big island tours

Rare birdwatching with exclusive access to Hakalau Forest’s restricted Puakala tract. Difficulty level: Moderate

• Everything you get: Enjoy a guided birding adventure with expert guides and all gear provided—trekking poles, packs, binoculars, rain gear, and sunscreen. Spot native birds and wildlife, learn about plants, and enjoy snacks, lunch, and refreshments. Small groups (max 10) ensure a personalized, eco-friendly experience with opportunities for bird photography and a 2–4 mile hike.
• Why choose this: Gain access to a part of Hakalau Forest closed to the public, discover endangered species, and enjoy a fully outfitted, expertly guided birdwatching adventure in an intimate setting.

Inclusions #

• Small group (10 guests max) guided birdwatching tour

• Expert birders

• Exclusive access to Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge

• Snacks, lunch, and refreshments

• Gear provided:

  • Trekking poles

  • Day packs

  • Binoculars

  • Rain gear

  • Sunscreen

Exclusions #

• Hotel transportation to the tour meeting points

• Personal birdwatching gear beyond provided binoculars

• Gratuities and tips

Journey through Hawaii’s volcanic wonders, lush rainforests, and a private chocolate farm in one epic adventure. Difficulty: Easy to moderate

• Everything you get: Explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park with an expert guide, visit Kilauea’s eruptive sites, walk through a lava tube, and discover native flora and fauna. Enjoy a hands-on tree-to-chocolate experience at a 1,000-acre farm, savor a private chocolate tasting, visit Rainbow Falls, and relax with included snacks, lunch, trekking gear, and rain protection.
• Why choose this: Experience Hawaii’s volcanic power, lush landscapes, and local flavors in a small group led by seasoned guides—perfect for families and explorers alike.

Inclusions #

• Small group (12 guests max) guided tour of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

• Visit to Halemaumau Crater, lava tube, and steam vents

• Private tropical fruit and cacao farm tour with tasting

• Rainbow Falls visit

• Snacks, lunch, and refreshments

• Expert interpretive guide

• Gear provided:

  • Walking sticks

  • Trekking poles

  • Day packs

  • Bug repellent

  • Rain gear

  • Sunscreen

  • Flashlights

Exclusions #

• Transportation outside designated pickup points

• Personal expenses and gratuities

• Water bottle (guests must bring their reusable bottles)

What to bring

• Bring closed-toe shoes, long pants, a light jacket, and personal sun protection.
• Bring a reusable water bottle.
• It is recommended to bring any additional personal items you may need for hiking and outdoor activities.

What’s not allowed

• Pets are not permitted, except for registered service animals.
• Alcohol, drugs, and any form of intoxication are strictly prohibited on the tour.
• Smoking is not allowed during the tour.
• Large bags and suitcases are not permitted on the tour.

Accessibility

• This experience is not wheelchair accessible.
• Guests should be able to hike on uneven or rocky terrain and may encounter cool, wet, or muddy conditions.

Additional information

• The tour is suitable for ages 6 and above; children under 6 are not permitted.
• The tour lasts approximately 11 to 12 hours round-trip, with about 6 hours of travel time.
• Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a dynamic volcanic area; volcanic eruptions can start and stop with little warning, and molten lava viewing cannot be guaranteed.
• Seasonal and weather conditions may affect the itinerary.
• Morning departures are available from Kona, with pickup options in Kona, Waikoloa, Waikoloa Village, and Hilo.
• Pickup points:
  • Royal Kona Resort (7:45am)
  • Four Seasons Resort Hualalai (8:15am)
  • Kona Village Resort (8:20am)
  • Queens' Market Place (south side) (8:40am)
  • Shops at Mauna Lani (front of Foodland Store) (8:50am)
  • Waikoloa Plaza (near Domino's Pizza) (9:05am)
  • Imiloa Astronomy Center (10:25am)

Hike the hidden upper slopes of Hualalai Volcano—access wild craters and lava tubes off-limits to most.

Difficulty level: Moderate

• Everything you get: Trek 3–4 miles through untouched Hawaiian cloud forests, volcanic craters, and fissures with exclusive access to restricted areas. Enjoy snacks, refreshments, trekking poles, rain gear, day packs, sunscreen, bug repellent, and expert guide insights in a small group.
• Why choose this: This adventure combines scenic hiking, hands-on learning, and the thrill of exploring volcanic landscapes in a peaceful, crowd-free setting.

Inclusions #

• Small group (max 10 guests) guided hike on Hualalai Volcano

• Access to private forest lands

• Expert interpretive guide

• Snacks & refreshments

• Gear provided:

  • Trekking poles

  • Rain gear

  • Day packs

  • Sunscreen

  • Bug repellant

Exclusions #

• Hotel pickup & drop-off

• Gratuities

• Personal expenses or souvenirs

What to bring

• Closed-toe shoes are required for the hike.
• Bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated during the tour.
• Bring a light jacket or shirt for cool and wet conditions.
• Bring personal sun protection such as a hat, sunglasses, and additional sunscreen.
• Carry any necessary personal medications.

What’s not allowed

• Pets are not permitted, except for registered service animals.
• Alcohol, drugs, and any form of intoxication are strictly prohibited on the hike.
• Smoking and open flames are not allowed on the trail.
• Littering is strictly prohibited; please follow leave-no-trace principles.

Accessibility

• This experience is not wheelchair accessible.
• Guests must be able to hike 3 to 4 miles on uneven or rocky terrain with up to 1000-foot elevation gain and descent.
• The hike includes moderate difficulty with some steep inclines and declines, and access to a lava tube with earthen steps and rope assist.

Additional information

• The experience is suitable for guests aged 8 and older.
• Sustainable and eco-friendly practices are emphasized throughout the experience.
• The tour departs from Hawaii Forest & Trail Headquarters, a short drive from Kailua-Kona.
• Hualalai Volcano is considered active but is not currently erupting.

Exclusive small-group waterfall trek through private Kohala lands with scenic picnic views. Difficulty level: Easy

• Everything you get: Journey with a small group (up to 10 guests) through Kohala's lush region, access a private nature reserve, and trek a scenic mile along a stream. Swim in waterfalls, enjoy a picnic with sea cliff views, and learn about local history from guides. All gear, including trekking poles, towels, day packs, rain gear, bug repellent, and sunscreen, is provided.
• Why choose this: Experience Hawaii’s wild beauty away from the crowds, with exclusive access, expert guides, and all essentials included.

Inclusions #

• Small group (max 10 guests) adventure through Kohala

• 4-wheel-drive vehicle transport

• Expert local guide

• Access to private nature reserve and waterfalls

• Picnic lunch at a scenic overlook

• Refreshments during the tour

• Swimming opportunity in freshwater pools

• Gear provided:

  • Trekking poles

  • Day packs

  • Towels

  • Rain gear

  • Bug repellent

  • Sunscreen

Exclusions #

• Water bottle (guests must bring a reusable one)

• Bathing suit

• Hotel pick-up and drop-off

• Gratuities

What to bring

• Closed-toe shoes are required for hiking on uneven or rocky terrain.
• Bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated during the tour.
• Pack a light jacket and bathing suit for changing weather and swimming opportunities.
• Personal sun protection such as a hat and sunglasses is recommended.
• Bring any additional personal items you may need for comfort during outdoor activities.

What’s not allowed

• Pets are not permitted, except for registered service animals.
• Alcohol, drugs, and any form of intoxication are strictly prohibited on the tour.
• Large bags, suitcases, and oversized luggage are not allowed on the experience.

Accessibility

• This experience is not wheelchair accessible and may not be suitable for guests with limited mobility, as it involves hiking on uneven or rocky terrain.

Additional information

• All ages are welcome; however, guests should be able to hike on uneven or rocky terrain.
• Pregnant individuals must obtain a doctor’s approval due to the risks associated with off-road driving.
• The hike covers approximately 1 mile in 1.5–2 hours with minimal elevation gain (about 200’).
• Expect cool, wet, or muddy conditions; rain gear and towels are provided.
• Maximum group size is 10 guests for a personalized experience.
• Water temperature in the waterfall pools ranges from 60–70°F.
• Sustainable practices are followed, utilizing reusable and recyclable materials.
• This adventure is not recommended for guests on cruise ships due to timing constraints.

The only full canopy zipline tour on the Big Island, set in a private Hawaiian nature reserve Difficulty level: Easy to moderate

• Everything you get: Soar across 8 thrilling ziplines, traverse 6 sky bridges, and rappel in a lush private reserve with two certified guides. Enjoy a fun off-road 4x4 drive, all safety gear, rainwear, and water provided. Small group sizes ensure a personalized, safe adventure.
• Why choose this: Experience Hawaii’s only full canopy zipline tour with expert guides, breathtaking views, and a unique off-road journey—all in one unforgettable adventure.

Inclusions #

• 8-line zipline canopy tour with 6 sky bridges and a rappel

• 2 certified guides

• Water

• Off-road 4×4 ride to the start of the course

• Gear provided:

  • Rainwear

  • All safety gear

Exclusions #

• Transportation to the meeting point

• Meals and snacks

• Gratuities for guides

• GoPro camera rental (available for purchase)

• Guide photo service (available for purchase)

What to bring

• Wear closed-toe walking shoes and pants, capris, or knee-length shorts (required).
• Bring a valid photo ID.

What’s not allowed

• Tank tops, short-shorts, or any clothing that may allow direct skin contact with the harness are not permitted.
• Pets are not allowed, except for registered service animals.
• Alcohol, drugs, and any form of intoxication are strictly prohibited during the experience.

Accessibility

• This experience is not wheelchair accessible.
• Participants must be able to walk over uneven terrain and handle a short walk up about 25 stairs.
• Expectant mothers are not allowed to participate.

Additional information

• Participants outside the weight range of 70 to 270 lbs are not permitted (all participants will be weighed at check-in).
• Arrange your own transportation to the meeting point, as it is not included.
• Participants must be at least 8 years old.
• Tours operate rain or shine; rainwear is provided.
• Participants can opt out after the first two ziplines if they choose.
• GoPro camera rental and guide photo service are available for an additional fee.
• Safety standards comply with or exceed Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT) requirements.

Experience North Kohala’s wild side—zipline, hike, and swim in a private nature reserve.

Difficulty level: Moderate

• Everything you get: Enjoy a guided adventure with exclusive access to North Kohala’s lush landscapes. Trek through a private reserve, zip across 8 lines, cross 6 sky bridges, and rappel beside waterfalls. Swim in a freshwater cascade, savor a picnic lunch, and ride off-road—all gear, lunch, and expert guides included.
• Why choose this: This small-group tour blends adrenaline and tranquility, offering ziplining, hiking, and swimming in one seamless, eco-friendly package—plus exclusive access to a private section of Kohala.

Inclusions #

• Zipline canopy adventure with 8 ziplines, 6 sky bridges, and 1 rappel

• Small-group experience (max 9 guests)

• Guided nature walk through a private reserve

• Picnic lunch and refreshments

• Swim at a private waterfall

• 4-wheel-drive off-road transport

• Expert interpretive guide

• Gear provided:

  • Towels

  • Day packs

  • Rain gear

  • Trekking poles

  • Bug repellent

  • Sunscreen

Exclusions #

• Hotel pick-up and drop-off

• Tips and gratuities

What to bring

• Closed-toe shoes are required; please bring your own.
• Bring a light jacket for comfort during the tour.
• Bring a bathing suit for swimming at the waterfall.
• Bring personal sun protection, such as a hat and sunglasses.
• It is recommended to bring any necessary medications, especially if you have allergies or medical conditions.

What’s not allowed

• Observer option is not available; all participants must take part in the full experience.
• Pets are not permitted, except for registered service animals.
• Alcohol, drugs, and any form of intoxication are strictly prohibited on the tour.

Accessibility

• This experience is not wheelchair accessible.
• All guests must be able to walk over uneven terrain and handle a short walk.
• Participants must be able to reach above their heads to apply friction to the cable.
• The tour is not suitable for pregnant individuals, guests with back or neck problems, or those with an extreme fear of heights.
• Guests with heart disease, cardiac conditions, asthma, diabetes, insulin dependency, severe allergies, or any condition that could require immediate medical attention should consult their physician prior to participating.

Additional information

• Guests must weigh between 70 and 270 lbs and be at least 8 years old; these restrictions are strictly enforced, and guests will be weighed at check-in.
• Activity level is moderate and includes approximately 1 mile of hiking over 1.5–2 hours with short ascents and descents.
• The zipline course lasts around 2–3 hours and includes short walks and stairs.
• The tour operates rain or shine; please dress accordingly.
• Water temperature at the waterfall ranges from 60–70°F.
• Restroom and snack breaks are provided during the zipline portion.
• Guides are certified to ACCT standards.
• Departures are available from multiple locations; allow 50 minutes from Waikoloa Beach Resort or 1 hour 15 minutes from Kailua-Kona.
• Pick up points:
  • Hawaii Forest & Trail Kona Headquarters (6:50am)
  • Four Seasons Resort Hualalai (7:10am)
  • Kona Village Resort (7:15am)
  • Queens' Market Place (south side) (7:30am)
  • Shops at Mauna Lani (front of Foodland Store) (7:40am)
  • Kohala Zipline Headquarters (8:00am)
  • Kozi Landing Zone (8:45am)