Kilauea volcano seen during Kona volcano tours

5 Best Kona Volcano Tours in 2023 (Big Island of Hawaii)

Affiliate Disclosure
Looking for the best Kona volcano tours on your trip to the Big Island of Hawaii?

Visiting the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a bucket list attraction in Hawaii and one of the top things to do in any Big Island itinerary.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is home to two active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa, and is known for its unique geological features, including lava tubes, steam vents, and volcanic craters.

Visitors can explore lava fields, and even view ongoing volcanic activity! The park also offers a rich cultural experience, as it is home to many sacred Hawaiian sites and ancient petroglyphs.

Visiting the Volcanoes Park was a major attraction in our family trip to Big Island. Most visitors stay in the Kona or Waikoloa regions of the Big Island. Taking a Volcano tour from Kona is one of the best ways to experience Big Island to ensure you cover the top sights!

In a hurry, and do not have time to read the whole article? Below are my top three picks for Kona volcano tours!

5 Best Volcano tours from Kona, Hawaii

Exploring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is one of the most popular things to do in Kona.

Kona is around 2 hours drive from the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and it typically takes a full day to explore the Volcanoes Park from Kona. Most Hawaii Volcano tours from Kona take around 11 to 12 hours because of the driving distance.

If constrained on time, I highly recommend taking a helicopter tour of Voclanoes park instead of a road tour.

Kilauea Volcano glow Big Island
Kilauea Volcano glow in Hawaii Volcanoes Park

Below are the best Hawaii Volcanoes National Park tours from Kona:

1. Volcanoes and Big Island helicopter tour from Kona

⭐ Ratings: 4.5 / 5 | ? Duration: 2 hours | Book Now

Taking this Volcanoes helicopter tour from Kona is one of the best ways to experience the impressive aerial views of Volcanoes National Park and the waterfalls and valleys of Big Island, Hawaii.

This helicopter tour from Kona covers all 3 main volcanoes in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park – Kilauea, Mauna Kea, and Mauna Loa.

It also includes aerial views of Waipio Valley and the Hamakua coast which is the most scenic and green region filled with waterfalls and rainforests.

Highlights of this Volcanoes helicopter tour Kona:

  • Fly over the active volcano of Kilauea in Volcanoes National Park and see aerial views of the Kilauea crater.
  • See fantastic views by flying between the peaks of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea volcano summits!
  • If volcanic activity is happening in Volcanoes Park, you might see lava glow!
  • Fly over the sacred Waipio Valley and see lush green rainforests and valleys
  • Fly over the Hamakua coast and marvel at the waterfalls
  • Finally fly over the resort area of Kona

What this tour includes:

  • helicopter tour of 100-120 minutes – longer than most helicopter tours
  • Communication with your pilot using 2-way headset
  • Helicopters have sliding windows for better photos!

Who is this tour for?

  • This tour is ideal for anyone who has less time and wants to see aerial views of the volcanoes, waterfalls, and valleys.
  • This tour is great for anyone looking for a helicopter tour from Kona. Makes for awesome photos!

Do this tour!! Lava, waterfalls, valley and coast. This was an unbelievable experience. Our pilot was a wealth of information and a lot of fun. This was a great trip to take on our first full day on the island. All ages in our family loved this experience.

– Renuka (See more reviews)

➡ Check rates and availability for Volcanoes and Big Island helicopter tour from Kona

Halemaumau crater Overlook at Volcano House
Steam rising from Halemaumau crater – Seen from the Overlook at Volcano House

2. Small-Group Volcano Experience with Lunch and Dinner

Ratings: 5 / 5 | ? Duration: 12 hours | Book Now

This full-day tour of the Volcanoes National Park is ideal for those that truly want to experience the Big Island volcanoes under the expert knowledge of a local guide! This small group tour with a maximum of 13 passengers allows for a more personalized experience.

The tour starts with a picnic lunch at a Kona coffee farm! You also get to visit the Punaluu black sand beach and have a chance to spot some Hawaiian green sea turtles! We saw several turtles at this beach!

Experience Hawaii Volcanoes Park and its sights like the active Kilauea Volcano crater and a behind-the-scenes tour of the park with your guide. Stay after dark for stargazing.

Highlights of this Small-group Volcano tour:

  • Full-day, small group excursion from Kona with a highly knowledgeable guide
  • Picnic lunch at Greenwell Farms (Kona Coffee farm)
  • Visit the Punaluu black sand beach, the best black sand beach on Big Island. You might spot some Hawaiin turtles here!
  • Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the active Kilauea volcano crater
  • Enjoy dinner at Kilauea Lodge and Restaurant.
  • View Kilauea crater after dark and stargazing
  • If volcanic activity is happening in Volcanoes Park, you might see lava glow!

What this tour includes:

  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off from most Kona, Waikoloa and Kohala Coast hotels
  • Professional guide
  • Picnic lunch and dinner at Kilauea Lodge
  • Beverages and snacks
  • Small group – maximum 13 passengers

Who is this tour for?

  • This tour is ideal for anyone who wants to experience the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and cover all the top attractions in it.
  • Great for those who want to stay in the park after dark and do stargazing in the Volcanoes Park.

The whole tour was wonderful. Well planned and well paced. The small crowd size was just perfect. The food and snacks provided on the tour were wonderful. Our guide, Uncle Jim, was absolutely amazing. The views and stops were amazing from Kona to Punalu’u beach to the Volcanoes National Park. But being able to see the volcano at night and stargaze was an amazing experience and a memory I will treasure.

– shirley (See more reviews)

➡ Check rates and availability for Small-Group Volcano Experience with Lunch and Dinner from Kona

Kilauea Iki Trail
Kilauea Iki Crater inside Volcanoes Park

3. Big Island in a Day: Volcanoes, Waterfalls, Sightseeing, History

Ratings: 5 / 5 | ? Duration: 11 hours | Book Now

This full-day circle tour of the Big Island and Volcanoes National Park packs a lot and is very popular with excellent reviews. This tour is ideal for those that want to experience all the best sights of the Big Island in a day and not just the Volcanoes Park.

This tour travels to the northern region of Big Island to the towns of Waimea and the breathtaking Waipio Valley lookout. It will give you a glimpse of Hilo and the most popular waterfalls in Hilo.

You will get to explore the main sights in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and visit the black sand beach. It also takes you to a Kona coffee farm!

Highlights of this Big Island Circle tour:

  • Full-day circle tour of Big Island starting from Kona and Kohala coast
  • Covers Waimea, Hamakua Coast, and the beautiful Waipio Valley in the North.
  • Visit Hawaii Volcanoes Park and see the Kilauea crater, Thurston lava tube, and Halema’uma’u crater.
  • Visit the town of Hilo and the stunning Akaka falls and Rainbow falls.
  • Check out Punaluu black sand beach and spot some Hawaiian green sea turtles.
  • Tour a Kona coffee farm and sample some Kona coffee and tea

What this tour includes:

  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off from all major hotels and resorts in Kona and Kohala Coast
  • Professional guide
  • Tour in style in a Luxury Mercedes Sprinter Van
  • Lunch and bottled water
  • A small group size of a maximum of 13 people ensures a personalized experience

Who is this tour for?

  • This tour is ideal for anyone who has less time and wants to explore all the top sights of Big Island in a day.
  • This tour is also great to do on the first full day on Big Island to get a lay of the land with an expert guide. You can later come back and explore the regions you like the best on your own.

This tour was the highlight of our time on the Big Island. Kurt was so knowledgeable – We learned SO much about the island’s geology, history, and local gems. If you want to hit lots of places, see beautiful sites, learn a ton, and have time limitations, then this full-day trip is the best!

– madison (See more reviews)

➡ Check rates and availability for Big Island in a Day: Volcanoes, Waterfalls, Sightseeing, History

Waipio Valley in Big Island
Waipio Valley in Big Island

4. Volcanoes Adventure from Kona with a Geologist

Ratings: 5 / 5 | ? Duration: 11 hours | Book Now

In this Volcanoes adventure tour from Kona, you will spend the day with a geologist! In this small-group geology-based tour you will get more in-depth knowledge about the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park along with the top sights.

The main focus of this tour is the Volcanoes National Park, but it also covers the Punaluu black sand beach, a Kona coffee farm, and Hilo waterfalls.

Note: If you are staying in the Waikoloa region instead of Kona, this same tour is offered from Waikoloa as well – Check Volcanoes Adventure from Waikoloa with a Geologist for pickup from Waikoloa hotels.

Highlights of this Volcano Adventure tour:

  • Full-day tour from Kona to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
  • Comprehensive tour of the Volcanoes Park with a geologist, covering all top sights – Kilauea crater, Thurston lava tube, Chain of Craters Road, and much more.
  • Visit a Kona Coffee farm.
  • Check out Punaluu black sand beach and maybe spot some turtles!
  • Drive by Hilo and visit Rainbow falls.

What this tour includes:

  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off from most Kona hotels
  • Geologist guide
  • Lunch, Coffee/tea, snacks, drinks, and water
  • Small group tour

Who is this tour for?

  • This tour is ideal for anyone who wants more in-depth knowledge about the geology and geography of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
  • This tour is great for anyone looking for a comprehensive tour of the Volcanoes Park.

This tour was awesome! A complete and comprehensive guide to the island. From Kona coffee fields to the black sands beach, volcano park, lava tubes and rainbow falls. An incredible tour of the island with a professional, courteous and very knowledgeable guide. And the lunch was delicious.

Monte (See more reviews)

➡ Check rates and availability for Volcanoes Adventure from Kona with a Geologist

Thurston Lava Tube
Thurston Lava Tube in Volcanoes Park

5. Private VIP Adventure from Kona or Waikoloa with a Geologist

Ratings: 5 / 5 | ? Duration: 11 hours | Book Now

This private full-day tour of the Volcanoes National Park and other sights in Big Island is ideal for those that want to be with just their group but still want to get in-depth knowledge from a geologist guide about Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

A private tour allows you to customize your itinerary the way you want and make stops at cafes and restaurants when you want. The tour has a suggested itinerary but you can modify it as per your group’s needs and spend more time in attractions you like!

If you have a group of 4 to 6 people the cost of the private tour would be the same as a group tour! You will get 100% dedication and attention from the geologist guide for your group.

Highlights of this Private VIP Volcano tour:

  • Full-day private tour just for your group gives a more personalized experience
  • Customize your itinerary to fit your group’s interests
  • Geologist guide for more in-depth knowledge while exploring Volcanoes Park
  • Visit a Kona coffee farm and Punaluu black sand beach
  • Visit Hilo, lava tubes, and waterfalls.

What this private volcano tour includes:

  • Private full-day tour from Kona or Waikoloa (only your group)
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off from your hotel in Kona, Waikoloa or Kohala Coast
  • Geologist guide
  • Lunch, snacks, drinks, water

Who is this private Volcanoes tour for?

  • This private tour is ideal for anyone who wants a private customizable tour of Volcanoes National Park and Big Island with a geologist guide.
  • This private tour is also great for larger groups of 4-6 people as the cost would be comparable to a group tour or even less for larger groups.

Trip customization, experience, and excellent photography! This day long adventure was excellent. Being able to go on a private tour allowed us to make tweaks to the itinerary the day of the adventure. Our guide Zane knows more interesting spots and facts about both geology and Volcanoes National Park than we could ever possibly fit into a day, and he brought his camera along so we basically didn’t need to take photos ourselves. I highly recommend this trip.

– Christopher (See more reviews)

➡ Check rates and availability for a Private VIP Adventure from Kona or Waikoloa with a Geologist

Punaluu black sand beach Big Island
Punaluu black sand beach in Big Island

FAQs about Volcano tours from Kona

Below are some frequently asked questions about visiting Volcanoes Park from Kona and Volcano tours on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Can you visit the volcano on Kona?

Kona and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park are two separate regions on the Big Island of Hawaii. The volcanoes of Kilauea and Mauna Loa are inside the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. You can drive or take a volcano tour from Kona to visit the volcanoes inside Hawaii Volcanoes Park.

How long is the drive from Kona to volcano?

It takes around 2 to 2.5 hours (95 miles) to drive from Kona to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park via Highway 11, the southern route. You can also go via Saddle Road and Hilo (103 miles) and that would take similar 2 hours.

Some tours do a roundtrip so that you can explore more of the Big Island. On the southern route, you will pass South Kona, Captain Cook, South Point, and Punaluu Black sand beach. On the Hilo route, you will explore waterfalls and Hilo town.

Can you tour a volcano on the Big Island?

Taking a volcano tour via road or helicopter is the best way to experience the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on Big Island. Going with a knowledgeable guide ensures that you cover the top sights in the Volcanoes park and also learn about the geology and history of the volcanoes. Kilauea and Mauna Loa are the most active volcanoes in Big Island.

How much does it cost to visit a volcano in Hawaii?

You need to pay the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park entrance fee of $30 per vehicle to enter the Volcanoes Park. The entrance permit is valid for seven consecutive days. If taking a tour, the tours cover the entrance fee for the Volcanoes Park.

What is the best volcano to visit on the Big Island?

The Kilauea volcano is the most active volcano on Big Island of Hawaii and is the most easily accessible volcano in the Volcanoes Park. The Kilauea volcano erupts within the caldera of the Halemaumau crater. There are several viewpoints to view the Kilauea activity from a distance like from the overlook at Volcano House.

Is Hilo or Kona closer to the volcano?

From Hilo, it is only 45 minutes by car to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, whereas from Kona it takes around 2 to 2.5 hours by car. Between Hilo and Kona, Hilo is closer to Volcanoes park than Kona.

Is lava visible in Big Island?

Lava viewing in Big Island and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is dependent on whether there is volcanic activity happening during your visit. The Kilauea volcano is the most active volcano on Big Island and its eruption happens within the caldera of the Halemaumau crater. Check NPS website to find out about recent eruptions.

There are several overlooks around the Halemaumau crater to see the volcanic activity. We saw the lava glow at night from the Keanakākoʻi Overlook, which is accessible via a short hike from the Devastation trail parking lot.

Can you walk on a volcano in Hawaii?

Yes, on the Kilauea Iki trail in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, you can walk on the Kilauea crater floor which was a former lava lake. Kilauea Iki trail is one of the best hikes in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Big Island.

What is the best time to visit the Big Island volcano?

The best time to visit the Volcanoes Park to see the lava glow is before sunrise or after sunset when the sky is still dark. This gives the best opportunity to see the lava glow if there is volcanic activity happening in the park.

Akaka falls in Big Island
Akaka falls in Hilo

Final takeaways: Best Volcano Tours in Kona, Hawaii

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a must-do excursion on any trip to Big Island and taking a Volcanoes tour from Kona is one of the best ways to explore the volcanoes and other geological and historical sights in Volcanoes Park.

Below is a quick summary of the best Kona Volcano tours:

  1. Volcanoes and Big Island helicopter tour from Kona – Best helicopter tour from Kona
  2. Small-Group Volcano Experience with Lunch and Dinner – Includes sunset and stargazing
  3. Big Island in a Day: Volcanoes, Waterfalls, Sightseeing, History – Most popular, Big Island circle tour, covers a lot more than Volcanoes Park
  4. Volcanoes Adventure from Kona with a Geologist – Small group tour with a Geologist from Kona. If staying in Waikoloa, check this Volcanoes Adventure from Waikoloa with a Geologist
  5. Private VIP Adventure from Kona or Waikoloa with a Geologist – Private tour just for your group, customizable itinerary

Related Posts

Planning a trip to Big Island, Hawaii? Check out my other posts about Big Island, Hawaii: