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Our volcano boat and lava boat tours cruise you to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to provide the best lava viewing of Volcano Kilauea's active ocean entry. The ultimate Hawaii vacation is here on the Big Island where you can watch lava from Kilauea volcano sizzle red hot into the Pacific Ocean.
Lava Tours to Volcano Kilauea take you to See, Hear, & Feel the heat. A front row seat to view red hot lava flow into the Pacific Ocean. Our lava tours regularly experience: lava heated steam, rivers of lava, littoral explosions, plume clouds, erupting lava bombs, & volcanic splatter cones. Explore the islands recent lava flows so fresh they're still cooling. The crew all have years of experience at the lava ocean entry & can't wait you show you an unforgettable red hot ocean lava tour.
Sunrise Lava Tour (2 hours) - Check in: 4:00 - 5:30am (depending on time of year, and subject to change) - Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays
Hawaii's Best Lava Tour takes you to see red hot lava in the dark. As the early morning golden sunlight rays warm the lava covered coastline, the ultimate lava viewing unfolds right before your eyes. Our experienced crew founded Lava Boat Tours on this very tour due to the fact that the Sunrise Lava Adventure Tours are the best for lava, wind, weather, & swell conditions. The major advantage the Sunrise Lava Adventure allows you is that you get the sun to your back which for photography purposes helps light the lava & Kalapana coastline. Please expect this ocean volcano tour to be the highlight of your Hawaii Vacation, we do. If you’re on the Big Island this is what you came to see Volcano Kilauea's red rivers of Lava cover Hawaii's beautiful Volcanos National Park coastline
creating new black sand beaches, lava sea cliffs, lava aches, and shaping the Kalapana coastline forever.
Morning Hawaii Volcano Adventure (2 hours) - Check in: 6:15am - 7:45am (depending on time of year, and subject to change) - Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays
A 9:30am (late morning) check in is available on Tuesdays for passengers coming from cruise ships.
Our morning lava boat trips are the easiest for all around photographing lava pouring from Kilauea into the sea. If you are out there to “get the shot” think about this - The sun has broke the horizon and started it's climb into the mid morning sky to give you an abundance of natural back light for viewing lava and the best all around time to capture Hawaii lava photos. Red Hot Lava is completely visible even during the middle of the day in full sun. Our volcano ocean lava tours take you along the most rugged Big Island coast lines see lava caves, lava tubes, black sand beaches as well as cultural and many other geological features. Day tours provide great Hawaii sightseeing, you get to view the Kalapana coastline on way to the lava & on the way back. If you missed the shot the first time you get a second chance on the way home. Come home from this Hawaii Vacation with lava pictures that will make family & friends wonder if you actually took them.
Sunset Lava Tour 2 hours - Check in: 4:00 - 5:30pm (depending on time of year, and subject to change) - Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays
The Sunset lava adventure begins with a guided Kalapana Coastline tour of the Big Islands newest lands including 3 Black Sand Beaches, Lava Caves, Sea cliffs, & Hawaii marine life. After a brief coastal cruise its, lava time. Depending on conditions we can view anything from eruptive splatter cones to oozing rivers of lava. Views of the sun setting over Mauna Loa can be quite stunning when clear providing great lava viewing on your Hawaii Vacation Tour. A Sunset Lava Tour is a Hawaii Tour you'll cherish forever on the Hilo side of the Big Island. The excitement you'll feel while experiencing active lava by boat will be an everlasting memory on this Hilo Lava Tour.
Twilight Night Trip 1.75 hours - Departs: 7:45pm (summertime only)
This trip is for the lava enthusiast and is all in the dark. This is a thrilling and exciting trip where passengers will see Pele (Volcano Goddess) in her
fullest glory. We do not recommend this tour for any one under 10 years old. Note: The ocean swell in the darken night make for blurry camera shots.
Volcano Coastline Tour 2 hours (NO LAVA)
Lava tours are 100% based on nature. When the lava is not actively flowing into the sea you can still enjoy two hours on the water viewing the newest land on earth! The Puna Coastline has many amazing natural features, this tour highlights those magical elements including newly created black sand beaches, ocean lava tubes, most recent eruptions, views of current volcanic eruption, sea arches, rainbows, and a varied array of sea life including dolphins, flying fish, Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles and marine mammals.
* If the lava decides to flow again, your tour will become the regular lava tour. Please pay the additional at the boat.
8:00 or 6:00 AM Sunrise tour - Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays
10:00 AM Morning tour - Tuesdays
5:00 PM Sunset tour - Sundays, Wednesdays, Fridays
What To Know
Check in: 30-45 minutes before tour at the Isaac Hale Beach Park except the Sunrise tour. Driving directions will be on voucher.
Please bring: rain jacket, poncho, parka or a wind breaker. Surf/board shorts, swim trunks or that type of material works best for lower body clothing. Upper body clothing should consist of 3 layers. Foot wear should also be able to get wet: sandals, slippers, water booties work best. Bring a backpack or dry sac to store your personal items. No umbrellas please.
Sea Sickness: If you are prone to sea sickness or nausea, take measures against it before the tour. Having a small snack prior to boarding will also help.
Notice:
Due to the variable nature of weather and conditions, please call us if you are planning to attend this tour within 7 days to ensure tour times are accurate and that the tour is available.
Lava Not Flowing
Update as of Jan 4, 2012: No lava is currently flowing into the ocean. You may still experience the aftermath of previous volcanic activity flows by attending the scenic Volcano Coastline Tour. Select that option below.
Details of the current flow can be found on the National Parks website.
Current Lava Activity
Lava Boats [ show
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The custom built lava boat Dream Machine "LavaKai"
- 34ft x 10.5ft Armstrong Marine built Aluminum Cat powered by 2 Honda 200hp 4 stroke motors. Equipped and ready to take you to view molten lava flow up close in all types of sea conditions. Aboard we have covered seating for up to 24 passengers per trip. 80% of the covered seating faces forward like a roller coaster. This smooth exciting provides for fun on the water. All necessary safety equipment is onboard and we insure all passengers as par Hawaii State & USCG requirements. This large stable lava boat is great for shooting lava pictures from and offers a one of a kind ocean ride. A Hawaii Lava Tour second to no other. You can take a Lava Hike and Lava Helicopter Tour but nothing compares to the elements only experienced by a lava boat.
The power & grace of the "Kue'wa"
- 27 ft x 9 ft beam Grady White, powered by 2 Yamaha 200hp outboard motors.The new addition to the Lavaocean fleet is a plush custom ocean touring yacht. With the power to get you there in a hurry and comfortable seating this thrilling boat ride will up your expectations on your next ocean adventure. She comes equipped with a protected cabin in case of foul ocean or weather conditions.
The Legendary "LavaKat"
- 22ft x 8ft Waipoli Sea Cat Hawaiian Built, powered by 2 Suzuki 115hp motors. The"Lavakat" has accomplished a lot in her lifetime including a state record catch. She may be a smaller vessel than most are used to but she sure don’t act like it. With over 10 years of service running back and forth to the lava flow she's earned her keep. Her agility, speed, and responsiveness make here a one of a kind vessel. She has taken 1000's of passengers to see the special occurrence of lava touching the sea & caught plenty of sport game fish.
FAQs [ show ]
Q: Lava Ocean Adventures?
A.We're Hawaii's, Big Island ocean adventure tour company. The Lava Ocean crew consists of long time Hawaii residents who have boated here in East Hawaii for years.
Q: Where do we meet for the Kilauea volcano lava tour?
A. It depends on the tour. Sunrise Tour meets in front of the Aloha Gas/Subway Restaurant at the Malama Market in Pahoa Village. All other Lava Ocean Tours meet at the Isaac Hale Beach Park. See driving directions below.
Q: Lava Boat Tours vs. Helicopter Volcano Tours?
A. Both are great Hawaii tours it really depends on what type of volcano tours your interested in. Lava Boat Tours are geared toward the adventure seeker. We Hear the sizzle as the lava touches the sea, we Feel the molten heat , we See red hot lava & we Experience open ocean boating conditions. Helicopter volcano
tours can be a good way to view the crater & lava action up the mountain with views from a 1000+ ft. If your looking to get up close to lava then volcano boat tours offer you the ultimate close up lava viewing experience with views from a 100 yards. When lava touches the sea, a plume cloud begins extending into the sky, blocking ocean lava viewing from the Helicopter & Kalapana lava viewing center. The unobstructed facing view of lava is by far the best way to view lava & a trademark of lava ocean tours. After years of lava touring when lava's touching the sea there's nowhere we'd rather be, then on a lava boat!
Q: Is the boat we are touring with comfortable and safe?
A. Lava Ocean Adventures offers 3 of the safest most equipped lava boats. Our boat captains are United States Coast Guard licensed, our vessels are permitted through the state of Hawaii, & we carry insurance for all of our passengers. We look forward to making our Hawaii Lava Tour a part of your Big Vacation.
Q: When is the best time to view lava by boat?
A. Usually the Sunrise Lava Tour is the best. Due to the golden rays of sun lighting the lava, creating a visual spectacle. On a calm night the Sunset Lava Tour can be exciting too, with vibrant lava afterglows. Then again, we have photographers that love the early Afternoon Adventure Lava Tours due to the available lighting for pictures. So take your pick lava is lava, come get it while its red hot.
Q: How long are your Kilauea Lava Boat Tours?
A: Lava Boat tours generally last 1.75 - 2.5 hours depending on ocean conditions. Lava viewing on our daily scheduled Boat Lava Tour lasts approximately 45 minutes.
Q: Will I see active lava flow?
A. You will truly be amazed with whatever Pele is giving us and since is unique we can guarantee your pictures of lava are one of a kind. Lava drips, explodes into the air, flows like a river, glows molten along the bench cracks, and ooze out in little to big blobs. As long as lava is flow into the sea you'll see lava on every trip.
Q: Can you see lava during the day?
A. Yes, Lava is red hot all day long. During certain flow conditions the lighting the daylight provides allows for great lit lava photos.
Q: How long has Hawaii Volcano Kilauea been erupting?
A. There has been lava flowing from Kilauea’s vents for over 26 years in the Kalapana area, however lava entering the sea is a rare occurrence and only happens about 25% or less of the time. In recent years this has almost doubled with 2 out of the 3 years of lava entering the sea. We have a 99% chance of seeing lava on every trip. We are all truly blessed to have the world’s most active volcano Kilauea so accessible to us.
Q: What if we get there and there is no lava?
A. There is always a chance the lava can stop flowing into the ocean at any time and has happened before. If by chance she quits over night without warning we will gladly give you a Lava Ocean Adventure Shirt or a discount on the price if we do not see red hot lava in any of it‘s forms.
Q: How rough is the water?
A. Our 3 catamarans are built for open ocean conditions found here in East Hawaii. This trip is not for everyone!!! We can be out in as high as 4-6’ swells. We will not go out if the wind or sea conditions go beyond what a 4 year old can endure or if lightning or other unforeseen events prevent us from having a safe lava trip. Sometimes this decision is made right before boarding and we will give as much notice as we can, if we are going to cancel a boat trip. Again, your safety is our biggest concern.
Q: What should we bring?
A. We want you to be thrilled as well as safe. You can get wet and a rain jacket will make the difference in having a better chance of keeping dry. Please bring a bag or water resistant sack to protect your important items such as: cameras, cell phones, electronics.
Q: What if I get sea sick?
A. Well it does happen but no so often, we recommend you invest into an over the counter substance like Bonine or Dramamine to help with motion sickness. You know who you are! If you can, we also suggest eating a light meal an hour before your boat tour.
Q: What about the sulfur dioxide and the huge smoke cloud?
A. For the most part the huge plume that you see is steam created by the lava entering the ocean. There can be sulfur dioxide in the air as well as ash and glass particles and sometimes smoke as the jungle burns. We do not enter the steam cloud, but in some cases we do have to go under the steam plume to get to the lava side of the flow. The Possibility of ash and / or volcanic particles as well as slightly acidic rain (which has about the same acidity as lemon juice) can land on the boat and passengers. There is always a chance of having an adverse reaction if you have allergies, asthma, or other breathing issues. If you have any difficulties with your lungs or skin it is best to bring a dust mask and / or any medication you may need. If we smell sulfur we move to a clean air location. Please let us know of any concerns before booking.
Q: What if I am pregnant or have back/ neck issues?
A. This trip is not for you if you are pregnant or have existing back/neck issues due to rigorous ocean conditions. Ask yourself & your group I they can handle getting bumped, bounced around for 2 hours on a boat? If the answer is no, then this trip is not for you. Certain physical conditions warrant serious consideration of worst case possibilities.
Q: I thought we could just walk out and see lava?
A: As of March 2008, the County of Hawaii has denied access to the
lava fields due to it being EXTREMELY hazardous to your life with risks of lava benches falling into the sea occurring regularly. The Visitor lava viewing center is closed about a half a mile up the coast from the actual lava flow area.
Q: Ok, how close can we get to the lava?
A: Upon arrival our approach is 200 yards away. After assessing the lava ocean entry to make sure it is possible to safely to get a closer look at the lava. Depending on the conditions of the lava flow we can be as close as 20 yards under excellent conditions. You shouldn't need your telephoto lenses/binoculars on any of our lava volcano tours.
Driving Directions [ show
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Sunrise Trip ONLY - Meet at the Aloha Gas Station
15-2660 Pahoa Rd, Pahoa, 96778
From Kailua-Kona (about 3 hrs)
Drive South along Highway 11 towards Hilo.
In Keaau, turn Right on Highway 130 to Pahoa
After mile marker 9 at the Pahoa Village Exit, make a right.
Take next immediate right heading to the Aloha Gas station and go down to entrance.
Make a U-turn and come back on the same road to park on the right shoulder.
Your will be greeted by a Lava Ocean Employee dressed in a black shirt/jacket with the LAVA OCEAN ADVENTURES logo. Look for a white Ford Ranger.
From Waikoloa (about 2 hrs, 45 min) or Hilo (35 min)
Follow Highway 19 around the North side then down towards Hilo.
Once in Hilo, follow Hilo Bay (out left side window) towards Highway 11 South
At intersection of Highway 19 and Highway 11 (Ken's House of Pancakes will be on the right.), make a right on Highway 11 South toward Volcano.
Stay on Highway 11 until you pass mile marker 6 and be ready for the next LEFT exit on Highway 130 to Pahoa
After mile marker 9 at the Pahoa Village Exit, make a right.
Take next immediate right heading to the Aloha Gas station and go down to entrance.
Make a U-turn and come back on the same road to park on the right shoulder.
Your will be greeted by a Lava Ocean Employee dressed in a black shirt/jacket with the LAVA OCEAN ADVENTURES logo. Look for a white Ford Ranger.
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For all other Trips - Meet at Isaac Hale (Pohoiki) Beach Park
+19° 27' 27.00", -154° 50' 28.00"
From Kailua-Kona (about 3 hrs 15 min)
Drive South along Highway 11 towards Hilo.
In Keaau, turn Right on Highway 130 towards Pahoa.
After the mile marker 11, turn left at the stop light onto Highway 132 toward Kapoho / Lava Tree Park.
* After 2.5 miles, Road splits just after Lava Tree State Park. Veer to the Right at the fork in the road. This road will lead you through the Mango forest in route to Pohoiki
After 5 miles. Go Straight through Stop sign Drive into the upper gravel parking lot to the yellow building we'll be here to meet you.
From Waikoloa (about 3 hrs) or Hilo (50 min)
Follow Highway 19 around the North side then down towards Hilo.
Once in Hilo, follow Hilo Bay (out left side window) towards Highway 11 South
At intersection of Highway 19 and Highway 11 (Ken's House of Pancakes will be on the right.), make a right on Highway 11 South toward Volcano.
Stay on Highway 11 until you pass mile marker 6 and be ready for the next LEFT exit on Highway 130 towards Pahoa.
After the mile marker 11, turn left at the stop light onto Highway 132 toward Kapoho / Lava Tree Park.
* After 2.5 miles, Road splits just after Lava Tree State Park. Veer to the Right at the fork in the road. This road will lead you through the Mango forest in route to Pohoiki
After 5 miles. Go Straight through Stop sign Drive into the upper gravel parking lot to the yellow building we'll be here to meet you.
Restrictions
Some deterrents include but are not limited to:
1. Pregnant women. They are in danger of fetal disturbance or miscarriage in all stages of pregnancy and should not be aboard.
2. Children/Infants under 48" or under the age of 4 are not able to ride on a lava excursion.
3. Osteoporosis, moderate to extreme Scoliosis or degenerative diseases and spinal, cervical or cranial disorders.
4. Persons suffering from ANY bone, joint, ligament strains or sprains or other recent injury.
5. Persons with high blood pressure, recent heart attack or heart attack prone individuals.
6. Breathing difficulties such as Asthma, Emphysema, shortness of breath or any chronic lung disease of any kind. (No one has ever had any breathing difficulties aboard due to "VOG").
7. Wheelchairs, crutches, hip, leg or ankle issues (limping). Broken bones in cast or slings.
8. Mental disorders which may interfere with reality as well as vertigo.
9. Passengers reaching 250 lbs. or more require a ticket surcharge, call us for more information.
10. All passengers must be able to climb a 6 step painter ladder to board the vessel.
All passengers are required to read and sign a "Waiver of Liability, Assumption of Risks, Release and Indemnity Agreement" upon check in.
** Our prices include harbor fees!!
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