Hidden Craters Hike
Duration: 5 hrs.
Rated: Moderate
Ages 8+Group
Size: Max 10
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 the site of multiple volcanic eruptions from the 1800’s, all within a short distance. Explore a unique lava tube and capture scenic views of the coastline.
Highlights include:
- Exclusive private access onto Hualalai volcano and into a native forest
- Take pleasure in a 3-4 mile hike through untouched cloud forest with incredible vistas of the Kona coast.
- Stand on the edge of precipitous volcanic craters that plunge deep into the earth below
- Climb through a segment of a lava tube
Time: Tour is approx. 5 hours. Travel time round-trip is less than 1 hour.
Restrictions: Guests should be able to hike on uneven or rocky terrain with up to 1000′ elevation gain and decent. We may encounter cool and wet conditions. Other tour restrictions may apply.
What to Bring & Wear: Hiking or sturdy closed-toe shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and a light sweatshirt or jacket.
Included: Trail bar snack and water refills (Please bring your own reusable bottle!).
Gear Provided: Walking sticks, day packs and rain ponchos.
FAQ’s
We will hike 3-4 miles along uneven terrain with some steep inclines and declines with elevation gains & descents. Rated moderate.
Our tour ranges from sea level to 6,000 feet. We will meander on a single-track trail through native forest with an elevation change of approximately 800 to 1,000 feet. While exploring the lava tube, expect to descend and ascend approximately 30-40 feet.
Along the tour, we’ll see a 200 year old lava flow, spatter cones, fissures and collapsed pits.
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.
Technically speaking, Kualalai Volcano is an active volcano. 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.
