A supreme study in contrast, the Rainforest and Dryforest Adventure takes you to two very different environments. On the Pu'u La'au aspect of the tour, we roam the sub-alpine dryland forest on the west side of Mauna Kea, home of the endangered palila and the bryani sub-species of elepaio. Our other locale is the Pu'u O'o Trail, in a cloudforest habitat on the northeastern slope of Mauna Loa. There we look for the endangered akiapola'au, oma'o (Hawaiian thrush), i'iwi, and apepane, among other endemics.

On the drive to our two primary locales, we head north along the coastline briefly before starting the climb upslope to the old Mamalahoa Highway, keeping an eye out for open country birds. From there we'll connect to the Saddle Road and begin car-birding, primarily for game birds and the Pueo, or short-eared owl. Depending on the weather, we'll stop for a bit of breakfast somewhere along this stretch of road, often at Pohakuloa's Mauna Kea State Park.

11 hours roundtrip from our Headquarters in Kailua-Kona. Available weekdays only. Rated Easy to Moderate. Ages 8 & up.

Full-Day Adventure Tours include: Pickup from selected locations, mid-morning Snack with Kona Coffee, Tazo Teas, Fresh Fruit and Pound Cakes, Deli Lunch with Beverages, Daypacks, Bottled Water, Binoculars, Walking Sticks, Warm Wear, and Raingear.

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. Cancellations with less than 24 hours notice charged full tour price.

Full Description:

The RainForest: Our destination is the Pu'u O'o Trail, a historic cattle drive route, located at the 6,000 foot level of Saddle Road on Mauna Loa's northeastern flank. This is the windward side of the island, and is often cloaked in misty clouds. It is enchanting to be serenaded by the forest birds as we make our way over three to four miles of sometimes rough lava trail, crossing over the 1855 and 1881 lava flows. Up in the ohia and koa canopy, i'iwi, apapane, amakihi, omao, elepaio, and the elusive akiapolaau, with its unique multipurpose beak, are some of the avian fauna we hope to spot along the way.

The DryForest: At the Humu'ula hunter check-in station just off Saddle Road, we go into the Kaohe Game Management Area and four-wheel it to nearly 7000 feet on the western side of Mauna Kea. The track leads to a locked gate that is the entrance to the Mauna Kea Forest Preserve, and there we disembark the van and take in the spectacular views. Then we get down to some serious bird watching on foot in the mamane-naio forest. Although the terrain is somewhat uneven, the hiking is easy here. We are particularly interested in sighting the critically threatened palila, which feeds almost entirely on the green pods of the mamane tree. There are two other endemics of note to be found here: the Hawaii amakihi, and the local species of the Hawaii elepaio (noted for the white feathering on their heads).

You'll be profoundly amazed at the unique beauty of both of theses habitats, and come away with a true appreciation for this island's diversity and its astonishing evolution.

Hualalai Volcano Adventure - Half Day Adventure
Price: Adults: $99. + tax; Child $79. + tax (Ages 8 to 12)
Daily Tours. 5 hours roundtrip from Waikoloa resorts. Rated Moderate. Ages 7 & Up.

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.
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.Cancellations with less than 24 hours notice charged full tour price.

Full Description:

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 since ancient Hawaiian time. Now you can get in on the secret and uncover the mysteries of Pele's Kona home with Hawaii Forest & Trail's Hualalai Volcano 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 over six thousand feet high, a massive fissure opened up 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 Volcano Adventure a must-do activity for Big Island visitors and residents alike.