Volcanic activity is one of the most primordial awe-inducing sights of the fearsome prowess that Mother Nature exhibits.
The flowing lakes of lava, the giant huff and puff of exploding rock, the caves left behind by prehistoric rivers of magma, and the creation of new terrain are simultaneously beautiful and terrifying to behold.
Exploring Hawaii’s Big Island Tour will treat you to awe-inspiring sights and delightful excursions, including visits to aromatic coffee plantations, magnificent waterfalls, and pristine sandy beaches where Green Sea turtles often emerge to sunbathe.
This article covers everything you must know before booking tickets to the Big Island Hawaii Volcano Tour.
Table of contents
- What to expect at Big Island Hawaii Volcano tour
- Where to book tickets
- How do online tickets work
- Hawaii Volcano tour ticket prices
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Hawaii volcano tour tickets
- Big Island Volcanoes, Waterfalls Sightseeing, and History Day Tour tickets
- Small Group Big Island Twilight Volcano and Stargazing Tour tickets
- Hilo Shore Excursion Tickets for Active Volcano, Lava Tube, Waterfall, and Gardens
- Private Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Eco Tour tickets
- Private Guide Meet In Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
- How to reach Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
- Opening hours of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
- How long does the tour take
- Best time to visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Big Island
- FAQs about the Hawaii Volcano Tour
What to expect at Big Island Hawaii Volcano tour
Venture into the deep, awe-striking visuals of the Kilauea Shield volcano in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
It includes the Halema’uma’u and Kilauea Iki crater lookouts that show you cascading vein-like streams of blazing lava lakes, flowing magma, and solidifying black rock.
Walk along the crater rim trail, past lava flow sites & steam vents, and take a short hike in Nahuku – Thurston Lava Tube, a cavern where a river of magma used to flow.
Let a professional guide lead you through the flora, fauna, and ancient rock formations of the Hawaii Volcano National Park, and dive deep into the sacred stories of culture around this land.
Visit the “Chain Of Craters” Road and witness pit craters, inactive lava flows, lava tube plumes, views of the coast and tropical rainforests, and lava rock formations that can be reached by trails off the road.
Take a quick stroll around Liliuokalani Gardens and experience the serenity of the fishponds, pagodas, and stunning landscaping along Hilo Bay.
Experience the dynamic sight of molten magma in motion, with the thick, voluminous lava flowing just a short distance away.
Tour the Kona coffee farm and sample Kona coffee and tea while learning about the harvesting and milling process.
At the Akaka State Park Waterfall, witness a majestic 442-foot (135-meter) waterfall plunging into a ravine, followed by a stroll through the foliage for world-class photo opportunities.
You will also visit the 80-foot-high Rainbow Falls that leap over a natural lava cave and fall into the Wailuku River, where the prismatic mist gives birth to brilliant rainbows on sunny days.
Abandon all your anxieties at the Punalu’u Black Sand beach and catch a glimpse of the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles lounging on the shore.
Let your tour guide escort you to a secluded location perfect for stargazing and seeing transcendent views of our galaxy, all while your guide fills you in on the lore and legends that the ancient Hawaiians weaved around the sky.
Authentic Hawaiian sweet bread, malasadas, handmade chocolates, macadamia nuts, and candies are available for you to taste at the local bakery and eatery.
Step to the Waipio Valley lookout and marvel at the drop-dead gorgeous backdrop of lush cliffs dropping into the sparkling blue ocean, and hear stories of King Kamehameha, who was raised here as a child.
Where to book tickets
Tickets for Big Island Hawaii Volcano Tours are available online or at the tour operator’s ticket counters.
Online ticket prices tend to be cheaper than tickets at the venue.
When you buy online, you can avoid the long queues at the ticket counters.
When you book early, you also get your preferred time slot.
Because some attractions sell a limited number of tickets, during peak days they may sell out. Booking early helps avoid last-minute disappointments.
How do online tickets work
Visit the booking page for Volcano Tour In Hawaii.
Specify your planned travel date and the number of tickets.
Once you complete the booking process, the tickets will be e-mailed to you.
You do not need to carry printouts.
Show the e-ticket on your smartphone to the staff at the pickup point. Carry a valid ID.
Hawaii Volcano tour ticket prices
For the Volcanoes, Waterfalls, Sightseeing, and History Day Tour, the ticket cost for all ages above 13 is US$227.
Children aged between four and 12 can get access at US$216.
The tour is not suitable for infants under the age of four.
For the Small Group Big Island Twilight Volcano and Stargazing Tour, the ticket cost for all ages above 13 is US$260.
Children aged between five and 12 can get access at US$250.
The trip is not suitable for children under the age of five.
For the Hilo Shore Excursion of Active Volcano, Lava Tube, Waterfall, and Gardens, the ticket price for all ages above eight is $167.
The tour is not suitable for children under the age of eight.
For the Private Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Eco Tour, the ticket cost for all ages above 18 is US $200.
Guests under the age of 18 are not allowed on this trip.
For the Private Guide Meet In Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the ticket cost for all ages is US$595.
This tour does not have any age restrictions.
Hawaii volcano tour tickets
There is a range of options to choose from if you wish to tour the Volcano National Park.
Each tour comes with a different itinerary and attractions.
Remember to carry bug spray and dress in layers; it can get cold.
Big Island Volcanoes, Waterfalls Sightseeing, and History Day Tour tickets
A ticket to this tour will get you hotel pick up and drop off in an air-conditioned shuttle from all major hotels and resorts in Kona and Kohala Coast.
You will then be driven through downtown Kona, the home to Hawaiian royalty’s summer palace.
You will stop at Kona Coffee Farm to learn about the harvesting and milling process while sampling Kona Coffee and Tea.
You will then be taken to Punalu’u Black Sand Beach, where you can bury your toes, relax, and see the Hawaiian Green Turtles lounging in the sand.
From here, you will visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, after which you will be led to the Nahuku – Thurston Lava Tube.
After passing through Hilo and seeing the Rainbow Falls and Akaka Falls, you finish your trip at the Waipio Valley lookout, after which you will be transported back to your hotel.
Lunch and bottled water will be provided.
Ticket Prices
Adult Ticket (13+ years): US$227
Child Ticket (4 to 12 years): US$216
Small Group Big Island Twilight Volcano and Stargazing Tour tickets
A ticket to this tour will get you hotel pick up and drop off in an air-conditioned shuttle from all major hotels and resorts in Kona and Kohala Coast.
You will stop at Kona Coffee Farm to learn about the harvesting and milling process while sampling Kona Coffee and Tea.
You will then be taken to Punalu’u Black Sand Beach, followed by a Hawaii Volcanoes National Park tour and Nahuku-Thurston Lava Tube.
Your tour guide will then lead you to a remote area great for stargazing.
The tour will cover both lunch and dinner.
Ticket Prices
Adult Ticket (13+ years): US$260
Child Ticket (5 to 12 years): US$249
Infant Ticket (up to 4 years): Free
Hilo Shore Excursion Tickets for Active Volcano, Lava Tube, Waterfall, and Gardens
The tickets to this tour will get you transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle with a professional guide.
Hotel pick-ups and drop-offs are not provided; you will assemble at a meeting point.
You will be taken on a tour of Hawaii Volcanoes Park, Nahuku-Thurston Lava Tube, and explore the fields of solidified lava flows as you travel across Chain Of Craters Road.
You will also visit the Rainbow Falls and the Big Island Candies store for tasty handmade chocolates, locally grown Macadamia nuts, and freshly brewed coffee.
Your last stop will be the Liliuokalani Gardens, where you can stroll around to see the beautiful fishponds and pagodas.
Lunch will not be included in the tour price.
Meeting Point: 329 Kamehameha Ave, Hilo, HI 96720, USA. Get Directions.
Ticket Price: US$167
Private Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Eco Tour tickets
You have the option to choose between a 3-hour tour and a 6-hour tour.
These educational tours concentrate on the local flora and wildlife, the geology, and the magnificent Hawaiian culture still alive and well around the volcano today.
You will begin at the National Park’s Volcano Guesthouse, walk to the steam vents and sulfur banks, and discover the unique rock sites and the volcanic landscapes along Chain of Craters road.
You will also get to hike close to active lava flows.
Food and drinks are not part of the tour expense and will only be provided if specified.
You must pay an additional entry fee of US$30 per vehicle for the National Park Entrance.
Meeting Point: 1 Crater Rim Drive, Pāhoa, HI 96718, USA. Get Directions.
Ticket Prices
3-Hour Tour: US$200
6-Hour Tour: US$350
Private Guide Meet In Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
The ticket to this tour gets you transportation in a luxury Mercedes Van with a certified travel guide.
It will be a private tour with a small group, and you can customize your travel itinerary according to your preference.
It will be up to you if you want to hike to see the lava trails, calderas, lava trees, and fissure cracks or just go slowly and admire the flora and fauna of the park.
Four trekking poles, sunscreen, bug repellants, adult ponchos, and snacks will be available for you.
You will also get to take a souvenir group photo.
Please note that you must pay a US$30 admission fee per vehicle to enter the National Park.
Meeting Point: Kīlauea Visitor Center, National Park, 1 Crater Rim Drive, Volcano, HI 96785, USA. Get Directions.
Ticket Price: US$595(Group of 8)
Save time and money! Explore Helicopter Tours in Hawaii and witness volcanoes, lush mountains, waterfalls, and pristine beaches from the sky. This bird’s eye experience is an opportunity to enjoy the thrill of your life. You might even land in the middle of a desert, winery, or snow!
How to reach Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is on the Big Island Hawaii and is accessible from the town of Hilo.
Address: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, HI 96718, United States. Get Directions.
By Bus
Bus line 11 from Mo’Oheau Bus Terminal (329 Kamehameha Ave) in Hilo will take you to the Crater Rim Drive Visitor Center.
A US$15 will have to be paid to the bus driver at Park’s entrance.
Anyone 15 or younger will be exempt from paying the fee.
By Car
You can put your starting point here to navigate to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
You can also rent a car or book a taxi to travel here.
The best way to visit the park is by booking a commercial tour, which you can do here.
Opening hours of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Since the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park provides in-house lodging, the gates are opened at all times all year round.
The tours for the park begin in the morning or early afternoon.
The earliest tours begin at 7 am, and the last of the tours start at 1 pm.
How long does the tour take
The shortest tours of the Big Island Hawaii Volcano last at least 3 hours inside the Park.
Most tours last 8 to 11 hours, and you should keep an entire day to truly immerse yourself in the Hawaii Volcano Tour experience.
Best time to visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Big Island
The best time to visit the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is in the winter months of November to March.
The crowds are less, the tropical climate provides an excellent winter getaway, there is rainfall, but it does not hold up the tours, and it is a fantastic time to see active lava flows.
Hawaii’s summer months (June to August) are the peak tourist season and provide pristine scenery, but they also come with a much increased rush of tourists.
FAQs about the Hawaii Volcano Tour
Here are a few frequently asked questions about Hawaii Volcano Tours:
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park remains open around the clock, every day of the week, including holidays. Volcano House Hotel, nestled within the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, offers its warm welcome at any hour, with 33 guest rooms, 10 cabins, and 16 campsites for your convenience.
Yes, all entrance park visitors have to pay a fee.
The standard entry fee is between $15 to $30, depending on the nature of your vehicle.
Yes, active lava flows are often visible in the park to the visitors.
The Kīlauea Visitor Center is located on Crater Rim Drive, a short distance from the entrance station on the right.
Please wear closed-toed shoes and dress comfortably, like you would prepare for a hike.
This tour is unfortunately not suitable for people with mobility issues.
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