6 Lava and Eruption Tours in the USA Worth Flying For

1.Hilo Shore Excursion: Active Volcano, Lava Tube, Waterfall and Gardens

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 393 reviews · 5 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $187Our pick

Review of Hilo’s volcano, lava tube, waterfall, gardens and chocolate tour, with practical advice on price, fitness, transport and timing.

“This was a good tour but some improvements could be made. For example our guide was very friendly and welcoming but talked way too much. It was very interesting but at the end we no more listened because he talked non stop. Also too much time spent at some places in volcanoes park (volcano house and echo crater) that could be used to do the whole chain of craters road until the sea arch. Would have appreciated a stop a volcanoes np entrance sign. Candy store, waterfall and gardens were nice stops. Enjoyed the local chips provided. Tour guide was easy to find at port and tour started on time.…”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcano Safari Lava Caves & Black Sand

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 363 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $154Best value

Review of Hilo’s six-hour volcano safari, with lava caves, black sand, lava fields, Rainbow Falls, guide tips, price, and practical advice.

“Great trip touring the area! Ellen shared amazing information about the island and area and it was interesting for all ages. Would definitely recommend. We were afraid because the weather wasn't perfect but it was GREAT! Thanks!”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Maui Circle Island-PRIVATE-Air Tour for 2-5: Waterfalls & Lava!

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 228 reviews · 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes (approx.) · from $452

Review of Maui’s private circle-island plane tour, with waterfalls, lava fields, Hana, Molokini, Haleakala, tips, value, and booking advice.

“We highly recommend a narrative tour by air around the island the morning of your first day. Maui Circle Air with Maui Plane Ride was superb. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. If you can’t get it into your schedule for first, just get it in. We were treated with kindness and plenty of Aloha! There are restrooms available before and after flight, which were clean and properly papered. Maui Plane Rides! Da best!!! Michael & Mary Lou Yucaipa, CA”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Big Island Waterfalls, Blacksand Beaches, Lava Tubes & Volcanoes

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 24 reviews · 6 to 7 hours (approx.) · from $186

Review of Makaio Tours’ Hilo excursion, with volcanoes, lava tubes, waterfalls, black sand beaches, sea turtles, lunch time, and local insight.

“Amazing tour! We saw Kilauea Volcano, sea turtles, and Rainbow waterfall...and more. absolutely unforgettable. Justin was an outstanding guide, friendly, funny, knowledgeable, and passionate. He made everything fun and easy. The pick and and drop off from the Hilo airport made everything so convenient. Highly recommend this tour and Justin!”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Kīlauea Hike and Lava Gazing with Native Hawaiian

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 22 reviews · 3 to 4 hours (approx.) · from $200

Walk Kīlauea with Native Hawaiian guide Christian, hear stories of Pele and the island, and watch for lava near Halemaʻumaʻu on a private hike.

“The coolest tour we have been on in many years. You have access to one of the most knowledgeable people on Hawaiian culture and history. As well, he knows the park and all of the flora and fauna. On top of that he is a most interesting man with some fantastic stories to entertain while you traverse some of the most beautiful spots in the park.”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Hawaii Volcanoes NP: Private Kilauea Eruption Insights Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 8 reviews · 8 hours (approx.)

Review of the private Kilauea Eruption Insights Tour, with lava-viewing tips, itinerary details, pricing, pickup, and practical advice.

“We were lucky to catch Kilauea eruption 31 two days before our private tour. We kept our reservation and still had a great day with our guide Jim who adjusted the time to be slightly earlier in the day. In addition to seeing the Kilauea caldera, lava tube, steam vents and viewing house overlook, we saved some time for quick stops at a coffee mill, the Punalu'u Black Sand beach and Punalu'u Bake Shop. Jim was extremely knowledgeable and narrated about every Hawaii topic possible, he definitely made the trip a huge win for our family.”

Check availability →Read our full review