A reader recently asked if it was possible to take a day trip from Maui to see the Big Island lava flow.  The answer is yes, it is possible and there are a few alternatives. 

Before I get into the details of the alternatives, let me make sure that I emphasize that an active volcano is extremely unpredictable.  In the most recent few months, the lava flow went from pooling in the flats at a restricted area to dramatic flow into the ocean easily visible by a short hike.  It is possible that if you schedule a flight or tour to see the lava flowing, you may not get to see it.  So, please be aware of that risk when you are booking a flight or tour.  No company can guarantee that you’ll see lava flowing.

Now let’s take a look at some of the alternatives for island hopping from Maui to the Big Island.

1.  Arrange a tour by air. 

Volcano Air Tours operates an flight tour from Maui over to the Big Island and back.  The tour is narrated by the pilot.  In addition to flying over the active lava flow, you’ll also get to see the beautiful Hamakua Coast and Mauna Kea on the Big Island. 

If your time is tight, this tour may be your best alternative.  You will see quite a bit of fascinating scenery in a short amount of time.  Tours leave from Kapalua airport in West Maui and from Kahului at the main airport.  The tours last between 2hr and 2hr 15 minutes.  Tours cost $335 and $365 depending on the tour and your point of departure. 

A representative from Volcano Air Tours was kind enough to provide the photo (above right) that was recently taken from one of their tours.  One important fact to consider when selecting an air tour is how much time will be spent flying around the active lava flow.  I asked the Volcano Air Tour representative and she said that the pilots spend about 15 to 20 minutes flying there.  That should be very adequate for allowing everyone to get a good view.  

2.  Arrange a air/land package tour.

I did some research and Polynesian Adventures Tours was the only company I could find that offers a comprehensive air/land tour package from Maui to the Big Island.  You fly to Hilo on a commercial Island Air flight, then they tour you around this part of the island on a tour bus.  You would need a dedicated day for this tour as it leaves around 7am and returns around 7pm. 

I called Polynesian Adventure Tours to ask if they are currently taking their passengers to view the active lava flow by a hike and they said they do.  If this tour is of interest to you, I recommend that you verify that with them again.  (Somehow, I still feel slightly skeptical.)  This tour also includes a stop in Hilo to Rainbow Falls, a visit to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and a visit to see orchids.  The price for this day long tour cost $231.29, but if you reserve online, you’ll save 10%. 

3.  Arrange your own independent tour.

This alternative gives you the most freedom, but will require that you work out the logistics and  details of renting a car, navigating the island, etc.  Island Air flies directly from Kahului Maui (OGG) to Hilo (ITO).  (See Island Air’s Time/Route Schedule.)  Island Air was the only airline that I found that flies direct and non-stop from Maui to Hilo.

You could choose to fly there and back in the same day or stay overnight (or longer).  If you attempt to do it all in one day, you will be pushing it to the limit because the lava viewing point doesn’t open until 2pm and the flight from Hilo back to Maui leaves at 6:40pm.  Allow at least an hour for your round trip hike to and from the lava viewing.  Then add another 45 minutes to drive back to the airport.  Then factor in time for refueling and returning the rental car, etc.  See what I mean about pushing it to the limit?

Since the current lava viewing point doesn’t open until 2pm, you could spend the morning exploring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park which is about a 45 minute drive from Hilo Airport or you could check out the waterfalls in and around Hilo.  Another alternative you could consider is picking up a helicopter tour from Hilo.  The price of flights and rental cars vary. 

One thing to bear in mind is that lava is much more dramatic if viewed at night, so an overnight stay might be something worth considering.  See my tips for viewing the lava flow.