HIDDEN CRATERS HIKE

Name: Volcano Tours
Price range: $$

Magical and Mystical

BOOK HIDDEN CRATERS HIKE TOUR

Kailua-Kona, Big Island, Hawaii

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Hualālai, located on the Big Island of Hawai'i, saw multiple volcanic eruptions from the 1800s, creating a living tapestry across its surface of nature's incredible power. We venture onto private land, behind three locked gates, to explore the slopes of the volcano where few every get to experience these sights. This journey provides intimate, unique access to the site of the eruptions, all within a short distance. You can even explore a lava tube! So don't forget to enjoy scenic views of the coastline while you're at it.

From: $179^.00

BOOK YOUR HIKE

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5-Hour Hualalai Hidden Crater Hike From Kailua-Kona Town
Starting at
$179^.00
per adult

Adults Ages 13 yrs+

$ 179^.00

Children Ages 8-12 yrs

$ 154^.00

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We'll pick you up at 7:30 AM from Hawaii Forest & Trail Kona Headquarters.
Please check in 15 minutes prior to your tour start time.
Please meet us across the street from Home Depot at our Kona Headquarters. Our address is 73-5593 Olowalu St. Kailua Kona, HI 96740.
Driving Directions: From Queen Kaahumanu Hwy (Hwy 19) turn up Hina Lani street. Take the second right onto Kamanu street and then the next right onto Olowalu Street. Our tan-colored building will be on your right.
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Hidden Craters Hike Features

beautiful views of the coastline big island

stunning views of the coastline big island

beautiful and unique landscapes in the world big island

Hike Through a Cloud Forest

In contrast to most forests, which are watered by rain, a cloud forest receives as much as 40% of its precipitation from moisture that condenses on the leaves of trees from mist and clouds that move through these upland forests. On the slopes of the Hualālai Volcano, you will walk through this fantastic forest that almost seems to appear out of nowhere. On your way there, you will hike through fields of old lava and scrubland. As you approach it, more vegetation and trees appear, slowly becoming denser and more lush. Continuing, you will suddenly find you’re in what seems like a magical forest.

walk through the amazing forest that almost seems to appear out of nowhere big island

lua manu sign chain of craters road big island

hike through fields of lava and scrubland big island

Incredible Beauty

The Kona Cloud Forest is a chaotic and wonderful explosion of green, a chilly jungle at 1,000 feet. Statuesque blue marble Rudraksha trees from India, Chinese bamboo, sprawling green fronds from Africa, and even an old Ficus houseplant mingle with endemic species found in other, more familiar Hawai'i landscapes like flowering ōhiʻa, squat, and endangered loulu palm and the unfurling fronds of hapu'u, the native Hawaiian tree fern. The result is a breathtaking array of colors and textures, a verdant oasis amid a volcanic landscape. It is this contrast of colors that makes this trek so special.

hike through a cloud forest hawaii forest big island

steam vents along the crater rim trail big island

exclusive and private access to hualalai volcano hawaii forest big island feature

Learn While You Hike

Our nature tour company has over 25 years of experience sharing the splendor of the islands with our guests. We strive to provide a safe and fun learning experience that will give you a deep connection to our natural world. We combine this journey through an endangered natural setting with fascinating information about the natural beauty of Hawai'i. Our Certified Interpretive Guides are the best in the business and will ensure that your group is well-outfitted and comfortable for a pleasurable day of exploration. Knowledge about biology, geology, history, and Native Hawaiian culture is essential for understanding and respecting this special place, and our guides are more than happy to provide it.

Hidden Craters Hike Details

Elements

Exclusive, private access to Hualālai volcano
Private tour optional
Stunning views of the coastline
Peer own into volcanic craters

Climb through a lava tube
Certified Interpretive Guide
Experience and Learn About Local History
Incredible Natural Beauty

Insight

Come join us on an unforgettable journey through one of the world's most beautiful and distinctive landscapes! This unique hike provides intimate access to Hualālai Volcano, the site of multiple volcanic eruptions from the 1800s, all within a short distance. Plus, you'll get to explore a unique lava tube and capture scenic views of the coastline. We will take you onto private land behind three locked gates to get to the trailhead. The journey is beautiful, and the destination is more than worth the trek.

We believe that by inspiring a deep connection with our natural world, we can all grow to appreciate it that much more. To that end, we have created a fun and safe learning experience for all. Our certified interpretive guides are knowledgeable in biology, geology, history, and Native Hawaiian culture. They strive to keep groups comfortable for a pleasurable day of exploration while teaching them about the area around them. We also believe in giving back to our island communities through sustainable business practices, conservation, and philanthropy. When you choose to adventure with us, you can be assured that you are supporting a company that cares about its impact on the environment and its people.

Cost & Schedule

5-Hour Hualalai Hidden Crater Hike From Kailua-Kona Town

AdultsAges 13 yrs+	$179^.00
ChildrenAges 8-12 yrs	$154^.00

Departure & Return

7:30 am departures from Tours depart from Hawaii Forest & Trail Headquarters
73-5593 Olowalu St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Five-hour round trip

Regulations

Restrictions: Guests should be capable of hiking on uneven or rocky terrain with elevation changes of up to 1,000 feet. Be prepared for potentially cool and wet conditions. Additional tour restrictions may apply.
What to Bring & Wear: Wear hiking or sturdy closed-toe shoes, and don't forget a hat, sunscreen, and a light sweatshirt or jacket.
Included: Trail bar snacks and water refills are provided (please bring your own reusable water bottle).
Gear Provided: We supply walking sticks, day packs, and rain jackets.

Booking

Customers will receive a full refund with 24 hours’ notice of cancellation.
Private tours: Customers will receive a full refund with 72 hours’ notice of cancellation

Cancellations within the cancellation period and “no-shows” will be charged the FULL AMOUNT of the tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Hiking Do We Do?

3-4 miles along uneven terrain with some steep inclines and declines with elevation gains and descents. Rated moderate.
Is There Elevation Gain?

Our tour ranges from sea level to 6,000 feet. We will meander on a single-track trail through native forest with an elevation change of approximately 800 to 1,000 feet. While exploring the lava tube, expect to descend and ascend approximately 30-40 feet.
How Many Different Types Of Volcanic Features Will I See?

Along the tour, we’ll see a 200-year-old lava flow, spatter cones, fissures and collapsed pits.
Do We Need Any Special Type Of Equipment To Explore The Lava Tube?

The lava tube we visit is perfect for the casual adventurer. We’ll descend via earthen steps with a rope to assist and there’s enough ambient light to see all of the major features inside the cave.

Is Hualālai Volcano Active?

Technically speaking, yes. Hualālai’s last eruption ended in 1801, so it is considered active. However, magma is not close to the surface, so we won't see any geothermal activity.
Is this an intense hiking experience?

Many hiking tours are relatively moderate and you will not build up much of a sweat. This hike is almost entirely uphill and takes in a lot of amazing views. It is not a technical hike and tends to be hot as it is exposed on the Kona side of the island.