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Treat the family to one of the most remarkable sights in the world: the inner-workings of a volcano. You’ll visit a hidden world of volcanic majesty from 6,000 feet above Kailua-Kona village in the privately owned lands of Kaupulehu. The drive up is an amazing testament to the diversity of the island. You’ll see desert coastal lava lands quickly fading away to dense tropical rainforest. The change continues as we leave the pavement for a short, yet rugged, four-wheel drive to the trailhead. Once on site your Interpretive Naturalist will lead you through the misty mountain air on a discovery of the past eruption’s deep craters, lava tubes, ohia forest, and magnificent coastal views. Daily Tours. 5 hours roundtrip from Waikoloa resorts. Rated Moderate. Ages 7 & Up.
Half-Day Adventure Tours include: Pickup from selected locations. Beverages, Snacks, Bottled Water, Walking Sticks, Rain Gear. Group Size: Tours are limited to a maximum of 10 guests. Restrictions: Guests should be able to hike on uneven or rocky terrain. We sometimes encounter cool, wet, or muddy conditions. Other tour restrictions may apply. Payment:
Cash, Travelers Checks, Visa, MasterCard and American Express accepted. Kona coffee, perfect weather, deep sea fishing, world-class golf and luxurious resorts - these are the things that most visitors envision when they think of Kona. But rising above the Kona coast and beyond the famed coffee plantations is Kona's biggest secret & the upcountry landscape of Hualalai Volcano. These remarkable lands are privately owned and access to the public has been forbidden for decades. Now you can get in on the secret and uncover the mysteries of Pele's Kona home with Hawaii Forest & Trail's Hualalai Mountain Adventure. The Drive: In a 45 minute drive to the trailhead you'll travel from the dry coastal lava flats up to the old Hawaiian field system area around the cool 1500 foot elevation. The road winds higher through dense ohia and fern rainforest, and finally ends in the dry upslope forest region. From there we proceed through locked gates for a 15 minute four-wheel-drive journey to the trailhead.
The Nature Walk: Two hundred years ago at Hualalai's last eruption site, at an elevation of more than six thousand feet high, a massive fissure opened and sent lava flowing to the sea. The eruption left dramatic craters hundreds of feet deep, cinder formations, Pele's tears, and lava tubes and channels. Amidst this dynamic scenery it is easy to visualize and understand Hawaii's volcanic processes, as you gaze down at the spectacular coastline view with the 1800 and 1801 lava flows. Besides the geologic features on the short two-mile walk, you'll also encounter Hawaiian birds and learn about the native forest in this land that Hawaiians call the "wao akua" & the realm of the gods. The highlight for many is the short but thrilling exploration of a beautiful stalactite decorated lava tube. Throughout the journey, from the pick-up to the drop-off, your interpretive guides share stories of Hawaii's volcanic landscape, its native endangered plant and animal life, and the ancient Hawaiian lifestyle of the region. Stories such as these enhance the unique natural and cultural beauty that make the Hualalai Mountain Adventure a must-do activity for Big Island visitors and residents alike.
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Price:
Adults: $99. + tax; Child $79. + tax (Ages 8 to 12)
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