Hidden Craters Hike

Magical and Mystical

Lace up your hiking boots and prepare for an adventure

Hualalai, located on the Big Island of Hawaii, is home to multiple volcanic eruptions from the 1800s. We venture onto private land behind three locked gates to explore the slopes of the volcano. This journey provides intimate, unique access to the site of the eruptions, all within a short distance. You can even explore a lava tube! And don’t forget to capture scenic views of the coastline while you’re at it.

From: $175^.00

BOOK YOUR TOUR

Choose Tour Starting From

Choose Tour Starting From

Kona
Starting at
$175^.00
per adult

Adults Ages 13yrs+ From $175^.00 USD

Children Ages 8 to 12yrs From $150^.00 USD

Date

/ /

Back

Join Wait List
Available
Not Available

Time

Choose a date to see available times.

Where are you staying?

Having your accommodation information helps us provide directions, travel tips and can more easily contact you if there is a change in plans last minute.

$

$
Comments or Special Needs
Special Dietary Request, Allergies, disabilities, etc.

$

Your online price: $0

Hidden Craters Hike Details

Highlights

Exclusive, private access to Hualalai volcano
Private tour optional
Stunning views of the coastline

Peer own into volcanic craters
Climb through a lava tube
Certified Interpretive Guide

Tour Description

Come join us on an unforgettable journey through one of the most beautiful and unique landscapes in the world! This unique hike provides intimate access to Hualalai 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. To get to the trailhead, We will take you onto private land behind three locked gates. And you will admit, the journey is well worth it.

We believe that by inspiring a deep connection with our natural world, and we have created a fun and safe learning experience for all. Our certified interpretive guides are knowledgeable in the areas of biology, geology, history, and Native Hawaiian culture, and strive to keep groups comfortable for a pleasurable day of exploration. 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.

Price & Availability

Kona

AdultsAges 13yrs+	$175^.00
ChildrenAges 8 to 12yrs	$150^.00

Pricing changes start December 1, 2022
Adult – $175
Children – $150

What’s Included

Exclusive private access onto Hualalai volcano and into a native forest
3–4-mile hike through cloud forest with incredible vistas of the Kona coast.
Stand on the edge of volcanic craters that plunge deep into the earth below
Climb through a segment of a lava tube
Experienced interpretive guide

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

Restrictions

Restrictions: Guests should be able to hike on uneven or rocky terrain with up to 1,000′ elevation gain and descent. We may encounter cool and wet conditions. Other tour restrictions may apply.
What to Bring & Wear: Hiking or sturdy closed-toe shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and a light sweatshirt or jacket.

Cancellation Policy

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.

Hidden Craters Hike Features

hike-through-untouched-cloud-forest-hawaii-forest-big-island

family-hike-hawaii-forest-big-island

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 Haulalai Volcano, you will walk through this amazing forest that almost seems to appear out of nowhere. On your way there, you will hike through fields of lava and scrubland. As you approach it, more vegetation and trees start to appear. Continuing further, you suddenly find you’re in a what seems like a magical forest.

lace-up-your-hiking-boots-and-prepare-for-an-adventure-big-island

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 riotous explosion of green, a chilly jungle at 1,000 feet. Statuesque blue marble Rudraksh 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 Hawaii landscapes —flowering ohia, squat and endangered loulu palm and the unfurling fronds of hapuu, the native Hawaiian tree fern. The result is a breathtaking array of colors and textures, a verdant oasis in the midst of a volcanic landscape. It is this juxtaposition makes this trek so special.

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

the-hawaii-state-bird-nene-the-worlds-rarest-goose

hike-through-a-cloud-forest-hawaii-forest-big-island

steam-vents-along-the-crater-rim-trail-big-island

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 leave you with a deep connection to our natural world. We combine this journey through an endangered natural setting with fascinating information about the resources of Hawaii. 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 the biology, geology, history, and Native Hawaiian culture of Hawaii is essential for understanding and respecting this special place.

BestOfHawaiiAwardsHawaiiTours

Stah Certified

Google Reviewed Tours And Activities

5/5 (30 Reviews)

Logotripadvisor

Book Hidden Craters Hike 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 Hualalai Volcano active?

Technically speaking, yes. Hualalai’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.

Ask Us A Question

More Great Hiking Tours on Big Island

On-Island Full-Service Concierge

Every tour purchased with us comes with access to our team of travel experts who make your vacation experience better.

Great Guides With Local Knowledge

Have an amazing experience with our small group tours in comfortable vehicles driven by certified, professional guides.

Stress-Free Vacation Planning

We handle all travel aspects so you can have an incredible vacation to the worldʻs best volcanoes. Go with confidence.

Wide Selection Of Volcano Tours

We have the best selection of Volcano Tours here in Hawaii. Book with us to choose an itinerary that matches your passion.