Gold Coast & Cloud Forest

Tour the slopes of Hualalai Volcano from the mountain to the sea – a rare chance to visit the endangered tropical cloud forests high above Kona. A scenic drive brings you to Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park. Set out with your guide on a short hike to see the ancient heiau – sacred temples – and petroglyphs carved by the native Hawaiians who once lived here. Walk to the sandy shore where ancient Hawaiians stored their stocks of fish in traps and ponds. Hawaiian green sea turtles (Honu), the very rare Hawaiian monk seal, dolphins and whales are sometimes also seen here. Next, leave the hot Kona coast behind and enter the cool cloudy 70-acre Cloud Forest Sanctuary. Walking under a canopy of 30-foot-tall tree ferns, ohia trees and bamboo, learn about the tropical flora, birds and the endangered cloud forest before returning to the port.