
Big Island: Hidden Craters Hike of Kona
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 171 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Big Island: Hidden Craters Hike of Kona worth booking?
Big Island: Hidden Craters Hike of Kona is a 5-hour experience in Big Island of Hawaii, United States, from $199 per person. It scores 79 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 171 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 79 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (171)
- Duration
- 5 hours
- From
- $199 per person
Hike up to 4 miles and venture through ancient native Hawaiian cloud forests, navigate a wild lava tube, and stand in awe at the edge of massive fissures and craters formed by Kona’s most recent eruption. Capture stunning panoramic views over 5,000 feet (1525 meters) above the Kona coastline. This adventure offers an unparalleled opportunity to learn about and experience the awe-inspiring power of volcanic creation without the crowds and long drives associated with Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
What you get
About this experience
Hike up to 4 miles and venture through ancient native Hawaiian cloud forests, navigate a wild lava tube, and stand in awe at the edge of massive fissures and craters formed by Kona’s most recent eruption. Capture stunning panoramic views over 5,000 feet (1525 meters) above the Kona coastline. This adventure offers an unparalleled opportunity to learn about and experience the awe-inspiring power of volcanic creation without the crowds and long drives associated with Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
What's included
Included
- Walking sticks, daypacks and rain gear
- Snacks
- Interpretative Naturalist Guide
- Access Fees
- Refillable filtered water, Juices, Sparkling Flavored Waters
- Local taxes
Not included
- Gratuities
- Hotel pick-up and drop off
What you'll see and do
Hawaii Forest & Trail
Travelers must meet at our Kailua-Kona Headquarters to check-in 15 minutes prior to the tour departure. Restrooms are available. Travel time to trailhead is approximately 30 minutes.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Hualalai
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 and stunning vista views along your 4 mile hike.
240 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Big Island of Hawaii
Across from Home Depot
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Across from Home Depot
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Hawaii Forest &Trail
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Guests should be able to hike 3 to 4 miles on uneven or rocky terrain with up to 1,000′ elevation gain & descent.
- We require that guests wear closed-toe walking shoes or hiking boots. We recommend wearing shorts, short sleeved shirt, and bring a light sweatshirt or jacket
- Not recommended for child aged 7 and under
- Not recommended for participants with back or neck problems
- Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there is not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
- **We are unable to accommodate cruise ship guests on this adventure, due to timing restrictions**
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 171 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Physical effort
9 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
5 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Value for money
3 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Small groups
3 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
171 verified traveler reviews for Big Island: Hidden Craters Hike of Kona. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Strenuous / moderate hike
Jon was very knowledgeable and a lot of fun. He warned the group the hike would be more strenuous than moderate. The hike up was strenuous and the hike down was moderate.
Response from the operator: Mahalo for the feedback! We’re thrilled to hear that Jon helped you prepare for the climb and that his humor and expertise made the strenuous push enjoyable. Heading back down is always a welcome change of pace! We hope to see you back on the trails for another adventure soon!
via Tripadvisor
Beautiful hike.
Deborah was our guide. She did an excellent job pointing out different foliage, birds and lava formations. The hike was difficult at times but she was very cautious and made sure we were all safe. The lava tube was great. Would definitely recommend this hike but be aware that we climbed to almost 6000 feet and it wasn’t easy. THis is great tour company.
Response from the operator: Mahalo for the awesome review! That hike is no small feat! It's fantastic that Debra’s sharp eye for local flora and fauna, safety-first mindset, and guidance through the lava tube made such a challenging hike completely worth it. Take care and stay safe!
via Tripadvisor
unique hiking experience on the private land
Great hike up the ridge; I would rate it moderate, since it was long. The highlights were the cave or lava tube, the amazing view, and the variety of berries to try. The tour is very well organized; they provide backpacks, water, snacks, windbreakers, and gloves. Everything is good quality, well worth the money paid. The guide is very knowledgeable and points out all the interesting landscape and tells you the legends of the island.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for the wonderful review! We’re thrilled you enjoyed the ridge hike and the lava tube. Providing top-quality gear and insightful stories is what we strive for, and we’re glad our guide helped bring the island's legends to life for you. Hope to welcome you back on another trail soon!
via Tripadvisor
Amazing
Tour Guide Dave was amazing from start to finish. He engaged in conversation, got to know us, made jokes; not to mention his vast knowledge of the island, culture, and history. He taught us about Pele, how the craters were formed, and how to correctly pronounce commonly mispronounced Hawaiian words. The hike itself was amazing with the great views and wildlife. I would definitely do it again and recommend it to anyone I might know.
Response from the operator: Mahalo for the wonderful review! We are thrilled to hear you had such an amazing time exploring the island with Dave. He loves sharing our culture, history, and a few good jokes along the way. We’ll be sure to pass your kind words on to him, and we hope to welcome you back for another hike in the future!
via Tripadvisor
Great Hike Very Short LavaTube
Very well organized from start to finish. Matteo was an excellent guide and paced the hike so everyone stayed together. You can wear tennis shoes but good hiking boots are the best as it can be wet, muddy and slippery on exposed roots. The only reason for not giving a 5 star rating was the lava tube part was basically in and out. We been in a few lava tubes that were much much longer
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 60
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Hawaii Forest &Trail, who run 7 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 76.1.
See everything Hawaii Forest &Trail runsWhy this scores 79
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Big Island: Hidden Craters Hike of Kona: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Big Island of Hawaii.
How much does Big Island: Hidden Craters Hike of Kona cost?
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Prices start at $199 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Big Island of Hawaii usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Big Island: Hidden Craters Hike of Kona take?
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Plan for about 5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Big Island of Hawaii is not rushed.
Is Big Island: Hidden Craters Hike of Kona worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 79 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 171 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Big Island of Hawaii, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Big Island: Hidden Craters Hike of Kona?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Big Island: Hidden Craters Hike of Kona suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Big Island: Hidden Craters Hike of Kona?
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Around 60 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Big Island of Hawaii can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Big Island of Hawaii and add a light layer if any part of the 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Big Island: Hidden Craters Hike of Kona start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Big Island of Hawaii within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Big Island of Hawaii?
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The Big Island is volcano country: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park tours, Mauna Kea summit stargazing, night manta ray snorkels off Kona, Waipio Valley lookouts and coffee farm visits. Summit tours have real altitude rules, so we weight safety detail. On Outty we rank every Big Island of Hawaii experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Big Island: Captain Cook Snorkel On A Power Catamaran With Lunch, KONA Manta Ray Night Snorkel - FREE re-ride if no Sightings, Big Island in a Day: Volcanoes Waterfalls Sightseeing and History. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Big Island of Hawaii?
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April to October, though the island runs year round. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Big Island of Hawaii?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Big Island: Hidden Craters Hike of Kona?
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Included: Walking sticks, daypacks and rain gear; Snacks; Interpretative Naturalist Guide; Access Fees; and Refillable filtered water, Juices, Sparkling Flavored Waters. Not included: Gratuities; and Hotel pick-up and drop off. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Big Island: Hidden Craters Hike of Kona?
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Across from Home Depot Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Big Island: Hidden Craters Hike of Kona offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Big Island: Hidden Craters Hike of Kona?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Big Island: Hidden Craters Hike of Kona wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Big Island: Hidden Craters Hike of Kona if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Big Island: Hidden Craters Hike of Kona?
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Across 171 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
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