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Volcano Updates

The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory issues Volcano Updates for Kīlauea as activity warrants.

Volcano Notification Service

Volcano updates archive.

HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY DAILY UPDATE U.S. Geological Survey Saturday, September 7, 2024, 8:43 AM HST (Saturday, September 7, 2024, 18:43 UTC)

Activity Summary: Kīlauea is not erupting. Earthquake activity remains elevated in Kīlauea’s upper East Rift Zone (UERZ). Changes in the character and location of unrest can occur quickly, as can the potential for eruption, but there are no signs of imminent eruption at this time. There are no significant changes in activity in the lower East Rift Zone and Southwest Rift Zone. 

Summit Observations: Approximately 23 earthquakes were detected beneath Kaluapele (Kīlauea’s summit caldera) over the past 24 hours at depths of 1–3 km (0.6–1.9 mi) below the ground surface, most with magnitudes of less than M2.0. Rates of deformation at the summit remained relatively low, with slightly fluctuating tilt at summit tiltmeters over the past day. An overall gradual inflationary trend has been measured by GPS instruments around the summit region in recent months. The most recent measurement of the summit's SO 2 emission rate was approximately 75 tonnes per day on August 20, 2024. 

Rift Zone Observations: Over the past 24 hours, there have been approximately 42 earthquakes beneath Kīlauea’s UERZ region, extending from Puhimau Crater southeast to Maunaulu, an decrease from yesterday. Most earthquakes have been smaller than M2.0. Events have remained at depths of 1–3 km (0.6–1.8 miles) beneath the surface. Currently, deformation remains stable over the past 24 hours.

Activity in the middle East Rift Zone (MERZ) remains low. There were no significant changes in the POC tiltmeter over the past day. GPS instruments have recorded overall inflation in the region over the past month.  

Measurements from continuous gas monitoring stations downwind of Puʻuʻōʻō in the middle East Rift Zone—the site of 1983–2018 eruptive activity—remain below detection limits for SO 2 , indicating that SO 2 emissions from this area are negligible. 

At this time, there is no evidence of elevated seismicity or ground deformation beneath the lower East Rift Zone, and Southwest Rift Zone activity remains low. Current activity is restricted to the summit and upper East Rift Zone region.  

Analysis: Recent UERZ unrest may represent pulses of magma being supplied to the UERZ. An intrusive event occurred near Pauahi Crater over July 22–25, 2024, and another intrusive event happened near the same vicinity on August 20, 2024 . Currently, the MERZ has not shown signs of increased unrest; however, magma has recently re-established a path to Kīlauea’s MERZ . Unrest could potentially extend to the MERZ with continued magma supply.   

A reference map of the UERZ is available here: https://www.usgs.gov/media/images/kilauea-upper-east-rift-zone-reference-map    

A reference map of the MERZ is available here: https://www.usgs.gov/maps/kilauea-middle-east-rift-zone-reference-map   

For more information about the meaning of volcano alert levels and aviation color codes, see https://www.usgs.gov/programs/VHP/volcanic-alert-levels-characterize-conditions-us-volcanoes .  

Updates: The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory is watching the situation closely and is in close contact with Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Additional messages will be issued as needed. Currently, there are no signs of an imminent eruption; however, conditions could change quickly.  

The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) will continue to provide daily updates for Kīlauea volcano. Should volcanic activity change significantly, a Volcanic Activity Notice will be issued. HVO is in close contact with Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park website will have information about any temporary closures: https://www.nps.gov/havo/learn/news/newsreleases.htm   

Recent Eruption Information: Kīlauea erupted briefly on June 3, 2024, southwest of the summit region within a closed area of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. For more information about this eruption, see this webpage: https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/science/june-2024-kilauea-southwest-rift-zone-eruption . 

Hazards: Shallow magma movement can produce minor to severe ground fractures and subsidence features, which can affect the landscape, human activity, and infrastructure. These ground cracks can continue to widen and offset as magma migration continues, may have unstable overhanging edges, and should be avoided.  

Hazards remain around Kīlauea caldera from Halemaʻumaʻu crater wall instability, ground cracking, and rockfalls that can be enhanced by earthquakes within the area closed to the public. This underscores the extremely hazardous nature of the rim surrounding Halemaʻumaʻu crater, an area that has been closed to the public since early 2008. 

Near the recent Southwest Rift Zone eruption site, minor to severe ground fractures and subsidence features may continue to widen and offset, may have unstable overhanging edges, and should be avoided. Hazards associated with the recent lava flows include glassy (sharp) surfaces that can cause serious abrasions, and lacerations upon contact with unprotected or exposed skin; uneven and rough terrain that can lead to falls and other injuries; or, locally elevated levels of volcanic gases that can lead to breathing difficulty. 

For discussion of Kīlauea hazards, please see: https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/hawaiian-volcano-observatory/hazards . 

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) continues to closely monitor Kīlauea Volcano. 

Please see the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park website for visitor information: https://www.nps.gov/havo/index.htm . 

More Information:

• Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park visitor information:  https://www.nps.gov/havo/index.htm
• Kīlauea activity summary also available by phone: (808) 967-8862
• Kīlauea webcam images: https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/webcams
• Kīlauea photos/video: https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/photo-and-video-chronology
• Kīlauea lava-flow maps: https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/maps
• Kīlauea FAQs: https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/faqs
• Kīlauea hazards discussion:  https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/hawaiian-volcano-observatory/hazards

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory is one of five volcano observatories within the U.S. Geological Survey and is responsible for monitoring volcanoes and earthquakes in Hawaiʻi and American Samoa.

[email protected]

Subscribe to these messages: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/vns2/ Summary of volcanic hazards from eruptions: https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/hvo/hazards Recent earthquakes in Hawaiʻi (map and list): https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/hvo Explanation of Volcano Alert Levels and Aviation Color Codes: https://www.usgs.gov/programs/VHP/volcanic-alert-levels-characterize-conditions-us-volcanoes

Mauna Loa eruption in Hawaii: How to stay safe while visiting volcanoes

Professor, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, York University, Canada

Disclosure statement

Ali Asgary does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

York University provides funding as a member of The Conversation CA.

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On Nov. 27, the Big Island of Hawaii’s Mauna Loa volcano — the largest active volcano in the world — erupted for the first time in 38 years . This eruption was very special because Mauna Loa historically erupts very frequently, every six years on average.

As the director of CIFAL York , Canada’s first hub for the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) , I recently attended the global CIFAL directors’ meeting in Honolulu, Hawaii organized by UNITAR and CIFAL Honolulu.

As a disaster and emergency management professor with research interest in volcanoes, I had planned to tour the Big Island, which is home to some of the most active volcanoes in the world , including Kilauea, Hualalai, Kohala and Mauna Loa. To my amazement, my visit coincided with Mauna Loa’s eruption .

It took me two attempts to finally get a glimpse of the eruption. My first attempt on Dec. 3 was thwarted because of low visibility, caused by clouds covering the volcano, and a lack of parking availability on side roads. Some of the side roads were temporarily converted to one-way streets to divert traffic away from the busy, but orderly, main highway near the volcano summit.

My second attempt was successful. I departed from my hotel in the town of Hilo at 2 a.m. and arrived at the nearest open side road, as close to the eruption site as possible. The sky was clear, and the beautiful and glowing reddish volcano plumes were visible as far as Hilo.

Hazard tourism

The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and volcanic eruptions attract many tourists , including scientists, nature photographers and the public, from all over the world. Some of the recorded human impacts of volcanic eruptions in the Big Island are attributed to hazard tourism .

Hazard tourism refers to touristic activities that occur near historical or existing natural or technological hazard sites, or disaster-impacted areas. Volcano tourism is one of the most popular types of hazard tourism and involves the observation, photography and study of active volcanoes and their geological and natural phenomena.

Read more: Where Mauna Loa’s lava is coming from – and why Hawaii’s volcanoes are different from most

Volcanic eruptions can either be explosive or effusive . Unlike explosive volcanoes that shoot ash and magma up into the atmosphere, most Hawaiian eruptions — including the Mauna Loa — are known for their nonexplosive and effusive nature . This means they have less direct human impacts in the form of injuries and fatalities.

During their eruptions, effusive volcanic eruptions create large volumes of lava that flow slowly downhill into the surrounding environment. These flows can damage vegetation, infrastructure such as roads, and properties.

While Hawaiian volcanoes do not produce ash, they produce a huge amount of volcanic smog, also known as vog . It contains sulphur dioxide, which can cause fatal health risks to humans, especially for those with respiratory illnesses.

Safety procedures

My visit happened during low season, but seeing as we are approaching the holiday spike, more people are expected to visit Hawaii in the coming days — the Big Island in particular. Managing visitors will be a significant task for authorities.

When volcanic eruptions happen, emergency managers have an additional task of managing hazard tourism. These include managing the tourist crowds trying to get as close as possible to the eruption sites.

To reduce the risks to visitors, authorities in the Big Island implement several measures when eruptions happen. These measures include restricting parking on certain segments of nearby highways, closing roads and trails that are subject to lava flow and other volcanic hazards, providing information to visitors, and continuous monitoring of the eruption activities.

The main goal for authorities is allowing visitors to watch volcanic activity safely. While this requires planning from the local and state authorities in Hawaii, it also requires close co-operation and attention of visitors to safety procedures and high levels of preparedness.

How visitors can be prepared

It is very important for tourists to properly prepare for excursions to see volcanic eruptions. Visitors should allocate sufficient time for their visit and expect delays, depending on how busy the roads and the sites are.

Tourists should understand and follow the traffic and all safety guidelines and roles throughout their visits. They should wear adequate footwear for rough grounds, clothing for chilly and windy weather at night, and carry emergency kits including flashlights for when it gets dark.

Visiting natural hazard sites poses risks to visitors. Some of these hazards are visible, like vog, and some invisible, like cooled lava tubes that can collapse when walked on, or invisible but toxic gases .

Studies show that, unfortunately, most people visiting such sites are not properly prepared . Watching this amazing and spectacular natural phenomenon will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many people, but visitors should understand the potential risks of exposure to volcanic hazards and prepare themselves for visiting such sites.

• Volcanic eruptions
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Kilauea Erupts in Hawaii With ‘Incandescent’ Glow

The volcano on the Big Island gave hints in the past month that an eruption might be imminent.

By Remy Tumin

Kilauea, the youngest and most active volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii, erupted early Wednesday morning, officials said, sending fountains of lava spewing skyward before pooling and spreading across its summit.

The U.S. Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory detected a glow in the web camera of the Kilauea summit and said the volcano began erupting around 4:44 a.m. local time. Less than an hour later, the lava created a brilliant black-and-orange web across the crater’s floor. As dawn broke, a livestream showed lava still bubbling but its surface beginning to harden.

“The spreading across the floor of the crater was just totally incandescent,” Ken Hon, the scientist in charge of the observatory, said in an interview. “The fountaining and everything is pretty incredible.”

In a statement, the observatory said it was elevating Kilauea’s volcano alert level to a watch from a warning, and its aviation color code to red from orange “as this eruption and associated hazards are evaluated,” adding that “the opening phases of eruptions are dynamic.”

The observatory said that the volcano activity was confined to Halemaʻumaʻu, the volcano’s main crater, and that there were no major threats to infrastructure or human life. Dr. Hon said the only threat was the gas fumes coming off the volcano.

The eruption wasn’t caught only on web cameras. A National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration satellite captured the eruption as heat, ash and sulfur dioxide were suddenly released into the atmosphere.

Kilauea first formed underwater roughly 280,000 years ago, according to the National Park Service , and it is considered to be a fairly typical shield volcano, named for its gentle slopes that resemble a shield lying on the ground.

Kilauea is the smaller, younger sibling to Mauna Loa, the world’s largest active volcano, which began erupting last year for the first time in four decades but stopped in December. There has been “no significant activity” at Mauna Loa in the past month, the observatory said.

Kilauea erupted almost continuously from 1983 to 2018, when it set off the most destructive eruption of its recorded history . Dr. Hon said Kilauea “has been kind of relaxed” since its 2018 eruption, when “so much lava was lost from the summit.”

It became active again in 2020, and Wednesday’s summit eruption was Kilauea’s fourth in three years. The first lasted from December 2020 through May 2021, the second from September 2021 to December 2022, and the most recent began in January and lasted through the beginning of March.

The eruptions started “rather abruptly,” Dr. Hon said, sometimes with only an hour’s notice. But over the past month, Kilauea began to send some clues.

First, the angle of the volcano began to swell “quite dramatically,” Dr. Hon said. Then, earthquake activity began to pick up. But that was not enough to signal that an eruption was imminent.

On Tuesday night, the earthquakes increased and the swelling grew. Around 3:30 a.m., the observatory recorded a 3.5-magnitude earthquake and “then a rapid fire” of low- and high-frequency quakes, Dr. Hon said, adding that scientists typically interpreted that to mean that magma was cracking its way to the surface.

In the years since the 2018 eruption, the volcano “needed to be pumped back up,” he said, adding that “the first place that happens is in the summit.”

Dr. Hon said it was too soon to say how long this eruption would last, but because there was a “good four months’” worth of lava storage, “that could keep the system going and open for quite a while.”

An earlier version of this article misstated that some areas of Hawaii Volcano National Park were closed because of the eruption. According to the National Park Service, a small section of a trail beneath the plume of hazardous volcano gas has either been closed since 2008 or was destroyed during a summit collapse in 2018, and the rest of the Crater Rim Trail remains open.

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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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Hawaii Eruption Information

Big island lava viewing guide - where is the lava located in hawaii volcanoes national park.

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Where is the Lava?

Hawaii eruption tracker & updates, kilauea volcano was previously erupting, last updated:  june 3, 2024.

If you're heading to Hawaii's Big Island, then one of the first questions you may have is, 'Where is the lava? I want to see lava! Wait, or is it magma?' First, yes, typically, it's lava you're looking for - lava is anything that's erupted from the volcano (to the surface), and it comes in two flavors, Pahoehoe and A`a. You can read more about the two lava types on our  Hawaii Geology  page. If it's still within the volcano, it's known as magma.

The top photo above is a USGS photo of the previous Kilauea Eruption.

Kilauea Eruption Updates

Last eruption activity: june 2024, lava had returned to hvnp.

• See our ' What's Happening on Kilauea Now ' section for current information on the Kilauea eruption.

Big Island Lava Flow

Locating the Lava Flows

Now, to answer the question of ' where .' Well, the answer to that question depends on the mood of Pele (the Hawaiian Volcano Goddess). And Madame Pele is very unpredictable.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park  is open 24 hours a day, so your chance to see glowing lava (from near or far) is pretty good when the volcano is actively erupting (it's periodically erupting only at the summit in Halemaumau currently), especially when it's dark. Just look for the red glow. As always, the Park Rangers at the entry station are your best guide to current conditions - we advise all visitors to check in with them before exploring the park. 

Ultimately, in our opinion, even if you don't get to see any flowing lava in person, which you might not at times, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the Big Island are well worth the time. 

Kilauea & Volcanoes National Park Lava Viewing Guide

• What's Happening Now at Kilauea
• June 2024 Eruption
• September 2023 Eruption
• June 2023 Eruption
• January - March 2023 Eruption
• 2021-2022 Eruption Details
• 2020-2021 Eruption Summary
• 2019 Lava Lake Development
• 2018 Eruption Summary
• Circa 2018 Noteworthy Eruptions
• Mauna Loa Eruption Updates  - after 38 years, Mauna Loa erupted in late 2022
• Hike to the lava yourself
• Or check our recommendations for Guided Kilauea Tours
• Helicopter tours over the volcano
• Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Maps

Separately, don't forget to review our Hawaii Safety Guide for the Volcano Area (and other important Hawaii safety tips).

Kilauea previous Summit Eruption

What's Happening Now at Kilauea?

Periodic kilauea eruption; volcano is currently not erupting.

Kilauea volcano, on the Big Island of Hawai i, is currently erupting. Current conditions are additionally included below.

Kilauea Eruption Timeline

Kīlauea volcano is erupting. A new eruption began at approximately 12:30 a.m. HST on Monday, June 3, likely about a mile (1-2 km) south of Kīlauea caldera and north of the Koa'e fault system and Hilina Pali Road, within Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.

The current eruption is taking place in a remote location within the national park, is low in eruptive volume, and does not pose an immediate threat to human life or critical infrastructure.

The eruption that began southwest of Kīlauea’s summit at approximately 12:30 a.m. HST this morning, June 3, has paused. However, activity in this region remains dynamic and could change quickly. 

More information and a timeline of Kilauea's historical events   (including the current eruption, when applicable) are included below.

USGS Map depicting eruption location

Current Kilauea Conditions Summary *

Below, we'll post additional updates on eruption activity where you can additionally read about all of Kilauea's recent eruption events .

Activity Summary: Current conditions, updated daily, can be found on the USGS site .

HVNP Status & Closures: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park site

*Activity Summary, Summit Observations, and Lava Lake Observations courtesy of the USGS and/or  NPS

Halemaumau as seen from Keanakako'i Overlook in late August 2022

Follow HVNP for additional updates

This situation is rapidly evolving and the Hawaii Volcanoes Observatory will continue to issue statements when more information is available to the public. For now, you can receive ongoing eruption updates by following the social media accounts of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park ( Facebook ,  Instagram , and Twitter ).

• View the live cameras located at the Kilauea summit.
• Additional updates can be found on the Hawaii Volcanoes National park website .
• Animated GIF of the latest webcam footage from the current eruption

Additional video footage and imagery, of the current eruption at Halemaumau Crater in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, can be found below.

Big Island Volcano Tour Suggestions

Noteworthy events at kilauea volcano, click any link below to learn more....

• June 2024  Eruption - A new eruption began north of the Koa'e fault system and Hilina Pali Road
• September 2023 Eruption - Fountains of lava return to the summit crater
• June 2023 Eruption - Lava returned to Halemaumau crater
• January - March 2023  Eruption - Eruption activity resumed within Halemaumau
• 2021-2022 Eruption - additional summit activity in Halemaumau
• 2020-2021 Eruption - Lava returned to Halemaumau
• 2019 Eruption  -  Lava Lake Developed in Halemaumau Crater
• 2018 Eruption  - Significant event in the East Rift Zone
• Previous Historic Eruptions

This section will be updated accordingly.

Eruption resumes in HVNP

June 2024 eruption.

A new Kilauea eruption began at approximately 12:30 a.m. HST on Monday, June 3, likely about a mile (1-2 km) south of Kilauea caldera and north of the Koa'e fault system and Hilina Pali Road, within Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.

Glow was visible in webcam imagery, indicating that lava was erupting from fissures. The most recent eruption in this region was during December 1974, which lasted only about 6 hours.

The eruption took place in a remote location within the national park, was low in eruptive volume, and did not pose an immediate threat to human life or critical infrastructure.

The eruption occurred approximately 3 km (2 miles) southwest of Kaluapele (Kilauea caldera) within Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. That eruption lasted less than 9 hours and generated small lava flows that covered about one third of a square mile (one half of a square kilometer).

We will continue to post updates above , on this page as eruption(s) continue.

Eruption temporarily resumes in Halemaumau Crater

September 2023 eruption.

At approximately 3:15 p.m. HST on September 10, 2023, the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory observed eruptive activity in Kilauea summit webcam images and from field reports indicating that an eruption has commenced within Halemaʻumaʻu crater and on the down-dropped block to the east in Kīlauea's summit caldera, within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.  The eruption was preceded by a period of strong seismicity and rapid uplift of the summit.

The eruption that began at the Kilauea summit on September 10, 2023, has ended. Lava supply to the vents on the downdropped block in Kilauea's summit caldera ceased on September 16, 2023, based on visual and geophysical observations.

September 2023 Eruption - USGS YouTube

Eruption resumes again in Halemaumau Crater

June 2023 eruption.

At approximately 4:44 a.m. HST on June 7, 2023, the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory detected glow in Kilauea summit webcam images indicating that an eruption had commenced within Halema'uma'u crater in Kilauea's summit caldera, within Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.

This summit eruption event at Kīlauea volcano ended on June 19, 2023.

Kilauea June 2023 Eruption Photos

USGS Photo of Eruption on June 7, 2023

Eruption on June 7, 2023 - USGS

Eruption resumes in Halemaumau Crater

January 2023 - march 2023 eruption.

Kilauea volcano was previously erupting. At approximately 4:34 p.m. HST on January 5, 2023, the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory detected a glow in Kilauea's  summit webcam images, indicating that the eruption had resumed within Halemaʻumaʻu crater in Kilauea's summit caldera, within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.

This eruption concluded on March 7, 2023 .

Kilauea Early 2023 Eruption Photos

Halemaumau Crater - Jan 6, 2023 at Sunrise :: Credit USGS

Lava Fountains during January 2023 Eruption :: Credit USGS

Eruption in January 2023 - Credit: USGS

Lava fills crater floor - Credit: USGS

Halemaumau in October 2021

More activity in Halemaumau Crater

September 2021 - december 2022 eruption.

The 2021-2022 eruption within Halemaumau Crater started about 20 minutes after 3 p.m. Wednesday - September 29, 2021; all lava was confined within the crater. The eruption came after a day of increased earthquake activity at the volcano and summit.

The eruption from September 2021 - December 2022 was confined to Halemaumau crater, within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.  As of December 9, 2022, Kilauea was no longer erupting. Lava supply to the Halemaʻumaʻu lava lake ceased based on lava lake levels and the behavior of the crater floor.

At the time of the last eruption, HVO did not see any indication of activity migrating elsewhere on Kilauea volcano  and expects the eruption to remain confined to the summit region.

Kilauea summit eruptions over the past 200 years have lasted from less than a day to more than a decade.

The eruption slowed in early December 2022, coinciding, but likely unrelated to, the eruption of neighboring Mauna Loa. As of approximately December 9, 2022, Kilauea was no longer erupting.

View from the Keanakako'i Overlook in late 2021. Credit: NPS Photo/J.Wei

Eruption in Halemaumau Crater (Credit: USGS)

Two of the many spattering sources within Halemaumau (Credit: USGS)

September 29th 2021 Eruption at Halemaumau Crater (Credit: USGS)

Lava lake statistics through May 7, 2021 (Click for full size) - via USGS

Lava returns to Halemaumau Crater

December 2020 - may 2021 eruption.

After the huge changes that occurred with the 2018 eruption and subsequent summit collapse, some had speculated that Kilauea would not erupt for a significant period of time. Pele had other plans, however.

At approximately 9:30 p.m. HST on Sunday - December 20, 2020, the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) detected a new glow within the Halemaumau crater at the summit of Kilauea Volcano.

Within Halemaumau, an eruption had commenced at Kilauea's summit caldera. Previously, as noted below the caldera had been filling with a green-ish water lake , but that quickly disappeared, as lava has once again made an appearance inside of the crater. Within one week, what had been a history-making lake of water was replaced by a nearly 600-foot deep lake of molten lava.

• Animated GIF of eruption first occurring on December 20, 2020

A magnitude 4.4 earthquake additionally hit about an hour after the volcano began erupting. By the morning of 12/21/20, two of the three initial fissure vents on the wall of the Halemaumau crater were feeding a growing lava lake.

The eruption paused in late May 2021, after several months of activity in the Halemaumau crater.

2020-2021 Eruption Images

Halemaumau crater at kilauea volcano.

Credit: USGS/M. Patrick

Credit: NPS/A. LaValle

Credit: NPS/J. Wei

Kilauea's Lava Lake - Credit: USGS

Development of Water Lake in 2019

On August 1, 2019, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) scientists confirmed a growing pond of water in the recently enlarged Halemumau crater. Initially, it appeared as small, separate turquoise ponds, but over time, the small ponds united and began to grow dramatically. For a period of time, the depth of the growing lake was increasing several inches per day. In the space of just over one year's time, a persistent lake of lava had vanished in a dramatic collapse, only to be replaced by the first lake of water to be recorded at Kilauea in modern history. Over the course of its relatively short lifespan, the lake grew to be approximately 160 feet (49 m) deep. That's taller than a 10-story building, for reference. The lake also changed color due to the precipitation of iron-sulfate minerals and SO2 being dissolved into the water.

2018 East Rift Zone Eruption

Kilauea caldera has undergone a tremendous amount of change over the last decade, and prior to the eruption in December 2020, had not been very active since 2018. See the maps immediately below to get an idea of how volatile the years between 2009 and 2018 were at the park or explore this geo-narrative by the USGS about the 2018 eruption.

In the first days of May 2018, the lava lake that had existed in Halemaumau crater for almost a decade began to drain away. Magma moved from the summit of Kilauea to the Lower East Rift Zone, marked by a series of earthquakes. On May 3rd, the first fissures opened up in the subdivision of Leilani Estates and the massive eruption of 2018 began to unfold in lower Puna. With less magma left to support the summit, the Halemaumau crater began to collapse. Every 28 hours, on average, the ground within the summit caldera of Kilauea sank with dramatic collapse events. By the end of the 2018 eruption, the Halemaumau crater had sunk by 1,600 feet (488m), and its diameter more than doubled.

Halemaumau Crater Changes from 2009 to 2018. Provided by the USGS.

2018 Eruption - Source: USGS

Activity circa 2018 East Rift Zone Eruption

Prior to 2018, you could just as easily have witnessed lava flows chewing on  Chain of Craters Road  as you could view a steam plume from afar. Kilauea is a living, breathing volcano with a mind of its own.

Kilauea's oldest lava flows are dated between 210,000 and 280,000 years ago. Those flows are considered generally young, geologically speaking, for an active volcano.

For the last one thousand years, Kilauea's ongoing eruptions have dramatically shaped the southeast portion of the Big Island of Hawaii. 

The most recent 100 years of volcanic activity at Kilauea can be divided into seven distinct eruptions.

Kilauea Eruption History:

• May 1924 explosive eruption
• 1955 Lower East Rift Zone Eruption
• 1959 eruption of the Kilauea Iki
• 1960 Kapoho eruption
• 1969-1974 Mauna Ulu Eruption 
• 2008-2018 Summit Eruption & Lava Lake
• 1983-2018 Pu'u 'O'o Eruption

Hiking to Lava

Lava viewing guide.

Check THIS SITE  for updates on lava flows and Kilauea activity. We've also included some maps below to generally help provide you an overview of the park and where the lava might be located during your visit. Just remember, this is an active living and breathing volcano and things regularly change, the maps are always out of date for that reason to some extent.

If the flows have recently been near the surface within the Park and IF it's safe to access (check with the Rangers), it's pretty easy to locate the lava yourself - so don't feel like you HAVE to join a tour to experience a lava flow. Before heading out, be sure you've prepared accordingly - dress appropriately with the right footwear for your adventure; be sure to keep water with you at all times, it can be easy to get dehydrated on the lava fields. Sunscreen is also your best friend on this part of the island.

As always, remember that lava flows outside the Park's boundary are on private property and you should not explore these locations without a guide who has permission to properly access the property.

Kilauea Volcano Tours

Our recommendation for Kilauea & lava tours is to contact Scott and Becky at The Volcano Van . They offer amazing tours of Kilauea, including several tours that depart from Kona.

View Lava from Above

Helicopter Volcano Tours

Another great option is to take a helicopter tour over Pu`u O`o for a look into the bowels of the earth. While that too could change tomorrow, as lava has a mind of its own - a helicopter tour is your BEST opportunity to see lava.

Our recommendation for helicopters tours is to fly with Safari Helicopters. They have some amazing tours over the volcano that are perfect for experiecing Kilauea from above.

Mauna Loa 2022 Eruption

Mauna Loa Eruption

Mauna loa eruption updates, last activity: november 2022 - december 2022, after 38 years, mauna loa briefly erupted.

• Mauna Loa , the world's largest volcano, which had been rumbling since mid-September 2022,  erupted from late November until mid-December 2022 .
• Check out some great USGS photos of the 2022 Mauna Loa Eruption
• View the USGS eruption map for a visualization of the eruption location
• See our ' What's Happening on Mauna Loa ' section below for current information.

What happened?

The Mauna Loa volcano, located on the Big Island of Hawaii, recently erupted on Sunday - November 27, 2022 . The eruption, which was the first in nearly 40 years, was relatively small and caused no damage to nearby communities or infrastructure. The eruption was preceded by several weeks of increasing seismic activity, as well as ground deformation and elevated sulfur dioxide emissions. The HVO had placed the volcano on "watch" status shortly before the eruption, indicating an eruption was likely. As of December 11, 2022, the eruption has concluded .

As noted above, the eruption was relatively small, and no evacuations were necessary. No major highways were damaged, though initial concerns were that Saddle Road (Daniel K. Inouye Highway) might be impacted. Fortunately, it never was impacted by the lava flows. The lava flow was not close enough to any populated areas or infrastructure to cause any damage.

The recent eruption is a reminder of the power and unpredictability of volcanoes. Mauna Loa is one of five active/dormant volcanoes in the Hawaiian Islands and is the largest active volcano on Earth.

Latest Mauna Loa Developments

Updates provided by the usgs.

Current daily updates on the status of the Mauna Loa Eruption can be found on the USGS website .

See the USGS eruption map  to visualize the current eruption location, or view these incredible USGS photos of the recent Mauna Loa eruption .

Mauna Loa Eruption Maps

USGS Mauna Loa eruption map

Mauna Loa Eruption Photos

Lava channel on Dec 4th - USGS

Mauna Loa Fissure 3 - Dec 4th - USGS

Closeup View of Fissure 3 Mauna Loa - December 1st. Credit: USGS

Fissure 3 on Mauna Loa's Northeast Rift Zone - December 1st. Credit: USGS

Mauna Loa eruption on Nov. 30th - Credit: USGS

Mauna Loa Lava Fountains - USGS

Northeast Rift Zone Eruption - USGS

Mauna Loa Eruption - USGS

Mauna Loa Lava Fountaining - USGS

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Overview Maps

 ~ click to enlarge any map ~.

Crater Rim Drive (before the 2008-2018 summit eruption)

HVNP Overview (showing lava flows through 2010)

2018 Lava Flow in Puna

Napau Crater Trail

Hawaii Eruption Information Photo Gallery

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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.

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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10 Jaw-Dropping Big Island Volcano Tours

A re 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 ..

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!

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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