A Hawaii volcano tour can be a most memorable experience, and is readily available (short of eruptions!) year round. While each island boasts some volcanic heritage, The Big Island is where all the action is.

A Hawaii volcano tour of necessity begins in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, established in 1916. This park, containing more than 218,000 acres, is open daily and offers guided tours and more. It encompasses both the world's most massive volcano, Mauna Kea, at 13,796 feet, and Kilauea, the world's most active volcano. Mauna Kea, which in Hawaiian means literally "white mountain", gets this name from the fact that it is quite often snow-capped. It is also thought to be the world's tallest mountain when measured from it's undersea base to the summit. Currently dormant, Mauna Kea has also become the home of an important astronomical center, where astronomers from all over the world vie for spots atop the summit to view the heavens.

Kilauea, which has been in continual eruption since 1983, gives visitors on a Hawaii volcano tour stunning views of molten lava flows, steam vents, and vast lava fields. It is said that this eruption has added more than 500 acres to the Big Island since it's eruption! One more fascinating tidbit about Kilauea, is that perched atop the crater rim overlooking the caldera is the Volcano House, Hawaii's oldest continually-operated hotel, dating from 1846. Probably not hard to keep warm at night!

On Maui, one volcano not to overlook is Haleakala, a dormant volcano in the middle of the island, long renowned for it's fantastic sunsets. It's also a great place to hike or camp, and especially ride a bike down! (Very Cool!) Good reason to go to Maui. (As if you needed one!)

When you plan your Hawaii volcano tour, be sure to plan some time to take in some or all of these sights. You'll be forever changed!