



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.
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.


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


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

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


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

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


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
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







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)

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)

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)

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)

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.