Four of these active volcanoes are located on Big Island. They include Kilauea, Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea, and Hualalai. The other is located on Maui and it is Mount Haleakala. There is also a sixth active volcano, called Loihi, that is still submerged under water off of the coast of Big Island near Kilauea.

In 2026, volcanic activity in Hawaii is primarily centered on the Island of Hawaiʻi (the Big Island) within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. The two most active volcanoes are Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. Since late 2024 and throughout early 2026, Kīlauea has been characterized by "episodic" eruptions, with lava fountaining and active flows often contained within the Halemaʻumaʻu crater at the summit. These episodes typically last for a few hours to several days, followed by periods of quiet. Mauna Loa, the world's largest active volcano, is also closely monitored by the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) following its major 2022 eruption. While the summit is the most frequent site for activity, eruptions can also occur along the East Rift Zone. For tourists, the best way to see active lava safely is to check the daily updates from the USGS; if a fountaining episode is active, the Uēkahuna Overlook and the Keanakākoʻi area provide spectacular, safe vantage points. It is vital to stay on marked trails, as volcanic gases and unstable terrain remain significant hazards even when "fresh" lava isn't visible.