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Kona Cloud Forest Tour: Hawaii's Unique Montane Jungle Trail - Kailua-Kona

Kona Cloud Forest Tour: Hawaii's Unique Montane Jungle Trail

Kailua-Konamoderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

2–3 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for those with moderate fitness; must be comfortable walking on uneven volcanic and root-strewn terrain with some elevation gain.

Overview

Step into Hawaii’s unique montane cloud forest with a guided 2.5-hour trek through the Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary. Discover rare plants, hear native honeycreepers, and gain insight into this extraordinary ecosystem’s geology and conservation.

Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Cloud Forest Tour - Montane Jungle Trail (2.5 hrs)

Offered daily | 2.5 hour guided immersive excursion of the awe-inspiring Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary

Guided Tour
Walking Tour

Select participants and date

About This Adventure

Embark on a captivating 2.5-hour guided tour of the Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary, a family-stewarded paradise since 1982. Explore rare flora, hear the enchanting songs of native honeycreepers, and learn about this unique ecosystem's geology and history. Experience the tranquility of Hawaii's only cloud forest and deepen your connection with nature.

Our mission is to inspire connection, awareness, preservation and restoration of forest ecosystems!

Duration

  • 2 - 3 hours

About the Experience

  • The Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary is our ohana's passion project! This Sanctuary has been family forested and stewarded since 1982!
  • Connect with the forest and understand the benefits of living forest friendly!
  • Immerse yourselves in this vibrant and unique Hawaiian tropical montane cloud forest!
  • Explore the extended montane jungle trail with additional plant diversity and beauty!
  • Discover trees, ferns, bamboo, flowers, and wildlife that you have never seen before!
  • Learn about the geology, meteorology, biology, and human impact of this unique ecosystem, and the history of the Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary!
  • Admire the chorus of the native Hawaiian honeycreepers!
  • Bathe in the essence of the forest, breathe the fresh air, clear your mind, and calm your body, as you experience this special forest!
  • Our trails are all natural terrain of lava rock and roots. Walking distance covered is 1-2 miles, with approximately 100 feet of elevation change.

This tour is for you if:

  • You love plants and forests and are ready to become an expert naturalist!
  • You are eager to explore and learn about the only cloud forest in the United States!
  • You want the full immersive Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary experience, including the Pan-Tropical Forest and the Montane-Tropical Forest trails.
  • You are ready to ascend to the higher elevation parts of the Sanctuary that no other tour visits!
  • You love birds and want to see and hear the native Hawaiian honeycreepers!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I explore the Sanctuary on my own or do I need a guide?

  • It is required to be with a guide to explore the Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary for safety purposes as well as it creates a much better experience when you learn the story of this privately stewarded land from your tour guide!

When are your tours?

  • We offer guided tours everyday of the week! Check our tour schedule for the most up to date availability.

What do I need to bring for the tour?

  • Please wear closed toed shoes you will be comfortable hiking in, water, a camera to take photos and a rain jacket. Always be prepared for rain; in a cloud forest it can rain at any time! And of course, remember your adventure hat!

When should I arrive for the tour?

  • We ask that you arrive 10 minutes before the tour begins. The tour will begin on time, so it’s important that you arrive early so that you are ready to begin at the start time.

Do you have a bathroom?

  • Yes, we have a bathroom for use at the trailhead.

Do you have drinking water and food available?

  • We do not have water or food available at this time, please come prepared with what you need.

Do you have a trash can?

  • We do not have a trash can. Please follow pack in and pack out guidelines. Any trash / wrappers that is brought in by you needs to be brought out by you. When we all do our part we keep the Sanctuary, the forest and the trails clean.

What is your cancellation policy?

  • Customers will receive a full refund, credit, or rebooking with up to 48 hours notice of cancellation. There are no refunds or rebooking within 48 hours of your reservation.
  • No refunds will be issued due to weather unless operations are canceled by the operator.
  • Customers will receive a full refund, credit, or rebooking in case of operator cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
  • Contact us by phone to cancel, rebook, or inquire about a cancellation.
  • No refunds will be issued to no-show’s.

Do you sell gift cards?

  • Yes! You can purchase a gift card on our website. When you click the “Book Now” button at the top of the page, at the bottom of the experiences listed, you will see the option to purchase a gift card.

Where are you located?

  • We are located 15 minutes up the mountain from the Kailua-Kona Airport and 20 minutes from Kailua-Kona town.

Do you offer private tours or school group experiences?

  • Yes we do! Call or email us to inquire about what we offer and/or to book a private experience for your school group, organization or private group.

Adventure Tips

Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes

The trail follows natural volcanic rock and exposed roots, requiring solid footing and ankle support.

Bring a rain jacket

Cloud forests are prone to sudden showers—being prepared for rain ensures comfort throughout the tour.

Stay hydrated

Carry a reusable water bottle since no food or drinks are available onsite.

Arrive early for check-in

Tours start promptly; arriving 10 minutes early helps ensure a timely start and briefing.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Native Hawaiian honeycreepers
  • Forest-dwelling tree snails

History

Established in 1982, this family-owned sanctuary has protected the only cloud forest in the U.S., preserving rare native species and reforesting once degraded lava fields.

Conservation

The sanctuary practices active reforestation and educates visitors on minimizing human impact, emphasizing a leave-no-trace ethic to foster long-term ecosystem health.

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Adventure Hotspots in Kailua-Kona

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Closed-toe hiking shoes

Essential

Protects feet and provides grip on rugged volcanic rock and roots.

Rain jacket

Essential

Essential for sudden rain typical in cloud forest conditions.

all specific

Reusable water bottle

Essential

Keeps you hydrated during the approximately 2 to 3-hour tour.

all specific

Camera

Capture the unique flora, birds, and misty landscape of Hawaii's cloud forest.