Hidden Craters Hike on Hualālai Volcano, Kona

Overview

The Hidden Craters Hike is a 5-hour Kona volcano hike with Hawaii Forest & Trail: 3–4 miles on private Hualālai land through cloud forest, past an 1801 lava flow and into a lava tube, from $190 per adult. It suits fit hikers aged 8+ wanting a naturalist guide. The drawback is 1,000 ft of climbing and a roped lava-tube scramble.

Highlights

• Access behind three locked gates onto private ranch land on Hualālai, up to about 6,000 ft elevation
• 3–4 miles on single-track trail with 800–1,000 ft of elevation gain and loss, plus a 30–40 ft descent into a lava tube by earthen steps and a rope
• Passes native cloud forest, spatter cones, fissures, collapsed pits and a roughly 200-year-old lava flow from the 1801 eruption
• Group size capped at 10; trekking poles, rain gear, day packs, snacks and water refills included
• Departs 7:30 am Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from the Kona headquarters, per the Best of Hawaii listing; no hotel pickup

What to Expect

1. Check in 15 minutes before the 7:30 am departure at Hawaii Forest & Trail headquarters, 73-5593 A Olowalu St, across from Home Depot in Kailua-Kona.
2. Ride under an hour in the company vehicle up Hualālai, passing through three locked gates onto private land.
3. Hike 3–4 miles on single track through native dryland and cloud forest, with the guide identifying birds and plants.
4. Stop at overlooks of Kaūpūlehu Crater, spatter cones and the Kona coast.
5. Descend 30–40 feet into a lava tube using earthen steps and a rope, then climb back out.
6. Eat the provided snacks, refill water, then drive back to the Kona headquarters, about 5 hours after departure.

What to Bring

• Closed-toe hiking shoes
• Reusable water bottle
• Light jacket or sweatshirt; conditions can be cool and wet at 6,000 ft
• Hat and personal sun protection

Restrictions and Requirements

• Minimum age 8
• Moderate fitness: 3–4 miles of uneven, rocky terrain with up to 1,000 ft of gain and loss
• Maximum 10 participants
• Runs Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday only, per the Best of Hawaii listing

Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour time. Checked October 2026 on hawaii-forest.com.

Location

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Kailua-Kona, Big Island, Hawaii

Meeting Point

Hawaii Forest & Trail Kona Headquarters, 73-5593 A Olowalu St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 (tan building across from Home Depot)

Check-In

15 minutes before the 7:30 am departure

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact