There’s more to Hawai’i Island than palm trees, beaches and an active volcano — and Hawai’i Forest & Trail invites you to discover it. After expanding tour services to Hilo, founders Rob and Cindy Pacheco are building on 21 years of guiding visitors around the island with new Heritage and Adventure Tours designed to highlight culture, history and natural wonders.
One featured option, Hilo Tropical Wonders, explores river valleys and waterfalls, traces the legacy of Hilo’s sugar plantation era, and visits contemporary Hawaiian agriculture at the 1,000-acre OK Farms near Rainbow Falls. This tour blends scenic hikes and photo stops with informative commentary about the island’s ecosystems and farming traditions, giving visitors context about how local landscapes and livelihoods have evolved.
The Volcano Country tour visits Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and includes a private coffee sampling at the Kau Coffee Mill, followed by wildlife viewing on the black-sand beaches at Punaluu where Hawaiian green sea turtles often bask. This itinerary balances geology, culture and culinary flavors to present a rounded view of the island’s volcanic landscape and coastal life.
Also new is the Maunakea Voyage, an all-day excursion offered in partnership with the Imiloa Astronomy Center. The trip grants special access to a private planetarium presentation and instruction on how Polynesian navigators read the night sky for long-distance voyaging. The day’s program includes lunch, a summit visit to the dormant Mauna Kea, an up-close look at Keck Observatory—the world’s largest optical telescope—and an introduction to the Wekiu, a unique flightless insect that lives at high elevation on the mountain.
Each tour blends knowledgeable guides with carefully selected stops to highlight Hawai’i Island’s diversity: from lush rainforests and agricultural sites to volcanic terrains, coastal habitats and high-elevation ecosystems. Emphasis is placed on respectful wildlife viewing, cultural interpretation, and sustainable practices so visitors can appreciate the island while minimizing their footprint.
Hawai’i Forest & Trail’s offerings are suitable for a range of interests and activity levels. Heritage tours focus on history, agriculture and cultural sites, while Adventure Tours incorporate hiking, scenic drives and hands-on experiences. Small-group formats and experienced guides ensure personalized attention and opportunities to ask questions, learn local stories and gain insights into the island’s natural and cultural heritage.
Whether you’re drawn to waterfalls and tropical forests, volcanic landscapes and coffee culture, or the stars and high-mountain life of Mauna Kea, these new tours provide thoughtfully curated ways to see more of Hawai’i Island beyond the typical postcard scenes. They emphasize education, conservation and authentic local perspectives so visitors leave with a deeper understanding of the island’s many layers.