Hidden Craters Hike

Venture onto private land behind 3 locked gates to explore the upper slopes of Kona’s very own volcano – Hualalai. This journey provides intimate, unique access to volcanic sites.

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Highlights

• Exclusive access onto Hualalai volcano and into a native forest
• Stand on the edge of precipitous volcanic craters that plunge deep into the earth below
• Make your way through an intact lava tube unaltered by humans

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Duration Around 5 hours.

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Rated Easy to Moderate.

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Schedule Tours depart daily from Hawaii Forest & Trail Headquarters. Please contact us for full details.

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What's Included Snacks and beverages.

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Gear Provided Walking sticks and rain jackets.

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What to Bring & Wear Sturdy closed-toe shoes or hiking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, a light sweatshirt or jacket, and a reusable water bottle.

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Restrictions Guests should be able to hike on uneven or rocky terrain with up to 1,000′ elevation gain & descent. We sometimes encounter cool, wet, or muddy conditions. Other tour restrictions may apply.

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FAQs

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?

Our 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, we’ll see a 200-year-old lava flow, spatter cones, fissures, and collapsed pits.

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

The lava tube we visit is perfect for the casual adventurer. We’ll 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 we won't see any geothermal activity.

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Cancellation Policy

• Guests: Customers will receive a full refund with 24 hours' notice of cancellation. • Private tours: Customers will receive a full refund with 72 hours' notice of cancellation.

Cancellations within the cancellation period and “no-shows” will be charged the FULL AMOUNT of the tour.