11 Volcano Hikes and Treks in Big Island Worth Flying For

1.Hidden Craters Hike of Kona

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 156 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $198Our pick

Review of Kona’s Hidden Craters Hike, a small-group Hualalai volcano trek with lava tubes, forest, views, snacks, and expert guides.

“We had a splendid experience. The hike was a little more than moderate. There was some challenging terrain and steepness. Awesome views up on the elevation. Our guide Mark and Nick were great. Knowledgeble and safe concious. This hike can be slippery, there are lots of loose gravel. I would recommend this activity to anyone.”

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2.Kilauea: Volcanoes National Park Guided Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 61 reviews · 3 hours · from $120Best value

Review of Kilauea’s 3-hour guided hike: native forest, lava geology, small groups, practical tips, pricing, and eruption viewing.

“It was a great experience. We learned a lot about the Vulkane. Thanks Jennifer”

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3.Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park Guided Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 30 reviews · 6h 30m · from $230

Review of a guided Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park hike with Kilauea Iki, Thurston Lava Tube, meals, guide details, and practical tips.

“Our guide, Jennifer, was fantastic! She was very personable, knowledgeable, and considerate of all the people on the tour (she even baked cookies for us to snack on!). The best part of the tour was walking across the caldera and recognizing the magnitude of what had happened to create it. To improve it, have the lunch break earlier (it was essentially at the end of the tour).”

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4.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.”

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5.Off the Beaten Path Volcano Crater Hike

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 15 reviews · 5 hours · from $198

Explore Hualalai Volcano on a private-access crater hike through cloud forest, lava tubes, fissures, and wide Kona views.

“It was amazing! Loved being able to see and walk through places very few have been!”

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6.Volcanoes National Park: Guided, Small-Group Hike

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 15 reviews · 6 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $220

Review of a private 8-mile Volcanoes National Park hike with crater trails, lava tube, meals, gear, and expert local guides.

“It was awesome. Jennifer was very knowledgeable about the the fauna and the volcano. It’s a great hike. The morning breakfast was a nice welcome And lunch was perfect for the day. You will love this trip. I’m t may even by the highlight of the Hawaiian Islands.”

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7.Hawaii Volcanoes & Forests – Private Guided Walks & Hikes

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 13 reviews · 3 hours (approx.)

Slow down at Kīlauea on a private three-hour walk with a former park archaeologist, learning about Hawaiian ecology, geology, and culture.

“This exceeded expectations. Chris took me on a lovely trail run. Chris has a fascinating life story. He has spent decades exploring the cultures of indigenous peoples around the world and that perspective informs his sharing of his Hawaiian culture. Our run was at a conversational pace with pauses to appreciate and experience the park. I learned so much about the park, the flora, the fauna and about the cultural practices of the Hawaiin people. And I got a nice run in too. And he shared some delicious local produce at the end.”

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8.Elite Volcano Hike From Kona/Kohala Resorts

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 12 reviews · 13 hours (approx.) · from $309

Review of the 13-hour Big Island volcano hike from Kona and Kohala resorts, with lava flows, crater hiking, meals, and practical tips.

“This is a FULL day with lots of hiking...we logged over 20K steps and nearly 6 miles. This experience was amazing, culminating with a spectacular night view over the edge of the erupting Kilauea volcano. Wear hiking / walking shoes and bring layers of clothing...the range of temperatures from near freezing to warm can make this a miserable experience if not dressed appropriately. Also, plan for rain as this is a very wet area on Hawaii. You do not want to miss this great opportunity, especially if you are generally active/athletic. Would not recommend for young children, or those who are mobility limited.”

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9.Guided 3-Hour Hike in Volcanoes National Park

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 9 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $120

Review of a three-hour Kīlauea hike with crater views, steam vents, rainforest, expert guides, gear, pricing, and practical tips.

“Our tour guide Jennifer came prepared with hiking sticks, jackets and backpacks. It helped tremendously. She had a great wealth of knowledge about the flora found throughout the park. A ten out of 10!”

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10.Private Electric Bike Tour with Lava Hike in Pāhoa

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 8 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Explore Pāhoa’s 2018 eruption sites by private e-bike and on foot, guided by a local eyewitness with firsthand stories and photo stops.

“Local perspective of the lava flow, knowledgeable tour guide, little emphasis on the e-bike ride part, but made it easy to get to the area. Very personable experience. Super fun time.”

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11.Guided Hike Adventure: Kilauea Iki and Lava Tube

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $150

Hike Kilauea Iki and Nahuku Lava Tube with expert guides, gear, crater views, volcanic history, and a small group in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

“it's a very informative, moderate hike, extraordinary experience. Our guide, Caine, was very knowledgeable, kind, thoughtful and lots of fun.”

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