Adventure Collective
Explore Hawaii’s Unique Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary: A Guided Botanical Adventure - Kailua-Kona

Explore Hawaii’s Unique Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary: A Guided Botanical Adventure

Kailua-Konaeasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

1.5 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for most fitness levels; requires ability to walk on uneven terrain for up to 1.5 hours

Overview

Discover the only cloud forest in the USA on this 1.5-hour guided tour through the lush Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary. Experience rare tropical plants, native birds, and learn about this unique ecosystem just minutes from Kailua-Kona.

Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Private Cloud Forest Tour - Pantropical Trail (1.5 hr)

Guided botanical tour of the only cloud forest in the USA!

Select participants and date

About This Adventure

Experience the enchanting Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary on a serene 1.5-hour guided tour. Discover rare trees, vibrant ferns, and native wildlife while learning about this unique ecosystem's history and balance. Perfect for families, this magical half-mile journey offers a refreshing escape into nature's beauty and tranquility.

Our mission is to inspire appreciation and respect for tropical ecosystems!

Times and duration

  • Mondays and Wednesdays @ 9am
  • Fridays @ 11:30am
  • 1 - 1.5 hours

About the Tour

  • Enjoy a peaceful and serene guided 1 hour tour of the Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary pantropical lower loop trail.
  • Immerse yourselves in this beautiful Hawaiian tropical montane cloud forest!
  • Discover trees, ferns, bamboo, flowers, and wildlife that you have never seen before.
  • Learn about the climate, geology, biology, and human impact of this unique ecosystem, and the history of the Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary.
  • Experience the energy and health benefits of nature, breathe the fresh air, clear your mind, and calm your body as you explore this magical forest.

This tour is for you if:

  • You love plants and forests
  • You are eager to explore and learn about the only Cloud Forest in the United States!
  • You are booking for your family with young kids and would prefer a shorter tour
  • Your group has less than 2.5 hours available to experience the Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary but do not want to miss out
  • You prefer a shorter walking tour that is about 1 mile long

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 uneven volcanic rock and exposed roots; proper footwear ensures stable footing.

Bring a rain jacket

Cloud forests receive frequent mist and rain—be prepared for wet weather at any time.

Arrive early for check-in

Tours start promptly; arriving 10 minutes early ensures you don’t miss any important introductions.

Pack out all trash

No trash cans on-site—follow Leave No Trace principles to keep the sanctuary pristine.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Hawaiian honeycreeper birds
  • Native geckos

History

This area has been reforested since 1982 to restore cloud forest habitat unique to Hawaiʻi and is the only cloud forest in the U.S.

Conservation

The sanctuary emphasizes sustainable stewardship and educates visitors on minimizing their environmental impact in this fragile ecosystem.

Select participants and date

Adventure Hotspots in Kailua-Kona

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Comfortable hiking shoes

Essential

Stable footwear is important for walking volcanic rocks and roots.

Rain jacket

Essential

Necessary for unpredictable rain common in cloud forest climates.

Reusable water bottle

Essential

Stay hydrated during the walk in the humid environment.

Camera or smartphone

Capture photos of rare plants and native birds along the trail.