Hidden Craters Hike

Hawaii Forest & Trail

Hiking across hidden volcanic craters formed by ancient eruptions on the Big Island
Expert-led guided hike through Kona’s remote volcanic backcountry
Native Hawaiian plants and forest flora encountered along the Hidden Craters trail
Nature-focused adventure tour highlighting Kona’s volcanic geology and ecosystems
Hidden Craters Hike tour map outlining the volcanic route and key exploration areas

Venture onto private land behind three locked gates to explore the upper slopes of Kona's very own volcano – Hualalai. This journey provides up close access to the site of multiple volcanic eruptions from the 1800s, all within a short distance.

🥾 Hawaii Forest & Trail - Hidden Craters Hike

Venture onto private land behind three locked gates to explore the upper slopes of Kona’s very own volcano – Hualalai. This journey provides up close access to the site of multiple volcanic eruptions from the 1800s, all within a short distance.

Along the tour, we’ll see a 200-year-old lava flow, spatter cones, fissures and collapsed pits. We'll also descend via earthen steps with a rope to assist into a lava tube.

🌟 Tour Highlights

Exclusive private access onto Hualalai Volcano and into a native forest, all within a short drive of Kailua-Kona
3-4 mile hike through untouched cloud forest, volcanic craters and fissures
Stand on the edge of precipitous volcanic craters that plunge deep into the earth below
Climb through a segment of a lava tube

🎒 Tour Inclusions

Trail bar snack and water refills (please bring your own reusable bottle)
Walking sticks, day packs and rain jackets provided

Special instructions

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Where & When

Tour time:
7:30 am - 12:30 pm
Check in at 7:15 am at the Hawaii Forest & Trail Headquarters, 73-5593A Olowalu St., Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 View Map

Restrictions

Minimum age to participate is 8 years.
Participants should be able to hike on uneven or rocky terrain with up to 1,000 feet elevation gain and descent. Hike is rated moderate.
We may encounter cool and wet conditions.

Special Notes

Hualalai's last eruption ended in 1801, so it is still considered active. However, magma is not close to the surface, so we won't see any geothermal activity.

Operation Days

Monday, Tuesday, Friday & Saturday

Duration

5 hours

Capacity

10 participants

Equipment

Walking sticks, day packs and rain jackets are provided.