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Big Island Hidden Craters Hike Tickets
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.
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:
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.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Explore your route
Kailua-Kona HQ → 4×4 drive up Hualālai → Private trailhead → Cloud forest hike → Lava fields → Crater & fissure viewpoints → Lava tube descent → Scenic Kona coastline overlook → Return to trailhead → Drive back to Kona
Plan you visit
Timings
Meeting point
Accessibility
Rules & safety guidelines
Gear provided & dress code
- Operating hours: 7:30am to 12:30pm
- Duration: ~ 5 hours
Best time to go on the hike:
- Weekdays vs weekends: Weekdays generally offer the most relaxed experience, with fewer hikers on the trail and a quieter atmosphere when exploring lava tubes, craters, and cloud forests. Weekends tend to be more active, both on the roads and at nearby visitor areas, which can make the start and end of the tour slightly busier.
- Peak season vs low season: Peak season (December–April & June–August) brings ideal weather, clearer views, and higher demand. Tours sell out faster, and mid-morning temperatures can be warmer on the mountain. Booking early is strongly recommended. Low season (May, September–November) offers cooler conditions and more availability.
- Big Island: Hidden Craters Hike: Hawaii Forest & Trail | Find on Maps
By public transport:
- Public buses on the Big Island are limited, especially in the Kona resort area. It’s best to ride a taxi, rideshare, or resort shuttle if available.
By car:
- From Queen Kaahumanu Highway (Route 19), turn onto Hina Lani Street, then take the second right onto Kamanu Street, and then the next right onto Olowalu Street. The tan-colored building of Hawaii Forest & Trail will be on your right.
- Parking: The Home Depot Parking Lot (0.1 miles)
- The Hidden Craters Hike is not wheelchair accessible, as the route covers uneven, rocky volcanic terrain and natural forest pathways.
- You must be able to walk 3 to 4 miles on trails that include steep inclines, declines, and loose ground.
- You should be comfortable with up to 1,000 feet of elevation gain and descent, which may be challenging for those with mobility limitations.
- The tour may encounter cool, wet, or muddy conditions, which can make footing slippery and require additional balance and stability.
- You must follow the guide's instructions at all times, as the hike takes place in restricted-access areas on Hualālai Volcano.
- Stay on the designated trail and avoid wandering into unsafe or protected areas, including crater edges and unstable lava formations.
- The tour is not suitable for anyone with serious respiratory, heart, or mobility issues, due to variable altitude and physically demanding conditions.
- Children must be at least 8 years old to participate, and families should ensure younger hikers can manage the full 3–4 mile route.
- Smoking, alcohol, and recreational drugs are not permitted during the tour for the safety of all participants.
Gear provided:
- Trekking poles
- Rain gear
- Day Packs
- Sunscreen
- Bug repellant
Dress code:
- Proper attire is required for safety, including closed-toe shoes, a light jacket, and sun protection. Guests without appropriate footwear may be denied entry.
Frequently asked questions about the Big Island's hidden craters hike
How much hiking is involved?
You’ll cover roughly 3–4 miles on a trail that includes uneven ground, a mix of short climbs and descents, and moderate elevation changes. The overall difficulty is considered moderate.
Is there elevation gain?
The route takes you from near sea level up toward 6,000 feet. The hike winds along a narrow forest trail with a total elevation shift of about 800–1,000 feet. Inside the lava tube, you’ll navigate an additional 30–40 feet of climbing and descending.
What volcanic features will we see?
Expect to encounter a range of formations, including a centuries-old lava flow, spatter cones, deep fissures, and dramatic collapsed pits during your tour.
Do I need special equipment for the lava tube?
No specialized gear is required. The lava tube is beginner-friendly, with simple dirt steps and a rope for balance, plus enough natural light to comfortably view its main features.
Is Hualalai Volcano still active?
Yes, Hualalai is classified as active, with its most recent eruption recorded in 1801. However, the magma is far below the surface today, so no visible geothermal activity is present.