Lava Boat Tour on the Big Island of Hawaii
If you are looking for an exhilarating experience of a lifetime this holiday season in Hawaii, look no further than the Lava Ocean Tour on the Big Island.
Volcanoes, pineapples, hula, and surfing are symbols of Hawaii the world over. As far as volcanoes go, Kilauea volcano on the Big Island is the most active volcano on Earth!
We took a "lava tour" with Lava Ocean Tours and are happy to share our incredible experience. Hop on board as we take you through this sizzling ride that gets you up close and personal with HOT LAVA as it hits the Pacific Ocean!
More About Hawaii Volcano Kilauea
Kilauea is an active volcano on the Big Island and is considered to be the most active volcano on Earth. This ancient volcano is between 300,000 and 600,000 years old and has been erupting for millennia. Kilauea means "spewing" or "much spreading" in the Hawaiian language.
Kilauea is located on the southern flank of the island and is about 100 miles from the sunny resorts on the Kohala or Kona Coast. The Kona coastline is never directly affected by flows, so if you are staying in the Hualalai Resort, Waikoloa Resort, Mauna Lani Resort, or the Mauna Kea Resort, your visit to the Big Island will never be impacted by an eruption.
The bulk of the volcano's landmass lies under the sea. The youngest lava found accounts for over 90% of the volcano's surface and dates back just 1,000 years. The oldest sampled lava dates back about 2,800 years, and the first documented eruption is from 1823. Constantly spewing lava, Kilauea's longest recorded rest period was an 18-year hiatus from 1934-1952.
The relentless lava flow has shaped the surrounding ecosystem. The area is abundant in volcanic sulfur dioxide, which can produce acid rain. However, wildlife flourishes where the rain doesn't fall, and Hawaii is full of native species, thanks to this fact.
The volcano holds a sacred place in the hearts of the Hawaiian people, who believe that Kilauea crater is the body and home of Pele, the goddess of fire, lightning, wind, and volcanoes! Please be mindful of the volcano's importance to the Hawaiian people when you visit and behave respectfully: do not litter, take rocks or sand, or harm the environment in any way.
NOTE - There is also a well-known curse that goes along with taking rocks or sand from Kilauea, so beware! Read our article on Hawaiian legends and folklore.
In 1916, a bill formed the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and since then, the park has become a World Heritage Site and a major tourist hub, attracting around 2.6 million people per year!
The Tour
Depending on the activity, lava flows can make their way to the ocean, creating a unique spectacle. Ocean Tours lets you see what happens when molten lava meets salt water, causing explosions and creating new land! Since none of this action can be controlled, the ever-changing scenes are unique to each tour, thus providing a one-of-a-kind experience!
The tour begins at 4:30 PM. You will have an expert tour guide who will explain the rare sights. The boat can hold up to 49 passengers, but it excludes those who are not in good health, pregnant women, or anyone with back or neck problems.
This tour is NOT for the faint of heart or anyone prone to seasickness. Also, passengers must be at least four years old to attend.
Once onboard, a fast boat will take you to view lava flows. For a sneap peak of the experience, check out our video of the lava boat tour.
Lava Ocean Tour Availability
The tours will run when there is a flow, so you need to be aware of the conditions on the Big Island.
Check Hawaii Volcanoes National Park for activity updates.
Also, there are plenty of other ways to explore this geological marvel. There are tours by foot, helicopter, and even stargazing tours. Check out Volcano Tours for the experiences on offer.
Do not miss this unique opportunity to experience the most powerful force in nature.
