From the dramatic glow of lava flows to the thunderous power of eruptions, volcanoes are some of Earth’s most mesmerizing spectacles. Around the world, curious travelers are flocking to volcanic sites in record numbers, drawn by the thrill of seeing the planet’s raw power in action. But as awe-inspiring as these journeys can be, they come with very real risks—and a growing set of ethical and environmental questions. With eruptions on the rise and access becoming easier than ever, the world is now asking: is volcano tourism worth the danger?
A fiery attraction through history
Volcanoes have fascinated humans for millennia—not only for their destructive force, but for the life they leave behind. Fertile soil, healing hot springs, and dramatic landscapes have long enticed visitors. In Japan, volcanic onsen inns have hosted travelers for centuries, while Italy’s ancient Pompeii became a must-see stop on 18th-century European Grand Tours. In more recent years, volcano tourism has evolved into a global phenomenon, fueled by a blend of social media, adventurism, and an increasing desire to get close to the Earth’s raw power.
In 2021, tens of thousands of tourists hiked Iceland’s Geldingadalur valley to witness the Fagradalsfjall eruption—the volcano’s first in nearly 800 years. Many stood silently as molten rock poured across blackened land, some even roasting marshmallows over the lava. Photographer Chris Burkard, who captured the moment for National Geographic, described it as “mesmerizing,” highlighting the strange emotional pull these fiery events exert on us.
This awe isn’t merely aesthetic. “They’re one of the most primeval forces of nature we can observe,” says Benjamin Hayes, chief of interpretation at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. “You feel the power of Mother Earth.”
The new age of ‘lava chasers’
In the age of Instagram, volcano tourism has exploded—sometimes literally. From Mount Vesuvius in Italy to the calderas of Yellowstone in the United States, “lava chasers” now seek out photogenic eruptions with almost cult-like devotion. Mount Etna’s dramatic “lava fountain” in June 2025, for instance, drew global attention and visitors, despite the very real danger.
In Hawaii, the December 2020 eruption of Mount Kīlauea caused a visitor spike of 8,000 people in a single day. And as travel restrictions eased post-pandemic, more tourists arrived—many unaware of the risks. Poisonous gases like sulfur dioxide, sudden rockfalls, and violent eruptions are all part of the package. From 2010 to 2020, at least 1,143 people globally were killed in volcanic events. The tragic 2019 Whakaari/White Island eruption in New Zealand, which killed 22 tourists, is a sobering example.
Still, such tragedies seem only to deepen the allure. According to experts, we’re not backing away—we’re getting bolder. “Instead of deterring people, these events are becoming part of the attraction,” says volcanologist Rosaly M.C. Lopes of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. “The thrill of danger is very real.”
When nature gives warnings, are we listening?
Modern volcano monitoring is more advanced than ever. Observatories around the world use satellite data, seismic sensors, and gas analysis to predict activity. For armchair scientists, the Smithsonian Institution even offers a public tracker for active eruptions.
But even the best science can’t eliminate risk. Lopes, who authored The Volcano Adventure Guide, stresses the importance of understanding what kind of volcano you’re visiting. “Some eruptions—like those in Hawaii and Iceland—are relatively gentle,” she says. “Others, like Whakaari or Mount Etna, can be explosive and unpredictable.”
She recalls being just a mile away from Etna in 1987 when an unexpected explosion killed two tourists. Her advice: “If a volcano erupts, don’t run blindly. Look up. Dodge falling debris first—then run.” The viscosity of lava can also determine a volcano’s volatility. Thin lava flows slowly, allowing gas to escape; thick lava traps gas, causing pressure to build. Recognizing the difference, says Lopes, could save your life.
Living with lava
For many, volcanoes aren’t destinations—they’re neighbors. Over 1,500 active volcanoes exist worldwide, and hundreds of millions of people live in their shadow. For residents, daily eruptions are often more routine than remarkable.
In Japan’s Kagoshima Prefecture, Sakurajima erupts so frequently that locals barely glance skyward. “It’s the symbol of our city,” says Naoto Maesako, a local restaurateur whose Yogan Yaki restaurant grills food on lava stone plates. “Without Sakurajima, there would be no Kagoshima.”
Volcanoes give as much as they take. The nutrient-rich ash from eruptions enhances soil, helping communities grow crops like Kagoshima’s famous daikon radish. In Hawaii, the bond runs even deeper. Volcanoes are woven into spiritual and cultural identity. “The goddess Pele isn’t just myth—she is ’aina, the land,” says Hayes. “Our stories and ancestry are literally built into the lava.”
Where awe meets ethics
There’s a darker side to volcano tourism—what some experts call “disaster voyeurism.” In Indonesia, Mount Merapi killed over 350 people in 2010 and left hundreds of thousands homeless. Within months, tour companies sprang up to guide tourists through ash-buried villages.
In Hawaii, the 2018 Kīlauea eruptions destroyed over 600 homes. Yet, as homes burned, tourist spending actually increased. While visitors flocked to see the lava, local officials had to balance education and safety with sensitivity. “Stick to the national parks,” urges Ross Birch of the Island of Hawaii Visitors Bureau. “That’s where you can learn about the volcanoes without trespassing on someone’s tragedy.”
Scientists agree that thoughtful volcano tourism can foster deeper awareness and appreciation. “When people see volcanic activity up close, it sparks curiosity,” says Lopes. “And it reminds us how dynamic, powerful—and fragile—our planet really is.”
Final thoughts: standing at the edge
Volcanoes are Earth’s most dramatic storytellers. They chronicle destruction and rebirth, science and spirituality, life and loss. They demand our awe—and our respect. For travelers, the key is informed adventure. Listen to the science. Stay in designated zones. Be sensitive to local communities. And above all, remember that these aren’t theme parks—they’re living, changing forces that command humility.
“Every time you see an eruption,” says Lopes, “you get a little closer to understanding Earth itself.” And perhaps, that understanding is the real reason we keep chasing lava.
Practical tips for volcano tourism
Research before you go: Use official observatory websites and eruption trackers.
Choose safe destinations: National parks in Hawaii, Iceland, and Japan are well-monitored and have established safety infrastructure.
Stay on marked trails: Never approach lava flows or crater edges unless guided by professionals.
Be culturally aware: Many volcanic areas are sacred to local communities—treat them with respect.
Know the risks: Wear protective gear, check gas warnings, and be prepared to evacuate if necessary.
