Eco Tours
3 hours
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Recommended by 99% of travellers
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R 2 918
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Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary
Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary
Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary
5
Cultural ToursWalking ToursHiking TrailsHiking & Camping ToursDay Trips
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Full view
About
Reservations are Required! We curate special experiences for groups - please call Difficulty:Moderate - natural uneven terrain, roots, hills Welcome to Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary, where cool air and lush greenery awaits 15 minutes from the Kona Airport, on the Island of Hawai’i! We invite you to step into a world of wonder in the only seasonally dry Cloud Forest in the U.S. In this living classroom, we invite you to learn about the important role of the Cloud Forest through immersive experiences including educational ecotours, forest bathing, sound bath and guided meditations, yoga, themed workshops and more, all designed to deepen your connection to Hawai’i, nature, and your inner well-being. As a multi-generation kuleana, the genesis of Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary sprouted in the early 80's, inspired by a vision to demonstrate that it is possible to reforest in one lifetime. Guided by the principles of Mālama ʻāina! Please visit our website for more information!
Kailua-Kona, United States
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
530 reviews
Excellent
492
Very good
24
Average
4
Poor
8
Terrible
3
kytraveler
Shelbyville, KY190 contributions
Sept 2021
When preparing for our trip to the Big Island, this walking tour kept catching my attention and I knew it was something I really wanted to do. Convincing the rest of my party was the tough part. When it was all said and done, they were glad we went. Kelly Dunn is the tour guide and he was informative and entertaining. Our small group was mainly a younger set but he was very patient with my 'grandma pace'. He provided each member of the group with a bamboo walking stick which was needed but I didn't find the route overly taxing. Absolutely, read the email he sends containing important information concerning the hike. Yes, you need closed toe shoes and I recommend long pants and bring along a light weight rain poncho. We made several stops along the route so he could provide detailed information about particular plants. He also takes candid phots along the way as well as posed shots in a grove of clumping bamboo. There was no charge for the photos which he provided in a drop box account. I encourage visitors to the island to take advantage of this tour.
Written 30 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for visiting and for your review.
Please come again!
We invite you to follow us on FB and Instagram @konacloudforestsanctuary
Mahalo!
Written 3 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Josée F
Welland, Canada25 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
The tour of the sanctuary was spectacular. Our guide Kelly was informative and knowledgeable, entertaining and kept us wanting to learn more about this one of a kind forest in North America. Trees breath building clouds of humidity to feed all that we saw and felt. Can’t wait to go back for the night tour
Written 10 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for visiting the Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary and for your review! We are always striving to improve our experiences and appreciate you being part of our journey.
Please come again and see what's new!
In the meantime, we invite you to follow us on FB and Instagram @konacloudforestsanctuary
Mahalo!
Written 3 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MarthaTraveler4
6 contributions
Jun 2021 • Family
This tour was a blast! Kelly is so knowledgeable and witty- our entire family of four loved the 3-hour experience immersing us in the tropical cloud forest. The sounds (cockatiels overhead!), colors, textures, and lush vegetation was a total delight for every sense. The fresh eucalyptus smelled great, too. It’s a tricky hike but Kelly provides walking sticks to help keep you upright while exploring this jungle. We learned so much and would highly recommend this experience as a top thing to do on the big island!
Written 25 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for visiting the Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary and for your review! We are always striving to improve our experiences and appreciate you being part of our journey.
Please come again and see what's new!
In the meantime, we invite you to follow us on FB and Instagram @konacloudforestsanctuary
Mahalo!
Written 3 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
TravelGirl80004
Arvada, CO206 contributions
Apr 2021
I will remember this tour for the rest of my life. I feel so honored to have seen the beauty of this place and to have learned about how remarkable and special this cloud forest is. Kelly, our tour guide was witty and deeply committed to passing on his knowledge of this forest in a way that everyone in our group could connect with. I appreciated the group size and Kelly did a fantastic job keeping the little girls and adults engaged in the tour with humor and stories.
I encourage everyone to take this tour and learn how magnificent mother nature can be. It will open your eyes to a whole new world, a world that is quickly disappearing. You will be changed by taking this tour.
I encourage everyone to take this tour and learn how magnificent mother nature can be. It will open your eyes to a whole new world, a world that is quickly disappearing. You will be changed by taking this tour.
Written 19 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for visiting the Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary and for your review! We are always striving to improve our experiences and appreciate you being part of our journey.
Please come again and see what's new!
In the meantime, we invite you to follow us on FB and Instagram @konacloudforestsanctuary
Mahalo!
Written 3 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Steph
1 contribution
Dec 2019
Visiting the cloud forest was a beautiful learning experience unlike any in Kona. During the tour, Kelly, our guide, was very knowledgeable about the local plant life. His love for all plants whether they were native or non-native was incomparable. And his passion for rainbow trees was contagious! Getting to see and touch these beautiful rainbow trees was such a special privilege! I highly recommend taking this tour, especially if your interested in the big islands plant life. If given another chance, I would revisit this beautiful sanctuary again!
Written 2 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for visiting the Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary and for your review! We are always striving to improve our experiences and appreciate you being part of our journey.
Please come again and see what's new!
In the meantime, we invite you to follow us on FB and Instagram @konacloudforestsanctuary
Mahalo!
Written 3 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
PolarBears
New York, NY20 contributions
Apr 2023 • Family
Wonderful hike through a beautiful forest sanctuary with an inspiring history. Was even more special to have the hike guided by the grandson (Drew) of the person who created the sanctuary and remembers helping to plant some of the trees—it really personalized the experience and made it more than just another nature hike. Learned a lot about the Kona cloud forest specifically and it’s important role in shaping the ecology of Big Island. But also learned interesting facts about non-native plant species that you get to see in the sanctuary as well. Our hike started on a banyan lined path and we passed through various palm and bamboo species, native Ohia and Koa trees, as well as various species of eucalyptus trees. My favorites were learning the magical story behind the growth of a very large rainbow eucalyptus on the property (you’ll have to take the tour to hear it!), walking through a grove of pine trees including California Redwood trees (I would never have expected to see a Redwood in Hawaii!) and the majestic blue marble tree. Drew was also able to keep our 6 and 12 year olds engaged throughout the hike and had them guessing the entire hike about the velociraptor-like sounding animal we would see at the end of the hike that we heard screeching at various points throughout the hike. It did rain towards the end of the hike (it is a cloud forest after all) so would suggest bringing raincoat or poncho. Highly recommend this hike for anyone who enjoys nature and wants to experience first hand the evolution of a cloud forest.
Written 6 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for sharing your detailed and enthusiastic review of your guided walk through our family stewarded Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary. We're thrilled that you found the experience so personalized and special, guided by Drew, who is connected to the sanctuary's inspiring family history. It's wonderful that you learned about the Kona Cloud Forest's ecological significance and its role in shaping the island's ecology.
It excites me to hear that your 6-12 years olds stayed engaged. We've found that age group to be extremely curious and interested in the natural world, and for this reason we are launching a Junior Naturalist program! You can follow us on Instagram @konacloudforestsanctuary to stay abreast of our latest happenings as we continue to evolve.
Thank you for the practical raincoat suggestion and your high recommendation – we can't wait to welcome you back for more memorable nature experiences in the future!
Mahalo!
Written 28 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jeff W
1 contribution
Aug 2021 • Family
Just an outstanding day for our entire group. People from 7 to 72 enjoyed the outing, the education, and the experience. Kelly was extremely knowledgeable and the hike was light. Some really great pictures added to the experience (holiday card worthy) as did seeing the clouds being created. Can’t recommend enough - extended family is still talking about it. Thanks for such a great day!
Written 9 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for visiting the Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary and for your review! We are always striving to improve our experiences and appreciate you being part of our journey.
Please come again and see what's new!
In the meantime, we invite you to follow us on FB and Instagram @konacloudforestsanctuary
Mahalo!
Written 3 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Erin D
Rockaway, NJ63 contributions
Sept 2022
Beautiful and happy we did it but I conversed with the individual who runs the sanctuary prior to visit to make sure my mom (80 yr old but in GREAT shape) would be able to navigate. He assured me she would and if there were issues, the guide (his grandson/nephew) would accommodate. Out group had ages from 3 yrs to 80 yrs. I highly recommend if you have 2 hiking poles, you bring them (though they do offer walking sticks). My mom (as most older individuals do) has challenges with stability and it was pretty tough for her. I'm an avid hiker and it was probably a moderate level walk with LOTS of tripping hazards.
The guide also started talking before even half of the group got to him. Younger kids were not engaged by the guide, either. I didn't want to rate it lower because I think it's a great experience - just be aware.
The guide also started talking before even half of the group got to him. Younger kids were not engaged by the guide, either. I didn't want to rate it lower because I think it's a great experience - just be aware.
Written 4 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are grateful that you enjoyed your experience and are leaving your feedback here.
We try our best to make it clear that the trails are uneven with roots and volcanic rock. That is the nature of living on a volcanic mountain! This land is hundreds of years too young for soil to form, and therefore the tree roots spread out across the surface. Most of the trails are very easy and fairly level, we only change ~100ft of elevation over a couple miles, and there are a few locations with large roots that can be more challenging to navigate for some individuals.
We offer free admission to children. It can be challenging to engage all ages if there is such a large age range and level of understanding and expectation. Many of the children we have visit absolutely love the tour and exploring the forest with us. Some chose to not be engaged. We are working on building tools for children engagement.
We also provide field trips for student groups of all ages from Hawaii and the mainland and have received incredible feedback on the experiential learning and exploration opportunity that we provide here.
Thank you for sharing your feedback again and we certainly take this into consideration to improve the tour experience and guiding all audiences.
Written 30 November 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
TXgirl16
Dallas12 contributions
Jan 2020
Was looking forward to tour based on excellent reviews. Told to arrive at 8:45 am for 9 am tour. Just as we were about to start at 9am, a group of 6 rolled up saying they were on the tour, there had been a lack of communication w tour guide who was unaware. He did the gracious thing and waited for them. This made the group size 15. We started by giving everyone a last chance to use toilet at his home which took until 9:30. Kelly the tour is exceptionally passionate and knowledgeable about the cloud forest and plants. He is very talkative - which can be too much for some. A lot of waiting and talking.
Written 3 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for visiting the Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary and for your review! We are always striving to improve our experiences and appreciate you being part of our journey.
Please come again and see what's new!
In the meantime, we invite you to follow us on FB and Instagram @konacloudforestsanctuary
Mahalo!
Written 3 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
LikeOdysseus
San Francisco, CA16 contributions
Sept 2021 • Solo
This tour is the real deal. Situated in the cool fresh air of the mountains, high above the heat and hustle of the coast. A hike through a world bursting with green life an beauty from ancient Ohi'a trees draped with vines, orchids, ferns, and mosses to baby giant bamboo as thick as your leg, that grows so fast you can hear it. It gave me a real understanding of the unique and fascinating plant life that still exists in Hawaii, and how precious it is.
Kelly is an attentive and patient guide and has a wealth of knowledge and lore about the forest and plants that live in this special place. Kelly's love and enthusiasm for the forest is contagious. He is one of those rare people who are dedicated to supporting and preserving something beautiful and essential to all of us, and really for the whole planet.
Places like this, and forests around the world are necessary to our survival and yet they are being destroyed for short term profit and greed.
Come and see for your self why it is worth saving.
Kelly is an attentive and patient guide and has a wealth of knowledge and lore about the forest and plants that live in this special place. Kelly's love and enthusiasm for the forest is contagious. He is one of those rare people who are dedicated to supporting and preserving something beautiful and essential to all of us, and really for the whole planet.
Places like this, and forests around the world are necessary to our survival and yet they are being destroyed for short term profit and greed.
Come and see for your self why it is worth saving.
Written 14 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for visiting and for your review.
Please come again!
We invite you to follow us on FB and Instagram @konacloudforestsanctuary
Mahalo!
Written 3 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I'm confused - can I only visit through a tour? No way to pay an entrance fee and walk around? Also - are there trails? Thanks
Written 28 October 2023
The property is privately owned and only open to those who book a tour through them. It is well worth the cost of admission and you will learn so much more than if you just walked through by yourself. Highly recommend!
Written 30 October 2023
Connector619149
Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska
What are the current rates? Do you give a discount for retired military?
Written 5 January 2023
Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
Aloha! You can visit our website anytime to see our updated pricing. We do offer a military discount on the tours that is $10 off adult price. Thank you for asking! Mahalo!
Written 30 June 2023
The thing is with out trails, the entire pathways are a series of interwoven roots. Because of the roots we insist that tour guests carry one of our lightweight, bamboo walking sticks. We tried a number of times and allowed parents to bring strollers but within ten minutes the parents left the stroller and carried their children. I would say carrying the child would be the only option. As for our daily trail maintenance we can't use wheelbarrows or carts. We carry everything by hand. I wish I had a better solution for your situation. However, if you wish to come up with your stroller I will give the opportunity to try pushing or pulling your stroller. Give me a call and I will plan a day and time! Mahalo, Kelly Dunn #KonaCloudForest
Written 18 December 2019
Do you need a tour guide to see the trees or can we walk around on our own?
Is it a far walk in to see the trees?
We are bringing our 3 year old daughter and she won't last the full 3 hours.
Written 25 August 2019
Chances are really good that it will be raining pretty hard when you get to the rain forest - you might want to re-think taking a kid
Written 26 August 2019
Hello! Thanks for all the replies! We are open from 10 am to 2 pm. Tours average about 2 1/2 hours, if we begin a tour at 2 pm then the tour could possible go to 5 pm.
All tours are by phone appointment followed up by an email confirmation with tour details.
If anyone would like tour information please send an email.
Google search, Kona Cloud Forest Guided Walking Tours
Our page will have all of our contact information and directions.
Aloha and Mahalo!
Kelly Dunn
Written 9 July 2018
UPDATE:
Hello TripAdvisor readers!
As of 2019, January 1st our rates have changed.
Island Guests - $95
Island Residents - $50
We also offer discount rates for Military, Schools and other Non Profit organizations.
All tours are 100% Tax Deductible.
Painted Trees of Hawaii 509 (2)(A) Educational Non Profit Foundation
The Kona Cloud Forest Guided Walking Tours are presented by Painted Trees of Hawaii
If you have any questions call us directly
Mahalo,
Kelly Dunn
#KonaCloudForest
Written 10 April 2019
UPDATE:
Hello TripAdvisor readers!
As of 2019, January 1st our rates have changed.
Island Guests - $95
Island Residents - $50
We also offer discount rates for Military, Schools and other Non Profit organizations.
All tours are 100% Tax Deductible.
Painted Trees of Hawaii 509 (2)(A) Educational Non Profit Foundation
The Kona Cloud Forest Guided Walking Tours are presented by Painted Trees of Hawaii
If you have any questions call us directly
Mahalo,
Kelly Dunn
#KonaCloudForest
Written 1 March 2019
How difficult is the terrain? (hills/steep/etc) and how long are the tours (hours/miles).
Written 5 February 2018
Good questions. The tour is 2-3 hours but the guide (Kelly) can tailor the length to your needs. The terrain is moderately difficult but you can take your time and that makes it way easier. Just take your time and you will be fine.
Written 6 February 2018
Do I need to make reservations for this?
Written 17 January 2018
Yes if you get easily cold... at 3,000 the mornings can be very cool... always good to bring a few changes of clothes... then once you arrive choose the appropriate clothing
Thanks!
Kelly dunn
Written 18 January 2018
Are long pants recommended? And bug spray?
Written 6 June 2017
When we were there no problems with bugs and long pants probably would no be desirable. Since it is a 'cloud forrest' there can be intermittent rain showers and the island was receiving rain generally that day. Probably a good idea to bring either a travel umbrella or disposable poncho. They do provide walking sticks as the pathways are 'natural'. Hope this helps! Ken
Written 6 June 2017
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.