The 15 Hiking & Trekking in the Big Island That Earn Their Price

1.Hidden Craters Hike of Kona

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 156 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $198Our pick

You’ll hike about four miles across private Hualalai land, passing craters, lava formations, native forest, and a short lava tube. Guides such as Mark, Mateo, Taro, and others explain volcanoes, Hawaiian culture, plants, and local stories. Expect rocky ground, slippery sections, and up to 1,000 feet of climbing and descending.

“This was an amazing experience I’m so grateful to have had on our trip to the Big Island. This is a unique chance to hike very sacred, ancestral land. Our guide Mark was wonderful- very knowledgeable about the land and Hawaiian culture, great personality and holds space for feedback and expectations you have for your hike. I just can’t say enough about what it meant to have this experience. If you love nature, like to hike (this isn’t an easy, paved walk I will warn you), are interested in Hawaiian culture don’t think twice and book it! You won’t regret it. Thank you!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Secret Tide Pool Hike – Jungle & Coast – Private

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 92 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $100Best value

Join Josh or Kat near Pāhoa for a private 2.5-hour hike through jungle, boulder fields, and sharp lava rock to a secluded tide pool. Expect slippery footing, no bathroom, and a rocky pool that may not always be swimmable. Bring sturdy hiking shoes, water shoes, a towel, and reef-safe sunscreen.

“Getting to the tide pool, it took longer than I expected, and the level of difficulty was at about a 7. It's a bit jagged climbing up and down the lava rock. Make sure to wear close toed shoes that can grip wet rock. Don't go there tired, be well hydrated. BUT, it's well worth it!!!!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Kilauea: Volcanoes National Park Guided Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 46 reviews · from $120

Join a certified English-speaking guide for a three-hour, four-mile loop near Kilauea in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Learn about geology, native plants, Hawaiian culture, and eruptions while walking through rainforest and around a hardened lava lake. Guides such as Jennifer and Yvonne provide poles, snacks, and practical help. Lava viewing depends on weather and volcanic activity.

“Kilauea Volcanoes National Park Guided Hike was excellent. I would highly recommend it to anyone thinking about visiting the park. Our guide was Yvonne. She was amazing. We spent three hours with her on a guided hike. Yvonne is extremely knowledgeable about the Kilauea volcano and the echosystem around the volcano. I learned so much about the volcano and the history of the volcano. We discussed euruptions, earthquakes, steam vents and surrounding plants and animals in the area and how Hawaiians regard the volcano. We discussed the invasive plants and trees as well as native plants. Yvonne is working on her degree as a volcanologist. She shared amazing pictures and…”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park Guided Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 30 reviews · 6h 30m · from $230

Spend 390 minutes hiking Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park with an English-speaking guide, in a group of up to 10 or on a private outing. Walk through rainforest, cross the Kilauea Iki Crater area, see steam vents and a volcanic caldera, then enter Thurston Lava Tube. Breakfast and a gourmet picnic are included, though breakfast details may vary.

“The Guide Jennifer was absolutely great and Sweet. We loved to here her storys and legends about the Volcanoe.”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Kīlauea Hike and Lava Gazing with Native Hawaiian

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 22 reviews · 3 to 4 hours (approx.) · from $200

Meet Christian Phillips at 4:00 pm near Pāhoa for a private, English-language hike along Kīlauea’s southeast rim. Over three to four hours, you’ll explore Halemaʻumaʻu, learn about Hawaiian gods, plants, birds, history, and stewardship, and look toward the lava lake when conditions allow. Moderate fitness is needed.

“Christian was personable, knowledgeable, and charismatic. As an active member of a traditional Indigenous culture on the mainland (Chahta and Mvskoke), it was great to spend time with a young adult who is active in, and enthusiastic about, the culture, history, and language of his Kanaka Maoli. The four hours we spent with him were one of the best parts of our 7-day trip.”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Elite Volcano Hike From Hilo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 20 reviews · 9 hours (approx.) · from $275

From Hilo, Kapohokine Adventures takes you to Kaumana Caves and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park for a full day of volcanic scenery. You’ll hike about two miles toward Kilauea Caldera, see the huge Halema’uma’u Crater and 2018 eruption damage, then enjoy included meals, dinner, and drinks at Volcano Winery. Guides such as Henry, Kyle, and Scott lead the experience.

“The hike around the volcano was awesome! Kyle did a great job telling us so many interesting facts about the island. The entire tour was very interesting and enjoyable. I would recommend this tour for anyone wanting a unique experience. The waterfalls was really neat even if it was raining.”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Off the Beaten Path Volcano Crater Hike

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 15 reviews · 5 hours · from $198

Join Hawaii Forest & Trail for a five-hour hike on Hualalai’s upper slopes, limited to 10 people. You’ll walk 3 to 4 miles through native cloud forest, volcanic craters, fissures, and an optional lava tube, with guides such as Toro or Rob providing local and volcanic context.

“Hike was great - beautiful area, the craters were amazing to see. Our Guide, Rob, was fully prepared with all the gear (walking sticks/rain coats), drinks and snacks -- anything needed for hike for any weather. We had wonderful weather and views for the day. Only suggestion is that guide could have gone slower and/or taken more breaks. The kids in the front could keep up, but the Adults fell so far behind that at times we weren't sure if we were still on the trail because we could not see the group ahead. We also felt that we spent more time watching where our feet were going to ensure…”

Check availability →Read our full review

8.Volcanoes National Park: Guided, Small-Group Hike

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 15 reviews · 6 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $220

Join Jennifer Bell, Cameron, or another Volcanoes Hiking Guides expert for an approximately 8-mile, 6.5-hour hike through Kilauea’s craters, Thurston Lava Tube, and native forest. You’ll get breakfast, picnic lunch, snacks, trekking poles, and a small-group pace, with routes adjusted to your interests and conditions.

“We had a great time on this hike. We got to see some beautiful areas of the park, including a hike across the bottom of the small crater. Our guide was very knowledgable and we learned a lot. The highlight of our trip was getting to see an eruption!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

9.Hawaii Volcanoes & Forests – Private Guided Walks & Hikes

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 13 reviews · 3 hours (approx.)

Meet Chris at the Volcano Art Center Gallery for a private, three-hour walk near Kilauea in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. A former park archaeologist and ecopsychology practitioner, Chris combines geology, ecology, Hawaiian cultural knowledge, quiet observation, and conversation. Transportation is not included, and the park charges a $30 entrance fee per booking.

“This exceeded expectations. Chris took me on a lovely trail run. Chris has a fascinating life story. He has spent decades exploring the cultures of indigenous peoples around the world and that perspective informs his sharing of his Hawaiian culture. Our run was at a conversational pace with pauses to appreciate and experience the park. I learned so much about the park, the flora, the fauna and about the cultural practices of the Hawaiin people. And I got a nice run in too. And he shared some delicious local produce at the end.”

Check availability →Read our full review

10.Elite Volcano Hike From Kona/Kohala Resorts

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 12 reviews · 13 hours (approx.) · from $309

Spend about 13 hours tracing Big Island eruptions from 1881 to 2018. Your guide explains volcano science along Saddle Road, leads you through Kaumana Caves and into Kilauea Caldera, and provides lunch and dinner. Pickup is available from Kona and Kohala resorts. Expect long walks, changing weather, and a full day outdoors.

“This is a FULL day with lots of hiking...we logged over 20K steps and nearly 6 miles. This experience was amazing, culminating with a spectacular night view over the edge of the erupting Kilauea volcano. Wear hiking / walking shoes and bring layers of clothing...the range of temperatures from near freezing to warm can make this a miserable experience if not dressed appropriately. Also, plan for rain as this is a very wet area on Hawaii. You do not want to miss this great opportunity, especially if you are generally active/athletic. Would not recommend for young children, or those who are mobility limited.”

Check availability →Read our full review

11.Secret Tide Pool Hike – Jungle & Coast – Private

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 10 reviews · from $100

Join Josh for a private 2.5-hour hike from Waiakahi'ula Beach Park to a secluded Big Island tide pool. Expect jungle, loose lava, scrambling, cliff views, sea life, and time to swim or explore. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and bring reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes, a swimsuit, and a towel.

“Great trip, Great Guide, a little scary, but that's what makes it oblique. I highly recommend this for the adventurist. You will not be disappointed, it was a lot of fun.”

Check availability →Read our full review

12.Guided 3-Hour Hike in Volcanoes National Park

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 9 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $120

Join Jennifer or Yvonne for a three-hour, small-group hike into Kīlauea’s Halemaʻumaʻu Crater. You’ll pass steam vents and sulphur deposits, cross rainforest filled with tree ferns and ʻōhiʻa trees, and reach the crater floor. Backpacks and trekking poles are provided, while the $15 park fee is extra.

“Jennifer is a terrific guide and is very knowledgeable about the Volcano Park history and Hawaiian culture. She is a great communicator and loves guiding people. Mt. Kilauea had a small eruption a couple hours after our tour which was exciting.”

Check availability →Read our full review

13.Elite Volcano Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 8 reviews · 8h 30m · from $189

Spend 8.5 hours with KapohoKine Adventures exploring the 2018 eruption zone, Fissure 8, and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. You’ll hike across old lava, view the new black sand coast, and walk 2 miles toward Keanakakoi and Halema’uma’u Crater. Small groups of up to 13 travel with an English-speaking guide such as Ray or Nick.

“The volcano tour was awesome and the tour guide Ray was just brilliant. His explanations and his dynamic were great, he had a wonderful sense of humour and he perfectly interacted with the group. We liked this tour a lot - because of the volcano parc and the amazing panoramas, but especially and mainly because of Ray. Thanks for the wonderful time!”

Check availability →Read our full review

14.Waterfall Hike and Swim with Native Hawaiian

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 8 reviews · 4 hours · from $150

Join Christian on a four-hour Hilo hike through two forest trails linking Waiāle and nearby waterfalls. You’ll visit Waiānuenue, Peʻepeʻe, Waiāle, and Waiʻlima, hear Hawaiian language and history, witness cultural practice, and swim at Waiāle Falls. Expect wet, steep, rocky sections and a group limited to six.

“Christian is excellent! His passion and knowledge for Hawaii are inspiring and his fluency in Hawaiian made this hiking / water fall tour unforgettable. We walked away wanting to know more about the culture and traditions of Hawaii. Choosing this tour over others is a must!!!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

15.Private Electric Bike Tour with Lava Hike in Pāhoa

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 8 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Join Stacy Welch for a private two-hour e-bike and hiking tour from Pāhoa’s Kupono Street. You’ll cross three fissures, explore fissure 8 near her backyard, and hear firsthand stories of the 2018 eruption. The ride helps you reach the sites, while the local perspective gives the tour its real force.

“This tour was so amazing and informative. Stacey was such a great guide. Would highly recommend it to everyone.”

Check availability →Read our full review