8 Volcano Hikes and Treks in Big Island Worth Booking

1.Big Island GOAT Experience: Mauna Kea Summit, Sunset & Stars

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,706 reviews · 7 to 8 hours (approx.) · from $289Our pick

Ride from Hilo, Waikoloa, or Kona to Mauna Kea with a small group, watch sunset near the summit, then study stars through a Celestron telescope. Guides such as Kella, Tay, John, Chris, and Val share astronomy and Hawaiian stories. Coats, gloves, snacks, drinks, and a night photo are included.

“So worth it! Val was so genuine and informative. Shared knowledge and took great photos! Dress warm!”

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2.Big Island: Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small-Group Adventure Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,545 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $329

Ride a 4x4 van up Mauna Kea with a small group, eat a hot picnic dinner, watch sunset above the clouds, then study planets and galaxies through two telescopes at 9,000 feet. Guides such as Jeff, Jason, Wilson, and Eugene add astronomy, Hawaiian culture, and safety advice.

“A amazing tour, our guide was knowledgeable,even the lava land near the road he could tell the year.”

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3.Big Island: Mauna Kea Summit Tour with Free Night Star Photo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,449 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $280

Travel by 4x4 van to Mauna Kea’s 13,803-foot summit with guides such as Wes, Chris, or James. Enjoy a sandwich, warm clothing, sunset views, telescope stargazing, and free DSLR photos. The small group size, maximum 12 people, keeps the outing personal.

“It was very relaxing and a great experience. Stunning views with everything taken care of. Our guide, Chris, was amazing and very knowledgeable. He learned everyone’s names by the time we got to the mountain which was very impressive! He took care of everything, and help my partner and I soak up an unforgettable experience care free. Would 10/10 recommend.”

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4.Hidden Craters Hike of Kona

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

Join Hawaii Forest & Trail for a five-hour hike on private Hualalai land near Kona. Guides such as Mark, Matteo, Taro, and others lead small groups through craters, lava flows, native forest, and a lava tube. Expect rocky ground, steep sections, up to 1,000 feet of elevation change, and excellent views.

“Nice hike but way way way more difficult than moderate as they list it as. Ten people on the tour and we all agreed with that. No one was prepared for the difficulty.”

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5.Kilauea: Volcanoes National Park Guided Hike

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

Join guides Jennifer or Yvonne for a three-hour, four-mile loop through native Hawaiian rainforest and around a hardened lava lake. Learn about Kilauea’s geology, plants, wildlife, Hawaiian traditions, and current eruption activity. Small groups are limited to 10 people, with snacks, poles, and backpacks provided.

“Jennifer was fantastic. She tailored our hiking on our liking and we were so fortunate to be the only members for the day. We walked into the crater and all around for close to 8 miles and she was amazingly patient and resilient.”

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6.Big Island: Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park Guided Hike

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

Spend 6.5 hours with a guide such as Jennifer in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, crossing Kilauea Iki Crater, visiting steam vents and an active caldera, and walking through Thurston Lava Tube. A small group, breakfast, and picnic lunch are included, though park entry costs extra.

“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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7.Big Island: Off the Beaten Path Volcano Crater Hike

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

Ride 35 minutes from Hawaii Forest & Trail’s Kona headquarters to Hualalai’s upper slopes. In a group of up to 10, hike 3 to 4 miles through native cloud forest, craters, and fissures, with an optional lava-tube section, guide stories, gear, drinks, and wide Kona views.

“First time, excellent for beginners! Just pay attn to the requirements and wear good hiking apparel. Tour guides are excellent in treating us with educational stories of the area and care!”

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

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

Join Jennifer Bell, Cameron, or another Volcanoes Hiking Guides leader for a private, roughly 8-mile route through Halemaʻumaʻu and Kilauea Iki craters, Thurston Lava Tube, and native forest. Breakfast, snacks, lunch, backpacks, and trekking poles are provided.

“My husband and I completed an ~8 mile hike in Volcano National Park with Jenn in May 2024, and we loved it! We signed up for the small group hike, but it turned out to just be the two of us which we didn't mind at all. We are both fairly active individuals and hike often at home, however as first time visitors to VNP we wanted to have a guide who was knowledgable about the trails and history of the park and volcanoes; having light breakfast, snacks and a boxed lunch provided was an added bonus. Jenn delivered on all counts, 100% recommend!”

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