Hawai‘i Forest & Trail Launches New Adventures

Hawai‘i Forest and Trail has announced two new Hawai‘i Island adventure tours.

The adventure company started back in 1994 and has built a foundation on knowledgeable and qualified guides who connect guests to Hawai‘i’s mystique.

The new tours include:

Mauna Kea Sunrise Experience:

Take a trek to the tallest volcano on the planet and enjoy the sunrise from the top of Mauna Kea.

Mauna Kea Sunrise / Image: James Grenz

This unforgettable early morning experience starts while the rest of the island sleeps.

It’s a peaceful, serene time and Mauna Kea’s night sky is still alive with the cosmos of stars and planets as the world’s largest collection of research telescopes continue their work of looking into deep space through their open domes.

Mauna Kea Sunrise Experience departs Hawai‘i Forest & Trail Kona headquarters, and from select Kohala Coast hotels, in top-of-the-line vehicles equipped to handle rugged mountain elements.

A brief stop at the Ellison Onizuka Visitors Information Station allows guests to acclimate to the altitude and enjoy a warm beverage before heading up to the summit.

During the climb knowledgeable guides point out key star formations still visible in the night sky and share the cultural and scientific significance of the mountain.

At the summit of Mauna Kea, guests venture outside to stand amidst the world’s largest collection of research telescopes and take in the beautiful sunrise.

After dawn, the group heads back down to the Ellison Onizuka Visitor’s center where Hawai‘i Forest & Trail serves up a light breakfast including fresh island fruit, baked banana bread, croissants, boiled egg, yogurt, granola, 100% Kona coffee, hot cocoa & assorted teas.

Later, Hawai‘i Forest & Trail guides take guests on a short excursion through the Mauna Kea Silversword enclosure.

The Mauna Kea silversword, a member of the silversword alliance, is a group of endemic Hawaiian plants that scientists believe all evolved from a single plant species that originated in North America several million years ago.

The 7 to 8 hour round trip Mauna Kea Sunrise Experience is an awe-inspiring tour found only at Hawai‘i Forest & Trail.

Due to altitude and safety considerations, the minimum age requirement is 16.

The adult price is $196.88.

“It’s always exciting to add new adventures to our offerings of small guided tours. Significant planning has gone into the launch of this completely new Mauna Kea experience. The mountain is home to environmental and cultural landscapes that are unmatched anywhere in the world,” said Rob Pacheco, President and Founder Hawai‘i Forest & Trail. “Maunakea Sunrise Experience showcases an entirely new aspect of this famous summit and allows Hawaii Forest & Trail to connect our guests to the unique wonder of this mountain.”

Volcano Extreme and Waterfall Swim:

This adventure gives Hawai‘i Forest & Trail guests two of Hawai‘i Island’s exciting experiences in one half-day adventure.

File photo by Ben Gaddis.

First is a 45-minute fly over Kīlauea, the world’s most active volcano with Paradise Helicopters.

The Paradise Helicopter will have the doors off so passengers can feel the heat from molten lava.

Heading south to one of America’s largest tropical fruit farms, Hawai‘i Forest & Trail vans transport guests to swim, kayak or paddleboard under a private 120-foot waterfall.

Finally, kick back on a private deck and enjoy a deli-style lunch.

This 3.5 hour adventure tour will remain an exciting memory forever.

The tour is for ages 12 and over. Adult price is $455.

“To have an opportunity to fly doors off above Kīlauea, and then be swimming under a 120 foot private waterfall within the span of a few hours is a very thrilling and unique experience for any adventure seeker,” said Jason Cohn, Marketing Manager for Hawai‘i Forest & Trail.

To book Hawai‘i Forest & Trail’s new Mauna Kea Sunrise Experience or Volcano Extreme and Waterfall Swim call 800-464-1993 or locally at 808-331-8505 or click here.