Big Island: Hidden Craters Hike of Kona
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 166 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 $173 per person. It scores 80 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 166 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 80 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (166)
- Duration
- 5 hours
- From
- $173 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 stunnin
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 166 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Physical effort
9 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
7 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
166 verified traveler reviews for Big Island: Hidden Craters Hike of Kona. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and 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
Hike was average at best, not worth the money spent
The pictures don’t really depict the hike experience. I was expecting more and it was not that formative.
Response from the operator: Aloha Kari, We apologize that the adventure didn't meet your expectations. We have tried to contact you to gather more information to understand your experience better. Please call us at 808-331-8505 if you would like to share more details with our management team. Mahalo, Ashlee
via Viator
Memorable Volcano Hike on the Big Island
We had a great experience from start to finish. After booking, we received clear location details and headed to the outfitter’s office across from Home Depot. Ashley at the front desk was warm and welcoming. The office was also well-stocked with essentials like hats, water bottles, backpacks, and fanny packs—perfect if you forgot anything for the hike. Our guide, Taro, was fantastic—friendly, knowledgeable, and fun throughout the day. We traveled in a brand-new luxury Sprinter van with a small group (just 7 of us total), which made for a comfortable ride to the trailhead. The hike itself climbs to about 6,500 feet and is definitely moderate, largely due to the elevation. There are some scrambles and a few narrow sections on the way to the summit. We were lucky to have a warm, sunny morning, but I’d strongly recommend sunscreen, closed-toe hiking shoes, SPF clothing (layers), and plenty of water. Taro provided snacks along the way and paced the hike well, incorporating breaks where he shared insights about the volcano, past eruptions, and the surrounding area. His knowledge really added to the experience. At the summit, we were above the clouds with a clear view of the crater—an incredible and unique sight. On the way down (via a loop trail), we explored a lava tube and then descended into a lush, almost magical cloud forest filled with birdsong. Tip: download the Merlin Bird ID app—we were able to identify three bird species unique to the area. The descent can be a bit tricky with slippery roots, so I imagine it would be more challenging in wet conditions. Throughout the hike, Taro consistently checked in to make sure everyone was comfortable and doing well. As avid hikers, this stood out as a truly special experience—there aren’t many opportunities to hike a volcano like this in the U.S. Highly recommend both the hike and this outfitter.
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
- Price range
- $173 to $199
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 58
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 80
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 $173 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 80 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 166 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 58 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 KONA Manta Ray Night Snorkel - FREE re-ride if no Sightings, Big Island: Captain Cook Snorkel On A Power Catamaran With Lunch, 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.
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