people do their shopping.

The “greater concern is it will be extremely annoying to drive an extra hour or two hours to get the same stuff,” he said.

Ryan Williams, the owner of the Margarita Village bar in Hilo, said the volcanic unrest wasn’t worrying customers who are used to warnings.

There could still be a heightened sense of urgency since officials have been holding town hall meetings, urging people to prepare.

“But everything I’ve read or heard, they trying to kind of assure people that conditions have not changed,” Williams said. “There’s no imminent eruption, but just to be alert.”

Magno said his agency is talking to residents now because communities closest to vents likely wouldn’t have enough time to learn how to respond and prepare once the observatory raises its alert level to “watch,” which means an eruption is imminent.

The current alert level is “advisory” meaning the volcano is showing signs of unrest yet there’s no indication an eruption is likely or certain.

Residents in other parts of the island would have more time to react.

Lava from Mauna Loa’s northeast flank could take days or weeks to reach residential communities. That’s because the mountain’s slopes on that side are relatively gentle and because towns are farther from volcanic vents.

Frank Trusdell, research geologist at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, said all of Mauna Loa’s eruptions in recorded history have started in its summit crater. About half of them stayed there, while the other half later spewed lava from vents lower down the mountain.

Lava erupting from the summit generally doesn’t travel far enough to reach residential areas.

Mauna Loa has erupted 33 times since 1843. It last erupted in 1984 when lava flowed down its eastern flank only to stop 4.5 miles (7.2 kilometers) short of Hilo, the Big Island’s most populous town.

Molten rock flows from Mauna Loa, located on the south-central part of the island of Hawaii, on April 4, 1984. (AP Photo/File)

Mauna Loa also has a history of disgorging huge volumes of lava.

In the 1950 eruption, which lasted for 23 days, Mauna Loa released 1,000 cubic meters (1,307 cubic yards) of lava per second. In contrast, Kilauea released 300 cubic meters (392 cubic yards) per second in 2018.

The earthquakes could continue for a while before any eruption: increased seismic activity lasted for a year before a 1975 eruption and a year-and-a-half before the 1984 one. Alternatively, the temblors could subside and Mauna Loa may not erupt this time.

Trusdell said residents should look at his agency’s maps and learn how quickly lava may show up in their neighborhood. He also urged people living in one of the short-notice areas to pay attention if the summit turns red.

“All you got to do is look up there and see the glow. You grab your stuff, throw it in the car and drive. Go!” he said.

They can always go home after if the lava ultimately doesn’t flow into their neighborhood, he said.

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Volcano Erupts in Iceland, Spewing Lava 150 Feet Into the Air

Guests staying at the Blue Lagoon spa and surrounding hotels were ordered to evacuate hours before the eruption occurred.

By Egill Bjarnason

Reporting from Husavik, Iceland

A volcano in southwestern Iceland erupted on Wednesday for the fifth time since December, cracking the Sundhnjukar mountain ridge open with spectacular force and sending lava spewing 150 feet into the air.

The meteorological office said it received indications of a possible eruption about two hours before it occurred at 1 p.m. local time in Grindavik, prompting the civil defense agency to immediately urge guests at the Blue Lagoon — the geothermal spa that is one of Iceland’s most popular tourist destinations — to evacuate.

“Evacuate, Evacuate!” read a text message sent to the nearly 800 guests staying at the Blue Lagoon and surrounding hotels. Civil defense sirens installed in February rang out as visitors scrambled to leave.

Within minutes of the eruption, drivers traveling the highway to Keflavik Airport posted pictures of the nearly two-mile-long fissure at Sundhnjukar. A large column of smoke was visible from Reykjavik, the capital.

Helga Arnadottir, a spokeswoman, said that this was the fifth evacuation order since the volcano first roared back to life last year. The evacuation went as “smoothly as the ones before,” Ms. Arnadottir added. Hotel guests took about half an hour to evacuate, she said.

Another 300 people had to move from Grindavik, a fishing town that has largely been abandoned since January after lava and earthquakes from previous eruptions destroyed parts of it. The government has offered to buy all residential homes in Grindavik to allow residents to resettle elsewhere. Nearly all property owners in the area have opted to sell.

Iceland’s tourism board urged people not to try to get close to the eruption and was quick to note that the country remained a safe destination. The island nation’s economy relies heavily on tourism; airlines and travel agencies have reported a drop in sales since the eruptions began in December. Keflavik Airport reported no disruptions to flights on Wednesday.

While the eruption occurred with little notice, scientists had predicted that another volcanic event would happen after the last eruption three weeks ago.

Magnus Gudmundsson, who was among the first volcanologists to fly over the site, told The New York Times that the fissure at Sundhnjukar appeared to have grown. By Wednesday evening, lava had reached the barriers surrounding Grindavik that had been put in place to redirect the flow away from the town.

“We watched the fissure widen and a heavy stream of lava running south” toward Grindavik, Mr. Gudmundsson said. Parts of the main road were destroyed. The volcano has already produced 2.1 square miles of lava, Mr. Gudmundsson added, “a good amount.”

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Top 5 Things to Do in Volcano

Volcano town things to do on hawaii's big island.

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Volcano Things To Do

Things to do near volcano town on big island.

Volcano is a small village in the southeast region of the Big Island , located in the heart of lush and exciting landscapes blanketed in flowers, ferns, and trees. The tropical location is home to many networks of walking trails. It’s the perfect paradise for hikers and nature enthusiasts who want to explore the landscape of Hawaii. In stark contrast to the lush green environment are the lava fields and rocks that are a result of the famous active volcanoes in the area.

— article continued below —

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Volcano itself is also dotted with charm, thanks to the picturesque cottages throughout the cozy village. You’ll find bed and breakfasts, restaurants, art centers, and, of course, the spirit of aloha throughout the charming lush area of Kilauea where the village of Volcano exists!

Volcano is aptly named for the village’s proximity to the two largest volcanoes in Hawaii. Volcano is right next to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park , drawing many international visitors to the stunning sights of the active volcanoes. The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site, which was officially designated in 1987. The area is also home to an International Biosphere Reserve and was established as such in 1980.

Directions to Volcano

Most visitors who begin their trip in Volcano and surrounding areas arrive at the Hilo International Airport and drive approximately 40 minutes south on the Hawaii Belt Road (Highway 11). The village is also located 2.5 hours from Kailua-Kona if you’re driving along the Hawaii Belt Road. Since the village is located conveniently along the Hawaii Belt Road, many visitors to the Big Island can add the destination to their adventure itinerary. You can stop at a variety of attractions and explore the vast National Park over a few days to truly experience the area.

The village of Volcano is often referred to as an artist community. It is a popular and beautiful place for artists to create locally inspired pieces of art, including glass, paintings, and ceramics. The relaxed atmosphere of Volcano is the perfect environment for artists who are looking to work on their craft. But it is also a great way to unwind and escape the noise, crowds, and traffic for a truly relaxing leg of your trip.

While visiting Volcano, keep an eye out for purple flowers that are beginning to cover the green landscapes in the area. This purple flower is called Glory Bush, which, despite being a beautiful, vibrant color, is actually a weed that is beginning to overtake many of the natural vegetation in the area.

Volcano experiences a large amount of rain throughout the year and doesn’t experience the extreme heat that many visitors may expect from Hawaii. The village receives over 150 inches of rain per year, but luckily, the destination also experiences a large amount of sunshine, even when it is raining. The moderate temperature in the area ranges from an average of 75 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer to 65 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter.

Akatsuka Orchid Gardens

The warm, humid climate throughout the Big Island has allowed the Akatsuka Orchid Gardens to blossom into a stunning center for orchids. You can purchase flowers or experience the farm through a tour and tasting. Take a guided tour through the Orchid Maze and greenhouse growing facility, and sample the garden’s signature Poha berry ice cream.

Akatsuka Orchid Gardens is located just before the meeting of the Hawaii Belt Road and Kahaualea Road. From the center of Volcano, head southwest on Laukapu Avenue toward Kekoa Nui Boulevard, then turn right onto Wright Road and left into Hawaii Belt Road.

Volcano Winery's grapevines. Photo provided from Volcano Winery.

Volcano Winery

Experience local wine that is inspired by the lush and volcanic landscape of the Big Island. Taste a wide selection of wines from Symphony Dry Wine to Volcano Blush, which are made uniquely by blending traditional wine grapes with tropical, locally grown fruits like yellow guava and jaboticaba berry. Sip on playful flavors in the laid-back atmosphere of Volcano Winery!

To visit Volcano Winery, head southwest on the Hawaii Belt Road from the center of Volcano for 3.7 miles, turning right onto Piimauna Drive. After a left turn, you will be at your destination and ready to sip on Hawaiian wine.

Nahuku Thurston Lava Tubes

Hundreds of years old, the Nahuku Thurston Lava Tubes are an extraordinary way to discover the magnificent force of lava! Learn how the tubes were naturally created by lava flowing from the heart of the volcano to the ocean.

Experience the site through carefully lit caves during the day or natural darkness at night. If you’re heading to the caves from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 a.m., bring headlamps for a true exploration!

To visit, head southwest on Hawaii Belt Road, turn left onto Crater Rim Drive, and then left twice to stay on Crater Rim Drive. The destination will be on the left. 

Volcano National Park

Volcano National Park is a must-see on the Big Island, where you can be reminded of the jaw-dropping force of volcanic activity. Kilauea and Mauna Loa, both in the park, are two of the world’s most active volcanoes and continue to add to the Big Island. Over 70 million years of volcanism is shown throughout the park. It’s all there for you to discover through tour guides, special presentations, and hikes!

To visit Volcano National Park, head southwest on Hawaii Belt Road and turn left onto Crater Rim Drive, where you will be greeted at the Entrance Station. Arrive by 10:00 a.m. to grab a parking spot!

Cooper Center

The Cooper Center is the community center for the village of Volcano, which offers bountiful displays of fresh tropical fruits and vegetables at the farmer’s market every Sunday. After grabbing some fresh papaya, browse the market’s many Volcano artists who make everything from jewelry to clothing to locally inspired art.

The Farmer’s Market is also a great spot for a casual and local breakfast or lunch. Various vendors at the market offer sandwiches, baked goods, and coffee beverages, so you can start your day off right!

Cooper Center is found just southeast of the intersection of Wright Road and Kilauea Road, right in the heart of Volcano.

Visit Volcano for a truly unique vacation!

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Photos: Iceland volcano starts erupting again, spewing lava into the sky

GRINDAVIK, Iceland (AP) — A volcano in southwestern Iceland erupted Wednesday for the fifth time since December, spewing red streams of lava in the latest display of nature’s power and triggering the evacuation of the popular Blue Lagoon geothermal spa.

The eruption began in the early afternoon following a series of earthquakes north of Grindavik, a coastal town of 3,800 people that was largely evacuated in December when the volcano erupted.

The Icelandic Meteorological Office said lava was shooting about 165 feet into the sky from a fissure about 1.5 miles long and flowing toward Grindavik.

Grindavik, which is about 30 miles southwest of Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik, has been threatened since a swarm of earthquakes in November forced an evacuation in advance of the the initial Dec. 18 eruption. A subsequent eruption overwhelmed some defensive walls and consumed several buildings.

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The area is part of the Svartsengi volcanic system that was dormant for nearly 800 years before reawakening.

The volcano erupted again in February and March. The Feb. 8 eruption engulfed a pipeline, cutting off heat and hot water to thousands of people.

Iceland, which sits above a volcanic hot spot in the North Atlantic, sees regular eruptions and is experienced at dealing with them. The most disruptive in recent times was the 2010 eruption of the Eyjafjallajokull volcano, which spewed huge clouds of ash into the atmosphere and led to widespread airspace closures over Europe.

The latest eruption was unlikely to pose a risk to air travel, national broadcaster RUV quoted Guðjón Helgason, press officer with airport operator ISAVIA, as saying.