Best Hiking Tours in Big Island
Waterfalls, Volcanic Landscapes, Cloud Forests & Private Trail Adventures
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Written by a Local Expert
Jade KawanuiOn This Page
The Island of Hawaiʻi is home to some of the most varied hiking scenery in the state. Big Island hiking tours make it easier to explore waterfalls, volcanic landscapes, cloud forests, private trails, and rainforest paths with a local guide leading the way.
Hawaii Tours offers guided hiking experiences for different travel styles. Some tours focus on short family-friendly walks, while others spend a full day exploring volcanoes, native forests, or remote valleys. Many options include transportation, food, drinks, equipment, or access to areas that are not easy to reach alone. Whether you want a scenic nature walk or a full-day adventure, guided hikes help you enjoy the island with more comfort, safety, and local insight.
Top-Rated Hiking Tours · Big Island
Ready to Hike the Big Island?
Handpicked by Jade Kawanui
Top Big Island Hiking Tours
Kohala Waterfalls Adventure
Guided · Food & Drinks · 6–7 Hours
Elite Volcano Hiking Tour
Food & Transport Included · 9–13 Hours
Hike Private Waterfalls Tour
Family-Friendly · Private Land · 2.5 Hours
All tours are led by certified local guides · Prices vary by season and availability
🗺️ Why Choose Guided Big Island Hiking Tours
The best hiking tours in Big Island help take the guesswork out of planning. The island has many different climates, trail types, and access rules. A local guide can help guests understand the land, follow the right route, and enjoy the experience at a safe pace.
Many tours also include helpful services such as hotel pickup, meals, drinks, walking gear, or access to private areas. This allows guests to focus on the views, wildlife, waterfalls, and volcanic features instead of handling every detail alone.
Guided hikes are also a good choice for visitors who want to learn more about Hawaiʻi's natural history. Guides may share details about native plants, lava formations, forest ecosystems, cultural history, and how the island's landscapes have changed over time.
🌋 Diverse Terrain
From volcanic craters and lava fields to cloud forests and hidden waterfalls — the Big Island packs more landscape variety than any other island in the state.
🔑 Private Access
Several guided tours include access to private land and trails that independent visitors cannot reach. Guides hold the keys to hidden craters, private waterfalls, and secluded forest routes.
🎒 All-Inclusive Ease
Most tours include transportation, food, drinks, and gear. Guests arrive, enjoy the hike, and return without worrying about logistics, parking, or supplies.
📖 Local Knowledge
Guides share stories about native plants, lava formations, forest ecosystems, cultural history, and the island's ever-changing volcanic landscape throughout the hike.
Skip the planning headaches
Join a Guided Big Island Hiking Tour
Routes, access, food & local insight included
🥾 Big Island Hiking Tours Available to Book
Hawaii Tours offers several hiking experiences across different parts of the island. Each tour has its own pace, duration, and setting, so guests can choose the option that best fits their group.
🌊 Kohala Waterfalls Adventure
The Kohala Waterfalls Adventure is a guided hiking and sightseeing tour through the lush North Kohala region. This tour is listed as a 6 to 7 hour experience from Kona or Waikōloa Town and includes food, beverages, and a guide.
Guests can expect valley views, forest scenery, waterfalls, and peaceful natural surroundings. This option is a strong choice for travelers who want a scenic hike with both nature and local storytelling.
🌋 Elite Volcano Hiking Tour
The Elite Volcano Hiking Tour is designed for guests who want a deeper look at the island's volcanic side. This full-day experience is listed as a 9 to 13-hour hiking tour from Hilo, Kona, or Kohala hotels.
The tour includes transportation, food, and drinks. It is a good fit for guests who want to explore volcanic landscapes without planning the route, timing, and logistics on their own. The longer format also gives guests more time to experience the island's dramatic geology and changing terrain.
🌿 Hidden Craters Hiking Tour
The Hidden Craters Hiking Tour takes guests through private areas on Kona's Hualālai volcano. This 5-hour guided tour includes a hike through a cloud forest and access to volcanic features that most visitors do not see on their own.
This tour is ideal for travelers who want something more secluded. The route combines forest scenery, volcanic history, and a rare look at hidden craters above the Kona coast.
🪂 Kohala Zip and Dip Tour
The Kohala Zip and Dip Tour combines two popular outdoor experiences in one day. Guests can zipline, swim, and enjoy the Kohala area with food, drinks, a guide, and equipment included.
The full experience is listed as about 9 hours. This is a good option for travelers who want more than a standard hike and prefer an active day with different types of outdoor adventure.
🦜 Rainforest Bird Watching Tour
The Rainforest Bird Watching Tour is a 12-hour guided experience from Waikōloa and Kailua-Kona. It includes food, drinks, transportation, and equipment.
This tour is best for nature lovers who want to explore Hawaiʻi's forest habitats and look for native birds. The longer tour time allows guests to visit different forest areas and experience more of the island's natural range.
💧 Hike Private Waterfalls Tour
The Hike Private Waterfalls Tour is a shorter guided hiking option on private land. It is listed as a 2.5-hour hiking tour with plenty of photo opportunities.
This tour is family-friendly and works well for guests who want a beautiful nature experience without committing to a full-day hike. The private setting also gives guests a quieter way to enjoy waterfalls and the surrounding landscape.
🥾 Jade's Insider Tip
The Big Island packs every climate zone on Earth into a single island. Dress in layers no matter which tour you choose — it can be sunny and warm at the coast but cool and misty on the slopes of Hualālai or Mauna Kea. Your guide will help you prep, but it's always worth asking what to wear before you head out.
Guided Three-hour Hike in Volcanoes National Park
Offered by Volcanoes Hiking Guides — A top-rated hiking experience in Volcano. Starting from $120 per person. Free cancellation available. Book your spot today.
*Prices subject to change. Check availability for current rates.
🌿 Hiking on the Big Island by Landscape
The Island of Hawaiʻi has many trail settings, and each one offers a different experience. Hawaii Tours includes options for guests who want waterfalls, forests, volcanic scenery, or a mix of outdoor activities.
🌊 Waterfall and Valley Hikes
Waterfall hikes are a popular choice for visitors who want lush scenery and peaceful views. The Kohala region is known for green valleys, flowing streams, and hidden falls. Guided tours in this area help guests enjoy the landscape while learning more about the land and its history.
These tours are also a good option for guests who prefer a slower pace. Some waterfall hikes are shorter and more family-friendly, while others include a longer day of sightseeing and outdoor activity.
🌋 Volcano and Lava Landscape Hikes
Volcanic landscapes are one of the main reasons many visitors choose the best hiking tours in Big Island, Hawaiʻi. Guided volcano hikes allow guests to see lava fields, craters, caves, and changing terrain with help from someone who understands the area.
The Elite Volcano Hiking Tour is a strong option for guests who want this type of experience. It gives visitors a guided way to explore the island's volcanic side while including transportation, food, and drinks.
🦜 Forest and Birding Hikes
The Big Island's forests are home to native plants, birds, and rich natural scenery. Forest-based tours can include rainforest paths, dry forest areas, cloud forests, and quieter routes away from busy visitor spots.
The Rainforest Bird Watching Tour and Hidden Craters Hiking Tour both give guests a closer look at forest ecosystems. These tours are especially helpful for visitors who want a more educational outdoor experience.
Big Island Hiking Tours
Explore Every Landscape
🧭 What to Know Before Booking a Hiking Tour
Each hiking tour has its own activity level, duration, and age rules. Some tours are shorter and better for families, while others are best for guests who are comfortable spending many hours outdoors.
Guests should review the tour details before booking. Sturdy walking shoes, layered clothing, sun protection, and water are helpful for most hikes. The weather can change quickly across the island, especially between coastal areas, forests, and higher elevations.
For guests with physical limitations or health concerns, contacting the team before booking is recommended. Hawaii Tours can help guests review the available options and choose a tour that better fits their needs.
Big Island Hiking at a Glance
Essential Packing List
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Routes, access, food, transportation, and expert local guides included. No logistics stress. Just the Big Island's most dramatic landscapes.
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🎒 What Is Included in Guided Hiking Tours
Tour inclusions vary by experience. Some Big Island hiking trail experiences include transportation, meals, drinks, guides, and equipment. Others focus on a shorter guided route with photo stops and access to private land.
For example, the Elite Volcano Hiking Tour includes transportation, food, and drinks. The Rainforest Bird Watching Tour includes food, drinks, transportation, and equipment. The Kohala Zip and Dip Tour includes food, drinks, a guide, and all needed equipment. Guests should check the details of each tour before booking so they know what is included and what they should bring.
| Tour | Best For | Duration | Highlights | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🏆 Top Pick Kohala Waterfalls Adventure | Couples, families | 6–7 hrs | Food, guide, valley views | Book → |
| 🌋 Volcano Elite Volcano Hiking Tour | Adventure seekers | 9–13 hrs | Transport, food, lava fields | Book → |
| 🌿 Private Hidden Craters Hiking Tour | Explorers, small groups | 5 hrs | Cloud forest, private craters | Book → |
| 🪂 Combo Kohala Zip and Dip Tour | Active travelers | ~9 hrs | Zipline, swim, food, gear | Book → |
| 🦜 Nature Rainforest Bird Watching Tour | Nature lovers | 12 hrs | Transport, food, native birds | Book → |
| 👨👩👧 Family Hike Private Waterfalls Tour | Families, beginners | 2.5 hrs | Private land, photo stops | Book → |
✅ All tours include free cancellation up to 24 hours before · Prices vary by season
Book a Guided Hiking Experience on the Big Island
The Island of Hawaiʻi offers waterfalls, rainforests, volcanic terrain, private trails, and quiet natural spaces that are best explored with local guidance. Browse the available Big Island hiking tours and book the experience that fits your group. From short waterfall walks to full-day volcano adventures, each tour offers a guided way to see more of Hawaiʻi's natural beauty.
Instant confirmation · Secure booking · Best price guarantee
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Big Island hiking tours suitable for beginners?
Yes, several guided hikes are suitable for beginners. Some tours are shorter and easier, while others require more time and stamina. The Hike Private Waterfalls Tour at 2.5 hours and the Hidden Craters Hiking Tour at 5 hours are both good starting points. Guests can review each tour's duration and activity level before choosing.
What should guests bring on a hiking tour?
Comfortable closed-toe shoes, layered clothing, sunscreen, a hat, and a refillable water bottle are helpful for most hikes. A light rain jacket is also useful because the weather can change quickly in forest and mountain areas.
Are there family-friendly hiking tours?
Yes, some tours are better suited for families. The Hike Private Waterfalls Tour is listed as a family-friendly option with many photo opportunities. Age rules may still vary by tour, so guests should review the details before booking.
For every skill level
Book a Guided Big Island Hiking Tour
Beginners to experienced hikers — local guides match you to the right trail
How long do hiking tours usually take?
Tour lengths vary. The Hike Private Waterfalls Tour is about 2.5 hours, the Hidden Craters Hiking Tour is about 5 hours, and the Elite Volcano Hiking Tour can take 9 to 13 hours. Full-day tours are best for guests who want a deeper outdoor experience.
Do guided tours include food and transportation?
Some tours include food, drinks, transportation, equipment, or a mix of these services. Inclusions depend on the specific tour. The Elite Volcano Hiking Tour, Rainforest Bird Watching Tour, and Kohala Zip and Dip Tour include several of these services. Guests should check the details of each tour before booking.
Can guests with physical limitations join a tour?
Guests with physical limitations should contact Hawaii Tours before booking. The team can help review the available hiking options and suggest a tour that may better match the guest's comfort level and needs.
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