For information on camping and hiking, contact Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, P.O. Box 52, Hawaii National Park, HI 96718 (tel. 808/985-6000; www.nps.gov/havo); Puuhonua O Honaunau National Historic Park, Honaunau, HI 96726 (tel. 808/328-2288; www.nps.gov/puho); the State Division of Forestry and Wildlife, P.O. Box 4849, Hilo, HI 96720 (tel. 808/947-4221; www.hawaii.gov); the State Division of Parks, P.O. Box 936, Hilo, HI 96721 (tel. 808/974-6200; www.hawaii.gov); the County Department of Parks and Recreation, 25 Aupuni St., Hilo, HI 96720 (tel. 808/961-8311; www.hawaii-county.com); or the Hawaii Sierra Club (tel. 808/959-0452; www.hi.sierraclub.org).
Camping equipment is not available for rent on the Big Island. Plan to bring your own or buy it at Hilo Surplus Store (tel. 808/935-6398).
Guided Day Hikes -- A guided day hike is a great way to discover natural Hawaii without having to sleep under a tree to do it. Call the following outfitters ahead of time (before you arrive) for a schedule of trips; they fill up quickly.
A longtime resident of Hawaii, Dr. Hugh Montgomery of Hawaiian Walkways, Honokaa (tel. 800/457-7759 or 808/775-0372; www.hawaiianwalkways.com), former "Tour Operator of the Year" by the Hawaii Ecotourism Association of Hawaii, offers a variety of options, ranging from excursions that skirt the rim of immense valleys to hikes through the clouds on the volcano. Hikes are $95 for adults, $75 for kids, to $135 for adults and $95 for kids. Custom hikes are available for $95 each for six hikers. Prices include food, beverages, and equipment.
Naturalist and educator Rob Pacheco of Hawaii Forest & Trail, 74-5035-B Queen Kaahumanu Hwy. (behind the Chevron Station), Kailua-Kona (tel. 800/464-1993 or 808/331-8505; www.hawaii-forest.com), offers day trips to some of the island's most remote, pristine, natural areas, some of which he has exclusive access to. Rob's fully trained staff narrates the entire trip, offering extensive natural, geological, and cultural commentary (and more than a little humor). Tours are limited to 10 people and are highly personalized to meet the group's interests and abilities. Options include waterfall adventures, rainforest discovery hikes, birding tours, volcanoes, and even an off-road adventure in a 6X6 Pinzgauer Scrambler that allows you to explore hard-to-reach places. Each tour involves 2 to 4 hours of easy-to-moderate walking, over terrain manageable by anyone in average physical condition. Half-day trips, including snacks, beverages, water, and gear, range from $109 to $165 for adults, $89 to $115 for children ages 8 to 12.
Guided Night Hikes -- For an off-the-beaten-track experience, Arnott's Lodge, 98 Apapane Rd., Hilo (tel. 808/969-7097; www.arnottslodge.com), offers a daylong tour of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, followed by a night lava hike right up to the fiery flow. The 9 1/2-hour tour leaves the lodge at noon and spends most of the afternoon in the park. The lava hike (a 4-hr., somewhat strenuous round-trip hike) takes place as the sun is setting, so you can see the glow of the flow both during and after sunset. The cost is $80.
