Adventure Collective
High Country Adventure in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii - Kailua-Kona

High Country Adventure in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Kailua-Konamoderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

8 hours

Fitness Level

Participants should have moderate fitness, able to comfortably hike varied terrain and enjoy active water activities.

Overview

Discover Hawaii’s volcanic highlands on an 8-hour private tour that combines hiking, photography, picnic lunches, and water activities all in one unforgettable day.

Food Tour
Lodging
Photography Tour
Water Activities
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

High Country Adventure

All Ages! 8 Hours

Select participants and date

About This Adventure

Embark on a breathtaking 8-hour adventure through the unique sub-alpine dry forest of the Big Island, exploring the majestic Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea volcanoes. Discover rare ecosystems, endemic wildlife, and enjoy a guided tour with personalized options, delicious picnic lunch, and stunning views, making this experience truly unforgettable.

Hidden, Rare and Unique - A One of a Kind Adventure

Highlights:

Experience the magic of the unique sub-alpine dry forest and explore two of the largest volcanoes on planet Earth. Explore the other worldly landscapes, unique ecosystems and endangered wildlife found only on the Big Island !

  • Explore the northern flank of Mauna Loa, the largest active volcano on earth.
  • Travel back in time as you learn all about the countless lava flows that make up this other worldly landscape.
  • Views of Mauna Loa Observatory
  • Mauna Kea Forest Reserve and the unique sub-alpine dry forest
  • A 4X4 adventure to the home of the endangered and rare Hawaiian honeycreeper, the Palila.
  • A guided walk in search of endemic Hawaiian honeycreepers and other native bird and plant species.
  • Breathtaking views of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, the tallest volcanic mountains on earth.

Time

This adventure begins at 9:00am in the morning and takes you to some of the most unique habitats on the island.

Duration

8 hours. Guests are picked up and dropped off at place of lodging.

Customization

Upon booking, we'll contacted you to go over custom options for your tour - IT'S ALL ABOUT YOU! And we want you to have the best tour possible!

What's Included in your Reservation:

Gear

  • Patagonia Rain Jacket and Nano Puff
  • Nikon ProStaff binoculars
  • Hiking Poles
  • Flashlights

Food

  • Lunch: Picnic style lunch surrounded by the beauty of Hawaii’s unique sub-alpine dry forest
  • Afternoon snacks
  • Dessert: Sip on a cup of coffee, tea or hot cocoa and enjoy a delicious, local, dessert
  • All non-alcoholic beverages: water, juice, soda, hot tea, coffee and hot chocolate

Inclusions

  • Admission into all venues and parks
  • Pick up and drop off at place of lodging
  • Fully guided naturalist tour with educational materials and commentary provided by our top of the line tour guides
  • Complementary Photo package: 20-25 professional, edited photos shared via Adobe Cloud for easy access while traveling.
  • Vaonis Stellina telescope for star gazing activities (afternoon tour)

What To Bring and Wear

  • Reusable water bottle
  • Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
  • Comfortable walking/hiking shoes
  • Camera
  • Warm layers: The high country temperatures range widely from the mid 70’s Fahrenheit to the mid 40’s Fahrenheit.

Tour Requirements

  • Tours can be adapted to accommodate all ages and abilities. Please let us know at the time of booking if you have specific needs.
  • Assuming no modifications for this tour, guests should be able to walk at least 1-2 miles with some steps included.
  • Guests must be able to walk on uneven or rocky terrain and we may encounter cool, wet, or muddy conditions.
  • Tour activities are weather dependent.
  • Other tour restrictions may apply.

Adventure Tips

Stay Hydrated Throughout the Hike

Bring at least 2 liters of water as the dry forest climate can be dehydrating, especially at higher elevations.

Wear Sun Protection

Use sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat since sun exposure is intense above the forest canopy and near volcanic slopes.

Dress in Layers for Temperature Changes

Prepare for cooler weather at higher altitudes by dressing in moisture-wicking layers that you can add or remove.

Bring a Camera with a Zoom Lens

Capture endemic wildlife and distant volcanic views candidly by using a zoom lens for crisp photos without disturbing animals.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Nēnē Goose
  • Hawaiian Honeycreeper

History

Mauna Kea holds deep cultural significance as a sacred mountain in Hawaiian tradition and is central to native astronomy myths.

Conservation

The tour emphasizes Leave No Trace principles and supports local conservation efforts to protect fragile volcanic and forest ecosystems.

Select participants and date

Adventure Hotspots in Kailua-Kona

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Sturdy Hiking Shoes

Essential

Supportive footwear is critical for uneven volcanic and forest terrain.

Sun Hat and Sunglasses

Essential

Protects against intense high-altitude sun exposure.

summer specific

Light Rain Jacket

Essential

Keeps you dry during occasional rain showers.

spring specific

Camera with Zoom Lens

Helps capture distant wildlife and expansive landscapes.