Hawaii Forest & Trail
Activities (8)
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
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.
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
Step into Hawaii's most treasured bird sanctuary with the Hakalau Forest Reserve Birdwatching Exclusive in Kailua-Kona. Here, in the misty embrace of an ancient cloud forest, you'll witness endemic Hawaiian species that exist nowhere else on our planet. Hawaii Forest & Trail opens doors to one of the Big Island's most protected ecosystems—a place where critically endangered native birds still call home. Your naturalist guide knows these forest trails like old friends. Together, you'll wander beneath towering koa and ohia trees, their canopy creating perfect shelter for Hawaii's rarest winged treasures. The forest comes alive with sound: melodic calls of Hawaiian honeycreeper species echo through the mist. Watch for the vibrant red Apapane flashing between branches, or catch a glimpse of the endangered Akiapolaau—that remarkable bird with its uniquely curved beak. High in these mountains, conditions are just right for spotting Hawaii's majestic hawk, the Io, as it circles overhead. Colorful native finches dart playfully among plants that have flourished here for centuries, creating moments of pure magic around every bend. What makes this Hakalau Forest Reserve experience truly special? You're venturing beyond typical tourist paths into carefully managed conservation areas. This isn't just birdwatching—it's witnessing active restoration efforts that protect Hawaii's winged heritage. Your guide brings these efforts to life, teaching you to identify distinctive bird calls while explaining the delicate relationships between native species and their cloud forest home. The terrain shifts as you explore, revealing different bird communities from high-canopy dwellers to busy ground-foragers. Ready for your Hakalau Forest Reserve Birdwatching Exclusive Kailua-Kona adventure? Contact Hawaii Forest & Trail directly for current pricing and availability. Tour length adapts to wildlife activity and your group's curiosity—ensuring you get the best possible chance to meet Hawaii's remarkable endemic birds. These intimate experiences run year-round, though the cloud forest keeps its own schedule with changing weather. Pack layers and rain gear, and you'll be perfectly prepared for an unforgettable Big Island birding adventure.
Volcano Direct Hiking Adventure
Get ready to feel the earth's pulse beneath your feet. The Volcano Direct Hiking Adventure in Kailua-Kona puts you face-to-face with one of nature's most powerful forces, guided by the experts at Hawaii Forest & Trail along the Big Island's stunning Kona Coast. This isn't your typical nature walk. You'll trek across landscapes still warm from ancient eruptions, where hardened lava fields stretch toward the horizon and volcanic rock tells stories millions of years in the making. Your guides know these ever-changing volcanic terrains like old friends – they'll lead you safely through this dramatic world while sharing tales of lava flows, steaming vents, and the surprising life that flourishes in such harsh beauty. Every step reveals something new. One moment you're peering into a solidified lava tube, the next you're standing near vents that whisper with the earth's active energy below. The Big Island's volcanic personality shifts constantly, which means your volcano direct hiking adventure Kailua-Kona experience will be unlike anyone else's. What you see today might be completely different tomorrow – that's the magic of hiking on a living, breathing island. Hawaii Forest & Trail tailors each expedition to match current conditions and your group's abilities. Some days you'll venture closer to recent activity, other times you'll explore older formations that showcase the island's volcanic timeline. Weather and geological activity determine the route, but your guides always find the most impressive sights available. Planning is flexible here – it has to be when you're dealing with an active volcanic landscape. Tour length and exact destinations adapt based on what Mother Nature serves up. For current availability and pricing, reach out to Hawaii Forest & Trail directly. Their seasoned team will craft the perfect volcanic adventure for your Kona Coast visit, matching the experience to both current conditions and your sense of adventure.