Hidden Craters Hike in Kailua-Kona, HI

Hawaii Forest & Trail73-5593 Olowalu StreetKailua-Kona, HI 96740
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Starting at
$185.00
Total Price: $197.20 (USD)
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Overview

Get ready for an excursion unlike any other on the Hidden Craters Hike through Kona. Your tour brings you behind 3 locked gates to discover Hualalai, Kona’s infamous volcano. Throughout your tour, you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about the island’s volcanic eruptions in the 1800s, climb through a segment of a lava tube, and embark on a 3-4 mile hike you’ll never forget.

up to 5 hrs 1 to 10 people

Good To Know

  • Total hike length: approximately 3-4 miles.
  • Tour duration: approximately 5 hours long.
  • Walking sticks and rain ponchos are provided.
  • Snacks and beverages are included.
  • Tours depart from Hawaii Forest & Trail Headquarters.

Description

Experience a peak pint adventure on a rocky hike up the cool and misty lava-scaped slopes of Kona's own Hualalai Volcano. Enjoy exclusive access to this stunning mountain, which offers a bird's eye view of Kona's lava history. Your guide will take you off-road, through multiple locked gates, and then by foot at a 6,500-foot elevation, where you will experience the surreal scene of black lava flows and native dryland forest.

You will see firsthand the geologic forces which created the islands at the heart of Hualalai’s 1801 eruption, the Kaupulehu Crater. Travel to magnificent coastal viewpoints and stunning lava formations, walk amidst a forest of native birdsong, and scramble through a "lava tube".

Hidden Craters Hike Reviews

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aylopez
Austin, Texas
"Amazing Hike on Kona- Hidden Craters and Volcano Tour"
TripAdvisor user rating 5.0 out of 5
Reviewed March 26, 2025 NEW
The views and overall experience of this tour is amazing, but what made this tour INCREDIBLE was our guide Mel. She was informative, educational, funny and just made the day such a great experience. This is hands down my favorite guided tour.
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B1809VIliseb
"Informative & Awe Inspiring"
TripAdvisor user rating 5.0 out of 5
Reviewed March 20, 2025 NEW
We took the Summit & Stars tour. From the moment of our pick-up in Kona until the drop off 10 hours later, our guide Jason was fantastic. He was knowledgeable, friendly, and welcomed all questions. He was very accommodating with my husband's mobility needs. We saw a gorgeous sunset from the mountain top followed by star gazing. We appreciated the small group size and dinner was good. We highly recommend this trip.
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jfburke12
Lincoln, California
"Mauna Kea Summit and Starts Adventure"
TripAdvisor user rating 4.0 out of 5
Reviewed March 15, 2025 NEW
I took this tour on Monday March 10, 2025. It's a memorable and unique tour. Our weather and visibility was not ideal on this day, otherwise would be 5 stars. Our tour guide was patient and knowledgable, especially in astronomy and helped us find and know what we were looking at during our stargazing which took place at the 9200' level. Seeing the telescopes, the view from the summit, though limited by visibility, and being on top of Muna Kea in all its grandeur was quite an experience-thanks Hawaii Forest and Trail!
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MeganMF7
"Must-Do in Hawaii!"
TripAdvisor user rating 5.0 out of 5
Reviewed March 14, 2025 NEW
I highly highly recommend this tour. Our guide, Jeff, was so knowledgeable and really added to the whole experience. From the history of Hawaii to his insane information about the constellations, this was a really special experience. Sunset above the clouds was pure magic.
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christineerogers
Saline, Michigan
"Unbelievable"
TripAdvisor user rating 5.0 out of 5
Reviewed March 07, 2025 NEW
Excellent tour guide, Jeff Manzo. Very knowledgeable and really cared about all the guests on the mini bus. Went out of his way to make sure we had the experience of a lifetime.
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Blair-Sanchia
Toronto, Ontario
"Fantastic night with the stars"
TripAdvisor user rating 5.0 out of 5
Reviewed March 05, 2025 NEW
This was really a special night out star gazing and great for budding astronomers and your average adventurers alike. Our guide impressed with his local knowledge, understanding of the night sky, and unique, Hawaiian cultural interpretations of the stars. Worth every penny.
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wistfuldays
Erie, Pennsylvania
"A great day"
TripAdvisor user rating 5.0 out of 5
Reviewed March 03, 2025 NEW
This tour of the Volcanoes National park is a great way to see it without having to drive. We were picked up and on the drive there, were given tons of information about volcanoes, what we w, but worth it.ere seeing on the drive and Hawaii in general. John was a terrific guide. So knowledgeable. And the chocolate factory was quite interesting. A long day
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bweber2025
Belleville, Wisconsin
"Personal Observations"
TripAdvisor user rating 5.0 out of 5
Reviewed March 03, 2025 NEW
Guides made the trip very interesting. However, would have preferred more time at the volcano or other natural attractions v. the chocolate farm.
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barbiedickerson
Ocean View, Island of Hawaii, Hawaii
"Observatory Time"
TripAdvisor user rating 5.0 out of 5
Reviewed March 02, 2025
We had a great time driver was very knowledge about observatory and stars (Jeff) was our driver. I live on the island so U was freezing cold spend most of my time in van but, i could hear and see the stars and we received the pictures the next day. It was life time experience. Everyone should do this tour if they come to Big Idland
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Frequently Asked Questions about Hidden Craters Hike

How much hiking do we do?

This adventure includes 3-4 miles along uneven terrain with some steep inclines and declines with elevation gains & descents. Rated moderate.

Is there elevation gain?

The tour ranges from sea level to 6,000 feet. During the hike, you can expect approximately 800' to 1,000' elevation gain. While exploring the lava tube, expect to descend and ascend approximately 30-40 feet.

How many different types of volcanic features will I see?

Along the tour, you will see 200-year-old lava flow, spatter cones, fissures, and collapse pits.

Do we need any special type of equipment to explore the lava tube?

The lava tube that the tour visits is perfect for the casual adventurer. The tour will descend via earthen steps with a rope to assist and there’s enough ambient light to see all of the major features inside the cave.

Is Hualalai Volcano active?

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

How long is the tour?

The tour is approximately 5 hours long in total.

Is food included?

Yes. Snacks and beverages are included

What should I bring?

Guests should bring sturdy closed-toe shoes or hiking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, a light sweatshirt or jacket, and a reusable water bottle.

Where do tours begin?

Tours meet and begin at Hawaii Forest & Trail Headquarters.