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The Volcano Van logo
The Volcano Van logo

Private Volcano & Waterfall Tours on the Big Island.

Six guests max. Flexible itinerary. Relaxed pace. Full-day Big Island volcano and waterfall adventures.

Departing from Kona, Waikoloa, and Kohala. Most tours are full-day experiences
(about 9 hours).

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Trusted by thousands of guests as one of the Big Island’s highest-rated private tour experiences!

Happy guests on private Big Island tours with The Volcano Van, enjoying coastal views, open landscapes, and volcanic scenery alongside their guide.Happy guests on private Big Island tours with The Volcano Van, enjoying coastal views, open landscapes, and volcanic scenery alongside their guide.

OUR TOURS: book today and adventure tomorrow.

Private Big Island volcano and waterfall tours departing from Kona, Waikoloa, and Kohala. Each of our private tours is crafted to show you the island’s wildest contrasts, from lava fields to lush rainforests and rugged coastlines. No more than six guests, flexible pacing, and real-time to experience the island.

Select the Big Volcano Adveture Volcano and Waterfall tourSelect the Big Volcano Adveture Volcano and Waterfall tour

The Big Island BIG Volcano Adventure

Volcanoes and Waterfalls Tour

Volcanoes, waterfalls, lava fields, rainforests, and the Big Island’s most dramatic landscapes.

Starting at $225 per person

Select Kīlauea Summit to Shore volcano tour on the Big IslandSelect Kīlauea Summit to Shore volcano tour on the Big Island

Kilauea Summit to Shore Volcano Tour

Black sand beaches, lava fields, craters, coastlines, and Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

Starting at $210 per person

Select Heavenly Hāmākua rainforest and waterfall tour on the Big Island’s north coastSelect Heavenly Hāmākua rainforest and waterfall tour on the Big Island’s north coast

Heavenly Hamakua Waterfall & Rainforest Tour

Rainforests, waterfalls, sea cliffs, historic bridges, and the lush Hamakua Coast.

Starting at $210 per person

Select Choose Your Own Big Island Adventure, a fully private tour.Select Choose Your Own Big Island Adventure, a fully private tour.

Choose Your Own Big Island Adventure

Build your own private Big Island tour, from volcanoes and waterfalls to lush rainforests.

Flat rate of $1,500 per group.

Need Help Choosing a Tour?

WHY US...

Private Big Island Volcano & Waterfall Tours, guided by someone who actually lives this island.

With deep local knowledge of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, lava fields, rainforests, and coastlines, every Volcano Van tour is built to help you truly experience the Big Island, not just drive past it.

We specialize in small-group and private volcano tours from Kona, Waikoloa, and Kohala, with flexible pacing and real time at each stop. No big buses, no rushed schedules, and no conveyor-belt sightseeing. We move at island speed, so you can breathe the air, feel the earth under your feet, and actually connect with the places you came to see.

With The Volcano Van, you are not just booking a ride. You are joining certified local guide Scott for a personal Big Island adventure, shaped by conditions, curiosity, and what excites you most that day. Thoughtful, relaxed, and unforgettable, just the way island exploring should be.

Meet Scott

Your Lava-Junkie Tour Guide 🌋

Meet Scott, private Big Island volcano tour guide, standing near an active lava eruption at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National ParkMeet Scott,  private Big Island volcano tour guide, standing near an active lava eruption at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

With 14 years guiding guests across Hawaiʻi Island’s volcanic heart, Scott blends geology, storytelling, and just enough sarcasm into every tour. From crater rims to sea cliffs, he’s your go-to for real Big Island adventure, at a pace that actually lets you experience it.

Have questions or special requests? Reach out, I’m happy to help.

Have questions or special requests? Reach out, I’m happy to help.

Not sure which tour is right for you? We’ve got you!

Here’s a quick breakdown of each tour, and who it’s actually best for.

The Big Island BIG Volcano Adventure - Our Most Popular Tour (8-9 hours, Great for First-Time Visitors)

Perfect for first-time visitors who want a little of everything. You’ll hit lush rainforests, big waterfalls along the Hilo and Hamakua Coast, and spend time exploring Kilauea inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

  • This is the best “greatest hits” tour of the island.
    Signature sights:
    • ʻAkaka Falls
    • Kilauea Caldera (Hawaii Volcanoes National Park)
    •Nahuku Lava Tube

  • Waterfall in lush rainforest on Big Island Hawaii volcano and waterfall tourWaterfall in lush rainforest on Big Island Hawaii volcano and waterfall tourWaterfall in lush rainforest on Big Island Hawaii volcano and waterfall tour

This is the best “greatest hits” tour of the island.
Signature sights:
• ʻAkaka Falls
• Kilauea Caldera (Hawaii Volcanoes National Park)
•Nahuku Lava Tube

Waterfall in lush rainforest on Big Island Hawaii volcano and waterfall tourWaterfall in lush rainforest on Big Island Hawaii volcano and waterfall tour
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Kilauea:  Summit to Shore – Explore the Younger, Volcanic Side of the Island (7-8 hours)

Best for guests who want to experience the raw, newly formed side of the Big Island. This tour focuses on active volcanic landscapes, lava features, and dramatic contrasts between black sand beaches and steaming volcanic terrain.

  • This is the tour for people who want to see where the island is still being built.
    Signature sights:
    •Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach
    •Kīlauea Caldera (Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park)
    •Nāhuku Lava Tube

  • Lava flowing from an active eruption on the Big Island of Hawaii during a volcano tour

This is the tour for people who want to see where the island is still being built.
Signature sights:
•Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach
•Kīlauea Caldera (Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park)
•Nahuku Lava Tube

Lava flowing from an active eruption on the Big Island of Hawaii during a volcano tourLava flowing from an active eruption on the Big Island of Hawaii during a volcano tour
View Full Tour Details →

Heavenly Hamakua – Waterfalls, Rainforests & Old-Hawaiʻi  (6-7 hours)

Best for guests who want lush scenery, cooler weather, and a slower, scenic side of the Big Island.
This tour explores the green, historic Hāmākua Coast, where jungle cliffs, hidden waterfalls, and old plantation towns tell the story of Hawaiʻi before resorts and traffic.

  • This is the Big Island at its most peaceful and photogenic.
    Signature sights:
    • Waipiʻo Valley Overlook
    • ʻAkaka Falls
    • Classic Hawaiʻi rainforests

  • Coastal cliffs and ocean views along the Hāmākua Coast on the Big Island of Hawaii

This is the Big Island at its most peaceful and photogenic.
Signature sights:
• Waipiʻo Valley Overlook
• ʻAkaka Falls
• Classic Hawaiʻi rainforests

Coastal cliffs and ocean views along the Hāmākua Coast on the Big Island of HawaiiCoastal cliffs and ocean views along the Hāmākua Coast on the Big Island of Hawaii
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Choose Your Own Big Island Adventure – Your Day, Your Pace, Your Priorities  (Up to 9 Hours)

Best for guests who want full flexibility and a completely custom experience.
We build this day around what you want to see, whether that’s volcanoes, waterfalls, beaches, coffee, scenic drives, or hidden local spots.

  • No preset route. No rushing. Just a day designed around your interests and energy level.
    Signature sight possibilities:
    • Volcanoes, waterfalls, beaches, or scenic overlooks
    • Local food stops and small-town sights
    • Custom routes based on weather and conditions

  • Guest exploring a jungle lava tube and rainforest terrain during a custom Big Island private tour

No preset route. No rushing. Just a day designed around your interests and energy level.
Signature sight possibilities:
• Volcanoes, waterfalls, beaches, or scenic overlooks
• Local food stops and small-town sights
• Custom routes based on weather and conditions

Guest exploring a jungle lava tube and rainforest terrain during a custom Big Island private tourGuest exploring a jungle lava tube and rainforest terrain during a custom Big Island private tour
View Full Tour Details →
small groups.. BIG adventure. REAL Hawai'lsmall groups.. BIG adventure. REAL Hawai'lHappy guests on a private Big Island rainforest tour with The Volcano Van, smiling with their guide among lush tropical greeneryHappy guests on a private Big Island rainforest tour with The Volcano Van, smiling with their guide among lush tropical greenery
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Scott was amazing. He made the tour fun and was very knowledgeable. He is a friendly guy and easy to talk to. We had a great time and would absolutely recommend The Volcano Van Private Tours.

Jake B. (TripAdvisor, November 2025)

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Best experience ever. Scott is the best and it was like touring the island with old friends. I would highly recommend this if you have never done it.

Toby H. (TripAdvisor, October 2025)

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Scott gave us an amazing day leaving from Kona, Hawaii. We spent the day exploring the island, enjoying amazing views and visiting beautiful beaches. The Volcano Van knows how to have a good time! Thanks, Scott!

Carolee N. (Google, December 2025)

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Great time traveling through Kona with Scott. Very nice, personable, knowledgeable and friendly. Lots to see and do and Scott handled each site with professionalism and fun. 👍

Jamie D. (Google, October 2025)

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Such an incredible experience. We were just expecting to see the volcano but we stopped to get coffee, pastries, saw parts of the rainforest and desert, some amazing waterfalls and lava tubes. And we can't forget the black sand beaches and many other stops as well. Scott was so fun and knowledgeable. Would give more then 5 stars if we could.

Ronney R. ( Yelp, October 2025)

Please note: These are  sample itineraries. Every tour is flexible and may be adjusted based on guest interests, weather, road conditions, and guide discretion.

We love erupting volcanoes as much as you do. However, lava viewing is not guaranteed. Lava visibility depends on current volcanic activity at Kilauea or Mauna Loa and whether any active lava is safely and publicly viewable at the time of your tour.