Our Tips: How to See Lava on Hawaii Island

If you have been watching the news the past few months you have undoubtedly seen many pictures and videos of Kilauea erupting. What most people do not realize is this active volcano has been in a constant state of eruption since 1983 at the Pu'u 'O'o cone in the mountains eastern rift zone. All of this changed on April 30th as magma left both Pu'u 'O'o and the Halema'uma'u crater and created 23 new rifts across the lower eastern rift zone.

While the changing volcanic activity has led to some destruction, it is in many ways the natural cycle of life in Hawaii and something local residents prepare for. Much of the culture of the island is embedded in the re-birth brought on by the activity of Kilauea. And even today despite the pictures of large lava flows the island is open for tourist to come and experience the unique natural wonder that is the "Big Island".

Here are some of our tips on how you can make the most of a trip to the Island of Hawaii by viewing the volcanos activity. Please be advised though that conditions are often changing, so check with your Travel Advisor to get the most up-to-date information before you leave for your trip!

By Air

Seeing Hawaii from the air on a premium helicopter ride is an absolutely amazing experience. Our preferred vendor offers tours for up to six people that depart from Hilo Airport and include a video of the tour.

From your seat in this 6-passenger aircraft, you'll witness the fury of Madame Pele and marvel at the Kilauea Volcanic System--the most active volcano on earth today.

See fire and destruction and the rebuilding of an island from the Puu'O'o Vent down the lava tubes to the ocean. Be awed by the glowing "skylights," lava lakes, cinder cones, and lava flows entering the ocean (if the lava is actively flowing).

Observe where some of the homes were destroyed by lava in the Royal Gardens and Kalapana Districts, and see spectacular waterfalls on the upper Wailuku River (weather permitting).

Pricing usually begins around $250 per person for this type of an experience.

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By Sea

​Kalapana Cultural Tours offers the ability to view lava from the ocean-- getting a close up look on how the Island of Hawaii continues to grow in its own cycle of life.

To enjoy the experience the day kicks off early-- 3:30am. A one-hour boat ride from Hilo to Kapoho Bay takes you up close and personal to the end of the lava's 8-mile trek to the sea. Getting you within about 300 yards of the lava, an early morning experience allows you to truly take in the vibrant colors, majesty, and absolute power of nature-- including some explosions as faster moving lava impacts the water.

These experiences typically run $250 per person as well.

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By Land

Sorry, cousin-- not a good idea! Before the most recent shift in volcanic activity you could take some extreme hikes or visit the top of Volcano National Park to get a glimpse of lava from land. Now much of the rift zone is closed, to include the National Park (though it may open in late September).

If you want to get some of the lava experience from land try visiting the town of Pahoa later in the day. Grab a bite to eat and watch the horizon as it lights up from the nearby lava flow.

We may see land tours come back towards the end of the year, but for now its best to be safe and follow the directions of local officials.

Want More Hawaii Tips?

Reach out to our team of Hawaii Destination Specialists-- each specially trained by the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau with personal experience on the islands. Our team of experts is ready to help plan the perfect Hawaiian vacation!

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