Big Island · HIKING & TREKKING
20 reviewed
These are the 15 best hiking & trekking tours on the Big Island right now: what each one costs, how long it runs, and which kind of traveller it suits. The top pick sits first for a reason.
Small-group hike on Hawaii’s Hualalai volcano: hidden craters, lava tube, private land access, and included snacks and gear from Kona.
“Although the hike up the mountain was not for the faint of heart, I made it at the age of 73. Just remember, what goes up, must come down. Guide was wonderful. Very knowledgeable.”
A private jungle-to-coast hike on Big Island with rocky tide pools. Bring proper shoes; swimming depends on conditions.
“Breathtakingly beautiful - the hike is as described. Footwear is key to navigating ocean rock portion. We brought a backpack for water shoes, masks and towels etc. magical is the best word and so peaceful. Josh was a great guide and we loved every minute”
A 3-hour small-group hike at Kīlauea Volcanoes National Park, with native forest walks, lava viewing when conditions allow, and Volcano House views.
“This was a fantastic adventure!! Our guide, Jennifer, planned the perfect hike into the Kīlauea caldera. Along the way she took us to many significant geological points. She is very knowledgeable about volcanoes and specifically about the volcanoes of Hawai’i. She also knows a lot about the native plants and culture. She told many of the Hawai’ian legends related to the Mauna Loa area. She’s a local of the region and directed us to several other sites of interest on the island. She has first hand knowledge of living in the land of fire. The route into the caldera was a comfortable hike. We stopped at significant points and Jennifer…”
Guided hike through Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park with Kilauea Iki views, Thurston Lava Tube, and a picnic lunch. Small group, expert guide.
“The Guide Jennifer was absolutely great and Sweet. We loved to here her storys and legends about the Volcanoe.”
A late-afternoon Kīlauea hike with Christian, a Native Hawaiian guide, mixing rim walks, lava gazing, and culture for $200.
“We had a wonderful time our host was the best. Such awesome information. Would recommend to anyone .”
A 9-hour small-group hike from Hilo to Kilauea’s 2018 lava sites, ending with lunch and dinner plus drinks at Volcano Winery.
“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.”
Guided small-group hike at Volcanoes NP with breakfast, gourmet lunch, Thurston Lava Tube, Kīlauea Iki lava lake, and native forest.
“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!!”
Exclusive Hualālai crater hike with private access, 3–4 miles through cloud forest and fissures, optional lava tube, small group, $198.
“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…”
Private jungle-and-lava hike to Makaukiu tide pools on Big Island. Clear water, calm depth zones, fish and sea turtles nearby.
“It was a really nice Hike - thank you Kat for this memories!! God bless you!! :)”
Private 3-hour guided walks in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park with a reflective, culture-aware guide and time to slow down.
“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.”
Full-day Big Island volcano hike with NPS-certified guidance, caldera walking, caves, and included lunch and dinner.
“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.”
A guided 3-hour descent into Kīlauea’s Halemaumau Crater: steam vents, rainforest plants, and possible lava-lake views in a small group.
“Yvonne was a fantastic tour guide! She was so knowledgeable and explained everything we saw along our hike. Definitely recommend!!”
Hilo’s Elite Volcano Hike takes you from 2018 eruption sites to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, with lunch, beverages, and hotel pickup.
“Tour was interesting and traveling van was nice and comfortable. Drive to Hilo from the opposite side of island is long. Our tour guide was wonderful, very accomodating and well prepared. For as long as the drive is, It would have been nice to have a recorded video/audio of the history of the Hawaiian islands, instead of the guide having to talk the whole time (sure he would have appreciated a break). The places that we were taken to were as expected with some unexpected and wonderful stops. Tour is great for older, less able people. Younger, more adventurous people may want more.”
A 4-hour Hilo waterfall hike and swim with a native Hawaiian guide, featuring Waiʻale Falls, Hawaiian language, and cultural practice.
“Christian was a wonderful guide. He had encyclopedi college of Hawaiian history and culture. I couldn't have asked for a friendlier more knowledgeable guy. However, I did not realize how steep some of the trails would be and how deep some of the lakes would be near the waterfall. I lost my glasses off my face. And christian went the extra mile to try to find them.Unfortunately they were lost to wahia. The walk is not for anybody with back or knee problems that keep you from being mobile.The path through the trees is more technical than I realized, as is climbing over the rocks and the swim.But Christian did…”
Private e-bike and lava hike in Pāhoa with Stacy Welch, hearing 2018 eruption stories and visiting fissures including fissure 8.
“Lovely experience with an amazing guide . The bikes were fun to ride and the crater was awesome to see in person !”
