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Experience the unique geology of the Big Island with a seamless inter-island excursion from Maui. These guided tours include round-trip airfare, park admission, and comfortable air-conditioned transportation.
Free Cancellation Explore Hawaii’s active volcanic landscapes, from black sand beaches and coffee farms to craters and ancient lava tubes.
Free Cancellation Explore the Big Island’s volcanic landscapes, from Hilo’s Rainbow Falls to the steam vents of Volcanoes National Park.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park — from practical tips to personal highlights.
Taking a Hawaii Volcanoes National Park tour from Maui is a full-day inter-island adventure. You will hop on a quick flight to the Big Island, meet your local guide at the airport, and spend the day exploring massive volcanic craters, steaming vents, and unique coastal sights before flying back to Maui.
Your tour includes round-trip airfare from Kahului Airport (Maui) to Kona International Airport, making the logistics of visiting another island completely seamless.
Stand at the edge of the caldera rim and look down into a massive, four-square-mile active crater where steam constantly rises from the earth.
Walk across dark volcanic sands on the coast. If you are lucky, you might spot Hawaiian green sea turtles resting on the shoreline.
Hike through a lush, giant fern rainforest to enter a 500-year-old underground cave formed by a massive river of ancient lava.
Depending on your itinerary, you may visit this stunning 80-foot waterfall in Hilo, famous for the bright rainbows that form in its morning mist.
Stop for lunch to grab sourdough sandwiches, Hawaiian plate lunches, and fresh local baked goods to keep you fueled for the hike.
Booking a day trip to the Big Island from Maui requires a bit of preparation. Because you are dealing with flights and active volcanic environments, knowing the logistics ahead of time will make your day much smoother.
These packages are all-inclusive regarding logistics. Round-trip airfare from Maui, national park admission fees, and guided transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle are all covered in the upfront price.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is highly active. Volcanic gases like sulfur dioxide (vog) can be present. If you have asthma, heart conditions, or other respiratory issues, consult a doctor before booking, as these gases can cause severe irritation.
Meals are not included in the tour price. You will stop at places like the Punaluʻu Bake Shop for lunch. Bring cash, as many local food trucks and roadside stands you pass along the way are cash-only.
The weather changes rapidly at higher elevations. Bring layers, including a rain jacket, and wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes. Flip-flops are highly discouraged due to the sharp, uneven volcanic rock on the trails.
While tours can accommodate various fitness levels, many viewpoints require walking on uneven terrain. If you use a wheelchair or walker, be aware that some trail access will be limited. Specialized infant and car seats are available if requested.
Cell phone reception is notoriously spotty or completely nonexistent inside the national park. Download any maps, guides, or confirmation tickets to your phone before leaving Maui.
Most of these inter-island tours offer a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled departure time. Be sure to double-check your specific operator's terms regarding the included airfare.
| Kona & Black Sand Beach Route | Hilo & Waterfalls Route | |
|---|---|---|
| Itinerary Focus | Kona coffee belt, Punalu'u Beach, Volcanoes NP | Rainbow Falls, Hilo, Volcanoes NP |
| Includes | Airfare, Park Entry, Guide | Airfare, Park Entry, Guide |
| Physical Level | All levels (uneven terrain) | All levels (uneven terrain) |
| Price | $589.99 | $589.99 |
Main Park: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including all major holidays. This makes it incredibly flexible for early morning or late-night visits to see the crater glow.
Welcome Center: The temporary Welcome Center, currently located at the Kilauea Military Camp, is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Note that the original Kīlauea Visitor Center is closed for major renovations until Summer 2026.
Kahuku Unit: This historic ranch section of the park operates on a more limited schedule. It is open Thursday through Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and is closed Monday through Wednesday.
From Maui: Since the park is on the Big Island, you must take a short inter-island flight. Tours from Maui typically fly you out of Kahului Airport (OGG) directly into Kona International Airport (KOA).
Tour Meeting Point: If you are flying into Kona for your tour, the standard meeting location is the parking lot right behind the Alaska Airlines baggage claim (B-2).
Independent Travel: If you are traveling without a tour, flying into Hilo International Airport (ITO) is much closer. From Hilo, it is a straight 30-mile, 45-minute drive south on Highway 11 to the park entrance. The fare-free Hele-On Bus (Route 11) also runs from Hilo to the park daily.
Eruption Phases: The absolute best time to visit is during an active eruption phase, especially after dark when the lava glow reflects off the steam clouds above Halemaʻumaʻu Crater.
Time of Day: To avoid heavy crowds at popular spots like the Thurston Lava Tube and Kīlauea Iki Trail, try to arrive before 9:00 a.m. or after 4:00 p.m. Midday is the busiest and hottest time on the exposed lava fields.
Weather Considerations: There is no true "bad" month to visit, but winter months can bring heavier rain and dense fog that might obscure your views of the caldera. Always pack layers, as conditions shift rapidly.
Wheelchair Access: The temporary Welcome Center, Volcano House, and Volcano Art Center are fully wheelchair accessible. Wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Welcome Center.
Accessible Trails: Most of the Sulphur Banks Trail is accessible starting from the Steam Vents parking lot. The Kīlauea Overlook features a short asphalt path, and accessible vault toilets are located at several major overlooks.
Health Warnings: Visitors with respiratory issues, heart conditions, as well as infants and pregnant women, should exercise extreme caution. Volcanic gases (vog) can cause severe irritation, and air quality should be checked daily.
Dining: Inside the park, you can dine at 'The Rim' restaurant located at the historic Volcano House, which offers spectacular views of the caldera. Outside the park, Volcano Village (5 minutes away) has cafes and restaurants.
Restrooms: Restrooms are available at the Welcome Center, Volcano House, and various campsites. Vault toilets are strategically placed at popular trailheads and overlooks along Crater Rim Drive and Chain of Craters Road.
Camping & Lodging: The park features two drive-in campgrounds (Namakanipaio and Kulanaokuaiki) and backcountry camping with a permit. For hotel accommodations, Volcano House sits right on the rim of the caldera.
Yes, the inter-island tours listed include round-trip airfare from Kahului Airport on Maui to Kona International Airport on the Big Island. The logistics are handled by the tour operator.
Lava visibility is never guaranteed. Kīlauea's volcanic activity changes rapidly, and eruptions can pause without warning. You will definitely see massive craters and steam vents, but active lava depends entirely on the current geological conditions.
Yes, your admission to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is included in the price of the tour. You will not need to pay the standard $30 vehicle entry fee at the gate.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe hiking shoes or sneakers, as the volcanic rock is sharp and uneven. Bring layers and a rain jacket, because the weather at higher elevations can quickly shift from hot sunshine to cold mist.
If you fly into Kona International Airport, the standard meeting point for these tours is the parking lot located directly behind the Alaska Airlines baggage claim (B-2).
The park often has high levels of volcanic gases like sulfur dioxide, which can trigger asthma or other respiratory issues. It is highly recommended to consult your doctor and monitor the park's daily air quality alerts.
No, meals are at your own expense. The tours typically stop at the Punaluʻu Bake Shop where you can purchase sandwiches, plate lunches, and fresh baked goods.
Yes, infants are allowed, and specialized infant or car seats (for children 4 and under) are available upon request. However, be mindful of exposing very young children to areas with heavy volcanic gases.
It is highly recommended to bring cash. While major spots take cards, you may want to buy snacks from roadside stands, food trucks, or local shops along the Kona coffee belt that are cash-only.
Cell phone service is very limited or completely nonexistent in many parts of the park. It is best to download any necessary maps or information to your phone before you leave Maui.
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This inter-island tour takes you to the Big Island to explore the diverse landscapes shaped by Kilauea. The journey begins with a drive through the Kona coffee belt before stopping at Punalu’u, a famous black sand beach known for its dark volcanic sands and frequent sea turtle sightings. Inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, you will walk through the Thurston Lava Tube and see the Kilauea Iki steam vents. The itinerary includes a visit to the Kilauea Visitor Center to learn about the volcano’s history, followed by a walk through the Kilauea Iki rainforest. You will also visit the overlook for a clear view of the Halema’uma’u Crater, the center of the island's volcanic activity.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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This inter-island excursion brings you to the Big Island to explore the unique geology of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The day starts in Hilo with a visit to the iconic Rainbow Falls before heading into the park to see the world’s most active volcanic sites. Throughout the tour, you will learn about the island’s formation and the ongoing activity that continues to expand the coastline. Inside the park, the itinerary includes the Kilauea Iki Steam Vents and the Thurston Lava Tube, a massive underground passage formed by ancient lava flows. You will also view the Halema’uma’u Crater from the overlook and visit the Jaggar Museum to see the chronological history of Kilauea’s eruptions. This trip offers a direct look at the natural forces that created the Hawaiian island chain.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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