The 6 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!!”

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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!!!!!”

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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…”

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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.”

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5.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…”

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6.Native Bird Watching & Hiking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · 12 hours · from $287

Join Hawaii Forest & Trail for a full day at restricted-access Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge. Guide Gary leads a small group of up to nine through up to four miles of uneven forest trails, with binoculars, meals, 4WD transport, and a chance to spot ʻIʻiwi, ʻAkiapōlāʻau, Hawaiian Creeper, and ʻIo.

“I researched guided tours for birding. This one is amazing! Our tour guide, Garry, was so knowledgeable! We not only saw many birds (12 lifers for me) but learned about the history of the island of Hawaii and the ongoing conservation efforts being carried out. I highly recommend.”

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