I was near a volcano for the first time in New Zealand on a study abroad trip in 2007. However, I am most fond of my experience on my honeymoon in 2011. We drove to the top of the volcano named Haleakala, dodging multiple cows on the way and taking several photo breaks. We drove above the clouds and it was an absolutely surreal experience. At the top, we watched the sunset. Apparently, the sunrise is even prettier but we weren't interested in waking up around 4am for that journey. It's magnificent either way!