Guided tour

Big Island: Off the Beaten Path Volcano Crater Hike

4.9  / 510 reviews
Activity provider:Hawaii Forest & Trail
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Guided tour
Big Island: Off the Beaten Path Volcano Crater Hike
Activity provider:Hawaii Forest & Trail
4.9  / 510 reviews

Venture onto private land behind several locked gates to explore the upper slopes of Kona’s very own volcano, Hualalai. This adventure provides intimate, unique access to the site of multiple volcanic eruptions.

About this activity

Free cancellation
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Duration 5 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
English
Small group
Limited to 10 participants

Experience

Itinerary

  • getyourguide-logo-icon.svg

    Starting location:

    Hawaii Forest & Trail Kona Headquarters

  • Van

    (35 minutes)

  • main-stop-icon.svg

    Hualālai, Island of Hawaii

    Guided tour, Hiking (4 hours)

  • Van

    (35 minutes)

  • Arrive back at:

    Hawaii Forest & Trail Kona Headquarters

Main stop

For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.

Highlights

  • Enjoy exclusive private access onto Hualalai Volcano and a nearby native forest
  • Hike through untouched cloud forest with incredible views of the Kona coast
  • Stand on the edge of precipitous volcanic craters that plunge deep into the earth below
  • Learn about Hawaii from experienced guides on this eco-certified tour

Full description

Experience an adventure like no other on a rocky hike up the cool and misty lava-scaped slopes of Kona's own Hualalai Volcano. Enjoy exclusive access to this stunning mountain, which offers a bird's eye view of Kona's lava history. Your guide will take you off-road, through multiple locked gates and then by foot at a 6,500-foot elevation, where you will experience the surreal scene of black lava flows and native dryland forest. You will see firsthand the geologic forces which created the islands at the heart of Hualalai’s 1801 eruption, the Kaupulehu Crater. Travel to magnificent coastal viewpoints and stunning lava formations, walk amidst a forest of native birdsong and scramble through a "lava tube".

Includes

  • Nature guide
  • Walking sticks
  • Day packs and rain gear
  • Sunscreen and bug repellent
  • Filtered water, sparkling water and juices
  • Local taxes
  • Lunch
  • Tips (optional)

Not suitable for

  • Children under 8 years
  • People with mobility impairments

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Meeting point

The Hawaii Forest & Trail Headquarters is located directly across from Home Depot, below the Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union. Guests may park in our parking lot in any of the unmarked parking stalls.

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Important information

What to bring

  • Closed-toe shoes
  • Reusable water bottle

Not allowed

  • Smoking
  • Luggage or large bags
  • Alcohol and drugs

Know before you go

  • Guests should be able to hike on uneven or rocky terrain
  • It is recommended to bring snacks, wear comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and a light sweatshirt or jacket

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.9 /5

based on 10 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    5/5
  • Transportation
    5/5
  • Value for money
    5/5

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By star rating

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S
Saskia – GermanyMay 20, 2024  – Verified booking
Die Wanderung war ca. 3 Meilen. Wir hatten einen super tollen Guide (Toro) und können die Wanderung nur weiter empfehlen. Wir haben sehr viel über den Vulkan, die Umgebung und über die Hawaiianische Traditionen erfahren.
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C
Cornelia – SwitzerlandSeptember 20, 2023  – Verified booking
A wondrous world off the beaten track. Wonderful nature and a very informed guide.
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G
GetYourGuide traveler – United StatesJune 3, 2023  – Verified booking
Hike was great - beautiful area, the craters were amazing to see. Our Guide, Rob, was fully prepared with all the gear (walking sticks/rain coats), drinks and snacks -- anything needed for hike for any weather. We had wonderful weather and views for the day. Only suggestion is that guide could have gone slower and/or taken more breaks. The kids in the front could keep up, but the Adults fell so far behind that at times we weren't sure if we were still on the trail because we could not see the group ahead. We also felt that we spent more time watching where our feet were going to ensure we didn't slip and fall, and trying not to fall further behind that we didn't have time to enjoy the scenery and beauty around us and didn't have time to take any photos unless the entire group stopped. When the guide did stop to let group catch up, we didn't get much of a break before he continued on. We also missed some of the commentary he provided since he was often too far ahead of us.
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Product ID: 177669

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