The Forest in the Clouds

Driving up the slopes of Hualālai to the Cloud Forest is like ascending to another realm. This isn't a garden you just walk into. It's an ecosystem you experience. It feels ancient, even though it's a story of modern restoration. For anyone who truly loves plants and the story of the land, this is a pilgrimage.

Unique Botanical Experiences Across the Island

On the opposite side of the island from the wet, tropical gardens of Hilo lies a botanical experience that is utterly unique: the Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary. This is not a rainforest. A cloud forest is an incredibly rare ecosystem, making up less than 1% of all forested land on the planet. It gets a significant portion of its life-sustaining moisture not from rain, but directly from the clouds and mist that drift through the trees. The water condenses on every leaf and branch and drips down to the forest floor. The sanctuary is located within the only dry-winter tropical cloud forest in the United States, making it an exceptionally special place.

The story of this sanctuary is as remarkable as the forest itself. In 1982, founder and horticulture expert Norman Bezona began a passionate reforestation project on 70 acres of what was then barren pastureland on a young lava flow. What you see today—a thriving, biodiverse jungle with canopy trees soaring over 100 feet tall—is a testament to four decades of dedicated restoration. It's a powerful story of ecological hope and the potential for humans to heal the land.

This sanctuary is a paradise for botany enthusiasts. It's a living classroom showcasing an incredible diversity of life. You'll find over 200 species of palms, 100 species of bamboo, giant tree ferns, and stunning Rainbow Eucalyptus trees with their multicolored bark. The restored forest has also welcomed back native Hawaiian birds like the ʻio (Hawaiian hawk) and the ʻapapane honeycreeper.

A Transformative Experience

A visit here is a deeply personal and educational experience. It is not a place for a casual, self-guided stroll. Access is by guided eco-tour only, and you must make reservations in advance. The tours are intentionally slow-paced and mindful, designed to connect you with the forest on a deeper level. Guides are praised for being incredibly knowledgeable and passionate, sharing insights into the forest's ecology, geology, and history. The experience is often described by visitors not just as a hike, but as a meditation or a form of "forest bathing." The sanctuary also offers wellness experiences like yoga and sound baths, further emphasizing its focus on transformation and inner peace. This is a premium experience designed for those who seek not just to see nature, but to feel it and be changed by it.

Planning Your Visit

This is a true hike and premium experience. You must have a moderate level of fitness and be comfortable walking for up to three hours on uneven, natural terrain of volcanic rock and tree roots. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are required. The sanctuary is located on the slopes of Hualālai mountain at 73-1865 Hao Street, Kailua Kona.