Big Island: Escursione nei crateri nascosti di Kona

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.

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.

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

The pictures don’t really depict the hike experience. I was expecting more and it was not that formative.

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.

Hawaii Forest and Trail is by far the best tour operator of land excursions on Hawaii Island. On this tour, our guide Dane, took us to a rarely seen part of the island. This tour highlights the importance of protecting Hawaii's native ecosystem. You will learn about native plants, the formation of the islands, and experience amazing views along the way. The tour is well worth the cost for a day tour. As the tour will only accommodate up to 10 people, you receive an in-depth and intimate experience that feels exclusive. The tour is great for those seeking adventure. It is a great hike and will leave you with a better sense of place.

The hike was wonderful and informative. We enjoyed hearing all the details of the crater and seeing the unique birds.

Taro was a fun, relaxed guide. Very knowledgeable about the volcano and the birds that we say- including the I’Wi!

A really insightful hike led by a very knowledgeable and fun guide Debra who was fantastic. Views were sensational and landscape stunning.

We had a great group, and Mark was a wonderful guide whose enthusiasm was contagious. The hike was not strenuous because of the many rest breaks, but the terrain is not friendly to folks with any mobility issues (steep slopes and lots of tree roots & rocks). There are some beautiful views during the first half of the hike that is mostly over lava rock and follows the rim of the crater. Mark's description of the geological events that had shaped the area gave depth and context to the scenery. The lava tube is a fun little side excursion in the middle of the hike that makes for some great photo opportunities. The second half of the hike is through a rain forest with so many birds in it that it is hard to pick out individual calls at times. We would hardily recommend this hike for anyone who is comfortable with steep terrain. Also, everyone we met at Hawaii Forest & Trail (you meet at the office for this excursion) was just plain nice.