Hawaii Forest & Trail

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Hawaii Forest & Trail

Your Guide to BIG Adventure! Hawaii Forest & Trail's vision is to share the splndor of Hawai'i Nei and inspire a deep connection ith our natural world.
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Ignite your sense of adventure with Hawaii volcano tours, lava cave tours, majestic waterfalls, bird watching tours and inspiring stargazing nights. Our tours are offered for small groups and we access private land that few have seen. Experience Hawaii's majestic beauty as our interpretive guides share the history, culture and legends of the land. We guarantee your time with Hawaii Forest & Trail

will be highly rewarding and give you a deeper appreciation of the incredible natural wonders of our incredible islands. Yours are offered on the Island of Hawaii and Oahu.

08/17/2024

Mahalo to John and Maryellen for joining us on an unforgettable adventure on Maunakea! ✨🔭

From dining at the VIS to exploring the summit at sunset with scenic stops along the way, they truly captured the magic of the journey! 📸

Ready to experience the magic of Maunakea yourself? Book your Maunakea Summjt & Stars Adventure today and make memories that will last a lifetime! Link in bio~

Photos courtesy of Davis Custom Digital, LLC

06/20/2024

Hawaii Forest & Trail has been nominated by USA Today for Best Tour Company in Hawaii! 🌺

We’re thrilled to be recognized for our dedication to providing unforgettable experiences and sharing the splendor of Hawaii Nei.

📨 Voting closes on July 15th at noon EST. Click the link to help us become the best tour company in the state! 🌟https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/travel/best-tour-company-in-hawaii-2024/hawaii-forest-trail-big-island-hawaii/

06/03/2024

Exciting news! Kilauea volcano has re-awakened! The eruption began today in the early morning hours at approximately 12:30 AM. 🌋

According to the USGS, the eruption is southwest of Kilauea caldera, a remote location within the park.

The last eruption in this area occurred in December 1974. Stay tuned for more updates!

📷: images by D.A. Phillips

05/11/2024

A big mahalo to Kathryn Bell for embarking on not just one, but two unforgettable/memorable adventures with us during your Hawaii vacation! 🏖☀

From exploring our private lava tube and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to watching the sunset on Mauna Kea and stargazing, we're so glad these experiences left you with life long memories to cherish!

05/04/2024

Have you heard about Kīlauea volcano's recent activity? 🌋

Over the past 24 hours, it's been restless! There have been approximately 280 earthquakes with increased seismicity is occurring beneath the upper East Rift Zone, with inflation detected in the caldera south of Halemaʻumaʻu.

Join us on our Volcano Unveiled Adventure to experience Hawaii Volcanoes National Park firsthand! Adventure is calling, are you ready? 📸🌿

05/04/2024

Have you heard about Kīlauea volcano’s recent activity?

Over the past 24 hours, it’s been restless, there have been approximately 280 earthquakes! The increased seismicity is occurring beneath the upper East Rift Zone, with inflation detected in the caldera south of Halemaʻumaʻu.

Join us on our Volcano Unveiled Adventure to experience Hawaii Volcanoes National Park firsthand! Adventure is calling, are you ready?
—-
📸: the talented

04/23/2024

Happy Earth Day! 🌎🌿

At Hawaii Forest & Trail we’re constantly in awe of the nature that surrounds us. From reducing waste and being energy efficient to educating our guests about the flora and fauna that make Hawai’i so special, a major part of our mission is to preserve the splendor of Hawaii Nei for future generations.
Comment below to share how you’re celebrating Earth Day!

03/06/2024

A week ago, our guide, Adam, volunteered at Pu'u Wa'awa'a, pulling weeds and planting various native plants.🌿

Keep scrolling to see photos of the nene that kept him company, along with the beautiful ma'o hau hele plant he planted! ☀️🌱

02/17/2024

There's no better bird to feature for February than our playful endemic resident of Hawai'i Island, the Hawai'i 'Elepaio! There are only three 'Elepaio species in the Hawaiian Islands, and they are the only member of the monarch flycatcher found in the U.S.

Fun Fact: Long-term pairs are common and stay together all year round. One pair has been together for 11 years!

📸: Jack Jeffery | https://jackjeffreyphoto.com/

02/01/2024

A highlight of our Volcano Unveiled Adventure is our private lava tube, Kauhi Cave!
Kauhi Cave has hosted numerous scientists looking to explore the unique microorganisms that call it home. Diana Northup, a geo-microbiologist, who is researching the microbes was accompanied by her husband, Kenneth Ingham, who took this amazing close-up of a lava stalactite.
Descend underground and explore the cave firsthand on a Volcano Unveiled Adventure! Share with us your adventure, tag
———
📍 Volcano Unveiled Adventure - Kauhi Cave
📸 Kenneth Ingham

01/09/2024

Are you seeking a new adventure? We are looking for an Operations Manager for our Kona Headquarters!
Visit our website below for more information and send an email to [email protected]. We would love to hear from you!

🌐: https://hawaii-forest.com/employment/

01/04/2024

Maunakea Summit & Stars Giveback Experience IS BACK!

Every Wednesday, join us to Mālama ‘Āina and venture to the Waikoloa Dry Forest for a conservation project to help restore a critical Hawaiian habitat before ascending to Maunakea for sunset and stargazing.

In 2023, Hawaii Forest & Trail guests along with initiative volunteers collected a combined 13 lbs of seeds (equivalent to 8+ million seeds)! 🌱

12/23/2023

Established as the first National Wildlife Refuge in the US for forest birds, Hakalau is now one of the few protected areas in Hawaii where existing native bird populations and many endangered plants are thriving.

Please join me in helping to protect Hakalau Forest NWR and Hawaii’s native species by donating to the “Hakalau Forest NWR Management Endowment” before the end of the year. Your generous donation is an effective tool in preventing the further decline and extinction of Hawaii’s endangered native species.

Mahalo,
Rob Pacheco
Founder & CEO, Hawaii Forest & Trail

12/22/2023

Wishing you all a warm and joyful holiday season with your loved ones!~ ❄️ ⛄️

Happy Holidays from our Ohana at Hawaii Forest & Trail & Kohala Zipline!

—
Holiday Closures:
🎄 Monday, Dec. 25th for Christmas
🎆 Monday, Jan. 1st for New Years

12/20/2023

Mahalo to the Council of Western State Foresters for giving Hawaii Forest & Trail the unique opportunity of off-roading with their participants to the Pu'u Wa'awa'a Forest Reserve and Kamuela Hardwoods during the 2023 Fall Meeting! It was a privilege to learn more about their mission of fostering learning and facilitating resource sharing to promote sustainable management of forests for today and generations to come. 🌱🌲
--
🌐 https://www.westernforesters.org/

11/25/2023

After sunset enjoy a spectacular night of stargazing with a cup of hot cocoa in hand on our Maunakea Summit & Stars Adventure!

Your expert, interpretive guide will seamlessly navigate the Hawaiian night sky as our Vaonis Stellina Telescopes capture celestial objects.

Our Stellina captured the California Nebula, NGC 1499. Fun fact: The Nebula received its nickname due to resembling the outline of the U.S. State of California!

11/23/2023

Happy Thanksgiving from our Ohana at Hawaii Forest & Trail & Kohala Zipline!

We're grateful for your continued support, chasing adventure and soaring above the canopy! Wishing you all a day filled with gratitude, aloha, and unforgettable moments. 🍂🌺

🏷:

10/28/2023

Meet Adam, our energetic and up-beat guide! Adam has been leading Hawaii Forest & Trail adventures for over 2 years.
Born and raised on the Big Island, Adam grew up exploring the outdoors and traveling around the island. It was during this time he found a passion for being in the outdoors and enjoyed being immersed in the various ecosystems the island has to offer.

Nowadays, you can find Adam guiding almost all of our adventures; Kohala Waterfalls Adventure, Maunakea Summit & Stars Adventures, Hidden Craters Hike, and Volcano Unveiled Adventure. During his free time, he's outdoors and most likely hiking at his favorite location - the Pu'u Wa'awa'a Cinder Cone Trail.
🏷:

09/28/2023

The results are in for Best of West! 🎉
Hawaii Forest & Trail - Voted #1 for Best Outdoor Guided Activity

Kohala Zipline - Voted #1 for Best Zipline
We are incredibly thankful for everyone's support. From all of us at Hawaii Forest & Trail and Kohala Zipline, we would like to give you all a big mahalo! We look forward to providing the best adventure experiences we can offer!
🏷️: #1

09/23/2023

On Wednesday’s we GIVEBACK!
Malama’aina and join us for an impactful service project at the , before ascending Maunakea for sunset and stargazing.
Are you ready for adventure? Click our link in bio to book!
📸: Taken by the talented

🏷️:

09/11/2023

Kilauea has re-awakened again! On Sept. 10th 2023, Kilauea began erupting inside the Halemaumau Crater! summit cam caught the action yesterday afternoon - https://www.usgs.gov/media/videos/b1cam-captures-onset-kilauea-summit-eruption-september-10-2023

Our Twilight Volcano Unveiled Adventure is once again operating to give our guests the best opportunity to view this eruption in the day and evening!

Image courtesy of

09/09/2023

Join us on our Volcano Unveiled Adventure to explore the expansive Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and gain exclusive access to our private lava tube, Kauhi Cave. This captivating cave photo was taken by the talented during his adventure with Hawaii Forest & Trail!  
Click the link to our bio to go underground with us and see firsthand this lava tube's unique, golden-hued microbial mat that shimmers like Fool's Gold on the cavern walls!

08/12/2023

Our friends at are taking daily Cessna flights full of donated supplies and to Maui. When we heard we loaded the truck with towels, bedding, coolers, non perishable food items and water. There will be daily runs, so come on down and drop off whatever you can on the front lawn near the mokulele Terminal. Maui needs our support!

08/10/2023

Our hearts are heavy with the tragic loss of life, homes, and historic places in the communities of Lahaina and Kula. The scale of destruction is truly unthinkable. We encourage everyone to think of ways to help our brothers and sisters on Maui in this time of need. Today Hawaii Forest & Trail's Iiwi fund will be sending $2,500 to the Hawaii Community Foundation's Maui Strong Fund. 100% of donations to this fund will go to the people of Maui to address needs such as Food, Shelter, and Financial Assistance.

Maui Strong

08/10/2023

Have you ever wondered what some of the top vacation spots are for Grandparent-Grandkid vacations? Check out the link below!

Spoiler: Hawaii Forest & Trail's Kohala Waterfalls Adventure is a must do while on Hawaii Island!

🌐:

Here are the best places to bring the grandkids when you want to make vacation memories to last a lifetime.

Address

73-5593 Olowalu Street
Kailua-Kona, HI
96740

Website

http://www.hawaii-forest.com/

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Videos

Each year, @tripadvisor recognizes traveler’s favorite businesses around the world. We’re happy to announce that Hawaii Forest & Trail was among the top 10% of things to do worldwide! 🌟🌍 Thank you to all our amazing guests for your support and reviews. We couldn’t have done it without you! Ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure? 🌿✨ Book your adventure with us today and see why we’re a top choice for travelers!

Last month, we headed out of the office to spend some time chasing waterfalls with the @fairmontorchid sales team. Happy to report back, we found a few in Kohala! 🌿🌊 . Are you ready for adventure? Click the link in bio to join us on a Kohala Waterfalls Adventure! — 🏷️: #hawaiiforestandtrail #bigadventurehft #adventureawaits #fairmontorchid #hawaii #chasingwaterfalls #hawaiinstagram #hiking #malamahawaii

On Wednesday’s we GIVEBACK! 🌱 Malama’aina and join us for an impactful service project to help restore one of the most critically endangered native forests @waikoloadryforest before ascending Maunakea for sunset and stargazing! 🌅 🔭 Let’s make a difference together! — 🏷️ : #malamahawaii #hawaiiforestandtrail #waikoloadryforestinitiative #adventureawaits #ecotours #bigislandhawaii

Endemic Bird - Hawai'i 'Elepaio

There's no better bird to feature for February than our playful endemic resident of Hawai'i Island, the Hawai'i 'Elepaio! There are only three 'Elepaio species in the Hawaiian Islands, and they are the only member of the monarch flycatcher found in the U.S. Fun Fact: Long-term pairs are common and stay together all year round. One pair has been together for 11 years! 📸: Jack Jeffery | https://jackjeffreyphoto.com/ . #hakalau #birding #endemicbirds #hawaii #bigisland

Have you heard of our ‘I’iwi Fund? Named after Hawaii’s iconic scarlet red honeycreeper and the featured bird in our logo, represents our continued kuleana to support, care, and advocate for Hawaii’s native ecosystems, culture, and natural wonder! . 🏷️: #hawaiiforestandtrail #ecotourism #sustainability #community #hawaii #bigisland

A @bodyglovehawaii takeover is coming soon! - 07.2023 🏷️: #bigadventurehft #hawaiiforestandtrail #bodyglovehawaii #explorer #adventureawaits #hawaii #bigisland #ecotourism #snorkeling #hiking

Our staff was out and about exploring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park last Saturday to get the hottest shots! 📸 . We are running our Twilight Volcano Unveiled Adventures daily from Monday-Saturday. Click the link in our bio to book! . Media Credit: Jonathan, Jennifer, Jon, and Eugene 🏷️: #bigadventurehft #hawaiiforestandtrail #adventureawaits #epic #hawaii #bigisland #hawaiiisland #usgs #hawaiivolcanoesnationalpark #Kilauea #guides #staff #twilightvolcanounveiled

Watch as Kilauea Volcano reawakens in the pre-dawn hours on June 7, 2023!

We are hiring!

There are 3 days left to vote for Hawaii Forest & Trail on USA Today’s 10Best! Click the link in our bio to vote daily! • 🏷️ : #bigadventurehft #hawaiiforestandtrail #adventureawaits #usatoday #10best #nomination #vote #ecotourism #hawaii #bigisland #hawaiiisland #travel

We're hiring!

Join a team that is fun, caring, and committed to one another! We are looking for a full time Guest Service Representative.🎉🎉 The Guest Service Representative is a sales position and the first contact for inbound calls and emails for tour reservations. The department can be fast paced and high volume. This person should be high energy, able to multi-task, show attention to detail, and embrace company values and mission. To find out more, please visit www.hawaii-forest.com.

Maunakea Summit & Stars Giveback Experience

mālama - to take care of, tend to, preserve, and protect. How can you mālama Hawaii? 🌱 . It’s time to take a trip that gives back. A trip that allows you to mālama 'aina (to care for and nurture the land) while you’re here on Hawaii Island. Join us as we support the Waikoloa Dry Forest Initiative to preserve and protect this critically endangered forest on our ✨Maunakea Summit & Stars Giveback Experience!✨ www.hawaii-forest.com/tours/maunakea-summit-stars-give-back-experience

Ever wonder what the very first part of a volcanic eruption looks like? Thanks to @usgsvolcanoes thermal cameras, we can see the most epic time lapse of the first 3 hours of the new eruption within Halema'uma'u crater at the Kīlauea summit. Temperatures soar to over 600 degrees Celsius or 1112 degrees Fahrenheit! The dark blue center is the cooled lava island that was formed during the December 2020 eruption. Stay tuned for updates as the eruption progresses! 🌋🔥🌋 #kilaueavolcano #kilaueaeruption #hawaii #hawaiiisland #luckywelivehawaii #bigisland

Guess who's BACK! 🙌 We've been busy working to keep our guests and team’s health and well-being our highest priority, designing new experiences, and more! Now that we're back on social, we can't wait to connect with our Hawaii Forest & Trail family far and wide. Drop your favorite HFT experience and photo in the comments section or in a message for a chance to be featured on our page!

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Temporary Closure Notice

TEMPORARY CLOSURE: Hawaii Forest & Trail has temporarily suspended tour operations until COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. We are still accepting on-line bookings for the future. New Tour Offerings

Ignite your sense of adventure with hikes through hidden forests, majestic waterfalls, volcanic caves, and lava tubes. View the sun rising from the summit of Maunakea or venture to Oahu for a tour of an organic farm; pick greens for a farm-to-fork lunch and hike a trail through the forested mountain ridge of Palehua as you savor breathtaking views of Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor and the coastline of Ko Olina. Spot endangered and endemic birds & wildlife on the Island of Hawaii or seek out the hidden birds on Oahu.

Hawaii Forest & Trail’s nature tours allow you to experience the splendor of Hawaii nei and inspire a deep connection with our natural world. For more than 25 years, we’ve offered tours in small groups, fully outfitted with day packs, walking staffs, rain gear, snacks, a meal, water, and sunscreen.

Our interpretive guides will share the history, culture, and stories of the island. We guarantee your time with Hawaii Forest & Trail will be highly rewarding and will give you a deeper appreciation of the incredible natural wonders of the Island of Hawaii and Oahu.