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Big Island Spectacular

Discover the Big Island's magnificent beauty and its volcanic fury on this all-in-one Big Island helicopter tour. Get an up-close look at the famous Kilauea volcano, which has been continuously erupting since 1983; the results of its historic 2018 eruption provide...

Tropical Rainforests, Cascading Waterfalls, Lush Valleys, Beautiful Beaches, Lava Flows, Sea Cliffs

Circle of Fire

Experience Kilauea and Hawaii Volcano National Park! The massive eruptions of the world’s most active and unpredictable volcano have changed the face of the Big Island in spectacular ways. On the Circle of Fire helicopter tour, you’ll embark on a breathtaking adventu...

Volcano, Tropical Rainforests, Lush Valleys

Kohala Coast Adventure

Witness the stunning Kohala coast of Big Island’s North Shore, where the towering sea cliffs of Waipi’o Valley open into the dramatically deep and meandering valleys of the Kohala Mountains. On this helicopter ride, you’ll experience beautiful waterfalls cascade t...

Cascading Waterfalls, Coastline, Sea Cliffs

NEW! Pele's Creation

Pele, the Hawaiian volcano deity is said to embody the lava and natural forces of the volcano. She has made her home on Hawaii Island (the Big Island) and continues to make her majesty known from mountain to sea. Embark on a breathtaking adventure seeking out the island’s...

The sky’s the limit with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters’ Private Charters. Whether you’re creating a one-of-a-kind experience for your loved ones, making a grand entrance, or catering to your VIP clientele, Blue Hawaiian offers fully customizable charters on all four major Hawaiian Islands to add style and adventure to your vacation, corporate events and memorable celebrations

Discover the Big Island's magnificent beauty and its volcanic fury on this all-in-one Big Island helicopter tour. Get an up-close look at the famous Kilauea volcano, which has been continuously erupting since 1983; the results of its historic 2018 eruption provide phenomenal views. From t...

Experience Kilauea and Hawaii Volcano National Park! The massive eruptions of the world’s most active and unpredictable volcano have changed the face of the Big Island in spectacular ways. On the Circle of Fire helicopter tour, you’ll embark on a breathtaking adventure, seeking out the isl...

Witness the stunning Kohala coast of Big Island’s North Shore, where the towering sea cliffs of Waipi’o Valley open into the dramatically deep and meandering valleys of the Kohala Mountains. On this helicopter ride, you’ll experience beautiful waterfalls cascade thousands of feet into t...

Pele, the Hawaiian volcano deity is said to embody the lava and natural forces of the volcano. She has made her home on Hawaii Island (the Big Island) and continues to make her majesty known from mountain to sea. Embark on a breathtaking adventure seeking out the island’s unique and newly formed l...

Our tours are designed to maximize the value of your air time and to share the cost of an air tour with your fellow guests. You may also choose to charter a helicopter for yourself or your group and we will help you custom design your own itinerary.

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VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK & WATERFALLS SAFARI

Temporary sale $299.

• Aprox. 55 Minute Tour
• National Park Points of Interest.
• Private Tour:  $1,700  (Better Value Per Seat)
• Lava activity may vary from pictures shown. Check with USGS for current activity at [ https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/hvo ]

GROUP DISCOUNTS

Have a group of 12 or more? We offer discount rates for groups so feel free to contact us or click book to receive these special rates !

CHARTERED FLIGHTS

Looking to rent the entire helicopter? We offer charter flights enabling you to have the entire helicopter to yourself. Contact us or click book to get more information.

Big Island HELICOPTER TOURS

Take a flight to the World’s most active volcano. The Big Island has been erupting almost continuously since 1983, pouring red-hot molten earth into the cool waters of the Pacific Ocean.

All Hawaiian volcanoes are produced by a plume of lava known as the Hawaiian magmatic hot spot. This plume of lava rises up from deep within Earth’s mantle and burns through the seafloor crust to form volcanic mountains that eventually rise above the surface of the sea to form Hawaiian Islands.

The Hawaiian Islands are actually just the summits of these massive volcanoes that grew up from the ocean floor as much as 18,000 feet below the water’s surface.

The Big Island is the youngest Hawaiian Island, less than a half a million years old, and its two major volcanoes are Mauna Loa (which includes Kilauea Volcano) and Mauna Kea. These massive volcanoes are a sight to behold from the vantage point of a helicopter (when clouds do not interfere). Mauna Kea rises to 13,796 feet above sea level. Mauna Kea is considered the tallest mountain on Earth if measured from base to summit, towering up more than 6 miles from the ocean bottom.

The volcanic activity of the Hawaiian hot spot continues today on the Big Island at Kiluaea Volcano, and the East Rift Zone. Safari Helicopters tours survey the diverse array of volcanic formations throughout the whole area where this activity has recently occurred and also where it is happening right now!

The aptly named Chain of Craters Road descends 3,700 feet from the summit of Kilauea Volcano to the sea, and has repeatedly been blocked by lava flows with more than 9 miles of the road covered since 1986. The Pu’u O’O Vent flows off and on into the ocean (fluctuating between Chain of Crater Rd and Kalapan Black Sands Beach) and at times sends up plumes of volcanic gas and smoke. From a helicopter this is a most impressive sight to behold.

There are four main districts in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park; However we mainly tour the East Rift Zone, Which is sub-categorized into 3 different zones:  The Upper East Rift Zone, the Middle East Rift Zone, and the Lower East Rift Zone.  Typically we tour along the coastline to the Lower East Rift Zone where the most recent eruption event happened in Leilani Estates, to show the devastation and new black-sand beach.  Next, we head upslope to the Middle East Rift Zone to explore the Pu’u O’o Vent.  Finally, weather permitting, we move to the Upper East Rift Zone along several craters including Napau and Mauna Ulu to Halemaumau Crater at the summit of the world famous Kilauea Volcano.

Expect to be absolutely amazed at the incredible sights you will see from a Hawaii volcano helicopter tour. There are so many unique land formations and visible volcano history before your eyes that it is difficult to encapsulate it all in words.

What are you waiting for? Let's go fly!

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Volcano Deluxe Tour

Quick Details

• Hour Glass Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Checkmark Weight Capacity: Maximum combined weight for two passengers on Whisper STAR First Class is 490 lbs.
• Users Seating Options:
• Open Seating Passengers – Seating is determined based on weight & balance for all passengers.
• First Class Passengers – Guaranteed Front Seats Next to Pilot.
• Mandatory Comfort Seat – Guests over 290lbs must purchase an extra Comfort Seat.

Kohala Mountains Big Island Volcano Helicopter Tour

See panoramic views of the South Kohala Resort coastline on our Hawaii helicopter tours.

Experience the fiery lava vents of the Big Island’s active volcano, Kilauea. The intensity of the live volcanic landscape will surely take your breath away. This is just one of the unique sights you’ll find on an island boasting 11 out of 13 climate zones present on earth.

Let our Black Beauties whisk you through the hidden tropical valleys of the Kohala mountains, alive with dozens of roaring waterfalls, and lift you above the beautiful rainforest of the Hamakua coast.

Witness the awesome beauty of the Kohala Mountains with panoramic views of the South Kohala Resort coastline. Climb past Waimea over the sweeping pasture lands of the Kahua and Ponoholo Ranches en route to the lush tropical rainforest of Hamakua.

Explore the steep ocean cliffs and hidden valleys of Waimanu, Pololu and Waipio, alive with dozens of roaring waterfalls. This area of the Big Island is rich in history and holds some of the most spectacular vistas in the islands, all visible when you fly with Sunshine Helicopters.

Helicopter has four seats in the back and two seats in front for guests. Open seating is determined based on weight & balance for all six passengers. First Class seating is guaranteed two front seats next to pilot.

View The Helicopter:

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A Kauai helicopter tour is the best way to see all the hidden beauty of the oldest island in the Hawaiian chain. Glide over waterfalls, mountain spires, rainforests, and more.

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Lava Peeping and Waterfall Spotting: A Big Island Helicopter Tour

I had seen The Big Island from deep below sea level , I had seen it from the ground , I had seen it from the mountain-top . But I wanted to get higher.

When Blue Hawaiian Helicopter Tours invited me on their Circle of Fire Tour , I didn’t need much convincing to say yes. But it certainly didn’t hurt that National Geographic named Blue Hawaiian the best out of Hawaii’s many helicopter companies, or that The Travel Channel named the company’s aerial tour of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park as number one in the “Top Ten World’s Best Helicopter Experiences.”

So on my last day on The Big Island, I checked in at the Hilo Airport twice — once to fly up in a helicopter and once to fly away in a plane. I signed a waiver, stood on a scale that logged my weight into the computer while kindly not flashing it to me (a computer algorithm decides where each passenger sits based on weight distribution), and then was led into a briefing room. Here, we watched a video on helicopter safety and received our seat assignments before heading right out to the runway.

There’s plenty that makes Blue Hawaiian stand out from its competitors, but the factor that makes the greatest impact is the model of helicopter itself — something I didn’t appreciate until much later. The Eco-Star is the Mercedes of tour helicopters yet at the time I took this tour it was the only helicopter I’d ever been on, so I had nothing to compare it to. Since, I’ve been on another and can vouch that the Eco-Star provided an exponentially better experience. Each of the seven passengers has a First Class seat thanks to individual seats and plenty of personal space, raised seating in the rear, and wrap-around glass in the cockpit providing a 180 degree view. This is the first ever helicopter designed specifically for touring, and at the whistle-worthy cost of over $2 million dollars each!

Taking off in the helicopter was surreal. I expected the drama and impact of a plane lift-off, but instead it felt like we were in a hovercraft floating into the atmosphere. I could barely tell if we had left the ground! I expected to be slightly nervous considering the near mental-breakdown I had on the small plane in Oahu , but I didn’t feel a thing except excitement and amazement at the technology that had us soaring over the island.

Each of us in the helicopter wore noise-blocking headphones with built-in speakers so we could communicate with each other and our informative pilot — every Blue Hawaiian pilot is a State of Hawaii Certified Tour Guide. My six fellow passengers were all part of one Spanish-speaking family, so while they chattered to each other I had the perfect opportunity to eavesdrop and see how my six year’s worth of Spanish language education held up after years of neglect. Answer: not well.

Slowly, the residential and farming communities outside of Hilo began to show signs of the unstoppable volcano activity that is simply a factor of life on this rumbling island.

Soon, steam appeared in the distance and I knew we were getting close to the highlight of the entire tour — a glimpse inside the Pu’u O’o Vent. This epicenter of volcanic activity began erupting in 1986 and by the year 1992 had left 200 homes in wreckage and added 300 acres of new land the The Big Island. As we closed in on the vent, classic music reached a crescendo in my headphones and though it’s the kind of cliché that would make my former travel writing professor sigh, it truly did take my breath away.

And we were not the only ones there to enjoy it. See those little black dots in the distance? Those are other helicopters! They gave a real sense of perspective to how massive the Kilauea volcano we were circling truly was.

We circled a few times so that each person in the helicopter could get an unobstructed view. As we gravitated closer and closer to the source of the steam, we saw it! — flashes of angry red magma, glowing and bubbling before cooling and hardening to a dark brown or black lava form.

Needless to say, it was the highlight of the tour, highlight of my day, and one of the highlights of my overall trip. It is a rare privilege to see lava in its most colorful form.

Eventually we tore ourselves away from the vent and towards the East Rift Zone, where ecosystems and communities have been devastated by the overwhelming and endless rivers of molten lava. For the most part, we witnessed fields of lava layers as wide as our eyes stretched. Occasionally though, islands of life remained — a patch of the forest that formerly covered the area, or a short stretch of highway with a bright blue car’s carcass frozen in time by lava.

Below the upper layer of dark and hardened lava flows a stream of liquid magma. My favorite moments were those where we got a glimpse of it, through rogue steam vents or collapsed windows through which we got another peek at that stunning shade of magma orange.

Eventually, we reached the coastline — a boundary that is ever-changing thanks to the two billion cubic yards of lava that have been added to the island since 1983. At certain times of year, liquid lava flows into the sea creating a spectacular show that people travel from far and wide to see.

On our way back towards Hilo, we passed a beautiful waterfall that due to its location on private land can only be viewed from the air. Again, I’m a sucker for a soundtrack and perfectly timed music pumping through my headphones made everything even more beautiful.

At one point I realized not everyone enjoys helicopters as much as I was. Between the popularity of air tours and a frequent aerial Drug Enforcement Administration presence, some Hawaii residents have gone so far as to start groups aimed at quieting the skies . Others take a more subtle approach — painting their roofs with hilariously blunt insults.

As we spotted the urban markers of Hilo in the distance, I couldn’t believe how much we had seen in just a 45-50 minute tour. We’d gone from The Big Island’s biggest city to its most active volcano to its ravaged coastline to its lush waterfall-filled forests and back again.

And there was one final treat in store. Hilo, unfortunately dubbed “the rainiest city in America,” was flashing me blue skies and a clear teal ocean for the first time since I’d arrived on the island. It was quite the welcome sight.

This tour was the perfect send off from my time on The Big Island, and with its myriad of firsts — first time in a helicopter, first time seeing liquid lava — it was one of the high points of my week there. At $240.90 (inc. taxes and fees), this is definitely a splurge. But I found that in Hawaii, the high cost of big-ticket activities like scuba diving with manta rays , skydiving , and this, helicopter touring, was offset by all the days of free of nearly free activities — hiking , hitting the National Park , exploring the quirky towns and beaches . And if you’re looking for a souvenir, Blue Hawaiian makes a live DVD recording of ever flight, which may be purchased afterwards for $25.

What sets Blue Hawaiian apart, other than its highly trained pilots, long-standing reputation, overflowing collection of tourism awards and that they are the go-to guys for aerial shots in Hollywood movies like Pirates of the Caribbean, Jurassic Park and Pearl Harbor , are the helicopters themselves. Unlike other helicopter models, the Eco-Star ensures that there is NO bad seat. I’d rather pay $240 for a guaranteed amazing view than save a small percentage and gamble that I might have a cramped spot with no view. A Big Island helicopter tour is a bucket-list worthy activity — you might as well go with the best!

Have you ever been in a helicopter before? I think I might just be addicted!

Many thanks to Blue Hawaiian for providing me with a complimentary helicopter tour. They did not request that I write a favorable review —  as always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

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WOWOWOWOWOWOW!!! The photo with the shadow image of the pilot is crazy good!

Yes, I also love helo’s, as they are called by the military personnel that ferried us volunteers to remote medical sites in Indonesia.

Look at you, dropping your international-helicopter-riding-medical-volunteer experience into casual conversation like that 🙂

The volcano is what would get me. I’m yet to see actual LAVA and I’ve been to around 5! I would be DROOLING!

I found out on my last day on the island that there were tours you could do where you could actually go within ARMS REACH of flowing lava. I almost changed my flight to do it that night (!) but the price (around $150 I believe) deterred me.

I would totally do this! It would be a major splurge, but how can you miss out on seeing lava like that? Great photos as well 🙂

It’s definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience! I’m with you on that 🙂

I never really thought about how residents wouldn’t like the helicopters, I guess it is an inconvenience but I would still want to do this.

Yeah I can sympathize with them however there are annoyances and drawbacks to living anywhere, and people are going to want to see volcanoes and things from the air and the DEA is going to keep doing its thing. The newer models of helicopters, like the one I was in, are significantly less noisy than old ones… so hopefully as time goes on the noise annoyance will decrease.

Looove helicopter flights. Done one over the Iguassu falls and was giggling of excitement the entire flight. Did you just use a telezoom lense or is the helicopter flying really close to the actual ground? The pictures are amazing!

Thanks Tammy! The helicopter flew pretty low, I think I remember down to about 500 feet. I was using both my Canon s100 point and shoot and my Canon dSLR T2i. Of course after hauling my zoom lens all the way to Hawaii I forgot to bring it for this flight, but my regular lens is a 15-85mm so that did the trick! Oh and a flight over Iguassu sounds AMAZING! I’m going to have to add that to my South America wish-list.

What a spectacular way to see the island. I like to ride in helicopters and with all those windows this one really looks terrific.

I think the only way to have a better view would have been to go doors-off! This was really spectacular.

Um, we’re going to need you to stop being so adorable. You’re making the rest of us look bad. And volcanoes? Really? How do we beat that?

Aw, you’re too sweet! I assure you my seatmates didn’t find me so charming when I was taking ten million selfies but REALLY only one in ten million really turn out, right? Jeez.

That’s a pretty cool way to see the volcanic activity! I can see why the residents would be kind of annoyed by all the helicopters though…

The good news is that newer models of helicopters, like the Eco Star here, are significantly quieter than older models. So hopefully as time goes on and companies begin to upgrade the friction will subside!

Maybe they’ll come up with electric helicopters, which should get rid of most of the annoying sound.

Beautiful pictures Alex.

Each model is getting progressively quieter, so I’m hopeful in the future this won’t be a problem.

Oh my what gorgeous shots! I LOVED my heli ride over Kauai, but I was pretty freaked out afterwards when I heard how many crashes there are a year!!!

Uh oh, I haven’t read about that! Maybe it’s best that I didn’t. Reminds me after I did the skydive and my friend was all “Okay well now that it’s over I can tell you guys about the recent accidents that have happened!” 😮

You are too amazing for words. These photos!!! I can barely get any useable ones when I take ‘copter rides, which I am newly obsessed with. And yay Hawaii! Stunning!!

Awww, thanks Abby! I hope we get to ‘copter together in the future 🙂

Looks amazing Alex… next challenge is to fly one yourself!

Now that you mention it, there has been a recent flying lesson Groupon…

I have never flown a helicopter before and never seen lava either… Two things I need to do! I guess I will be flying to iceland soon 🙂

Iceland is AMAZING! I didn’t do a helicopter ride there sadly (they were $$$) but you can actually descend into a live volcano! Looked fascinating but we gave it a pass because my mom is claustrophobic. Look into it!

I was not really into the idea of a helicopter tour when we went to Oahu because it just sounded like it couldn’t possibly be worth the price tag, but my dad really wanted to do it. I’m glad I let him win! We also flew with Blue Hawaiian and had a great experience, so I’d love to do it again on another island.

I feel like I got the whole aerial view of Oahu when I went skydiving, but I’d love to do one on Kauai someday!

I see your trip was in early Oct. I know because I was out on the lava flow when the lava first hit that one little section of Orchid Ave in the kipuka. I was above there a few days earlier tracking the flow from the last section of Ali’i Ave. Very nice photos. Most that people post from Heli’s are pretty bad :-)You could have hiked out to the lava without a guide. Its all common sense. If that flow were within the national parks boundary’s you could hike it 24/7. Its more of a parking issue on the Kalapana side. The flows did finally make it to the ocean but, it was short lived. This flow is very sluggish. You may or may not care but, I would watermark your photos before posting. Just something small. It draws people back to your blog when they are re-posted elsewhere. One more note, Paradise helicopters doors off tour is great too. Its a tiny rig but, you get up close and personal with the flows. I recommend heli tours to anyone visiting the Big Island. Very nice blog. Found it via my google alert for Big Island Heli tour posts.

Thanks Bryan! I was worried about getting photos through the glass but it wasn’t that bad at all. I would love to do an open-door one in the future. As for hiking to the lava flow, I don’t think I have the skills, knowledge or desire to do that solo — I think I’d need someone with more local knowledge 🙂 Thanks for commenting!

Another amazing tour! I have just add in my bucket list!

Great information! Thank you for sharing.

You’re welcome Tom! Are you headed to the Big Island?

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Big Island Volcano Helicopter and Ground Tour

(from oahu with air ticket).

Helicopter Tour Highlights

• Tour the most geologically active environment on earth which has been continuously erupting since 1983. Tour emphasis is on the most current areas of volcanic activity. View lava flows, tropical rain forests and cascading waterfalls while learning about the history and culture of Hawaii.

Ground Tour Highlights

• Blacksand Beach
• Liliuokalani Gardens
• King Kamehameha Statue
• Rainbow waterfalls
• Big Island Candies

Note:  If you want your infant to have a separate seat on the flight, please choose Infant Seat option.

Tour Information

• Tour Highlights
• 5:00 am-6:00am pickup from Waikiki hotels
• 6:00am – 8:00am depending on flight availability at the time of booking) flight over to Big Island(air ticket included)
• check in for helicopter dependent on the Helicopter availability
• Flight time might change due to availability at the time of booking
• Approximately 45 to 50 minute waterfall and volcano helicopter ride.
• meet Dynamic tour guide at Tour Bus Parking Lot next to Baggage Claim D for ground tour.
• Richardson Blacksand Beach
• Queen Liliuokalani Gardens
• Historical Hilo Town
• Rainbow Waterfalls
• (flight time depends on flight availability)  flight back to Oahu (air ticket included)
• Passport is needed for foreign citizens.
• U.S. Government Issued photo ID (for U.S. residents)
• Tour narration by pilots who are State of Hawaii Certified Tour Guides
• Tour routes and sights visited may vary according to wind and weather conditions.
• Volcanic activity changes frequently.
• Gratuity is recommended
• Tour guides are trained to make frequent restroom stops  
• Richardson Black sand Beach – is the only beach in the Hilo area with black sand
• Historic Banyan Drive – Banyan trees bear the names of famous people who planted them.  Famous names include President Theodore Roosevelt, Babe Ruth, Richard Nixon to name a few.  Still thrive along Banyan Drive, having grown into a thick canopy, makes it popular for walking and driving.
• Liliuokalani Gardens:  The park’s site was given by Queen Liliʻuokalani, and lies southeast of downtown Hilo, on the Waiakea Peninsula in Hilo Bay Rainbow Falls – most beautiful waterfall with never ending rainbow.
• Rainbow Falls State Park. Waterfall known for it’s never ending rainbows.

Actual experience and  interaction with the most active volcano in the world at the Volcanoes National Park

• Volcanoes National Park – Admission included.  Established in 1916, is a United States National Park located in the U.S. State of Hawaii on the island of Hawaii. It encompasses two active volcanoes: Kīlauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, and Mauna Loa.
• Thurston Lava Tube :  offers amazing 20 minute walk thru the lush jungles and the lava tube.
• Volcanic Steam Vents :  Ground water seeps down to the hot volcanic rocks in this area and returns to the surface as steam. While standing at the Steam Vents, take a good look around. The area between the caldera’s edge and outer cliffs of Kīlauea Caldera is a treeless plain.
• Thomas A. Jaggar Museum :  observatory has a worldwide reputation as a leader in the study of active volcanism which is located at the site.
• Kilauea Crater : The most active volcano crater in the world.
• Mount Kilauea :   is a currently active shield volcano in the Hawaiian Islands, and the most active of the five

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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 .

The post 10 Jaw-Dropping Big Island Volcano Tours appeared first on Hawaii Travel with Kids .

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Take a peek into one of the world's most active volcanoes. Discover what Kīlauea Volcano has left in the wake of its recent historic eruptive episode. Witness otherworldly landscapes like the incredible 8-mile river of frozen lava from Fissure 8 to the Pacific Ocean, the newest black sand beaches on earth, and enormous craters created by these recent events.

Along the way, view Mauna Loa’s vistas, the beauty of lush Puna rainforests and mesmerizing Hilo waterfalls. With no windows to look through, there is no better way for you to share amazing photos and video of your experience than flying on this doors-off tour! Our MD500 helicopters provide a more exclusive experience with only four seats available per tour.

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*Flight times are approximate, do not include check-in time, and total times may vary depending on weather conditions and where the best sights are at the time of your tour.

• Black Sand Beaches
• Waterfalls of North Hilo
• Tropical rainforests of Puna
• Current activity at Kīlauea Volcano

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Lava & Rainforest Adventure Tour

Fly over lush Hilo and see the home of Pele, Hawaiian volcano goddess, who resides at Kīlauea in Volcanoes National Park.