Hawaii Forest & Trail
Activities (9)
Kohala Waterfalls Adventure
Escape the crowds and discover North Kohala's hidden waterfalls on this unforgettable Kohala Waterfalls Adventure with Hawaii Forest & Trail. Starting from Kailua-Kona, this easy-rated excursion takes you far beyond the typical tourist trail to private cascades, peaceful streams, and dramatic valleys that most visitors never see. Your day begins with an exciting off-road drive that immediately signals you're heading somewhere special—one of the Big Island's most untouched wilderness areas. The adventure unfolds through a private nature reserve where waterfalls tumble into crystal-clear swimming holes, perfect for a refreshing dip in water that stays a cool 60-70°F year-round. Don't worry about the hiking—this is genuinely accessible to everyone. You'll cover about a mile over 1.5 to 2 hours with just 200 feet of elevation gain, making it perfect for families and adventurers of all ages. The trail winds through a beautifully restored ancient Hawaiian agricultural site, where your expert naturalist guides share fascinating stories about native ecosystems and cultural heritage while keeping everyone safe on terrain that can be uneven and muddy. The experience reaches its peak during a private picnic lunch at one of the island's most spectacular viewpoints. Picture yourself dining on delicious deli-style fare while gazing out at towering sea cliffs and remote valleys that stretch endlessly into the distance. Hawaii Forest & Trail provides everything you need: trekking poles, day packs, rain gear, bug repellent, sunscreen, towels, plus snacks, water, and beverages throughout your 6-7 hour journey. This Kohala Waterfalls Adventure from Kailua-Kona keeps groups intimate with a maximum of 10 people, and pickup is convenient from multiple locations including Hawaii Forest & Trail offices, Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Queens' Marketplace, The Shops at Mauna Lani, and Kohala Zipline. At $255 for adults and $230 for children 12 and under, it's an incredible value for such an exclusive experience. Just bring comfortable closed-toe shoes that can get wet, swimwear, and a reusable water bottle. Car seats and booster seats are available if needed, and you can cancel with a full refund up to 24 hours before departure. This is your chance to explore North Kohala's secret natural treasures in the company of passionate local guides who know every hidden corner of this magical landscape.
Volcano, Chocolate & Waterfalls
Experience Hawaii's Big Island through three distinct worlds on this comprehensive volcano, chocolate & waterfalls adventure with Hawaii Forest & Trail's National Park Certified Guides. This immersive journey weaves together the dramatic landscapes of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, hands-on chocolate making at a working cacao farm, and the natural splendor of Rainbow Falls into one expertly crafted experience. Your day begins with an exploration of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where the historically large collapse of Halemaumau Crater has forever altered Kilauea's landscape. Walking alongside your certified interpretive guide, you'll discover how geological forces continue reshaping this dynamic terrain—one of the world's most active volcanic systems. Short hikes through the park's most compelling areas are tailored to your group's ability level and current conditions, ensuring everyone can safely witness these incredible transformations. From volcanic wonders, you'll transition to agricultural artistry at Lavaloha Chocolate Farm. This interactive tree-to-chocolate experience unfolds across 1,000 acres of tropical fruit and cacao trees, where local farmers reveal the sophisticated process of transforming raw cacao into finished chocolate. You'll get your hands dirty learning techniques that have been perfected over generations in Hawaii's unique growing conditions. Your final stop showcases the island's natural beauty at Rainbow Falls, where an 80-foot cascade tumbles against Hilo's lush tropical backdrop. The perfect finale to this volcano, chocolate & waterfalls Kailua-Kona adventure combines geological wonder, cultural learning, and pure scenic enjoyment. Groups are limited to 12 participants maximum, welcoming adventurers ages 6 and older for this easy-to-moderate rated experience. Tours run 11.5 hours from Kona, 10-11 hours from Waikoloa, and 7-8 hours from Hilo, with convenient pickup available at Royal Kona Resort, Queens' Marketplace, Shops at Mauna Lani, Waikoloa Plaza, and Imiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo. Pricing starts at $295 for adults and $270 for children ages 6-12, including all park access fees, meals, snacks, beverages, and essential gear like trekking poles, day packs, and rain gear. Plan for a late return after 7:00 PM and bring comfortable closed-toe walking shoes for moderate terrain. This volcano, chocolate & waterfalls tour delivers an unforgettable Big Island experience combining volcanic exploration, agricultural education, and natural beauty in one remarkable day.
Kohala Waterfalls Adventure - Private Ohana Outing
Experience the exclusive Kohala Waterfalls Adventure - Private Ohana Outing, a personalized journey through Big Island's natural areas. This private excursion with Hawaii Forest & Trail takes your group off the beaten path to explore secluded waterfalls and ancient Hawaiian sites through a private nature reserve. Your adventure kicks off with an off-road ramble to an exclusive trailhead, then continues with a relaxed guided walk through the private nature reserve. The real magic happens when you cool off with refreshing swims beneath cascading waterfalls. Your expert guide will walk you through a restored ancient Hawaiian agricultural site, sharing fascinating insights into traditional island farming practices and cultural heritage. The experience wraps up with a private picnic lunch featuring spectacular views of soaring sea cliffs and remote valleys at one of the island's best scenic lookouts. Hawaii Forest & Trail has you covered with comprehensive gear including trekking poles, day packs, raingear, bug repellent, sunscreen, and towels. Your deli-style lunch comes complete with snacks, water, and assorted beverages. Just bring comfortable closed-toed shoes or water shoes, swim gear, reusable water bottle, and personal sun protection. You'll need to handle hiking on uneven or rocky terrain, and be ready for potentially cool, wet, or muddy conditions. Several convenient meeting locations serve the Kohala Waterfalls Adventure - Private Ohana Outing Kailua-Kona, including Hawaii Forest & Trail headquarters, Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Kona Village, Queens' Marketplace and nearby resorts, Shops at Mauna Lani and nearby resorts, and Kohala Zipline. This private ohana outing creates lasting memories while showcasing the Big Island's natural beauty and cultural significance. Contact Hawaii Forest & Trail to secure your exclusive waterfall adventure and discover this exceptional private experience.
Maunakea Summit & Stars Adventure
The Maunakea Summit & Stars Adventure from Kailua-Kona takes you to one of the world's most extraordinary stargazing destinations. Over 7-8 hours, you'll journey from sea level to the sacred slopes of Maunakea, where Hawaii's volcanic landscape meets some of the clearest night skies on Earth. Your adventure begins with convenient pickup from several Big Island locations: King Kamehameha Courtyard Marriott, Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Queens' Marketplace, Waikoloa Plaza, and the Onizuka Visitors Center. Hawaii Forest & Trail guides handle all the details, keeping groups intimate with just 12 guests maximum and maintaining that perfect 1:12 guide ratio. As evening unfolds, you'll enjoy a hearty picnic-style dinner featuring Southwest Stew or Vegetarian Chili—with vegan and gluten-free options available for dietary needs. Paired with assorted teas, it's the perfect fuel for your celestial journey ahead. While you dine, guides share fascinating stories of early mountain travelers, setting the stage for the spectacular sunset over the Pacific that follows. But the real magic happens after dark. Using an impressive 11-inch Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope, you'll get up-close views of planets, star clusters, and distant galaxies. Even better? A state-of-the-art digital telescope captures stunning images of deep-space objects and emails them directly to you—perfect for sharing those cosmic memories with friends and family back home. The experience wraps up with hot chocolate and cookies as you explore more of the Hawaiian night sky. Don't worry about the mountain's chill; Hawaii Forest & Trail provides hooded parkas and gloves to keep you comfortable at altitude. This Maunakea Summit & Stars Adventure runs nightly when weather cooperates, though you'll need to handle about 150 yards of walking on uneven terrain (rated easy to moderate). At $315 for adults, participants must be at least 13 years old due to altitude considerations. A few important notes: if you have respiratory, circulatory, or heart conditions, are pregnant, or in poor health, this tour isn't recommended. Scuba divers need to wait 24 hours after diving before joining. Since you'll return late, make sure your transportation from pickup locations is confirmed. Pack closed-toe shoes, long pants, a sweatshirt, and bring a reusable water bottle. The Maunakea Summit & Stars Adventure offers full refunds with 24-hour advance cancellation, making it an easy addition to your Kailua-Kona itinerary.
Volcano, Chocolate & Waterfalls - Private Ohana Outing
Discover the Big Island's most captivating natural wonders on this volcano, chocolate & waterfalls - private ohana outing from Kailua-Kona. This epic 11.5-hour adventure takes your group of up to 12 guests (ages 6 and up) on an intimate journey through Hawaii's volcanic landscapes, artisanal chocolate production, and breathtaking waterfalls, all guided by National Park Certified experts who bring the island's geological and cultural stories to life. Your day starts with an awe-inspiring visit to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where Kilauea's dramatic Halemaumau Crater collapse has transformed the terrain into something truly extraordinary. Your certified guide will walk you through the incredible geological forces still at work here, revealing secrets about the park's most fascinating volcanic features that continue reshaping this living landscape before your eyes. Next, you'll head to Lavaloha Chocolate Farm, a sprawling 1,000-acre private tropical paradise where chocolate dreams come true. This isn't just a tasting—it's a complete immersion into the tree-to-chocolate journey. You'll get hands-on with the entire process, learning how those humble cacao trees become the chocolate you love while discovering sustainable farming practices that make it all possible. The grand finale brings you to Rainbow Falls in Hilo, where an magnificent 80-foot waterfall plunges through lush tropical vegetation in a display that's nothing short of magical. Everything you need is covered—access fees, delicious meals, snacks, and beverages, plus all the essential gear including trekking poles, day packs, raingear, bug repellent, and sunscreen. Getting there is easy with multiple pickup spots serving different resort areas: Royal Kona Resort, Queens' Marketplace, Shops at Mauna Lani, Waikoloa Plaza, and Imiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo. This volcano, chocolate & waterfalls - private ohana outing Kailua-Kona experience starts at $483.33 for the minimum six guests, with each additional person just $100 more. Tour length depends on where you're staying—expect 11.5 hours from Kona, 10-11 hours from Waikoloa, and 7-8 hours from Hilo, with everyone back after 7:00 PM. Come prepared with comfortable closed-toe walking shoes and pack long pants, a light jacket, your reusable water bottle, and personal sun protection. You'll need to handle moderate walks on uneven ground, and conditions can get cool, wet, or muddy—but that's all part of the authentic Big Island experience. Need to change plans? No worries—full refunds are available with 72 hours' notice.
Hidden Craters Hike
Discover the volcanic secrets of the Big Island on this hidden craters hike in Kailua-Kona, where exclusive access to Hualalai volcano reveals untouched natural wonders that few visitors ever experience. This moderate hiking adventure takes you deep into a native forest preserve for a rare glimpse into the geological forces that shaped Hawaii. Your journey starts with exclusive access onto Hualalai volcano, where you'll traverse pristine native forest terrain and stand at the edge of precipitous volcanic craters that plunge dramatically into the earth below. The experience includes navigating through an intact lava tube—completely unaltered by human activity—for an authentic encounter with Hawaii's volcanic landscape. While exploring this protected environment, you'll witness nature's raw power surrounded by endemic flora that thrives in this unique ecosystem. The trail offers a moderate challenge suitable for hikers aged 8 and older, requiring the ability to navigate uneven and rocky terrain with up to 1,000 feet of elevation gain and descent. Weather conditions can vary, so expect cool, wet, or muddy conditions during the hike. Hawaii Forest & Trail provides essential gear including trekking poles and rain jackets, plus snacks and beverages throughout the adventure. You should bring sturdy closed-toed hiking shoes, a sweatshirt or light jacket, a reusable water bottle, and personal sun protection like hats and sunglasses. This hidden craters hike Kailua-Kona experience departs from Hawaii Forest & Trail's location, where check-in begins before your volcanic exploration. The tour includes all necessary equipment, refreshments, and expert guidance through this restricted-access area. Additional tour restrictions may apply, so advance booking is essential for this exclusive Big Island hiking opportunity that combines geological education with outdoor adventure in one of Hawaii's most pristine volcanic environments.
Hakalau Forest Reserve Birdwatching Exclusive
If you have ever wanted to track rare Hawaiian birds somewhere most visitors never reach, this Hakalau forest reserve birdwatching trip out of Kailua-Kona was made for you. Families with kids aged 8 and up, dedicated birders, and curious nature lovers will all find something extraordinary here. Hawaii Forest Trail leads groups of up to 10 guests into a restricted-access National Wildlife Refuge, giving you a genuine inside look at one of the Big Island's most protected ecosystems. What to Expect on the Tour Plan for a full day - this guided hiking tour runs 11 to 12 hours. You will cover approximately 2 to 4 miles of uneven, sometimes muddy terrain, rated moderate in difficulty. Expert interpretive guides track endemic and endangered birds including the Amakihi, Apapane, Elepaio, Akepa, Akiapolaau, and Iiwi. Along the way you may also spot rare native plants, carnivorous caterpillars, and happy-faced spiders that most Big Island visitors never see. Keep in mind the access road to the refuge is rough and bumpy, so this tour may not suit guests with back problems or those prone to motion sickness. If you enjoy exploring the island's lush montane jungle on a Cloud Forest Tour , Hakalau takes that experience to a wilder, more remote level. Practical Details Pricing starts from $275 per person, with the same rate applying to children ages 8 to 12. The tour includes equipment, a deli-style lunch, and a knowledgeable guide. Bring sturdy hiking shoes, a light jacket, a water bottle, and your camera. Departures vary because access depends on restricted-access permit availability. Meeting locations include Hawaii Forest Trail Kona Headquarters, Queen's Marketplace at Waikoloa Beach Resort, and Waikoloa Plaza / Highlands Shopping Center in Waikoloa Village. A private tour option is available, with a 72-hour cancellation policy for those bookings. Standard bookings require 24 hours' notice for a full refund. For more ways to explore the island's natural side, check out the Cliffs of Hawai'i Onomea Waterfall Cruise or the Big Island Waterfalls Adventure as complementary additions to your trip.
Hakalau Forest Reserve Birdwatching Exclusive - Private Ohana Outing
Deep in the misty rainforests of Mauna Kea, something magical awaits your family. The Hakalau Forest Reserve Birdwatching Exclusive - Private Ohana Outing Kailua-Kona opens doors to one of Hawaii's best-kept secrets – a pristine wilderness where endangered birds still call home. Picture this: you're standing quietly among towering koa trees, listening to calls that have echoed through these forests for centuries. Suddenly, a flash of crimson catches your eye. It's an Apapane, one of Hawaii's native honeycreepers, flitting between ohia blossoms. Your expert naturalist guide from Hawaii Forest & Trail whispers excitedly as they point out the bird's unique feeding behavior. This isn't your typical tourist experience. The Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge sprawls across 32,730 acres of protected wilderness, perched high on Mauna Kea's slopes between 5,000 and 6,500 feet. Most visitors never make it here – but your ohana will. What makes this adventure truly special? You might spot the critically endangered Akiapolaau, famous for its peculiar curved bill that works like nature's own Swiss Army knife. Your guide carries professional spotting scopes and knows exactly where to look, plus they'll share incredible stories about the scientists working tirelessly to save these species from extinction. The journey itself becomes part of the magic. Starting from the warm Kona Coast, you'll climb through multiple climate zones until you reach this cool, misty sanctuary. The moderate hiking suits most fitness levels, and since it's your private group, you set the pace. Want to linger watching a rare bird? No problem. Fascinated by the native plant restoration happening in former grasslands? Your guide loves sharing those success stories too. Because the Hakalau Forest Reserve Birdwatching Exclusive - Private Ohana Outing runs exclusively for your family, every detail gets tailored to your interests. Some groups spend hours mesmerized by bird behavior, while others focus on the broader conservation story unfolding in this living laboratory. Ready to discover authentic Hawaiian wilderness while supporting crucial conservation work? Contact Hawaii Forest & Trail directly – they'll help craft this rare opportunity into an unforgettable family adventure.
Volcano Direct Hiking Adventure
Families with curious kids, first-time visitors, and anyone ready to go deeper than a standard overlook will find this volcano direct hiking adventure in Kailua-Kona hard to beat. A Hawaii Volcanoes National Park certified expert guides you through multiple climate zones and ecosystems before you reach one of the most geologically active places on Earth. Children as young as 6 are welcome, making it a genuine all-ages Big Island sightseeing experience the whole family can share. What You Will Experience The day follows Chain of Craters Road through rainforests, lava flows, and cinder fields, with stops to explore steam vents, craters, and volcanic formations up close. For many guests, the standout is Kauhi Cavern - a private lava tube with ceilings more than 30 feet tall and vivid microbial mats lining its walls, with access exclusive to Hawaii Forest and Trail. At every stop, your guide brings the geology, natural history, and cultural significance of Kilauea to life, including the dramatic changes left by the collapse and recent eruptions of Halemaumau Crater. The Practical Details This moderately rated, fully guided volcano hiking adventure runs daily. Duration depends on your boarding point: 11 to 12 hours from Kona, 10 to 11 hours from Waikoloa, and 7 to 8 hours from Hilo. Meeting locations include Hawaii Forest and Trail Kona Headquarters, Waikoloa Queen's Market Place, The Shops at Mauna Lani, Waikoloa Plaza in Waikoloa Village, Kea'au, and Hilo. Hotel pickup is available. Equipment, lunch, snacks, and a certified guide are all included. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and bring a water bottle and light jacket. Pricing starts from $234, with child pricing for ages 6 to 12. A private tour option is also available. All eruption viewing depends on current conditions and permitted access. If you prefer exploring the park on two wheels, check out the Fat Tire E-Bike Rental at Volcanoes National Park , or browse the All Day Volcano National Park Adventure for another full-day option. Either way, the Big Island's volcanic terrain rewards those who give it real time.
About
Hawaii Forest & Trail operates from Kailua-Kona and has earned its reputation as the Big Island's go-to eco-adventure outfitter through decades of guiding visitors to the island's hidden gems. These folks know the terrain like the back of their hand, and their commitment to sustainable tourism runs deep—they're not just showing you around, they're protecting the places they love.
Their six signature tours capture everything that makes the Big Island extraordinary. The Hidden Craters Hike takes you into volcanic landscapes most visitors never see, while their Kohala waterfall adventures reveal cascading pools tucked away in emerald valleys. Want to stargaze from Maunakea's summit? They've got you covered. Coffee farm tours connect you with local growers who've been perfecting their craft for generations, and their combination experiences might have you exploring volcanic craters one moment and sampling artisan chocolate the next.
What really sets Hawaii Forest & Trail apart is their guides—local experts who know exactly where to find that perfect photo spot or which trail offers the best views without the crowds. They keep groups small, prioritize safety, and genuinely care about preserving Hawaii's natural beauty for future generations. Whether you're traveling with kids and want a private family outing or you're happy to join other adventurers, they'll match you with the right experience.
From geological marvels to celestial shows to authentic cultural experiences, these tours don't just scratch the surface—they reveal the real Big Island that locals know and love.