Exploring Hawaii’s Lava

Our Big Island customers frequently ask:
“Will we actually see lava?

Kilauea is the world’s most active volcano, having erupted almost continuously since 1983. You will most likely see flowing lava when you fly over Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, although there is no absolute guarantee because routes vary due to weather, volcanic activity, and wind. This is mother nature and Pele, not a theme park! Depending on her mood, Pele’s can show us many things, and if you are lucky, you may even witness an actual surface flow.

Types of Lava

There are two distinct types of hardened lava: A‘a (pronounced ah-ah) and Pahoehoe (pronounced puh hoy hoy). Pahoehoe lava has a ropy, smooth texture, because it is hotter and more fluid than A‘a when it erupts. A‘a has a rougher, chunkier look, and may be spiny. All over the Big Island you can find areas of smooth, pudding like Pahoehoe and the very rough A‘a.

Black Sand Beaches

When hot flowing lava explodes into the ocean, tiny particles of the material are carried by currents toward nearby shorelines where black-sand beaches form. From above you can see the lava steaming as it reaches the Pacific ocean, and new land is being created.

Tours of the Big Island’s Volcano

Volcano Safari Tour
Visit the world’s most active volcano!
40-45 Minutes | Kilauea Crater | Lava Flowing to the Pacific

Deluxe Volcano Coastline & Safari Tour
See Kilauea Volcano, cascading waterfalls, and lush rainforests.
50-55 Minutes | Kilauea Crater | Lava Flowing to the Pacific | Cascading Waterfalls