Step into the quiet beauty of Hawaiʻi’s tropical cloud forest on this peaceful 1.5-hour guided visit to Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary, lovingly stewarded as a family forest since 1982.
Follow the Pantropical Lower Loop Trail through a landscape of rare trees, ferns, palms, bamboo, and flowers, with the songs of native Hawaiian honeycreepers drifting through the air. Along the way, you’ll learn about the climate, geology, and history that shape this remarkable ecosystem, as well as the delicate balance that supports it and the human impact that has influenced it over time. With fresh mountain air, gentle elevation changes, and a half-mile route, this walk offers space to slow down, clear the mind, and relax into the calming presence of nature.
The sanctuary’s mission is to encourage a conscious connection with nature, self, and community, helping cultivate a world where people and the Earth can thrive together in harmony.
This experience may be a perfect fit if you:
- Love plants and forests
- Want to explore and learn about the only Cloud Forest in the United States
- Are visiting with young children and prefer a shorter tour
- Have less than 3 hours available but still want to experience the sanctuary
- Prefer a shorter walking tour of about half a mile
What's included
- Tranquility
- Lasting memories
- Appreciation & Respect
- Walking sticks
- Bug spray
- Water
- Photos
- Tree hugs
Available for Purchase
- Drinks other than water
- Snacks
- Merchandise
Itinerary
- 15-minute introduction to the Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary
- More than 1 hour exploring the wisdom and beauty the sanctuary has to offer
Highlights
- Learn about native and global plants and animals
- See reforested areas and the sanctuary’s unique biodiversity
- Visit locations that inspired James Cameron and the cast of Avatar
- Ideal for families with young children
Additional information
- Check-in details: Please arrive at least 10 minutes early. The program begins on time.
- What to bring: Rain jacket, comfortable outdoor clothing with pants recommended, closed-toe shoes, hat, reusable water bottle, desired snacks, and a positive attitude with an open heart and mind. Expect temperatures to be 10 to 15 degrees cooler, and be prepared for rain.
- Restrictions: Participants must be confident walking on natural volcanic rock and tree root terrain, and comfortable walking and standing for up to 3 hours without sitting. No strollers, walkers, or wheelchairs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I explore on my own or do I need a guide? A guide is required for safety and for a richer experience learning the story of this privately stewarded land.
- When are your tours? Guided tours are offered every day of the week, with the latest availability shown in the tour schedule.
- What do I need to bring? Closed-toe hiking shoes, water, a camera, a rain jacket, and an adventure hat. In a cloud forest, rain can happen at any time.
- When should I arrive? Please arrive 10 minutes before the tour begins so you are ready to start on time.
- Do you have a bathroom? Yes, there is a bathroom available at the trailhead.
- Do you have drinking water and food available? Water and food are not available at this time, so please come prepared.
- Do you have a trash can? No. Please follow pack in, pack out guidelines and take all trash and wrappers with you.
- Do you sell gift cards? Yes, gift cards are available for purchase through the website.
- Where are you located? The sanctuary is 15 minutes up the mountain from the Kailua-Kona Airport and 20 minutes from Kailua-Kona town.
- Do you offer private tours or school group experiences? Yes, private experiences for school groups, organizations, and private groups are available by inquiry.
Cancellations
KCFS Cancellation Policy – Public Experiences
This policy reflects the limited capacity and high demand for these experiences, helping ensure everyone has an equal opportunity to visit the Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary.
48 hour cancellation policy:
- Full refund, credit, or rebooking is available up to 48 hours before your reservation time.
- All bookings are final within 48 hours of the scheduled start time.
- A 50% rebooking fee applies to rebookings made within 48 hours.
- No refunds or credits are issued within 48 hours without Trip Protection.
Trip Protection OPTION:
- Trip Protection may be added at checkout for greater flexibility and peace of mind, allowing last-minute cancellations up to 2 hours before the reservation for a full refund, rebooking, or credit.
- Requests must be made by email or phone.
- No refunds, rebooking, or credit are issued for cancellations within 2 hours of the start time, late arrivals, or no-shows.
No refunds are issued for weather unless the operator cancels the experience. As this is a cloud forest, rain should be expected and planned for, and weather conditions cannot be guaranteed. The operator may cancel experiences at any time due to safety, inclement weather, or other unforeseen circumstances. In that case, guests may rebook or receive a full refund or credit.
