THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Walk an 800-year-old lava flow through Fern Forest and discover hand-carved Ohia tikis, rare lava reliefs and a prototype off-grid pallet house while sampling local Ohia tea. This easy, interpretive two-hour tour mixes art, geology and practical off-grid living in Hawaii’s rainforest.
Walk an 800-year-old lava flow through Fern Forest and discover hand-carved Ohia tikis, rare lava reliefs and a prototype off-grid pallet house while sampling local Ohia tea. This easy, interpretive two-hour tour mixes art, geology and practical off-grid living in Hawaii’s rainforest.
The path begins under a wet, green canopy where light sifts through towering ferns and lava rock seems to rise like old language from the earth. You step onto an uneven, naturally formed lava flow that has settled into a corridor of palms, hibiscus and dense Ohia—trees that give both wood for carvings and shade for the trail. Life-sized tikis stand along a long wooden fence, each carved from Ohia and Guava and arranged like players in a quiet, sun-dappled chess game.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Paradise Unplugged · Fern Forest, Hawaii
The path begins under a wet, green canopy where light sifts through towering ferns and lava rock seems to rise like old language from the earth. You step onto an uneven, naturally formed lava flow that has settled into a corridor of palms, hibiscus and dense Ohia—trees that give both wood for carvings and shade for the trail. Life-sized tikis stand along a long wooden fence, each carved from Ohia and Guava and arranged like players in a quiet, sun-dappled chess game.
This two-hour walk sits in the Puna district where Kīlauea’s past eruptions laid the black, rugged substrate visitors now follow. The carvings and in-situ lava reliefs are recent cultural additions, while the Ohia wood and ferns reflect a deeper Hawaiian connection to native flora. You’ll pass the Okina prototype house—an off-grid pallet structure demonstrating simple solar and water-catchment living in the rainforest.
Expect humid air, the scent of wet earth and the occasional call of native honeycreepers. Guides explain traditional uses of Ohia and contemporary art practices that reuse local materials—part craft, part conservation story.
Practical notes: the terrain is uneven lava and compacted soil; closed-toe shoes with traction are necessary. Bring a light rain shell, insect repellent and at least one liter of water. Tours include a tasting of Ohia-based tea (banana, guava or citrus green) and a small volcanic rainforest gift. Parking and access are on Ali‘i Wao Road (formerly Jungle King Road); follow posted directions and arrive 10–15 minutes early to orient yourself before the short, interpretive walk begins.
easy.
2 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels; expect short standing and walking on uneven terrain.
No; the tour follows an uneven lava flow and compacted soil which is not suitable for wheelchairs.
Yes; the experience is family-friendly, but children should be supervised on uneven sections and near art installations.
Photography is welcome, but touching carvings and lava reliefs is discouraged to preserve the artwork and natural surfaces.
Yes; parking is available along Ali‘i Wao Road near the entrance—arrive early during busy times for easier access.
The trail runs across an old lava flow shaped by Puna volcanic activity; Ohia wood used here has cultural significance in Hawaiian carving and daily life.
This wet forest hosts native plants vulnerable to invasive species and trampling—stay on the path, avoid removing plants or wood, and follow Leave No Trace principles.
Paradise Unplugged operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
The path begins under a wet, green canopy where light sifts through towering ferns and lava rock seems to rise like old language from the earth. You step onto an uneven, naturally formed lava flow that has settled into a corridor of palms, hibiscus and dense Ohia—trees that give both wood for carvings and shade for the trail. Life-sized tikis stand along a long wooden fence, each carved from Ohia and Guava and arranged like players in a quiet, sun-dappled chess game.
The path begins under a wet, green canopy where light sifts through towering ferns and lava rock seems to rise like old language from the earth. You step onto an uneven, naturally formed lava flow that has settled into a corridor of palms, hibiscus and dense Ohia—trees that give both wood for carvings and shade for the trail. Life-sized tikis stand along a long wooden fence, each carved from Ohia and Guava and arranged like players in a quiet, sun-dappled chess game.
This two-hour walk sits in the Puna district where Kīlauea’s past eruptions laid the black, rugged substrate visitors now follow. The carvings and in-situ lava reliefs are recent cultural additions, while the Ohia wood and ferns reflect a deeper Hawaiian connection to native flora. You’ll pass the Okina prototype house—an off-grid pallet structure demonstrating simple solar and water-catchment living in the rainforest.
Expect humid air, the scent of wet earth and the occasional call of native honeycreepers. Guides explain traditional uses of Ohia and contemporary art practices that reuse local materials—part craft, part conservation story.
Practical notes: the terrain is uneven lava and compacted soil; closed-toe shoes with traction are necessary. Bring a light rain shell, insect repellent and at least one liter of water. Tours include a tasting of Ohia-based tea (banana, guava or citrus green) and a small volcanic rainforest gift. Parking and access are on Ali‘i Wao Road (formerly Jungle King Road); follow posted directions and arrive 10–15 minutes early to orient yourself before the short, interpretive walk begins.