Adventure Collective
Explore Hawaiʻi's Unique Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary on a Guided 2.5-Hour Tour - Kailua-Kona

Explore Hawaiʻi's Unique Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary on a Guided 2.5-Hour Tour

Kailua-Konamoderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

2–3 hours

Fitness Level

Participants should be comfortable walking for up to 3 hours on uneven terrain with some elevation gain.

Overview

Discover the only tropical cloud forest in the United States with a 2.5-hour guided tour of Hawaiʻi’s Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary. Explore rare flora, native birds, and sacred trails high above Kailua-Kona.

Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Private Cloud Forest Sanctuary Tour (2.5 hrs)

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

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About This Adventure

Experience the enchanting Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary on a 2.5-hour guided tour, where you'll explore rare flora and fauna, including native Hawaiian honeycreepers. Discover the unique ecosystem's geology and history while walking sacred trails. This immersive journey promises tranquility and a deep connection with nature, unlike any other tour available.

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

Times and duration

  • 2 -3 hours

About the Tour

  • Immerse yourselves in this lush and unique Hawaiian tropical montane cloud forest!
  • Explore the extended montane tropical 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!

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 shoes

Trails have uneven volcanic rock and exposed roots; closed-toe shoes with good traction are essential.

Bring rain gear

The cloud forest’s weather is unpredictable; a rain jacket keeps you comfortable during sudden showers.

Use walking sticks

Provided walking sticks help with balance over natural terrain and reduce strain on knees.

Stay on marked trails

Respect the fragile ecosystem by staying on designated paths to prevent erosion and protect native plants.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Native Hawaiian honeycreepers
  • Forest geckos

History

The Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary was established in 1982 to preserve this rare montane ecosystem and represents decades of private stewardship.

Conservation

The Sanctuary actively supports reforestation and habitat restoration efforts to protect native species and maintain the cloud forest’s delicate balance.

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Adventure Hotspots in Kailua-Kona

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Closed-toe hiking shoes

Essential

Provides protection and grip on rocky, root-covered trails.

Rain jacket

Essential

Prepares you for the frequent mist and sudden rain showers in the cloud forest.

all specific

Reusable water bottle

Essential

Staying hydrated is key during your forest exploration.

all specific

Hat and insect repellent

Protects from sun when exposed and repels mosquitoes in the humid environment.

all specific