Hawaii Forest and Trail
Hawaii Forest and Trail offers guided nature adventure tours and guided hiking tours to a variety of remote and spectacular places on Hawaii's Big Island, introducing visitors to the incredible natural diversity of this largest of the Hawaiian Islands. Hawaii Forest and Trail has different nature hiking adventures, ranging from half day to full day tours. They share with guests pristine rainforests, rushing waterfalls, cliff side trails, rare birds, stargazing atop Mauna Kea and the awesome beauty of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Most of these tours feature relaxed, easy walks or hikes, with transportation to the site in comfortable, customized vans. Two of these tours are fun, off road adventures in six-wheel-drive Pinzgauer vehicles, with stops and easy walks or hikes along the way. Tours are small , usually twelve persons or less, and all are led by professionally-trained interpretive naturalist guides. Though the areas visited are spectacular, it is the guides who really "make" the experience for guests, helping them understand, learn about and really forge a connection with the unique natural areas found here. More than just an adventure, these tours are really a means for visitors to take home a story, a profound insight into evolutionary processes and natural history that are showcased so well here. The vision of the company to not only share the natural beauty with Hawaii residents and visitors alike but actually educate them about the island's biology, endangered species, natural history, climatology, extinction and conservation has been the passion of the companies owner and founder, Rob Pacheco. Rob's original vision led him, for the first time on the Big Island, to search out the land owners of some of the most incredibly beautiful areas of the island and make arrangements with them to allow his company to share the beauty of these locations on their private property where others are not allowed. Hawaii Forest and Trail is among only a handful of companies in Hawaii offering guests the opportunity to see rare native birds in natural habitats. It is also among a half dozen Island tour companies offering stargazing on 13,796 foot high Mauna Kea, which Fodor's Guidebook called "One of the 10 unforgettable experiences in the world".…
| Description: Explore the remote Pololu Valley on the northern tip of the Big Island aboard a rugged off-road Pinzgauer vehicle. Witness the life giving and land sculpting power of water as you ramble through a changing landscape of rushing streams, towering ocean cliffs and cascading waterfalls. See how people throughout history have lived off the power of water, from the terraced taro lo"i of Hawaiians to the fast moving irrigation ditches of Kohala sugar plantations. You"ll even have time to kick off your shoes and take a dip in a cool mountain pool.
Departure Point: The historic Kohala Mule Station at Pololu Valley or pick up from your hotel or resort for an additional fee.
Operates: Monday-Friday Morning 8:30am to 12:00pm and afternoon tours 12:45 to 4:15pm check in 15 minutes prior (times subject to change)*
Duration: 3.5 to 4 hour round trip
(..more info) | Your Price | | Group of 12 No Transportation | $1,668.00 | $1,583.90 | | Group Add Lunch Per Person | $17.50 | $17.50 | | Replace Snack For Lunch Per Person | $14.00 | $14.00 | | |
| Description: Private Half Day Tour - See two mountain streams, seven waterfalls, three footbridges, many historic trails and Hawaiian terraces. This hike is rated as easy walking, which makes it perfect for a family adventure. On way back a stop in the plantation town of Kapaau, you'll stop to see the famous Kamehameha Statue as well as some browsing at the local shops and cafes. Easy trail hike of 1 to 2-mile-loop, available for all ages.
Departure Point: Kings Shops in Waikoloa
Operates: Daily, Morning 7:00am to 12:30pm and Afternoon Tour 1:00 to 6:30pm (times subject to change)*
Duration: 5 Hours Round Trip
(..more info) | Your Price | | Group of 12 | $1,740.00 | $1,652.90 | | Group Add Lunch Per Person | $17.50 | $17.50 | | Replace Snack For Lunch Per Person | $14.00 | $14.00 | | |
| Description: A private afternoon and evening adventure. Go behind the scenes of Hawaii regional cuisine on this unique guided tour, which takes you to two farms in the North part of the Big Island, then follows up these visits with a dinner featuring fresh ingredients from the farms. First, you visit Kahua Ranch at the 3,000-foot elevation in the Kohala Mountains, devoted to cattle and sheep farming and other innovative agricultural practices. This is a beautiful spot with great coastal views. Next you visit Honopua Farm, where organic vegetables, lavender and cut flowers are grown. Then return to award-winning Merriman's Restaurant in Waimea for a special four course dinner prepared by chefs using the products and produce from the farms visited. A learning tour experience for all the senses!
Departure Point: Meet at Merriman's Restaurant in Waimea
Operates: Monday-Thursday 2:30 to 7:30pm - days can vary. *
Duration: 5 hours round trip
(..more info) | Your Price | | Group Tour For 12 | $2,028.00 | $1,925.90 | | |
| Description: Hakalau means "Many Perches". Named by Hawaiians long ago, it is still recognized as critical bird habitat today. It was the first National Wildlife Refuge in the nation established primarily for forest birds. Species include: Akepa, Akiapolaau, Amakihi, Apapane, Elepaio, Hawaii Creeper, Iiwi, Io, Oamao, and Pueo. Guides know the birds by ear and are current on latest sightings. Visit the best locations to see native birds in their endemic forest habitat. Trip length is approximately 11 hours roundtrip from Hawaii Forest and Trail Headquarters. Hike is rated as easy to moderate.
Departure Point: Meet at HFT headquarters or by Roys at The Kings Shops in Waikoloa.
Operates: Monday-Friday Approximate times 6:30am to 6:30pm by reservation only (permit allows 12-18 trips per year)*
Duration: Full Day - 11 hours round trip from headquarters.
(..more info) | Your Price | | Adult 8 and Up | $179.00 | $170.90 | | Children Under 8 Not Allowed | $0.00 | $0.00 | | |
| Description: For the expert and the beginner. Come along and explore two rare habitats, the cloud mist Kipuka rainforest on Mauna Loa and the sub-alpine dry forest of Pu"u La"au on Mauna Kea. Here are two places that represent Hawaii before human contact; places where plants and birds found nowhere else on earth reveal the evolutionary epic of the islands. Don"t miss this outstanding opportunity to witness Hawaii"s native birds and forests. Target species include: Nene, Palila, Akapolaau, Amakihi, Apapane, Hawaii Creeper, I"iwi, Elepaio, Omao, Io and and Pueo.
Departure Point: Meet at HFT headquarters or by Roys at The Kings Shops in Waikoloa.
Operates: Monday-Friday Approximate times 6:30am to 6:30pm *
Duration: Full Day 11 hours round trip from headquarters.
(..more info) | Your Price | | Adults 8 and Up | $179.00 | $170.90 | | Children Under 8 Not Allowed | $0.00 | $0.00 | | |
| Description: Drive around the Hamakua Coast - visit a lava tube cave, a native rainforest, and the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, if an active lava flow is accessible it will be the priority of the day to see it first hand. Your guide is an expert on the area and will provide you with narration throughout as well as assist in answering any questions you may have.
Departure Point: Meet at HFT headquarters 74-5035B Queen Kaahumanu Hwy in Kailua-Kona or by Roys at The Kings Shops in Waikoloa.
Operates: Daily, times vary.*
Duration: Full Day, 11 to 12 hours round trip from headquarters.
(..more info) | Your Price | | Adult | $179.00 | $169.90 | | Child 0-12 | $159.00 | $159.00 | | |
| Description: Family Fun in Nature - Immerse yourself in Kohala's stunning beauty and rich history. On a fun off-road adventure and relaxed trail walk, experience dramatic views of Pololu Valley, charming foot bridges, historic taro terraces and intimate waterfalls. With an opportunity to swim at a waterfall and stroll the quaint plantation village of Hawi, this is the perfect tour for all ages.Rated easy to moderate, perfect tour for all ages.
Departure Point: Kings Shops in Waikoloa and pick up from certain locations.
Operates: Daily, 6:50am to 3:00pm *
Duration: 8 hours round trip from headquarters
(..more info) | Your Price | | Adult | $159.00 | $149.90 | | Child 12 and Under | $139.00 | $139.00 | | |
| Description: On the slopes of Hualalai lies the world famous Kona Coffee Belt. Nourished by afternoon showers and rich volcanic soil, this region produces some of the best coffee in the world. Travel to the source of the 1800 eruption at Ka'upulehu Crater. After exploring the area's volcanic features, sample some of Kona's finest at a local coffee farm.
Departure Point: Meet at Hawaii Forest and Trail Headquarters 74-5035B Queen Kaahumanu Hwy, behind Tesoro Station.
Operates: Daily 8:00am to 12:00pm
Duration: 3.5 to 4 Hours
(..more info) | Your Price | | Adult | $139.00 | $131.90 | | Child 8-12 | $119.00 | $119.00 | | No Child Under 8 Years Old | $0.00 | $0.00 | | |
| Description: Ascend all the way up to 13,796 feet and enjoy sunset and a picnic dinner stop. Then descend to the 9,000-foot elevation to set up telescopes and have a star party. You will have the opportunity to view many different astrological sites during this time.
Departure Point: Pick up from Hawaii Forest and Trail Headquarters 74-5035B Queen Kaahumanu Hwy in Kailua-Kona or The Kings Shops in Waikoloa.
Operates: Daily, times vary with season *
Duration: 7 to 8 hours round trip from headquarters.
(..more info) | Your Price | | Adults 16 and Up | $192.00 | $181.90 | | Child 13-15 With Signed Waiver | $192.00 | $181.90 | | |
| Description: Witness the epic march of molten lava as it journeys from the mountains to the sea. On our Twilight Volcano Adventure, we'll journey through Hawaii Island's incredible range of ecosystems and climate zones before experiencing first-hand the phenomena that makes it possible - an erupting volcano. The excursion begins as we travel between two of the world's largest mountains, Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. The region between these volcanoes is locally known as the Saddle and is home to some of the rarest plants and animals in the world. After a brief stop for lunch at Mauna State Park, we continue east towards Hilo. Before our final descent into Hawaii's second largest town we'll stop to explore Kaumana Cave. This lava tube that once carried molten rock from Mauna Loa's upper rift zones to the ocean now provides an excellent opportunity to test our trusty flashlights on brief a subterranean adventure. Leaving Mauna Loa behind, we ascend to the summit of Kilauea inside Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Our Interpretive Guide will lead you through the must-see spots and hidden gems of this World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Preserve. As conditions change daily, we tailor your experience to the current eruptive events. The summit caldera, steam vents, cinder fields, and native rainforests are all on our "must see" list. After exploring the natural wonders of the Park, we'll head to Kalapana to witness the awesome power of lava as it enters the ocean at sunset. Also included in the evening's itinerary is a delicious sit-down dinner in the heart of Pahoa. This historic town has maintained the rustic ambience of an old plantation town.
Departure Point: Pick up at HFT headquarters 74-5035B Queen Kaahumanu Hwy in Kailua-Kona or Kohala Resorts, and Queen's Marketplace, Waikoloa Beach Resort
Operates: Daily, times vary.*
Duration: Full Day, approximately 12 hours from resort pickup.
(..more info) | Your Price | | Adult | $179.00 | $170.90 | | Child 0- 12 | $159.00 | $159.00 | | |
Hiking Tours on Hawaii by Hawaii Forest and Trail
