volcano tours hawaii

THE 10 BEST Volcano Tours & Excursions

Volcano tours.

• Sightseeing Tours
• Helicopter Tours
• Private Tours
• Walking Tours
• Ports of Call Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Self-Guided Tours & Rentals
• Cultural Tours
• Photography Tours
• Skip-the-Line Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Circle of Fire Helicopter Tour

2. Big Island Highlights: Coffee, Volcano, Black Sands & Waterfall

3. Private Tour: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Eco Tour

4. Fat Tire E-Bike Tour - Volcanoes National Park

5. E-Bike Day Rental - GPS Audio Tour Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

6. Volcano Adventure Tour & Waterfall - Shore Excursion from Hilo Harbor

7. Private - All Inclusive Big Island Volcano & Waterfalls Tour

8. Shore Excursion: Hawaii Volcano Adventure Tour from Hilo

9. Guided three hour Hike in Volcanoes National Park

10. Fat Tire E-Bike Rental - Volcanoes National Park

11. Hawaii Big Island Hilo & Volcano One Day Tour

12. Hawaii Hilo Volcano Day Tour from Oahu Island

13. Black sand beach, Winery (or coffee) and Volcanoes National Park

14. Volcano Adventure - Search the Most Recent Active Volcano from Kona

15. Private Trail Run Adventure at Kilauea Volcano on Hawaii Island

16. Volcanoes National Park and Hilo Private Tour

17. Private - All Inclusive Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park Tour

18. Big Island Tour : Hilo Tour with Waterfall

19. South Point, Winery, Volcanoes & Stargazing Exclusive Private Van Charter

20. Volcanoes Adventure Tour from Hilo

21. Big Island, Hilo : Private Tour : Just for Your Family or Group

22. Deluxe Daytime Volcano Guided Charter (Cruise Ship or Hilo Hotel)

What travelers are saying.

• Circle of Fire Helicopter Tour
• Fat Tire E-Bike Tour - Volcanoes National Park
• Big Island Highlights: Coffee, Volcano, Black Sands & Waterfall
• Private Tour: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Eco Tour
• Hawaii Hilo Volcano Day Tour from Oahu Island
• Kilauea EcoGuides
• Akamai Adventure Tours & Travel, Llc
• Hawaii Photo Retreat Day Tours
• Epic Lava Tours
• Thriving Sun

Hawaii Volcano Tours in Volcanoes National Park

Hike the Most Epic Lava Tours in Hawaii

Hawaii Volcano Tour: The Greatest Show on Earth

• Most Popular!

Epic Hawaii National Volcano Park Tours

Have the experience of a lifetime with our unique tour of Hawaii’s Volcano National Park and learn about its history while seeing the park’s most fascinating features! Book online.

• Clock 5am, 2pm, 8:30pm
• Hour Glass 2 Hours

Currently we can only offer the Epic Volcano Park tour . It is two to three hours of fun education on the volcano with one of our expert guides… they are super passionate and know everything about Kilauea.

It is not possible to approach the lava safely in its current location but it can be viewed from the overlook areas. We bring telescopes and cameras to maximize your view and send you home with great high-end pictures and videos of the summit eruption.

• The 5:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. tours are two hours in the prime viewing times.
• The 2:00 p.m. has much less visual viewing of the glowing lava but is longer and is a more interpretative tour that lasts three hours.

Epic Night Time Photography Tour

Come with us into Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park when it is literally yours to explore! Capture the volcano and the stars in breathtaking detail as you find the night’s best locations and are amazed by the park’s fascinating landscapes. Book your Hawai’i volcano photography tours online!

• Clock 1 a.m.
• Hour Glass 3 Hours

Welcome to EpicLava Tours in Hawaii!

EpicLava is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure to the world’s most powerful force! Get ready for fun as we guide you to the current eruptive activity and the greatest attractions of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. We specialize in informative but relaxed tours that leave you with an understanding of the surrounding area, the basics of how our volcanoes work and the current activity that they are displaying.

We offer group and private tours, so feel free to contact us so we can help plan the perfect tour for your needs!

At EpicLava, our priorities are SAFETY and making sure your lava tours in Hawaii provides memories that will last a lifetime.

Explore Our Hot Reviews with EpicLava Tours!

I would recommend this tour to anyone wanting to get up close and personal with Lava! I have to say it was one of the best tours I have EVER done!

We had a fantastic guide Matthew guiding our group. He had us up early hiking out over the lava flows to the most active parts, and we were lucky to have a major flow erupt right by us while we were exploring.

To put it succinctly: the guides (Jon and Jeff) are THE people you want escorting you through the volcanoes. Jon’s energy is contagious, and Jeff’s stories are–literally–legendary. More than just a tour of the area, you get a tour through time, with personal stories that help color the experience. I would recommend these guys to anyone who has a real interest in experiencing the history, not just looking at the land. Thanks, guys!

Epic Lava has most experienced and friendly guides. They shared many stories of their experiences and they even helped us take amazing photos.

Summit to Shore

Heavenly Hamakua

Big Volcano Adventure

Choose Your Own

BOOK ONLINE NOW!

THE VOLCANO VAN PRIVATE TOURS

Private volcano & waterfall tours on the big island of hawaii.

We keep our tour groups to a maximum of 6 people, and the maximum length of our tours to 9 hours.

Our knowledge of Hawaii will allow you to understand and appreciate the geology, beauty, and importance of the land around you. We design our tours for quality, not quantity. We keep our groups small so that everyone can have a personal experience and be treated as a special guest, not just as an ordinary customer. Hawai'i is known for being laid back almost as much as it is known for its beauty, and our tours are no exception. We want you to take your time to enjoy the island, breath in the air, feel the earth below, and soak in the environment around you. We don't have big buses here, we want your experience to be your own. After all, this is a Hawaiian vacation, and traveling at your own pace is what it should be all about. So come with us, and our certified and passionate guide Scott, and we’ll set out on a day of adventure!

STARTING FROM $195 PER PERSON

Kilauea: Summit to Shore

A TOUR OF VOLCANOES

A tour of rainforests.

A TOUR OF WATERFALLS

STARTING FROM $221 PER PERSON

The BIG Volcano Adventure

A tour of volcanoes & rainforest s.

GO NORTH &  SOUTH!

A tour of volcanoes & waterfalls, choose your own adventure.

FLAT RATE $1050 PER GROUP

A PRIVATE CUSTOMIZABLE TOUR

Go wherever.

WHAT OUR GUESTS SAY ABOUT US!

CONTACT US: 1-469-546-5282 • EMAIL

BUSINESS HOURS 9:00am - 8:00pm HST MON-SUN

Hawaii Geo Tours

Explore kilauea caldera, learn. explore. play..

With personalized attention and insider insights, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the Big Island’s unique culture and geography. Explore unique places that are rarely seen by visitors. Our small group tours feature a sit-down lunch and a full day of guided exploration in our Mercedes Sprinter Vans. For those wanting a personalized experience, we offer private VIP tours anywhere on the Big Island. Book Now for a Volcano Adventure on the Big Island!

Discover the Best of the Big Island with Hawaii Geo Tours

Unparalleled geology, volcano, and island life insights await.

As Hawaii-based experts, Hawaii Geo Tours is proud to offer the best tours and activities on the islands. If you’re seeking a custom private tour with an unparalleled geology experience, our local guides have you covered. From lava fields, tropical mountains to black sand beaches, Hawaii is no ka oi, and we’re here to help you discover the best of the Big Island.

Our volcanic tour is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the raw power of nature. Led by experienced geologists and guides, our tours will take you on a journey of discovery through the island’s most stunning landscapes.

Join Us For A Full Day Of Exploring Hawaii’s Landscapes

Your guide will give you a historical and geological journey through the park making it exciting and educational. We strive to provide a unique experience that includes short hikes, sightseeing, and photography to some of the less frequented areas of the park.

Take a private tour of Heavenly Hawaiian coffee farm.

Look for sea turtles black sand Punaluʻu Beach.

Spend the day at Volcanoes National Park for a fulfilling volcanic experience.

Amazing views of the Pacific Ocean.

Relax & take photos at the crowd favorite Rainbow Falls.

Relax in comfort as you travel around the island in our luxurious Mercedes Sprinters, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable ride while you explore the island’s volcanic features with unparalleled insight from our geology focused guides.

• Experience exclusive access to hidden gems and knowledge with our experienced guides.
• Enjoy a delectable lunch at Lava Rock Cafe, a sit-down restaurant where you choose from a menu of delicious options.
• Walk out to the Kilauea Overlook to see the lava.
• Explore the famous Chain of Craters Road which includes vistas, craters, lava flow walks, and sea arches.
• Explore a lava tube, see diverse vegetation and more.
• Enjoy a unique tour designed exclusively for Hilton Grand Vacations timeshare holders, available every Wednesday. Please, inquire with Hilton regarding this tour.

Our Happy Customers Say…

Read what our other guests have said about our guided trips of Hawaii’s Volcanoes National Park.

Fantastic Tour

Amazing tour! Our guide Dave was absolutely fantastic, very knowledgeable and funny, kept everyone entertained over the trip.

Bolt says Geo Tour Big Island

Dave was a great guide. Very informative tour. I really enjoyed the geological aspect and lots of information on how the islands were formed and keep growing. Many interesting stops along the way including a walk through a lava tube. Very cool! Great experience!

Well worth the time and money

David was an outstanding host and tour guide. He was very knowledgeable and entertaining. I highly recommend this tour. You will see a ton, learn a lot about the island and enjoy a delicious lunch.

One of the best tours ever

What an excellent way to get to know the Big Island and learn about its unique place on Earth. Our tour guide Eric picked us up on time at our rented villa along with a number of other visitors and we proceeded to spend one of the better days on a tour of the island. Eric is one of the proprietors of the tour, is a degreed geologist and is truly an engaging and friendly person. The tour was excellent which combined both interesting sights and a tremendous amount of local knowledge about lava flows and local history. To say that this was worth the day spent would be to put it mildly. Even at twice the price, I would happily do this again and recommend the tour to anyone.

Very Best Geo Tour on the Big Island of Hawaii

Zane found his calling. He is incredibly well educated in geology, has traveled the world and knowledgeable about not only the local history, but the flora and fauna of the island too. And he is super personable and able to keep all 10 of interested for almost twelve hours of the day. We conversed about what we wanted to see on a big scale and he narrowed it to specifics based on weather, crowds and our groups patience. He was a saint. If you want to enjoy the very best island tour and get educated on the land and history, hire Zane and you will write the next five star review!

Geo adventure family trip for the win!

David has a vast knowledge of so much of the island it’s amazing and he charmed us with a ton a factoids the whole day. Highly recommend if you are short on time on the island but want to see as much as you can in little time.

Hawaii Geo Tours are the best!

Wow! Fantastic tour of the erupting volcano!!! The guides are geologists and explained so much about the volcano and how all the Hawaiian islands were created. The pictures I got during the day, and especially at night were incredible! The food and winery tasting were good too. I’ve done this tour twice in the past year and recommend it highly! I wish I could give more than 5 stars!!! 🤙

Awesome adventure!

We couldn’t have made a better choice!!! Definitely the guides know their stuff, from history of the island and its people to the geological topics that kept me entertained throughout the trip. We just about went around the island in vip style, the guys were well known everywhere they took us as well as knew their way. Will recommend it to a few friends that are planning to visit the island, it’s a must in your itinerary and couldn’t have made a better choice in tour guide services

Highly Recommend!!

Zane was incredibly knowledgeable about the island! If you want to go on a tour with a geologist, this is the one to take!! As a privately owned company, he was able to hit all of the major island highlights as well as take us to places on the island that other tour companies don’t visit. We learned so much about the history of the island and the volcanos on the island all while having a fantastic time! HIGHLY recommend!!

Best Island Tour!

A must tour experience! Such an incredible day. What is unique about This tour, is how much you learn about the island formation and the flexibility in where he takes you! We traveled with friends and booked the VIP tour…if you can swing it, definitely put Geotours on your itinerary! Erik will not disappoint. You can see that he is passionate about the island and what he does. Mingled well with our group, lots of laughs, great energy and had a BLAST!!!

Solo Trip To Hawaii: The Ultimate Guide (From A Local!)

By Bridget Gutierrez. This guide to traveling solo in Hawaii contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

Are you considering a solo trip to Hawaii ?

If so, then you’re in the right place!

As a local who knows the ins and outs of the islands, I’ve created the ultimate guide to help you make the most of your trip.

From choosing which island to visit to finding local activities and booking the best solo travel tours in Hawaii, keep reading to learn everything you need to know to have an authentic experience.

Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or both, this guide will provide you with the best advice and recommendations from a local.

Quick tip: While Hawaii is safe for solo travel, it’s still smart to pack travel safety essentials . One top pick is the She’s Birdie Personal Safety Alarm , which is TSA-approved and can help scare away potential attackers. Other recommendations include Clever Travel Companion Pickpocket-Proof Garments and Speakeasy Travel Supply Hidden Pocket Scarves .

Travel Solo To Hawaii With Confidence [Free Course]

But first, before we get into how to plan a solo trip to Hawaii, I invite you to grab a seat in Jessie’s  free Savvy Solo Traveler E-Course .

The 6-day course is designed to help you feel confident about booking your first solo trip and exploring the world alone.

Lessons include:

• Common solo travel fears and how to overcome them
• How to choose your perfect solo trip
• How to tell loved ones you’re hitting the road solo
• Mentally preparing for your solo journey without losing your mind
• Essential steps for staying safe on a solo trip
• How to take amazing solo selfies

Once you’ve  grabbed your seat , read on to learn how to travel solo in Hawaii.

Is Hawaii Safe To Travel Alone?

Yes, traveling to Hawaii alone is safe, especially as the destination has a lower crime rate than many other US states.

In fact, according to SafeWise , Hawaii’s violent crime is lower than the national average, and it’s one of only 15 states to continuously see a decrease in violent crime rates.

In short, as a tourist, you’ll likely feel very safe exploring Hawaii alone — though, of course, crime does still occur.

This is why it’s wise to stay aware of your surroundings, avoid flashing valuables, and do your research so you know of any local scams or concerns to be aware of.

Where Is Hawaii?

Hawaii is a beautiful and unique state in the middle of the Pacific Ocean .

Made up of a chain of islands that include Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island , Hawaii boasts some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world.

The islands are known for their stunning natural beauty — with pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and towering volcanoes.

If you’re wondering where it is on the map, Hawaii is about 2,500 miles southwest of Los Angeles, California.

Getting To Hawaii

Getting to Hawaii may seem daunting, but it can be a breeze with some planning and preparation.

The best way to reach Hawaii is by plane, with several airlines offering direct flights from major cities in the United States and worldwide. Some popular airlines that fly to Hawaii include Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, and United Airlines.

If you’re flying from the mainland United States , you can fly directly to Honolulu International Airport on Oahu.

Hawaii has two international airports:

• Daniel K. Inouye International Airport on Oahu (HNL)
• Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole in Hawaii (KOA)

From there, you can catch a connecting flight to one of the other islands.

Getting Around Hawaii As A Solo Traveler 

When you arrive in Hawaii, transportation options include rental cars, taxis, shuttles, and public transportation.

Renting a car in Hawaii

One of the best ways to see the sights is by renting a car, which will give you the freedom and flexibility to explore at your own pace.

It’s recommended to check out Discover Cars to quickly compare your rental options.

Their comparison tool does the homework for you, so there’s no need to have up 10+ tabs trying to figure out which company is the most affordable. Actually, you can save up to 70% using their tool!

Public transportation in Hawaii

However, if you feel uncomfortable driving or would prefer not to rent a car, other options exist — such as public transportation, ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft, and even biking or walking, depending on where you’re staying.

If you’re staying in Honolulu, the bus is an excellent option as it covers most areas of the city and is the most affordable option.

Taxis are also available — but can be expensive, especially for longer distances.

Biking around Hawaii

Biking is a fun way to explore some of the more scenic areas of Hawaii, such as the North Shore of Oahu or the famous Ke Ala Hele Makālae bike path along the east coast of Kauai.

If you have a motorcycle license, a more adventurous option is renting a moped to explore independently. This allows you to see Hawaii on your own time while really immersing yourself in the scenery.

Hawaii Solo Travel Map

To help give you a lay of the land, here is a map. It has most of the main points and solo activities mentioned in this guide to Hawaii solo female travel pre-plotted:

You can also click here for the interactive version .

Popular Solo Travel Destinations In Hawaii

On that note, let’s go over some of the best places to go when you travel Hawaii solo.

The following destinations are safe, fun, and have a lot to offer those doing a solo trip to Hawaii.

Honolulu, Oahu

The first Hawaii solo female travel destination on the list is Honolulu, a city on the island of Oahu, which is full of things to do.

Honolulu is the best place to travel in Hawaii alone for first-time solo female travelers looking for a mix of urban amenities and natural beauty. 

The city is known for its historic landmarks, vibrant food and shopping scenes, and beautiful beaches for a memorable solo beach trip .

One must-visit place in Honolulu is Waikiki Beach , where you can relax on the sand, catch some waves, or enjoy the  city’s nightly scene .

If you want to explore Honolulu’s natural beauty, hike up Diamond Head — a 300,000-year-old dormant volcano — to get panoramic views of the city and the Pacific Ocean.

If hiking is not your thing, drive up to Puu Ualakaa State Park , an underrated lookout point offering amazing views of the city and one-of-a-kind views of Diamond Head.

For a taste of Hawaiian history and culture, head to the Iolani Palace or the Bishop Museum.

You can take a guided tour of the Iolani Palace — a royal residence — to learn about the history of the Hawaiian monarchy. The monarchs played an important role in Hawaiian history and culture, and their legacy is still celebrated and remembered today.

Alternatively, the Bishop Museum showcases an extensive collection of Hawaiian history, culture, and natural history. Popular exhibits include Hawaiian voyaging, the Hawaiian language, and the cultural traditions of the Hawaiian people.

Honolulu truly offers the best of city and beach lifestyle.

Honolulu Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Honolulu .

Honolulu Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Honolulu .

North Shore, Oahu

If you are a solo female traveler looking for a laid-back and authentic Hawaiian experience, the North Shore of Oahu is the best place. This is where you’ll find many local things to do in Oahu .

North Shore is great for relaxing and unwinding on its stunning beaches and lush landscapes.

The area is known for its world-class surfing during the winter season, though there is plenty to do beyond the waves.

Love hiking? Some beautiful moderate trails are Waimea Valley Trail — which takes you to the magnificent 30-foot Waimea Falls — and Ehukai Pillbox Hike , which offers beautiful views over the North Shore after taking you past several WWII “pillbox” bunkers.

If you love to explore underwater, you must go snorkeling in Pupukea Beach Park at Shark’s Cove — known for its shallow, calm, and clear water as well as its abundant marine life. While there aren’t actually sharks here, lucky visitors may get to see angelfish, butterflyfish, moray eels, and octopuses. It’s the perfect spot for beginner snorkelers.

After a day at the beach, head across the street to the local food trucks for lunch plates and poke bowls.

You can also find an abundance of food trucks in Haleiwa Town — which is also known for its surfing — and in Kauhuku .

A must-try is garlic shrimp from Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck in Haleiwa. Just make sure to bring cash and be prepared for a long line — though it’s totally worth the wait!

The relaxed pace of life in North Shore makes it easy for travelers to connect with locals and other visitors, whether at a farmers’ market or the beach watching the sunset.

Oahu North Shore Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Oahu North Shore .

Oahu North Shore Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Oahu North Shore .

If you want adventure and relaxation, Maui is perfect for a solo vacation to Hawaii. Compared to Oahu, Maui is more rural and offers a more tranquil atmosphere with its scenic drives along the coast.

Maui offers the best hotels in Hawaii for solo travelers, from hostels to vacation rentals to budget-friendly hotels.

Solo travelers will find that Maui’s friendly locals and laid-back atmosphere make it easy to form connections and find adventure. Plus, the island is known for its natural beauty — including a volcano, secluded beaches, and waterfalls.

The best things to do in Maui are the scenic Road to Hana and visiting the Haleakala National Park.

Road to Hana is a 64-mile coastal road that officially starts in Kahului and ends in Hana. Along the way, you can stop at waterfalls, black-sand beaches, local fruit stands, and farm-to-table restaurants.

While there are countless stops and sights to explore along the way, there are three must-see spots that should not be missed:

• Twin Falls is a beautiful waterfall with swimming pools. You can reach the falls via a relatively easy 1.8-mile hike just off the main road.
• Hana Farms Roadside Stand is a great mid-point stop to eat at before continuing the 34 miles left on the Road to Hana. This outdoor farm-to-table cafe serves healthy dishes made with local ingredients and fresh produce. I recommend trying out their beef brisket or kale pork farm plates. You can also buy freshly baked goods like banana bread and brownies, ice cream, produce, nut butter, and more.
• Waianapanapa State Park is a black sand beach where you can do much more than just swim. Visitors can explore a small cave on the right of the beach. On the other side of the beach, to your left, you’ll find a hiking trail that winds through the lava rock. The park does require a reservation to enter the park.

Within Haleakala National Park , you can book a bike tour to watch an awe inspiring sunrise at the Haleakala summit — 10,000 feet above sea level! Watching the sunrise while you are above the clouds is a one-of-a-kind experience, and afterwards you can do some downhill biking to experience the area’s natural beauty in a fun and active way.

The park is also full of hiking trails. One recommended trail is Waimoku Falls via Pipiwai Trail , a moderate 3.8-mile hike that takes you to a gorgeous 400-foot tall waterfall.

You can view a full list of top Haleakala National Park hiking trails here.

If you want a quieter and more peaceful place away from the big city vibe, then you can’t go wrong with Maui.

Maui Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Maui .

Maui Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Maui .

Known as the “Garden Island” because of its lush tropical landscapes, Kauai is the perfect destination for solo travelers who love to be outdoors and don’t mind getting rained on.

The rural island is known for its beautiful hiking trails, with only 10% of the land accessible by car.

Hikers should head to  Waimea Canyon State Park — known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” This is because it resembles the famous Grand Canyon with its reddish hues — Waimea (“reddish water”) refers to the canyon’s red soil erosion — and massive size at 10 miles long and up to 3,000 feet deep.

The extreme rainfall on Mount Waialeale formed the canyon , which is one of the wettest places on Earth.

Prefer biking? Don’t miss the Ke Ala Hele Makālae bike path , an easy trail along the island’s Royal Coconut Coast, a nickname given to Kauai’s East Side due to its abundance of coconut groves.

And if you want to zipline, head to Koloa on the South Shore to go ziplining on Kauai’s longest zipline course. You can fly like a superhero along a 1000-foot zipline through lush forest and over the Waita Reservoir.

Beyond the above-mentioned adventures, a trip to Kauai is not complete until you see the Na Pali Coastline . These beautiful emerald-hued cliffs stretch for 17 miles, and can only be seen via hiking, helicopter, or boat.

The best time to do a Na Pali Coast boat tour is during a summer morning, as this is when the water conditions are the calmest.

Boat tours leave from Hanalei (only in summer months) on the North Shore as well as Port Allen on the South Shore. If possible, opt for Hanalei as you’ll reach the Na Pali Coast from here. Expect the boat tour to be about 4-5.5 hours long. You can choose to go on a catamaran or a motorized raft.

Another option is a Kauai helicopter tour , which offers views over Waimea Canyon, Mount Waialeale, Na Pali Coast, and a few other spots. You can choose from “doors on” or the more popular “door-off” option — which provides unobstructed views and is great for taking stunning photos of Kauai.

Experienced hikers will love the challenge of trekking the 11-mile (one way) Na Pali Coast (Kalalau) Trail , which begins at Ha’ena State Park at Ka’a Beach and takes about 3 days to complete. Note that it requires a permit to hike and camp that must be booked in advance as the limited reservations sell out fast.

Even if you only hike a few miles of the trail, you’ll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views.

Now, I’m sure you’re curious: which of these options for seeing the Na Pali Coast is best? In my opinion, the boat, as it is a longer tour and is way more affordable than a helicopter tour and way easier than a hike.

Kauai Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Kauai .

Kauai Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Kauai .

Hawai’i, aka Big Island

If you are a backcountry lover and want to explore not one, but two volcanos — one of which is active — Hawaii is the island for you.

Big Island is the largest island out of all eight major Hawaiian islands, with the two main areas to visit being Kona and Hilo .

Hawaii is home to Manua Kea , the largest volcano on Earth, and Kilauea , the most active volcano, located in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park .

If you’re wondering whether visiting the Big Island with an active volcano is safe, the short answer is yes! While this may sound dangerous, the reality is that the area around the volcano is well-monitored, and visitors are typically kept at a safe distance.

The best things to do in Hawaii alone are to:

• hiking the scenic and historic King’s Trail (and other Big Island hikes )
• go snorkeling with manta rays
• take a helicopter tour of the Kilauea Volcano
• Just make sure to check if lava is flowing during your visit

Another interesting way to see lava flowing is aboard an evening lava boat tour , which gets you up close to the action.

Alternatively, you can go on a scenic drive along Chain of Craters Road , which provides the best view of the huge hardened lava flows year-round. On this road, you can stop at different points like Thurston Lava Tube , Halemaumau Crater , Devil’s Throat Crater , and Holei Sea Arch .

Big Island is also known for its coffee, particularly in Kona . You can visit farms along the Kona Coffee Belt — like Greenwell Farms and Mountain Thunder Coffee — to tour the plantations, learn more about the production process, and taste local coffees.

There is also this in-depth Kona tour , which takes you to a coffee plantation, a bee farm, Kealakekua Bay, and Kaloko-Honokohau Park.

And if you’re just looking to kick back and relax, Big Island has plenty of luxurious resorts and spas where you can unwind — like Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection , a beachfront resort on the Kohala Coast that offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.

With three swimming pools and a beautiful beach, there are plenty of opportunities to relax and soak up the sun. And for a truly indulgent experience, treat yourself to a massage or facial at the resort’s sumptuous spa.

The hotel also has several dining options to suit any taste, from casual family-style dining to farm-to-table Japanese-inspired dishes.

At Mauna Lani, you will surely receive exceptional service that will make your stay comfortable and memorable.

Big Island Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Big Island .

Big Island Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Big Island .

Advice For Solo Dining In Hawaii

Does the thought of eating alone during your solo trip to Hawaii make you feel self-conscious? Here are a few tips:

Bring an activity. Bringing a book or other enjoyable activity can give you something to focus on while dining.

Sit at the bar. It often feels less awkward to sit at a bar alone than a table. Bonus: you’ll have the bartender to chat with if you’d like someone to talk to.

Dine outside of main meal times. This will allow you to dine solo with less people around.

Opt for a food tour. There are many food tours in Hawaii , which have the added benefit of allowing you to meet other travelers and get insider knowledge from your tour guide.

Focus on your food and enjoy. At the end of the day, realize that nobody besides you is focused on the fact that you’re eating alone in Hawaii. So instead of caring what others may or may not think about you sitting on your own, focus on the delicious food in front of you.

Tips For Planning A Solo Trip To Hawaii

Now let’s chat about some important things to keep in mind during solo female travel in Hawaii.

1) Choose the right island. Each Hawaiian island offers a unique experience, so choosing the island that best fits your interests and travel style is essential.

For instance, Oahu and Maui are popular choices for solo travelers, with plenty of activities and reliable transportation options.

If you are visiting Hawaii alone and want a more rural environment to go hiking and camping, Kauai and Hawaii (also called the Big Island) are great options.

Once you pick an island, research its popular areas so that you can choose a centrally-located accommodation near to the things you want to do on your solo trip to Hawaii.

2) Be respectful. Hawaii has unique cultures and customs, so being respectful and aware of local traditions is essential. Also, respecting locals, nature, and sacred sights is crucial.

Here are few additional local tips for showing respect:

• When a car gives you the right way to pass, it’s a nice gesture to shaka
• Saying aloha (hello) and mahalo (thank you) goes a long way
• Never touch or get too close to wildlife — it’s illegal!

3) Research local transportation. To make traveling to Hawaii solo easier, figure out your transportation method. Not all Hawaii islands have public transportation, and renting a car is always the best option if you’re comfortable driving.

Again, you can use Discover Cars to quickly compare your rental options.

Another excellent choice for solo travelers wanting to see the sights without renting a car is to book a tour.

Here is a full list of top-rated tours in Hawaii .

4) Know how to stay safe on a solo trip to Hawaii. Hawaii is generally a safe destination for solo travelers; however, it’s essential to take precautions like:

• Pack important travel safety essentials
• Stick to well-lit areas at night, avoid isolated beaches or trails, and stay aware of your surroundings
• If you plan on hiking or participating in outdoor activities alone, let someone know where you’ll be and when you expect to return
• Pay attention to any warning signs at the beach or at the beginning of the hiking trails
• Consider joining tours to meet other travelers and enhance your Hawaii experience

By taking these simple steps, you can enjoy all that Hawaii offers while staying safe during your solo travels.

What Does Hawaii Solo Travel Cost?

The cost of solo female travel to Hawaii can vary widely depending on your budget, travel style, and the length of your stay. That being said, the average weekly cost is about $2500 to $5000.

Here is a cost breakdown for a solo trip to Hawaii :

Accommodation:

• Hostel dorm bed: $45 per night
• 3-star hotel room: $150 per night

Transportation:

• Car rentals: $50 to $150 per day
• Moped rentals: $50 per day for a 7-day rental
• Bus ride: $2.50
• Hawaiian shave ice: $5-$10
• Fast food plate: $10-15
• Restaurant entree: $22-50 

Excursions:  Hawaii offers a wide range of activities for free. If you want to do a tour, prices can vary widely; but, expect to spend anywhere from $50 to $200+ per activity.

A solo trip to Hawaii is expensive, but it’s worth visiting. To reduce costs, consider visiting outside of peak season — which is typically late December through March — and booking your flights and hotels a few months in advance.

Do You Need Travel Insurance For Hawaii?

When visiting Hawaii — or anywhere else in the world — it’s wise to get travel insurance.

One of the  best travel medical insurance for travelers  is SafetyWing as they’ve got a large network and offer both short-term and long-term coverage — including coverage if you’re traveling for months as well as limited coverage in your home country.

Additionally, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and offers $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.

Click here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks .

Frequently Asked Questions About Solo Travel To Hawaii

Now let’s go over a few common questions about planning a solo trip to Hawaii.

Q) Is Hawaii safe for solo female travelers?

Yes, Absolutely! Hawaii is generally safe for solo female travelers, and you can enjoy exploring this beautiful destination alone.

You’ll likely have a worry-free trip if you take standard precautions — such as staying aware of your surroundings, keeping your belongings close, and avoiding isolated areas after dark.

Plus, the locals in Hawaii are known for their friendly and welcoming nature, so you’ll feel right at home in no time.

Q) W hat is the best Hawaiian island for solo travel?

Oahu is often considered the best place in Hawaii for solo travel. It offers endless outdoor activities, museums, and iconic landmarks like Diamond Head and Pearl Harbor — which provide an opportunity to learn about the history and culture of Hawaii.

For those seeking relaxation, Oahu has some of the  best beaches in Hawaii, including Waikiki Beach and Lanikai Beach. Also, getting around the island is much easier than the other islands.

Q) What is the best time to visit Hawaii?

The best time to visit Hawaii is during the shoulder seasons of May to early June or September to mid-December. During these times, you can get score great deals while avoiding the crowds.

Hawaii’s climate is relatively consistent year-round, so you can expect warm temperatures and occasional rainfall no matter when you visit.

Q) What is the most affordable Hawaiian island to visit?

Oahu is often considered the most affordable island to visit. One of the reasons for this is that the island has a diverse range of accommodations — including hostels, hotels, and vacation rentals, making it easier to find affordable lodging options.

Additionally, Oahu has an excellent public transportation system that can take you anywhere on the island without spending too much.

Q) Can you drink tap water in Hawaii?

Yes, tap water in Hawaii is generally safe to drink. The water in Hawaii comes from the onshore aquifers or accumulated underground rainwater.

Due to its natural porous volcanic rock filtration, no fluoride is added to water; however, the taste of tap water can vary depending on the location and the source of the water.

Final Thoughts On Going To Hawaii Alone 

Hawaii is a fantastic destination for solo travelers. As we’ve explored, Hawaii is generally safe for solo female travelers, with plenty of activities to suit various interests and budgets.

Whether you’re looking to relax on a beach, hike to a scenic waterfall, or explore the local food scene, Hawaii has something to offer.

From the stunning natural beauty of Maui to the bustling city life of Oahu, each Hawaiian island has its own unique charm.

While getting to Hawaii may require some planning, many airlines offer direct flights from major cities worldwide. Plus, once you arrive, getting around as a solo traveler is relatively easy — with plenty of transportation options available.

And with Hawaii’s consistently warm weather, there’s always a right time to visit, whether seeking a peaceful escape or an exciting adventure.

What are your top tips for planning a solo trip to Hawaii?

Enjoyed this guide to solo female travel in Hawaii ? Pin it for later!

About The Author

Bridget is a mindful travel blogger based in Oahu, Hawaii. On her blog, bridgetgutierrez.com , you’ll find in-depth travel guides and helpful tips to help you travel to Oahu. Follow her travels on  Instagram . 

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Volcano Explorer Waikoloa Departure

Volcano explorer tour from waikoloa, visit the world's most active volcanoes.

You’re standing on what feels like the top of the world as a surreal landscape engulfs you. Here, at the top of the Kilauea volcano, a patchwork of jagged rocks, boulders, and craggy outcroppings are the result of ancient volcanic eruptions. Renowned scientists and scholars have stood in your footsteps before, studying this active volcano said to be governed by the Hawaiian Goddess of fire, Pele. It is a humbling experience that fills you with a deep sense of respect for the power and unpredictability of nature. This is the heart of Hawaiʻi — its volcanoes — and you are feeling its pulse in the company of your small group of friends or family for a memory that will last a lifetime.

Inclusions:

• Hotel Pick up and Drop off for your group
• Passionate guides with local knowledge
• Snacks and refreshments aboard luxury transportation for your enjoyment
• Cold and hot towel services to keep you feeling refreshed
• Express deli-style lunch to maximize sightseeing
• Park entry fees to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
• Binoculars and umbrellas to use at your leisure
• List Item #1

Day Time Tour:

This 8-hour Volcano Explorer tour takes you through the spectacular Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park to the Kilauea Volcano, with minimal stops along the way. Admire the scenery that makes Hawaiʻi so special. Designed for visitors short on time, while leaving you free to explore the most amazing natural landscapes of Hawaiʻi Island without the usual tourist stresses. The Explorer tour includes: beverages, snack baskets, lunch or dinner, park fees, and transportation.

Tour pickup: Begin your tour at the centralized destination at Starbucks in the Queens Marketplace in Waikoloa Village. Relax in comfort en route to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park which is considered to be one of Hawaii’s top natural attractions. Leave your vehicle in peace knowing it is in a well-lit and monitored lot.

Rainbow Falls/Hilo Town: The scenery on this side of the island is the postcard-perfect example of Hawai’i – a lush rainforest that is home to the 80-foot-tall Rainbow Falls. The waterfall plunges over a natural lava cave and into the Wailuku River below. It is said that the Hawaiian goddess Hina, mother of the storied demigod Maui, dwells in the lava cave behind Rainbow Falls. On a sunny day, rainbows reflect off the mist of the falls, and it is perfectly magical.

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park: The crown jewel of the Big Island contains two of the world’s most active volcanoes – Kilauea and Mauna Loa. We explore the Visitor’s Center, feel the heat from the steam vents, and venture to the Kilauea and Kilauea Iki craters. It is then a short 20-minute hike through a 500-year-old cave called “Nahuku” or the Thurston Lava Tube. This cave sits at 3,900 feet elevation, which is only a fraction of the Mauna Loa peak at 13,679 feet elevation. The visitors’ center hosts interesting and interactive displays. Please note: In the event of an active lava flow or an eruption that poses a threat, we will not be able to access certain parts of the park for safety reasons.

Treat yourself to Big Island Candies: The delicious smell of freshly baked shortbread welcomes you in the parking lot, enticing you to enter the showroom. The showroom is air-conditioned and filled with their famous cookies, fudge, and chocolates. You can sample, and buy these delicious treats as souvenirs (at your own expense).

Tour drop-off: When your tour comes to an end, return in comfort to the drop-off point at Starbucks in the Queens Marketplace in Waikoloa Village where your adventure began.

This 8-hour Volcano Explorer tour takes you through the spectacular Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park to the Kilauea Volcano, with minimal stops along the way. Admire the scenery that makes Hawaiʻi so special. Designed for visitors short on time, while leaving you free to explore the most amazing natural landscapes of Hawaiʻi Island without the usual tourist stresses. The Express tour includes: beverages, snack baskets, lunch or dinner, park fees, and transportation.

What is the group size of a Volcano Explorer Tour? Kailani Tours prefers small-group experiences, generally booking no more than 12 guests per vehicle. The Mercedes fleet consists of 15 passenger vehicles. If you’re looking for something even more intimate, private tours can also be arranged.

How crowded does it get at the stops on a Volcano Explorer Tour? While we cannot predict the crowds at popular destinations, we can assure you that our tours have itineraries best suited to avoid the most popular windows of time at specific destinations. We also have daily standing reservations with the Winery to ensure our groups are shown priority attention.

Can you accommodate wheelchairs? Though we have a compact collapsible wheelchair available for guests, our guides cannot push/assist with wheelchair mobility. Our tours are active and require some physical exertion. While on tour guests may experience some or all of the following: a large step up into the van, tight aisles, steep hills in either direction, stairs, uneven surfaces, wet surfaces, and loose sand. If you have any questions or would like to know more details about the physical aspects of your specific tour, please contact Kailani Tours staff at 808-938-4057 or [email protected] .

What should I bring on a Volcano Explorer Tour? Kailani Tours Hawaii will provide your meals, snack baskets, beverages, hiking gear, jackets, parkas, umbrellas, flashlights, other related gear for all weather conditions, and items to help with car sickness/nausea. Please come prepared with close-toed shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and a camera.

Is this tour all-inclusive? This tour includes a variety of refreshments and snacks in the vehicle and covers all tastings, meals, and entrance fees required. We work closely with coffee roasters, wineries, and other establishments on the island to bring you exclusive tastings and experiences.

Can you accommodate dietary needs and restrictions on this tour? We want to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergy requests as much as possible for each of our guests. Please, notify us immediately if anyone in your party is vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, lactose-intolerant, or has any food-related allergies. By notifying us early, we can be best prepared for your tour meal/snack basket/beverage needs. Should there be no contact by 2:00 PM, the day prior to your tour, the meals ordered on your behalf will default to regular with no restrictions. Since gathering these details is time sensitive, we look forward to hearing from you soon.

Who is this tour suitable for? This is the ideal Big Island tour for families, couples, friends, and solo travelers who want to see what the Big Island has to offer in a shorter amount of time. We achieve this schedule by picking up at one centralized location in Kailua-Kona. We welcome ages 5 and up on this public Volcano Explorer Tour. Choosing a private tour option is required for children under 5 years of age.

I’m traveling with children, what should I know? Infants, toddlers, or children under 5 years of age are not permitted on public tours, a private tour will need to be secured for families traveling with small children. To abide by Hawaiʻi State Law all children 3 years and younger must be in a proper safety seat. Children ages 4 to 7 who weigh between 40 and 80 pounds and are less than 57 inches tall must be in a booster seat. We have all child seat options available upon request. Please, notify us of your children’s age and seat requirements as soon as possible.

How much walking do you do on a Volcano Explorer Tour? This tour allows people to explore the island at their fitness and comfort level. It is our “Easy” tour. You will be given the opportunity to exit the vehicle to enjoy the lush and unique landscapes of Greenwell Coffee Farm, Punalu’u Black Sand Beach, Volcano Winery, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, and Rainbow Falls. All walks are optional and it is up to you how far you walk at these destinations. The Thurston Lava Tube is the most strenuous part of the tour with roughly 15 steps down, a twenty-minute or 1/3 mile hike through the tube, and roughly 20 steps up.

Is alcohol allowed on tour? Hawai’i laws do not permit the consumption of or an open container of alcohol in any vehicle. There are stops on the tours that offer adult beverages that you are able to purchase specifically. We ask you to remember restrooms are not always readily available and motion sickness is already a common occurrence on island roads. We ask that you drink responsibly while in our care. Kailani Tours reserves the right to ask a guest to disembark if necessary.

What locations do you pick up from? In order to keep our driving time to a minimum for the Volcano Explorer Tour we offer only one centralized location for this tour. You will meet your guide at the Kailua-Kona Target parking lot near McDonald’s on Makala Boulevard.

Are tips or gratuities required? Tips and gratuities are not required, they are greatly appreciated though. Your guide works hard to keep you safe, entertained, and satisfied for 11+ hours. The wealth of information you’ll be exposed to is impressive. The guides spend a lot of time training and perfecting their skills for you. So, if you enjoy yourself, if your guide gives impeccable attention to your needs, and if you feel safe in their care, then show them your appreciation for a job well done! Of course, this is only a recommendation but common tipping for full-day excursions ranges between $20-$40 per person.

What are the benefits of a Private tour? The most common reasons for guests to choose a private tour over a public tour include: the ability to go at your own pace, a customizable itinerary with tour flexibility, customizable timing, customizable pickup/drop off locations, upgraded meals/snack baskets/beverages, no other personalities/strangers, not waiting on rouge public participants, more intimate, any age is permitted, and you’ll be placed with a tenured guide. We have luxury SUVs available for smaller parties (1-5 passengers) and Mercedes Sprinter or Streamliner Vans for larger parties (5-12 passengers).

The Experience

Your guide to the volcanoes.

Your knowledgeable guide will teach you about the science of volcanic activity on the Big Island — the different types of volcanoes, how they form, and the impact they have on the surrounding environment. You’ll be as close to the action as possible throughout the day! 

INTIMATE AND PERSONALIZED SERVICE

You’re not paying out of pocket for anything on this all-inclusive day tour around the Big Island. Expect hot or cold towel services aboard a luxury Mercedes Sprinter, refreshments, and expert local guidance among other amenities on this all-inclusive volcano day tour. 

A FEAST ON THE SENSES

As you journey through the diverse microclimates of the Big Island, from the picturesque Kona coastline to the vibrant landscapes within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, your senses will come alive at every twist and turn of your adventure.

CONNECT WITH NATURE

You’ll feel steam rise from rocky crevices of the mighty Kilauea volcano. It’s the result of ground water that seeps down into the rocks, where it meets magma deep below the surface, turning the water into vapors. It’s one of many moments on this express volcano tour where you find a new respect for the raw power of nature.

CUSTOM TOURS

• Big Island Highlights Day Tour
• Big Island Volcanoes and Dinner Tour
• Volcano Explorer Tour
• Privacy Policy

KAILANI TOURS HAWAII | 808.938.4057 | [email protected] | 74-555 Honokohau St, Ste. B8, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

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• (808)900-6070
• 100% Refund Policy

Volcano Tours from Kona

Depart from kona.

Kailua-Kona, on the West side of the Big Island, is where most visitors arrive when they come to Hawaii. It’s no wonder why there are so many volcano tours from Kona! These include Helicopter Tours directly from Kona International Airport and excursions to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park that pick you up right at your hotel. 

Tours from Kona

Kona: Circle Island Experience

Difficulty rating, tour duration.

Evening Volcano Explorer (From Kona)

Easy to Moderate

Elite Volcano Hike (From Kona)

Twilight Volcano Unveiled (From Kona)

Frequently asked questions.

Answers to our customers’ common questions about volcano tours from Kona.

Everyone who visits Hawaii Volcanoes National Park wants to see lava.  You go there hoping to see lava fountaining into the air like on a National Geographic magazine.

Sorry to tell you, most visitors do not see lava.

Here’s why: Lava is dangerous. As soon as lava is fountaining or flowing in a certain area, Hawaii Civil Defense determines if it is safe to allow people near it.  Usually it is not safe and the area is closed off.

How to see lava on a volcano tour

The best way to be sure you will see lava is to take a helicopter volcano tour. You will see it from hundreds of feet away, but it is still magnificent.

The chances of seeing lava from a helicopter are very high, but not guaranteed. Volcanoes are extremely unpredictable. Volcanic activity changes every day. The lava flow moves and the surface cools.

Do not make the mistake of going on a volcano tour to see lava. There are so many other reasons to go on a volcano tour. Our volcanoes have an amazing history, cultural significance, biological uniqueness, geological wonder, and a beauty like no other place in the world.

People who go just to see lava and don’t see it are disappointed.  People who go to appreciate everything else about the volcano enjoy themselves. If you do see lava on a volcano tour, it is a bonus and you are a lucky one.

You want a quick answer? Sorry, the answer is constantly changing.

As we mention all over this site, the volcano is active. That means that it is moving and hard to pin down. You might see photos from a friend who saw lava flowing into the ocean a month ago, but now it is nowhere to be seen.

This is why a  volcano tour  is the best way to view the volcanoes. Tours will take you to see the sights in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Then the guide will use his contacts to find where you have the best chance of seeing lava.

Sometimes it is best viewed from inside the National Park. Sometimes it is by the shore in Kalapana. Sometimes it can only be seen from helicopters. Some days you can’t see lava anywhere you look.

The key to an enjoyable visit to the Big Island volcanoes is to go for the volcanoes and consider any sighting of lava as a bonus. If you’re whole purpose is to see lava, you could be setting yourself up for disappointment.

If you insist that lava is your focus, then a  helicopter tour  has the best chance of seeing lava. The pilots search for lava and communicate where the sighting is the best.  When you get close, you can actually feel the heat from inside the helicopter.

Five different Volcanoes are on the Big Island of Hawaii:

• Kilauea volcano

Mauna Kea Volcano Summit. 13,796 ft. Photo https://flic.kr/p/4h5JWS

Mauna Kea is the tallest mountain in Hawaii. It is also the tallest sea mountain in the world. From it’s base at the bottom of the ocean floor it is 33,000 feet taller than Mount Everest.  Mauna Kea hasn’t erupted for thousands of years, but is still considered dormant and could erupt again.

Mauna Loa is the largest volcano on earth in terms of volume.

Kilauea is the volcano that most visit us to see.  It is the most active volcano in the world. It began erupting in 1983 and continues to erupt today.

Vog is volcanic fog. It is similar to smog in that it is dirty with particles that are not in typical fog.

Vog is formed when gases from the erupting volcano get into the air, mix with sunlight, oxygen and moisture.

Like smog, vog is not healthy for humans, plants or animals. Many people living near Kilaeau, experience headaches and respitory issues from vog.

Visitors on our tours will see and breath vog, but we rarely have visitors who complain of health issues as a result. Generally, complaints come more often from prolonged exposure by those living near the volcano.

Nevertheless, we encourage all visitors to pay attention to their bodies and take the following precautions:

• Drink lots of fluids
• Don’t overexert
• Don’t smoke

Does vog smell like sulfer? A little bit.

Volcano Watch: Using acoustic signals to identify the start of 2022 Mauna Loa eruption

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Panel A is a thermal image showing first observation of strong ‘lava glowing’ at Mauna Loa, time-stamped 11:36 p.m. HST on November 27, 2022. An example waveform from the array of sensors at the ‘Ainapo (AIND) field station is shown in panel B. Coherency plots of wave velocities are shown in panel C and the direction of the computed eruption source compass direction, relative to the ‘Ainapo array, is shown in panel D. The colored dots in panels C and D represent incoherent signals (shown in light and dark blue) and coherent signals (shown in red, orange and yellow). Times for panel B, C and D are expressed in Hawaii Standard Time (HST). The black vertical line in panels C and D marks the early onset of the eruption at 11:23 p.m. HST. The grey vertical line shows the time when the thermal image in panel A was taken. Both of the vertical lines mark times before changes in the acoustic processing because it takes about 2 minutes for sound to travel from the eruption vent to the ‘Ainapo array. (courtesy/image)

The 2022 eruption of Mauna Loa occurred late in the evening of November 27. The eruption was preceded by intense earthquake activity about half an hour prior to glowing lava seen on USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) webcams. How does HVO narrow down the precise time that the eruption started?

Remote cameras are critical to confirm eruptive activity but, in many cases, worldwidew, views of the activity can be obscured. Clouds, fog or volcanic gas can block views. Or cameras may not cover the eruption site. Hence, HVO and other global observatories establish numerous methods to attempt to identify eruption activity even if the volcano cannot be clearly seen.

One way to monitor volcanoes is by measuring the sounds of an eruption. These sounds can rapidly travel away from the eruption vent in the same way that a rock thrown into calm water can make ripples that move away from the “plop point.”

The global volcano monitoring community routinely installs clusters of acoustic sensors (called arrays) on the flanks of volcanoes that can measure both the audible noise (sounds we can hear) and the inaudible noise which have frequencies that human ears can’t sense (infrasound). Computer processing is then used to look for signals that come from a distinct direction, similar to the way humans train their ears and brains to determine where sounds come from.

HVO currently monitors our volcanoes using rapidly processed “near real-time” data from acoustic arrays which measure pressure changes around our most active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa (figure panel B). The grouped sensor arrays are deployed in the field to allow computers to look for correlations in acoustic energy from Hawaii’s likely eruption centers.

The processing compares all waveforms of the array and looks at consistency (called coherency) of the waves under a range of conditions. In the plots (figure panels C and D) strong waveform coherency are marked by red and orange dots and incoherent waves are marked by light and dark blue. As an analogy, incoherent sounds are like the sounds you hear in the middle of a forest on a windy day and more coherent sound would be from a car honking on the road.

Coherent acoustic signals often have characteristics that allow them to be distinguished by the processing of array data, and two good indicators of coherency come from the wave speed and wave direction across the array. For example, near the surface of the Earth the sounds usually travel at speeds of about 0.3-0.4 km/s (~300-400 yards per second) (figure panel C). HVO’s ‘Ainapo infrasound array is located in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and has a compass direction of about 300 degrees (figure panel D) pointing back to Mauna Loa summit. Automated detection can use these characteristics (coherency, wave speed and direction) to improve our ability to rapidly understand when an eruption is occurring at Mauna Loa summit.

Panel D of the figure shows that the compass back direction becomes very stable at about 11:25 p.m. HST which indicates that mild eruptive activity had started. Its timing was probably approximately two minutes earlier, at about 11:23 p.m. HST, given that it takes about 2 minutes for sound to travel from the summit of Mauna Loa to the ‘Ainapo array (shown as a black vertical line in figure panels C and D.) Indeed, panel A of the figure shows that by 11:36 p.m. HST, lava flows being generated by the new eruption were rapidly expanding across Moku‘aweoweo, Mauna Loa summit caldera (grey vertical line in C and D). The progression and expansion of the lava is followed by a strong intensification of that activity around 11:40 p.m. HST (C and D). This shows the value of using multiple lines of information to evaluate eruptive activity.

In addition to acoustic methods, staff at HVO utilize a full range of volcano monitoring methods including seismic, deformation, gas, and webcam imagery. The data collected improve our situational awareness; evaluating the different datasets together can help scientists to understand the volcanic processes happening at any one time. This, in turn, helps HVO to keep the public well-informed about our active volcanoes.

Volcano Activity Updates

Kilauea is not erupting. Its USGS Volcano Alert level is ADVISORY.

Disbursed seismicity continues below Kilauea’s summit and along the Koa‘e fault system southwest of the caldera. Average earthquake counts in this region over the past week have remained below 40 detected events per day, well below the amount detected during the January–February intrusion or prior to recent summit eruptions. Tiltmeters near Sand Hill and Uekahuna bluff continued to record modest inflationary trends over the past week. No unusual activity has been noted along the rift zones.

Mauna Loa is not erupting. Its USGS Volcano Alert Level is at NORMAL.

Webcams show no signs of activity on Mauna Loa. Summit seismicity has remained at low levels over the past month. Ground deformation indicates continuing slow inflation as magma replenishes the reservoir system following the 2022 eruption. SO2 emission rates are at background levels.

Two earthquakes were reported felt in the Hawaiian Islands during the past week: a M3.1 earthquake 10 km (6 mi) ENE of Pahala at 33 km (20 mi) depth on March 23 at 9:06 p.m. HST and a M3.1 earthquake 2 km (1 mi) SSW of Pahala at 32 km (20 mi) depth on March 22 at 9:45 p.m. HST.

HVO continues to closely monitor Kilauea and Mauna Loa.

Please visit HVO’s website for past Volcano Watch articles, Kilauea and Mauna Loa updates, volcano photos, maps, recent earthquake information, and more. Email questions to [email protected].

Volcano Watch is a weekly article and activity update written by U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists and affiliates.

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Bringing Hawaii’s birds into classrooms: Virtual field trip is a collection of 360-degree images, videos, interviews

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In this DLNR photo, Keauhou Bird Conservation Center wildlife care supervisor Lisa Mason is filmed for a virtual tour being offered to students.

VOLCANO – Students across Hawaii are being offered rare access to learn about endangered Hawaiian forest birds.

The Keauhou Bird Conservation Center near Volcano is one of two centers operated through a partnership between San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife, for the care and perpetuation of numerous critically endangered Hawaiian forest birds.

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During this “Year of the Forest Birds” (ka Makahiki o Na Manu Nahele), the focus is on five species that are really in trouble. One way to spread information and to educate keiki is through the production of what is known as a virtual field trip: a collection of 360-degree images, videos and interviews that allow students to learn about places and species they might not get to see in person.

Josh Atwood, DOFAW information and education specialist, is producing the latest field trip, as well as several others over the past four years.

“We really started this program during COVID, thinking people were unable to get out of their classrooms and to see different places around Hawaii,” Atwood said in a press release.

He explained that after the pandemic, virtual field trips remained a good educational tool because not everyone can visit ecologically sensitive places like KBCC in person. Other entries in the virtual field trip program include visits to closed areas like the laboratory for the Snail Extinction Prevention Program or the site of Kamehameha III’s summer palace at Kaniakapupu, where in-person classroom visits would not be possible.

The virtual field trips can be viewed here: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dofaw/education/virtual/.

“With a virtual field trip, a class anywhere in Hawaii can experience the center and develop an appreciation for the state’s forest birds,” Atwood said.

In late February, armed with a collection of cameras and technology, Atwood worked with the “host” of the KBCC virtual field trip, wildlife care supervisor Lisa Mason. First standing outside the facility, Atwood records Mason as she delivers her introduction. “On your field trip today, you’ll get to see our facility and some of the birds who call this center their home. ‘Alala, Palila, ‘Akikiki, ‘Akeke‘e, and Kiwikiu,” she says into the camera.

“By putting a tour into a virtual format, it not only makes it available to a broader number of classrooms, but students can explore it at their own pace. It’s a great way to have something that would be good in-person and enhance it by having it as a virtual field trip experience,” Atwood said.

Once inside the center, taping continues, first in the center’s “keiki corner” surrounded by a floor-to-ceiling mural of forest birds, gifted by local artist Kathleen Kam. “Here on this mural, you can see many of the birds that live across our islands, represented in their native habitats,” Mason said.

She and the cameras then moved into the library which features the second part of the mural. It’s dedicated to the native Hawaiian crow (‘Alala), which viewers will see in real life, once the shades are raised. In addition to ecological education, the virtual field trip also addresses the importance of forest birds and culture.

Mason said, “To Kanaka Maoli, our native Hawaiian birds are very important to us. They have many roles in the forest as forest engineers. They help to pollinate plants and to spread seeds to regenerate forests.”

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