Big Island: Hidden Craters Hike of Kona
Recommended by 99% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Big Island of Hawaii, USA
- 5 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Discover why Hawaii's Big Island is famous for volcanoes on this small-group off-road adventure. Hop aboard a 4-wheel-drive vehicle for a thrilling ride up the side of the Hualalai volcano, past giant craters, and through lush rainforest and lunar landscapes while climbing to a height of 6,000 feet (1,828 meters) then explore an incredible lava tube on foot.
- Get up close to Hawaii's volcanoes on a thrilling tour
- Enjoy the intimate atmosphere of a small-group tour
- Learn about the Big Island's distinct geology and rock formations
- Stay fueled and hydrated for adventure with included snacks and beverages
Why Travelers Choose This Tour
This tour takes you on a thrilling off-road ride up the side of Hulalai Volcano.
What's Included
- Interpretative Naturalist Guide
- Refillable filtered water, Juices, Sparkling Flavored Waters
- Walking sticks, daypacks and rain gear
- Local taxes
- Access Fees
- Snacks
- Gratuities
- Hotel pick-up and drop off
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Hawaii Forest & Trail73-5593 Olowalu St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA
Across from Home Depot
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Operating hours.7:30 am
Itinerary
1
Hawaii Forest & Trail
1 hour • Admission Ticket Included
2
Hualalai
4 hours • Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 5 days of travel. In this case confirmation will be received within 48 hours, subject to availability
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Guests should be able to hike 3 to 4 miles on uneven or rocky terrain with up to 1,000′ elevation gain & descent.
- We require that guests wear closed-toe walking shoes or hiking boots. We recommend wearing shorts, short sleeved shirt, and bring a light sweatshirt or jacket
- Not recommended for child aged 7 and under
- Not recommended for participants with back or neck problems
- Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there is not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
- **We are unable to accommodate cruise ship guests on this adventure, due to timing restrictions**
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Jennifer_D
Excellent experience. Breathtaking views, led by an extremely informative guide. We learned a little about the history of the island, of the craters we visited, saw some beautiful plants and lava formations. Highly recommend!!
Reviews
4.9
based on 162 reviews
Marcus_k, Oct 2025
Friendly, fun, and educational tour guide. Beautiful scenery and relatively accessible hiking. Picturesque.
Jennifer_C, Mar 2025
It was a great, challenging hike, really enjoyed it. Mark is the best guide, he made the trip exceptional!
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Thank you so much for your feedback! We're thrilled to hear you enjoyed the challenging hike and that Mark made your experience exceptional. His passion and expertise truly make a difference, and we're glad he helped make your adventure memorable. We hope to see you on another hike soon!
Raiyah_A, Dec 2024
Amazing views! The guide Matteo incredibly knowledgeable about the history, culture and nature that make Kona so amazing. Incredibly safe even though the roads were rough, the guide was a great driver.
Response from Host, Jan 2025
Mahalo for sharing your experience! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed the amazing views and felt safe throughout the tour. Matteo’s passion for sharing Kona’s history, culture, and natural beauty truly shines, and we’re glad he made your adventure so memorable. Navigating those rugged roads safely is no small feat, and it’s wonderful to know you felt comfortable and secure. Thank you for choosing us, and we hope to see you again for another unforgettable journey!
Elizabeth_M, Nov 2024
This hike was an absolute thrill! Scaling rugged volcanic flows, circling the rims of massive craters and trekking through lush native forests, felt like stepping into another world. The guides were phenomenal—super knowledgeable and incredibly passionate. Their storytelling brought everything to life, from the fascinating science of volcanoes to the unique native plants and cultural insights. This isn’t just a hike; it’s an unforgettable journey through nature and history.
Highly recommend for anyone looking for an adventure that’s as educational as it is exciting!
Response from Host, Dec 2024
Mahalo for such an incredible review! We're thrilled that your hike felt like an unforgettable journey through both nature and history. Scaling rugged volcanic flows, exploring massive craters, and trekking through native forests are truly one-of-a-kind experiences, and we’re so glad the guides were able to bring everything to life with their passion and expertise. It’s wonderful to hear that you found the adventure both exciting and educational. Thank you for recommending the tour, and we hope to guide you on more memorable Big Island experiences in the future!
Amber_B, Oct 2024
Our guide Mark was very passionate and experienced. It as a beautiful hike and a big highlight of our stay. We will do this again when we return. Thank you Mark and team!
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Thank you for your lovely review! We’re thrilled to hear that Mark's passion and experience made your hike a highlight of your stay. It’s wonderful that you enjoyed the beautiful scenery, and we’re excited to know you plan to join us again on your next visit. Your appreciation means a lot to us, and we’ll be sure to pass along your thanks to Mark and the team! We look forward to welcoming you back for more adventures!
Gerald_G, Jul 2024
Tracy and Mateo did a great job. Very spirited pace so it may not be for everyone. Packs, walking poles and water refills provided, which was nice.
Response from Host, Jul 2024
Thank you for your feedback! We’re glad Tracy and Mateo did a great job and that you appreciated the provided gear. We understand the pace may not suit everyone. We strive for everyone to feel comfortable, so please let us know in the future! Happy to take a moment and enjoy the views! We’re happy you enjoyed the experience. Mahalo.
Allen_C, Jul 2024
Mark was an amazing guide and the highlight of the tour! The trail itself is awesome with all kinds of cool features. Climbing in and out of the lava tube was a lot of fun as well. Would definitely recommend this hike! Our group was able to move quickly and I'd say this is "medium difficulty" if you're in shape.
Lisa_E, May 2024
Tour guide Mel was knowledgeable and helpful. I would warn participants that you do need to be in decent hiking shape for this, and ideally wear hiking boots. Tennis shoes don’t have enough traction. If you’re not from elevation, consider training a bit.
Christy_G, Feb 2024
I loved our guide and we learned so much. Beautiful views and doable hike! I loved the crater experience and the weather was perfect. I do feel that you need to be in pretty good shape to do the hike and also to climb in and out of the lava tube. Not for elderly!
Response from Host, Feb 2024
Aloha Christy, we are thrilled that you enjoyed our Hidden Craters Hike on Hualalai Volcano. This hike is rated moderate and perfect for the adventurous type like yourself! Mahalo for your review!
Alex_A, Jan 2024
Nice hike but way way way more difficult than moderate as they list it as. Ten people on the tour and we all agreed with that. No one was prepared for the difficulty.
Kim_P, Jan 2024
Our guide was passionate and experienced and really made this trip. You are above the clouds and the views are spectacular. It’s a hike but really feel any moderately in shape person can do it. The tour company is the best. Use them for any trip they offer.
Katrina_Z, Dec 2023
Great hike, beautiful views, a few spots were tricky but the guide warned us in advance. Would recommend if you’re into hiking
Heesook_L, Dec 2023
It was neat to see many craters and listen to Taro’s explanations about history of the volcanoes on the big island. Lava tube was good but short.Nick has a fun personality and pleasant to hike with.
Annette_D, Oct 2023
Although the hike up the mountain was not for the faint of heart, I made it at the age of 73. Just remember, what goes up, must come down. Guide was wonderful. Very knowledgeable.
Laimis_B, Sep 2023
A nice hike with a very nice and super informative guide - Mateo! Fantastic sights worth seeing and although hiking sticks are provided if you need them I wouldn’t recommend this if you struggle with balance and slippery surfaces. Otherwise top trek!
Jennifer_D, Sep 2023
Excellent experience. Breathtaking views, led by an extremely informative guide. We learned a little about the history of the island, of the craters we visited, saw some beautiful plants and lava formations. Highly recommend!!
Richard_S, Sep 2023
It was a nice hike with the tour guide Mattheo. He told us a lot about the landscape and the history of Hawaii. We saw many cool craters and climbed through a lava tunnel. Mattheo provided us with equipment and beverages. It was a great experience.
Julienne_S, Aug 2023
Guide was great. And on the hike you see some many types of landscapes - lava tubes, craters, new forest, old forest. It was amazing!
Victoria_J, Jul 2023
My daughter and I had the most amazing Crater hike experience lead by our guide Taro! He was very knowledgeable of the history and nature along the trails, and considerate of his fellow hikers. We learned so much from start to finish. He answered all of my questions, and I had a lot!! LOL!
We look forward to taking another tour through this company.
Tonya_T, Mar 2023
Best hike on the island. Rob was full of great information. We got to see such beautiful untouched land. Great experience!
Joe_B, Feb 2023
This was a really fun hike. Our guide, Jon, was very experienced and knowledgeable. We learned a lot about the plants and topography on the hike. The old growth forest is pretty special. The lava tube was fairly easy to navigate - felt safe at all times. The departure point at HF&T is very easy to find and has adequate parking.
Joyanne_B, Jan 2023
walking so close to cinder, caves, etc...great viewings..better understanding and knowledge of volcanoes
Kristy_M, Oct 2022
Mark was fantastic! He made the experience unforgettable. He was very passionate about the land and knowledgeable about the area we were exploring. He made it as difficult or easy as we wanted along the way. The tour provided extra bags, walking sticks, snacks, drinks, and other options which was a great added bonus to the tour because the walking sticks were definitely needed. Would recommend this to anyone looking for an amazing hike with an amazing tour guide around Kona.
Cin_W, Sep 2022
I wish the weather wasn't so overcast during the day of our tour, but the craters were still breathtaking anyway! Mateo (our guide) was very knowledgeable and made sure that everyone was safe and comfortable. Without saying so, he was very aware when to stop and let folks who had a little more difficulty hiking catch their breath and rest. This isn't an intense hike, but the terrain can be tricky depending on recent rain/trail conditions. My wife and I are in decent shape, but when we were descending the trail (it was slippery) that my knees were definitely throbbing! This tour definitely isn't for you if you have bum knees or are not in good physical condition. I thank the crew for providing ample snacks, drinks, and especially, hiking poles, to make sure the guests were taken care of! I also appreciate Mateo for sharing local stories and legends to give us a newfound appreciation of the land.
Brynn_L, Jul 2022
Great hike! Challenging but not too strenuous. Adam was a great guide who gave us a lot of topical information and interesting stories. Highly recommend
dominicjoe2004, Jul 2022
We had a splendid experience. The hike was a little more than moderate. There was some challenging terrain and steepness.
Awesome views up on the elevation. Our guide Mark and Nick were great. Knowledgeble and safe concious. This hike can be slippery, there are lots of loose gravel.
I would recommend this activity to anyone.
porshawna_m, Jul 2022
Mark was a great guide. Very acknowledgeable about the big island and the land. He made sure we left no trace of us being up there gave us breaks when he could see we were tired. I recommend anyone wanting a great physical push to do this hike! It was amazing they gave us protein bars juice and Water to keep us going. Mark also had options for those that didn’t want a hard trail and those who wanted the hard trail. We still were able to keep together and be safe but push ourselves if we wanted to. We were wrapping up in the forest and there was a moment our group just wanted to be still and take in the land quiet and Mark gave us that moment and let us take in all in. It’s not a tour For someone who hasn’t hiked before or isn’t an outdoors person.
Lacey_C, Jun 2022
This was an amazing experience I’m so grateful to have had on our trip to the Big Island. This is a unique chance to hike very sacred, ancestral land. Our guide Mark was wonderful- very knowledgeable about the land and Hawaiian culture, great personality and holds space for feedback and expectations you have for your hike. I just can’t say enough about what it meant to have this experience. If you love nature, like to hike (this isn’t an easy, paved walk I will warn you), are interested in Hawaiian culture don’t think twice and book it! You won’t regret it. Thank you!!
Randy_M, May 2022
Loved it! Such a be peaceful day and a spectacular birthday!! The tour guide was humorous and well knowledged in Hawaiian culture and provided extra tid bits of knowledge. Definitely a must do hike!
Marie_T, Apr 2022
My boyfriend and I loved this hike. We are avid hikers so we enjoy a challenge. This is a real hike and definitely not a stroll in the park. I would recommend this for someone that loves hiking and does not have an mobility issues.
We learned so much and the views were amazing. The best part was the lava tube. Our guide was Taro and he was very knowledgeable and engaging.
From $198.95
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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