Founder/CEO/President/Tour Guide: Kelly Dunn
The reviews on this page are from TripAdvisor, Google and sent directly to us by tour guests.
The tour guests were not paid and/or compensated for posting their reviews.
For the past six years Kelly Dunn has been named the best tour guided on the Island of Hawaii.
After you read the reviews gives us a call and we can discuss tour packages, tour dates and other details.
Book a tour today! Call (808) 640-3888



Kelly Dunn's Guided Walking Tours are TripAdvisor Rated #1 Of 106 Things To Do and Nature on the Island of Hawaii.
Kelly Dunn is Google Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Each of the reviews on this page were given the hiighest rating of five out of five stars.

REVIEWS

Best Activity During Our Visit To The Big Island
We immensely enjoyed our Big Island trip. For us the rainforest tour with Kelly Dunn was the top attraction. No words to describe the beauty and the warmth of the rainforest. Kelly shared his immense knowledge and experience of the trees, plants and flowers. 3 hours just flew by. Kelly was awesome at keeping us (and our 3 young kids) engaged. He didn't have to but he was kind to take pictures and share them later.
I would highly recommend this guided tour to anyone visiting the island.
Thank you so much, Kelly!


Thouroughly Enjoyed Every Aspect Of This Tour!
We had a wonderful 3 hour journey through the Rainforest with Kelly Dunn. We learned much about the history of the garden, and developed a much deeper understanding about the plant life on display. Beyond just plants, Kelly shared stories about Hawaiian culture and history, answered questions with deep expertise, and sent us a full set of photos to help us remember the day. We highly recommend Kelly and this amazing experience in Hawaiian Tropical Bioreserve and Garden.


AMAZING Tour/Unforgettable EXPERIENCE:
My family just completed the 3 hour walking tour at the Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Garden with Kelly Dunn. The rainforest was absolutely gorgeous and well worth the 1.5 hour drive from Kona. Kelly made the experience even more memorable and fun with his interesting stories, history, and knowledge of the various plants and things we saw. Kelly even took several photos of our family during the tour at no extra charge, and it was so nice to have memories of this excursion with every person in our group together. Our group ranged from 9 yo old to 65 yo and every one of us walked away saying what a wonderful time we had. Hands down worth every penny spent and would recommend to anyone visiting the island!
Thank you Kelly!


Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Garden with Kelly Dunn
Kelly Dunn led an amazing journey through the rainforest nature preserve. Throughout his tour he provided not only names of flowers or plants but he provided insights into Hawaiian culture, stories, secrets to the success and evolution of all plant life. He always left your inquisitive mind wanting more. It was a 3 hour trip, but it could have been 5, it only seemed like an hour of fun, beauty, memories and neat information. If you ever have the opportunity to take a tour instead of just looking and reading at signs I highly recommend Kelly Dunn's tour. I wish I could have hired him to guide us the whole 2 weeks we were here.


Rainforest Tour
We just visited Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Garden and we were so lucky to have Kelly as our private tour guide for our family! Even before our tour, we got many useful tips from Kelly on our trip planning! Kelly was very accommodative of our schedule on the day of our tour. We were super impressed by Kelly's knowledge on the plants and history of big island! Our two boys (8 and 15) were super engaged throughout the entire walking tour! Kelly was also able to snatch many family photos for us during the tour which was really an unexpected bonus!

SCENIC SECRET!
Our tour with Kelly Dunn was the best experience bar none. He met us there early and took time to give us a little history lesson in advance. Throughout the tour he was extremely thorough and candid. My husband and I really enjoyed his friendliness and comedic relief. We learned a lot about the plants and history of the terrain. As two novices we appreciated his time, patience and willingness to educate. We both highly recommend a tour with Kelly. He has true passion for the Bioreserve/ Botanical Garden.

Magical Experience With Kelly Dunn
On our vacation to Kona we did everything. Scuba, Helicopter, Coffee tasting. But the most memorable part of our journey was our private guided tour with Kelly Dunn. From the moment we arrived we knew that we had made it to a special place. Kelly Dunn was a wonderful host and the experience of the magical part of Kona will stay with us always. If you have to make a choice of what to do...make sure the Kelly Dunn is at the top of your list!

A Must See!
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. We chose Kelly Dunn for our tour guide. 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 photos 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.

A Beautiful Experience
A must see!!!! If you have the opportunity to visit Hawaii you MUST reserve a tour with Kelly Dunn. It is absolutely amazing. Without a doubt the most unique and beautiful experience. Our tour guide, Kelly Dunn, was so informative. He leaves no question unanswered and is so passionate about the forests, Nature and it’s beauty. I look forward to returning to embrace the tranquility that is found nowhere else but there. In the meantime, I will continue to share my beautiful experience with others and highly recommend for any and all to visit. Thank you Kelly Dunn and please, never stop living your passion and sharing it with others.

Enlightening and Fun!
To begin our trip to the Big Island we went on a guided tour with Kelly. The weather was perfect and the hike was informative, educational and beautiful. Kelly's enthusiasm for nature and God's earth was enlightening and fun. We were in a group of 11 which was just right. It was a great introduction to the Big Island.

Great Guided Tour Experience
Kelly's tour is a must see for any nature lover who wants to experience a new and educational experience. Kelly was quick to respond to our last minute request for a guided tour and fit us in the next day. The work Kelly Dunn and his team are doing to maintain, educate, and preserve Nature in Hawai'i is phenomenal.

Unique Experience on the Big Island
This was an amazing experience. Kelly shared this unique treasure up in the clouds away from the hot beaches of the island. Kelly is so passionate about nature and has a wealth of knowledge to share. He is completely hands‐on. And to top it off, he will take a ton of pictures along the way of the group and/or your party free of charge and send them to you in drop box. Amazing exotic plants you will never see anywhere else.

An Unforgettable Experience
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 yourself why it is worth saving.

Great Walking Tour
Kelly is very passionate and knowledgeable about the cloud forest and gave an amazing tour. I learned a lot about different plant life that I could never have learned on my own.

Unique Experience on the Big Island
This was an amazing experience. Kelly Dunn shared this unique treasure up in the clouds away from the hot beaches of the island. Kelly is so passionate about nature and has a wealth of knowledge to share. He is completely hands‐on. And to top it off, he will take a ton of pictures along the way of the group and/or your party free of charge and send them to you in drop box. Amazing exotic plants you will never see anywhere else.

Fun and Informative
Great experience seeing a different side to the island. Saw lots of exotic plants. We had a friendly group of 6 + Kelly. Kelly was very knowledgeable and passionate about the forest, not to mention a very entertaining tour guide.

Pleasantly Astonished!
This guided walking tour was by far the coolest thing I’ve ever done! Kelly Dunn, our tour guide, is amazing! Kelly is so much fun! The tour was interesting, informative and mind blowing! One of the things that stayed with me is the fact you have a lush forest and there’s no soil except the lava rock underneath the plant, One of my favorite things was the prehistoric bamboo with its defense spikes.I love the smell the sounds and beauty of the rain forest. Kelly Dunn was one of the best tour guides I’ve ever been with, he is knowledgeable, he made the tour exciting because you could see that he is passionate and really cared about the forest, plants life conservation. Highly recommend the rain forest tour. One word of advice, on what to wear besides bringing a light jacket/ rain gear, don’t go there in your Sunday Best, please wear tennis/ closed toed shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty, wet and muddy. Get ready to be blown away!!! I will definitely go back!

DON’T MISS THIS! It’s better than you can imagine!
Kelly is a wealth of knowledge and experience and has a witty sense of humor that really made the trip so enjoyable! We saw an amazing variety of tropical plants and many were in bloom or in other stages of change that aren’t often seen. The “hike” is easy with lots of stops for photos and discussion. Not cold but slightly damp. Old walking shoes are best as it’s muddy in places but they had laid a path of fern fronds on the path to make walking easier. All in all a great experience!

Many Unusual and Exotic Plants and Trees
A wonderful tour through the cloud forest with excellent guide, Kelly Dunn. We saw so many unusual and exotic plants and trees! A must see on the island of Hawaii!

A Must Do in Kona
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!

Magical and Memorable Experience!
I booked this experience based on its ranking on TripAdvisor and would definitely agree with others that it was one of the highlights of our trip! To use an analogy, going to a botanical gardens is like snorkeling, while this was like scuba diving! Kelly Dunn, the tour guide, was a wealth of knowledge and made the experience incredibly memorable and enjoyable. We saw so many species of plants and flowers that we had either never seen before, or at least never seen this happy!
Highly recommended ‐‐ If you are lucky enough to get a reservation during your trip, go!

A Gem!!!
Kelly was a knowledgeable guide. He knew the botany and the geology and put the narrative together in a way that’s really understandable and interesting at the same time. This tour is a real gem!

Rain Forest Thumbs Way Up
Kelly Dunn was great. Passionate and knowledgeable. My family thoroughly enjoyed the experience and was pleasantly rewarded when the tour ran longer than expected. Could have spent all day talking with Kelly and exploring this majestic piece of the island. Thanks, Cameron

Great Guided Nature Hike
We had a group, ages ranging from 6 to 76, and we all enjoyed it thoroughly. Beautiful area with amazing sights. A nice break from the beach activities. KellyDunn was great and very informative.

Conservationist‐led Hiking Tour
Kelly Dunn is a devout conservationist with a deep breadth of knowledge about the cloud forest. He willing shared his knowledge with our group and made the hike fun for all ages in our group (infants to seniors!). We felt lucky to have learned so much from Kelly and would recommend this tour to others.

Enchanting Visit to a Cloud Forest
Our visit to the Rain Forest was a highlight of our trip to Hawaii! Kelly Dunn is a delight and his enthusiasm for this unique environment was infectious. He had so many interesting facts and stories to share with us. He had us spellbound!

Highly Recommend
Our tour of the Kona Cloud Forest was a highlight of our trip to the Big Island. Kelly Dunn, the tour guide, had many interesting stories and facts to share to help us better appreciate what we were looking at. Everything in the forest is beautiful and the tour goes at a slow enough pace that you are able to stop and look/take pictures of things. Kelly also took some photos and emailed them after the tour free of charge, which was a nice touch. The walk is not difficult and we had people of all ages in our group who didn’t seem to have any issues. It was rocky/slippery in a couple spots but the provided walking sticks helped. I would highly recommend this tour.

Beautiful Scenery!
Awesome tour, Kelly Dunn was wonderful!! There was much to learn and the forest was gorgeous. A must when visiting Hawaii. Remember to wear comfortable shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty.

10 STARS ‐ A MUST ON THE BIG ISLAND
Fascinating, beautiful, educational and easy cloud forest walk. Kelly Dunn is a treasure with his knowledge of this island, nature and cloud forests. His sense of humor and aloha spirit make this a unique and wonderful experience not to be missed. The small groups make this intimate and special. You will see flowers, plants and trees only to be found in this special place.

Amazing Tour in Beautiful Cloud Forest
We had an amazing time on this tour. The cloud forest itself was beautiful and unique. Kelly Dunnwas incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the forest and the plants. The group size was also
perfect. Everyone can get a close look at those beautiful and rare plants (or snap a few photos!) Highly recommend

Awesome Experience
This tour was so good. Kelly Dunn is a wealth of knowledge and is passionate about the forest; it was fun learning from him. We took so many pictures of the different trees and plants. We were also lucky to see the clouds moving in! A bonus is Kelly also takes photos along the way and will email you a link to them after the tour. If you are on the fence about whether to take this tour, definitely do it!

Can’t Miss This Experience!
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!

Kona Cloud Forest is Amazing
Had an amazing experience today walking in the cloud forest with Kelly Dunn. Endless opportunities for quality photography. A really amazing forest experience for our family.

Astonishing!
I highly recommend taking the amazing tour through this astonishing forest! I appreciate that Kelly is such a gracious, attentive and knowledgeable guide! A very unique experience that I completely enjoyed!

Informational and Entertaining Tour
The entrance was very easy to find using the directions in the email Kelly sent ahead of our tour. He also met us at the end of the driveway to assist with where to park. Kelly is a very nice person and is clearly a strong advocate for the forest and surrounding land. He is knowledgeable about the forest and somewhat scientific in details while the tour also included some tall tales, conspiracy theories and boasting thrown in for good measure. We found it to be entertaining and interesting. He very graciously took photos of the group during our tour and sent afterwards. He did a good job too!
I’d recommend not going on the tour with a hard stop – our tour ended up being about four hours after Kelly confirmed no one needed to leave on time. Our tour had a group of 6 adults & the trail had several very muddy/rough spots but overall wasn’t too bad. The hike itself wasn’t strenuous at all and I believe there was more standing/looking at things than actual walking for the tour.
Our shoes were quite dirty by the end of the tour. We would like to have seen a brush off / hose off station at Kelly’s house (where you pay for the tour at the end) to clean off and not track seeds etc. out of the forest like many trails have. It’s nice perk that the admission is tax deductible. You can ask for a voucher to be emailed after the tour.

Breathtaking
Unfortunately we did not get to take a tour because we just found out about this beautiful place the night before our last day. We called to get information, but had already missed the tour time. The lovely person who answered recommended us going to Mountain Thunder Coffee to do their tour and see the amazing rainbow eucalyptus trees on the drive there! The trees were amazing to see and the coffee shop had awesome lava tubes and other beautiful plant life. I thought it was so nice of them to tell us what we could do instead of just saying we missed the tour. Thank you so much! Seeing the rainbow Eucalyptus Trees was a once in a life time experience.

Incredible!
Kelly was an incredible guide through the Kona Cloud Forest. We learned so much about the unique and beautifully kept plant species that inhabit this magical place. We highly recommend

Unique Nature Excursion
We took a tour with our 5 year and 2.5 year old and infant. It was a fantastic tour! Kelly was very flexible with our kids, incredibly knowledgable, and had great stories. We got some beautiful photographs. This was a nice change of pace from beach days and sun. We are SO glad we booked this. Kids who have longer attention spans, and enjoy nature can do this. They do need to be watched closely as there are sharp plants around. We had our infant in a baby carrier, but the ground can be slippery so I would consider leaving baby at home if possible.

Beautiful and Fascinating
Amazing and beautiful. My boyfriend and I had a great time today. Esp my boyfriend he loved every moment of it; he loves learning (nerd lol). Kelly was an amazing tour guide and is very passionate and connected with the cloud forest. You can tell he loves doing what he does. We have done a couple of tours in the last couple of days in Kona and as we were walking to our car, my bf told me this one was his favorite. While he was taking in all the information, I was fascinated by the scenery and nature. It is quite majestic, and before we knew it 3 hours had flown by.
We recommend this tour for anyone looking for a nature tour. It is so unique. The trail is not hard and definitely worth it. Thank you, Kelly!
‐ Jennifer & Matthew

Simply Spectacular
This tour went above and beyond my expectations. Besides the awesome beauty of the forest and canopy, Kelly is a fabulous storyteller with an incredible knowledge of everything in the area. So when he tells you "don't eat the berries", listen to him! Kelly is mindful of your safety, yet providing great learning experience. And no, we didn't eat the berries! Highly recommended as a once in a lifetime experience.

Beautiful and a Must Do While in Kona
Kelly was wonderful and really made sure our experience was exceptional. Beautiful walk through the cloud forest.
Beautiful Cloud Forest
Kelly was an extremely knowledgeable and passionate tour guide. My wife and I had a great time seeing plants that most people will never get to see in their lifetime. It truly something that has to be seen. This is a great opportunity to visit one of the very few cloud forest on this planet.

Magnificent Cloud Forest
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.

Great Tour
We really enjoyed our tour. My mother‐in‐law, husband with the baby in a backpack, and 5 year old all had a great time. Lots of interesting and diverse trees, plants and flowers. Our guide, Kelly, was very knowledgeable and encouraged us to ask questions. Highly recommend.
Kona Cloud Forest
I'm a long time resident of Hawaii but this was my first visit to the Cloud Forest and I was completely in awe of this place. I think everyone should see it to appreciate how incredibly special it is. The guided tour with Kelly was so entertaining, informative and FUN! He is as much a treasure as the place is. I think every visitor and resident of the Big Island should visit this place.

Amazing Tour with Great Guide
Kelly took us on an incredible tour through one of the most unique places you'll ever see. He both extremely knowledgeable and like‐able. He was able to answer any questions we asked and knew things about the Cloud Forest that no other tour guide could tell you. He was even able to accommodate us needing to leave the tour a little early to catch our flight out. He called us the day prior to make sure we had everything we needed for our tour the next day. This tour is definitely worth the price as you will get the best possible guide and overall experience through this beautiful forest. He includes some nice pictures as well to take home with us.

Absolutely Breathtaking! Ancient Forest with an Amazing Guide!
Even the drive up to this beautiful and unique cloud forest was amazing but once we were inside I felt transported back into the Jurassic period while Kelly Dunn explained so well how the forest was connected and how each plant grew and functioned. I was constantly amazed at his stories and the amazing plants and flowers. The air was the freshest mountain air smelling of sweet flowers and damp forest. Our moods were relaxed as we sunk deep into the forest and discovered more and more, some plants the only ones left of their kind. This trip is a must for anyone coming to Kona. We were traveling with a difficult toddler but Kelly accommodated us so well by adjusting the tour start time. We even had to cut it short because she was crying but Kelly was so nice and understanding. I will definitely be back.

Kona Cloud Forest
Loved the cloud forest. So glad we went. Kelly was a great guide. Very knowledgeable. The wild cockatoos were very vocal. Got great pictures.

Excellent Tour
This was an amazing tour given by Kelly Dunn. He is very knowledgeable and explained this so simply that my young kids were engaged. We saw so many unique plants and the reasons behind how and why they got there. If I came back to this island I would definitely do this tour again.

The Best Attraction in All of Hawaii
My husband and I had the honor of meeting Kelly Dunn and going on his tour. Kelly was incredibly knowledgeable about his cloud forest. He was so passionate and excited about everything that it heightened our experience even more! We can’t wait to be back. This is worth every dollar! Please don’t skip out on this

Fun and Educational
There were six in our group and we wanted to squeeze in the tour before we flew out that same day. Kelly was great to work with and accommodated to meet our needs. This is a beautiful place and what we learned on our tour was really amazing!!

Beautiful Kona Cloud Forest

Do This Tour With Kelly Dunn!
If you have a little extra time, this is a great tour. Kelly was an amazing wealth of knowledge. I was amazed that I could go from dry Kona to lush, misty, rainforest in something like 15‐20 minutes. Good road, lots of flowers, wild geese, birds.

Simply Magical...
Took this nature walk with my teens, sister and her husband. All 5 of us loved it. It was a magical place. Kelly, who guided us so was so passionate about the forest and shared so much with us about the plants, nature and local history. The beauty of this place and it's unique trees and plants make it a must in Kona. This is a very special place to visit.

Amazing Reserve
The cloud forest was an amazing sight and the tour was so informative and fun. We were able to see the clouds descending on the forest and several unique plant species. The hike is gentle and slow and Kelly was a wonderful guide.

Amazing Tour!
My friends and I had a blast touring the cloud forest this morning, it was truly a once in a lifetime experience! Kelly was incredibly informative and kind, he took his time explaining all the unique details of the forest and made this experience one to remember. I am eager to come back and show the rest of my family, as I am absolutely certain that they will all love it!

The Most Amazing Experience
Had the most amazing time with Kelly today. Both his extensive knowledge and passion for the cloud forrest made the tour the highlight of my entire trip (and we went swimming with manta rays). Though I have never been the most outdoorsy type, Kelly and the forrest made me want to book another trip to Hawaii just to spend more time there. I was devastated when the tour was over because I could have spent hours on end listening to Kelly’s interesting facts and looking at the exotic, one of a kind scenery.

Most Extraordinary Afternoon
Kelly is the most extraordinary guide — as someone who is constantly on their phone and has a short attention span, I felt as though I wandered the cloud forest for hours totally in the present. The biodiversity you will see is like nothing else and Kelly’s knowledge runs deep. Kelly shows you so many different plants and artifacts of nature, and his stories and facts give you an even deeper appreciation. This tour is something you must do. You will not regret it!

A Nice Hike
It was a great time! The tour guide, Kelly Dunn, was very passionate about the cloud forest. I would definitely go again! Some of the terrain was a bit uneven but manageable. The walking sticks (which were provided for free) were very useful.

My Return to Paradise
This is my second trip to the Big Island in Hawaii and my second trip to The Kona Cloud Forest‐Guided Walking Tours with guide, Kelly Dunn. His story telling of the forest and it’s beautiful inhabitants stays with you long after your vacation has ended. Be sure to take lots of photos to refresh your memory for those days when you’re longing to go back to those warm days in the pacific.

The Real Hawaii With Kelly Dunn
Just the best experience I have had in Hawaii. It is an easy walk and Kelly is an incredibly knowledgeable tour guide! He keeps it light, fun and interesting and at the same time a true learning experience.

Group Tour with Kelly Dunn
Locals and visitors will love this cool spot and interesting horticultural species. I brought Mom for the hike, but she didn't have the giddy‐up for the hour, so stayed back. Nice group and discussion followed

Painted Trees!
This is a fabulous place to see beautiful Australian rainbow gums (rarely seen in Australia). Located at a beautiful swimming spot along the river, these gums are beautiful, however we were unable to really explore the area as it rained ( as it often does) and we did not have proper shoes. Leah T.

INCREDIBILE! Kelly was a wonderful guide and very informative a must do the rainbow trees were magnificent such a beautiful place

Kelly is Wonderful!
We learned and saw so much in the cloud forest, the experience was very cool and we are very glad we did it! The guide is a man who is both passionate and knowledgeable about this unique and protected ecosystem. Come learn and understand what makes this place so very special!

One of the Best Things to do on Big Island
If you enjoy nature and learning, just book this tour now ‐‐ you won't regret it! The cloud forest is an incredible place, and Kelly is a fantastic guide to take you through it. There is something fascinating and almost magical everywhere you look, and it was so interesting to see how so many plants have evolved clever defenses and advantages to thrive in such a unique environment (high altitude, no topsoil). Kelly is obviously very passionate and knowledgeable and I could have stayed all day listening to his stories and hanging out with the trees! :‐) This ranked right up there with our visit to Volcano National Park; my husband was not able to go with me the day I took the tour, but after hearing me talk about how great it was, he booked for a separate tour (and Kelly was super nice about accommodating a slightly earlier start time to allow for my husband's schedule) and loved it as much as I did. I was recommending it to everyone I talked to afterwards, and if we're ever back on the island, I'd go on another tour in a heartbeat.

Great Time Spent in the Cloud Forest
Really enjoyed the tour through the cloud forest. Kelly’s passion for preserving the forest and educating others is evident throughout the tour. Learned a lot and got to experience something unique and special within a few minutes drive from the coast.

A Great Morning in the Cloud Forest!
Like many of the previous reviews Kelly is so passionate about his Cloud forest. The four of us almost spent four hours listening to some amazing stories and interesting facts about the forest. The weather couldn’t be any better beautiful sunshine in the morning 67° clouds rolled in around 1 o’clock Just as predicted.

Purity of the Place
The tour of the sanctuary was spectacular. Our guide Kelly Dunn 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

What A Tour!!!
Kelly gives a entertaining, educational tour. We did this and the tropical jungle self guided tour North of Hilo. We liked this one better: more intimate with great personal touch. Although most of the 10 of us had grey hair we were still nimble enough to negotiate the challenging trail. Its part to the attraction of the experience ‐ no pavement or even soil to walk on. Kelly's stories of celebrity visitors, timber thieves, and evolutional changes in the landscape really round out a trip to Hawaii.

My Head Hurts ‐ From Learning So Much!
This tour was recommended by our Airbnb hosts. Our tour guide Kelly Dunn taught us a lot while making the tour entertaining. He did it all while exuding passion for his work. He was outstanding!

Incredible and Informative!
This nature sanctuary in Kailua‐Kona, Hawaii is a must‐see during your visit to the Big Island. Our local friends recommended the walking tour, which was conducted by Kelly Dunn, an extremely knowledgeable nature custodian and preservationist, as well as award‐winning photographer. The 3‐ hour tour covered just one mile of the forest, and our small group spent most of the time learning about the various trees and plants. Walking sticks were provided to help navigate the uneven terrain (roots, inclines, water), and plenty of time was provided for pictures, which were taken by us and by Kelly. Not only did he provide great information about the forest, Kelly regaled us with stories of scientists and celebrities who have discovered the magic of this place. I highly recommend the Kona Cloud Forest Walking Tour ‐‐ but bring a raincoat with you in the likely event that you’ll experience a downpour!

All Who Wander Are Not Lost
And it is very nice to be able to wander into, what would otherwise be, a an impassible forest. The trails are not as "manicured" as some of the other arboretum or park trails, but that actually adds to the experience ‐‐ You watch where you step, pay attention, and take your time. Our companions (all Alaskans) were comfortable on the muddy, rooty, uneven trails. Also comfortable with the cooler, damper atmosphere ‐‐ if you are not used to that, wear really good hiking shoes, bring layers of clothing and maybe even rain gear if showers look imminent ‐ they always do...it's a rain forest!

Kona Cloud Forest Tour
Die Tour war super interessant und Kelly hat sich sehr viel Zeit genommen. Insbondere muss man ein großes Lob aussprechen, da er die Tour lediglich mit mir und meiner Frau gemacht hat, da an diesem Tag keine weiteren Anmeldungen waren. Die Führung würden wir auf jeden Fall wieder machen und können Sie nur weiterempfehlen!

Our Head In The Clouds
Kelly provided an incredible tour of the spectacular Kona cloud forest sanctuary. His knowledge, passion and excitement was evident throughout the tour. Limiting his participants to 10 people ensured that everyone felt included throughout the tour in a personal way.

Awesome Tour
Excellent tour, great tour guide, full of information and a love of what he is doing. Definitely a must see while on your trip to the Big Island!!

Heaven on Earth Cloud Forest
This was the best ever!!! The Kona Cloud Forest is a MUST. It was beautiful, magical. out of this world. Kelly, our guide was knowledgeable and a great storyteller. I highly recommend and will visit again.

The Whole ‘Bloomin’ Thing
So much to see and learn. Kelly is an amazing wealth of knowledge and even in the rain we had a blast. It was so amazing when we were literally walking in the clouds. Kelly, let us know when you train those birds to come see you

Kelly is an Amazing Guide in the Kona Cloud Forest
Fascinating history of the Forest and the plants that live there and their relationships to each other. Kelly is an extremely knowledgeable and entertaining guide. I would recommend this tour.....

Rare Cloud Forest Near Kona
Best Kept secret in Kona and the Big Island. You might think you need to go to the Hilo side to see tropical forest, wrong, this beautiful cloud forest with otherworldly plants and trees is only 20 min from downtown Kona. Kelly has been guiding tours on the Island for years but this tour is fairly new. However the forest is very old and this will someday be destination as it becomes more well known. It was a highlight for our entire family. Kelly really knows his stuff he is five star. And I am a naturalist myself. He not only is a great guide but he bought this land over many years and put it in a trust to protect cloud forests which are incredibly beautiful and rare. And he knows ever inch of it. We loved this tour, and cant wait to return.
Thank you Kelly.

An Awesome Kona Experience
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 you’re interested in the big islands plant life. If given another chance, I would revisit this beautiful sanctuary again!

Private Tour with Special Needs Adult
I contacted Kelly in advance to make arrangements for a private tour with an autistic adult who cannot be in groups of strangers. Kelly was incredibly accommodating. The tour was amazing and our day was perfect. Kelly is incredibly knowledgeable and kept everyone engaged.

Spiritual and Relaxing Waalk
3 hours walk through the dense rain forest, all the good things nature has offered us and how to 'de‐ stress' from everyday life. 5 stars!

LOVE!
Enchanting and beautiful tropical forest ‐‐ an absolutely perfect way to spend a morning of our trip to the Big Island! Strongly recommend this tour!!

Impactful...Breathtaking
i really loved my trip to Kona Cloud Forest. Kelly is an entertaining guest who never allows a 3‐hour narrative to sound boring. We watched as he told us the stories of all those plants brought across from different parts of the world and the amount of care he puts in along with his volunteers to help maintain the edgy balance of the Cloud forest eco‐system is very inspiring. We were truly amazed by finding Blue Marbles (or Rudraksh) in this part of the world.Mahalo a thousand times,Kelly Sir, for your fabulous efforts. May your tribe increase!

Enchantment in the Cloud Forest
A visit to the Kona Cloud Forest is a truly amazing experience. Kelly the guardian and guide has such a beautiful relationship with the forest that it truly comes alive. His wealth of knowledge helps you see the forest with a different lens. It was such an incredible experience that I will return with friends. The walk is easy and the beauty takes your breath away. Wear good closed shoes and dress in layers as it is a cloud forest and much cooler than Kona. Easy to get to and the roads are well paved. Enjoy.

Unique Guided Tour of Awesome Cloud Forest 20 Minutes from Kona
The ever engaging Kelly will be your guide on a 2‐3 hour hike through this non‐profit 80 acre cloud forest reserve. He'll entertain you, enlighten you, and spellbind you with his encyclopedic knowledge of plants, trees, many of which are unique to this altitude (3,000ft) and place. Don't miss it! (Bring your camera‐I took over 200 pics.)

5 Star Experience!
Mahalo to Kelly Dunn for a fun & educational hike through the unique Cloud Forest Sanctuary‐‐an AMAZING tour! Kelly is a knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and flexible host who engaged my group of 12 high school teens with his fascinating stories and sharing. The students really enjoyed their time in the Cloud Forest, taking pictures of the breathtaking beauty that surrounded them, and later shared that this was one of their favorite experiences during our 3 day trip. The adult chaperones commented that they will definitely come back with other family members. We were surprised to realize that we only now learned of this gem! I highly recommend this hike‐‐Kelly knows how to engage an audience of all ages!

Pristine Hawaii At Its Best!
If you want to see a Hawaii Cloud Forest at it's pristine best this is your tour! Another tour group cancelled on the same day I was scheduled to take a tour so I had the privilege of getting a personal tour from Kelly Dunn. Kelly and his wife live in and maintain the forest. Kelly was very informative and hospitable, most of all I enjoyed his passion for botany and forestry. You will see unique plant life and trees here, especially the rare painted eucalyptus. Kelly took many photos of our walk and was nice enough to send them to me afterwards. With less than a 25 minute drive from downtown Kona, this is a place you don't want to miss!

Great Nature Walk ‐ Super Informative and Easy To Walk
This was a wonderful nature walk guided by Kelly Dunn. I'm so glad to have been on this walk with such a knowledgeable guide. Kelly's also friendly and has some fun stories to share! My favorite thing was finding the blue marble tree and walking amongst its roots as the blue marbles appeared like fairies in the forest floor. The King Palm is also quite a special plant. You will learn on a lot about this endangered habitat and gain a greater appreciation for life here.

Wonderful Details About the Cloud Forest and Some Fun Talk Story Too
If you love to delve into the environment with curiosity, this could be a wonderful nature walk for you! Kelly is highly informed about this specialized environment, and truly enjoys pointing out the big and small miracles of nature in this very unique environment. If you have tiny tots, I'd leave them with grandma or auntie, but if they're old enough to be curious and respectful toward nature they, too, will glean things and awaken to some of the magic around them. Who knows, perhaps they will become inspired to lift our beautiful planet out of her predicament from the seed of an idea that got put in place on this fascinating walk!

Super Knowledgeable and Interesting Nature Walk
Kelly Dunn is a unique person with specialized knowledge about flora in the Cloud Forest. If you're interested in nature, Hawaii, and have a respect for our environment, I think you'd love this.

A Beautiful and Enriching Experience
My wife and I felt incredibly lucky that we were the only two scheduled for Kelly's morning tour of the cloud forest. Even though we didn't see any clouds, it was a wonderful way to spend the day. Kelly lives on site maintaining the trails, and he has remarkable insight about the flora present there. Not only did we learn a lot about the forest, it was a ton of fun as well! Kelly is extremely personable and has plenty of fascinating stories and information to share while on the tour. I highly recommend checking this out if you are in the Kona area.

An Amazing, Little Known Experience Not To Be Missed When Visiting the Big Island of Hawaii.
Visit the Kona Cloud Forest website for a sneak peek at hike to awake your senses to nature and historical information. Our guide, Kelly, was extremely knowledgeable and personable. We booked the trip for the morning and we’re glad we did as the afternoon poured buckets of rain.

My Favorite Attraction in Kona!
Kelly Dunn and his team have created a truly memorable and pleasurable experience for all who visit the island. One of the only cloud forests in the world, the Kona Cloud Forest is home to a wide variety of tropical flora and wildlife. On the tour, Kelly pointed out so many species of plants that I’d never seen before, such as rainbow Eucalyptus and a tree that bares fruit resembling marbles! What’s a fun adventure. I HIGHLY recommend adding this to your Kona itinerary, even if you call the Big Island home!

Kona Cloud Forest Tour
It was one of the most informative tours I have ever been. Kelly Dunn knows his stuff and kept the tour very interesting that the time passed so quick. It was great to learn about trees and plants that thrive in Kona. I would do it again the next time I visit Kona

Not Your Average walk in the Park!
Educational stroll through a forest that feels prehistoric. Kelly made the trek interesting and fun. He made it a personalized tour for our small group and we were having so much fun with him we went over our time by about an hour! He had some good stories, interesting facts and surprising info on some beautiful and sometimes dangerous plants. It's such a beautiful place. When he is ready to start his night tours, we'll be back.

It's One For Your Bucket List ‐ At Any Age!
Kelly's knowledge and expertise helped make this wonderful hike an insightful experience. We are privileged to have this little piece of Forest Cloud on the Big Island considering that it is becoming a rare thing all around the world. That's why it is even more important to experience it with someone who is a forest historian with exceptional knowledge of this historic location. It would make a wonderful, special or holiday gift to someone! PS Kelly ensures you have pictures of your experience!

Amazing…
A very special place! Kelly Dunn was an excellent informative guide,explaining in detail the different trees & plants

A Day Outing To Remember
What a wonderful tour into a rainforest atmospheres full of color and exotic species of plant life hidden in a cloud forest in kona Hawaii. Kelly our tour guide and property owner had many stories to be told along the way that kept us very intertwined. A walk worth going on!

Spectacular Edutainment!
Don’t miss the opportunity to take the guided tour to view the wonders under the canopy at Kona Cloud Forest! Our tour, led by Kelly Dunn, was filled with botanical and historical knowledge and peppered with humor along the way. So many amazing varieties of plants, flowers, shrubs, and trees! Absolutely worth the admission price and time.

Kona Cloud Forest Adventure
An amazing experience...A most worthwhile and educational adventure. This could hardly be called tour, though we had an wonderful knowledgeable guide who lives with this forest and and I learned so much. Walking through this wondrous forest, we became a part of it and it's beauty...experiencing raw nature at it's best. I would highly recommend it to anyone the best on foot adventure we experienced . My daughter and I , both adults

Cloud Forest Tour
Great tour !! Kelly was very informative and loved his passion. We live on island and will highly recommend!!!

Interesting Place
Lots to see and learn, good walk in the woods. Fairly easy to find and a moderately strenuous walk over uneven terrain. Walking sticks are provided and the pace is easy with lots of photo opportunities.

Wish I Had Done This Sooner!
This was one of the best tours I have ever been on... let me say that again. Best Tour Ever! Kelly Dunn is passionate, full of knowledge and has a sense of humor. It is an amazing experience here on Big Island.

The BEST TOUR That I Have EVER Taken!
My daughter contacted Kelly Dunn and scheduled a tour directly instead of with our cruise line. Smart move! Kelly was AMAZING! He provided walking sticks for us to use. The tour was the MOST informative and impressive that I have EVER been on. The trees, plants and foliage were BREATHTAKING! The cruise ship tour blew through in 45 mins and we got a solid 3 hours. Now, I know what a Cloud Forest is and truly appreciate their place in Nature! Thanks again, Kelly! Our family had a great time celebrating my wife's Birthday. See you again someday

Amazing Experience
My husband and I had a wonderful tour with Kelly today. Saw incredible biodiversity of plants, took amazing pictures and most of all heard great information and stories from Kelly. Definitely a worthwhile visit!

An Unforgettable Experience
This was one of the most unique and incredible places I’ve ever been. The tour guide, Kelly, is kind enough to share this forest and his knowledge with the public. He also shares some funny stories and goofy jokes along the way. I learned about many different plants and animals that I’ll probably never see anywhere else. This is a must‐do for anyone visiting the big island.

Steve and Martha's Review
We had such a wonderful time there. It was such a beautiful forest. What made the sights even better was how Kelly had such an understanding and knowledge of all of the flora and fauna. This is one of the adventures that we will be recommending to all of our friends that visit the Big Island.

Steve and Martha's Review
Went as part of excursion with Royal Caribbean. Pro: amazing to see all the different variety of plants (the owner did an amazing project in nature), great easy hike. Con: above the mosquito line but still got one bite (make sure to apply spray if you are bit easily and frequently) Beautiful place and would definitely return.

Kona Beyond the Beach
The Kona Cloud Forest Walking Tour is awesome. You in a completely different world and it is only 20‐30 minutes above Kona. The walking tour is a very gentle, slowly paced walk and you have plenty of time for pictures. You will experience a lush jungle and learn what makes the Cloud Forest so special and unique. Kelly our guide, was knowledgeable and just good fun! I highly recommend this experience!

Totally Amazing
Kelly, the owner, is part conservationist, part scientist, part forest sprite and an enthralling tour guide. This is like nothing else we’ve ever experienced on any trip and a must do for everyone on the big Island. Fascinating and engaging for all ages, we left with a deep sense of wonder at how amazing and unique this island truly is.

Innovations Goes To The Cloud Forest
We had the best time with Kelly in the cloud forest. It was informational, fun and inspiring to take care of our precious natural environments. My students learned a lot and have been making more and more connections with what they learned to the ecosystems all around us at school.

Magical Cloud Forest
KELLY is an amazing guide. So much information about the cloud forest. Will certainly be going back. Lois

Great Tour!
Kona cloud forest tour is excellent. It’s interesting hiking in the forest and listening to the stories of those beautiful species. Our guide Kelly is very knowledgeable and friendly. If you like the nature and if you are looking for some relaxing activities, this tour is perfect for you.

科纳森林之旅非常棒。
在森林里漫步并且听听这些美丽植物的故事很有趣。我们的导游Kelly知识储备非常丰富，并且对人很友好。如果你热爱自然并且想找一项悠闲的活动，这个旅程就很适合你。

Up In The Clouds
Amazing trail through the clouds in paradise. Exceptional, breath taking forage, exotic plants and species of birds engulf you along the trail. A sanctuary where you can forget about the mundane reality of civilization as we know it. Must see and do if in Hawaii. I love nature.

Must See For Country Folk and City Dwellers!!
Not just a walk outside like your local nature trail. This experience features in depth explanations of plants in the rare ecosystem of this cloud forest. The guide provides hiking sticks and is very informative. Trail is at a very comfortable altitude for temp and breathing. A different way enjoy the outdoors of Hawaii and get meaningful info of the earth we live on!

Part of Our Half Day Tour. . An Amazing Part of the Earth To See!
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful!!! The most amazing part of our earth to enjoy! Our tour guide, Kelly Dunn, was amazing! Nature at its finest!

Fantastic Time!
My family had such a great time at the Kona Cloud Forest with Kelly Dunn. I’m an avid plant collector, and I saw so many plants I’ve never seen before. I’m really glad we took a break from the beach to go to the Kona Cloud Forest. The trail was very approachable, and it was very interesting and informative to learn about the plants in the Hawaii forest.

Kona Cloud Forest Tour
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I planned my tour here. Although I love nature I’m not particularly into the different varieties of plants, trees, etc. however after visiting the cloud forest I gained a lot more respect for nature. Kelly is incredibly knowledgeable and it was so interesting to learn about the different species and origins of everything the cloud forest has to offer. You can tell how passionate he is about preserving the forest. Would definitely recommend! It was a great time!

Wonderful Walk in the Clouds!
We had a wonderful walk in the clouds with Kelly! What an experience! We have never seen so many different types of flora and fauna! We learned so much from Kelly who is an expert in my opinion! The blooms on the flowers were fantastic! I would recommend this hike to anyone visiting Kona! Thank Kelly!

Fascinating Experience
The Kona Cloud Forest with Kelly Dunn was a tremendous life experience! First of all, the pure untouched beauty of it is breathtaking. Being from a busy city, it was recharging to feel a calming atmosphere where you are one with creation. There was so much beauty on the tour to take in. I was concerned about the three hour duration of the tour but Kelly was very sensitive in passing is. It was an awesome experience that we will remember always. I've heard this comment was made by other guests, it feels like you are in the movie, Jurassic Park. Of course, without the dinosaurs. But I feel one could have easily blended in with the scenery.
I highly recommend this as one of your planned activities when visiting the island.

Outstanding Kona Cloud Forest Tour
Our group spent the day visiting the Kona Cloud Forest. Words and photos cannot capture all the beauty along the trails. We will return again and add this tour to the top of our list. Kelly Dunn was an excellent guide with many exciting stories! 5 stars!!!

Best Walking Tour island of Hawaii
We took our teens with us to the cloud forest... what a wonderful 3 hour tour... the variety of life was something we had never seen in person... the cool air was a welcome relief from the heat!!! Kelly was a wonderful storyteller and patient... he answered all of our questions... really, this should be in the top five of things to do on the big island! 5 Out OF 5 Stars!!!

Truly Inspirational
Having spent a good deal of time trying to find the best things to do while on the island, I stumbled upon this possibility. I struggled a bit trying to decide if it was something my family of 6 would find enjoyable. A guided hike may not be at the top of the list for 4 teenagers and a not so outdoorsy wife. What sold me on it was the passion that clearly came through while speaking to Kelly about the experience and I cannot express how glad we all are that we decided to go for it.
For starters, getting there was easy. Was worried about the roads (I was warned by the rental car company that I was not allowed off road with the minivan) but the route is like any other roads. Kelly was at the road waiting for us. He made sure we were properly dressed and prepared for the hike. Brought along bug spray (not really needed). Kelly Also informed us that there are no snakes in Hawaii which I didn’t know but made the group feel a little less apprehensive. Very reassuring right from the start.
To sum up the experience in a word I would say “inspiring”. The passion and knowledge Kelly has for the area is likely unparalleled. He said the tour was 3 hours but more like 3.5 and flew by! Hike itself is probably medium in difficulty mostly because of changes in elevation. Path is widely cut in most places and the walking sticks provided make it very accessible to people who may not traditionally hike but are able‐bodied and interested in learning about what comprises a cloud forest and the “native” flora. The “painted trees” alone are worth the visit, but the entire hike is filled with one interesting thing after another. The time he takes to impart what is I’m sure a fraction of his knowledge about the cloud forest is a gift. A truly unique environment explored with a passionate, knowledgeable and humble advocate for its preservation. What more could you ask for!
I HIGHLY recommend this tour. My teens and wife all found things to hold their interest. Kelly took pictures along the way then shared them via email afterwards at no extra cost. He imparted great little local bits of information you won’t find anywhere else. Best of all, proceeds go back into the maintenance of this rare and ever shrinking portion of the global environment. I would be happy to answer any questions people may have but your best bet is to call them yourselves.
While water activities and volcanoes are widely popularized on an island that is known for its natural majesty, this is an absolute must do with Kelly Dunn. You will not be disappointed!!

Amazing, One of a Kind Nature Experience!
Kelly was a wonderful guide ‐ full of knowledge of the local history, fauna, and wildlife, delivered with humour and paced perfectly with the peaceful surroundings, We felt we were in another world in the cloud forest, and were amazed at all the adaptations the plants make to survive. A must do for nature lovers, the conservation‐minded, and really, anyone seeking an immersion in the lushest parts of Hawaii. Highly recommend!


Kelly took us on a very detailed tour of the cloud forest, and everyone involved learned a lot! We saw what seemed like hundreds of unique plants along the way and Kelly was well informed on all of them, answering any questions we had and going into detail about everything we saw. We had a couple of younger children with us (age 6 and 11) and he made sure to keep them engaged and interested along the entire tour. Kelly also took a lot of pictures of our group that we had a great time looking at later that day. Unfortunately we did not come across much wildlife on the tour, but if you are interested in the flora in the region, then you will love this tour and surely will come away well informed and very happy with the experience.

Beautiful
Went as part of a tour with Sterny. It was great and he was very informative. I would recommend visiting.

An Experience that is A Must!
I cannot say enough positive things about this tour. We arrived early and Kelly got started right away. He has a magical world and his passion and knowledge is amazing. We spent four hours walking through this magic forest being amazed around every corner. AThe painted tree is worth the whole tour but there is so much more. He had fun stories to share and top secret events that have occurred on his property that made it even more enticing. This was worth every penny and it is a tax write off to boot!!!
I would strongly recommend visiting the Kona Cloud Forest. Bring closed toed walking shows and an open mind and indulge on magic and amazement.
Thank you Kelly for sharing your enthusiasm and passion, we were amazed and this has been the talk of the trip.

Unique and Wonderful Piece of Paradise!
I highly recommend this tour for anyone who really wants to see something unique and very special. This tour is so beautiful, and I’m sure different each time. Kelly Dunn is very knowledgeable and enjoys sharing his knowledge with others. Our family had a wonderful time and my children were very happy to be immersed in nature where their imaginations can run wild... not to mention it’s the perfect place to escape the summer heat!

Great Experience
This is one of those things you have to experience for yourself. You enter a road near the Costco and you drive UP to the cloud forest. Each mile leaves the sunshine behind and gives way to the wetness of the cloud forest. When you get to the top (about 15 minutes) you will be in the rain. Fabulous experience.

By Far The BEST Tour I've Ever Taken
My daughter and I took this tour with one other couple. It was as if it were tailored to us, because it was. Kelly is not only an expert in his field, he is funny and entertaining, providing tons of information about the cloud forest and plants. The path could be treacherous at 3500 feet and uphill, but it isn't. I have had ankle and knee issues but this was very easy. He provides sturdy walking sticks and moves slowly so you don't even realize how far you have come. The forest is like being in another world! So close to the hot beaches, it's hard to believe you can touch a tree that is as cold as the inside of refridgerator! Locals we spoke with don't even know they have this rare treasure in their backyard. I will do this tour again if I get back to Hawaii. Fit this one into your schedule!

Wonderful Tour of the Kona Cloud Forest
You have to see this place to understand the beauty and grandeur. Kelly, our guide, is extremely knowledgeable and took us on an adventure through time. If your remember that no species of plant life is indigenous to Hawaii, how did all of this beauty from all around the world get to the islands? Well, Kelly has insight! The Painted Trees are now my favorite. You need to see this place! AND, I am older with knee and back issues. Kelly was sensitive to my needs. I believe he said that his most senior visitor was a 94 year old. Easy walking tour.

Beautiful Experience for Nature Lovers!
Unhurried stroll through a fantastic ecosystem. The trail is manicured just enough to clear hazards and open a few specific views ‐ otherwise it is natural. Kelly freely shares his knowledge and experience and even snaps photos if you like. We saw a few birds, and heard many more. We also heard tree frogs and falling fronds. Anyone even moderately interested in botany will love this adventure. Don't miss the painted trees!

Hawaii’s Kona Cloud Forest
What an Amazing tour! Kelly our tour guide & his assistant Bjorn were informative, funny & very patient with our 7 year old son. We learned so much about the gorgeous vegetation that grows in this very unique environment & learned Hawaiian history as well. Well worth the price of admission that helps support the conservation of this amazing cloud forest & is tax deductible. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting the island. Mahalo!

What an AMAZING Experience!!
My family and I visited the Cloud Forest during our vacation and when I say that we have never seen anything like it? I mean just that! From the rare trees to the plants each with its own unique story. KELLY our guide was such a breath of fresh air. He answered all of the children’s questions and his story telling is refreshing. Kelly truly made our time in the forest one of a kind and we won’t hesitate to return should we visit the island.
‐The Hamilton Family

A Native Paradise
The Forest is something that is completely unexpected in Hawaii. The cool, lush, green environment is the way Hawaii once was. This is a visit not to be missed. Kelly is the best story teller. He will keep you entertained and educate you at the same time! The time will fly by during your visit and you will leaving wanting to return.

Amazing Experience
The cloud forest is by far the best place we visited while our trip in Kona Hawaii. We brought 5 children and all they talk about is the cloud forest and the information they learned. If you are visiting please visit the cloud forest.

Magical...
We live in Kona, Hawaii and had friends visiting from the mainland. Looking into things to do, I found the Kona Cloud Forest. We scheduled a tour with Kelly and discovered a piece of Hawaii we never knew existed. It was magical! Five out of five stars!! #KonaCloudForest

What A Great Walk in the Cloud Forest
Very nice and informative exploration of the Cloud Forest. Kelly is very good explaining and educating on the various plant species and their history. A great way to get away from Kona for a few hours. Great for the nature lovers.

Interesting and Refreshing
We enjoyed learning about all of the beautiful and fascinating plant life, including the connections with upcoming movies that were filmed here. Lovely spot for some refreshing forest bathing!

Awesome Forest Adventure
Theres really no better way to start your morning on Big Island than to spend a few hours on this guided walk through the Kona Cloud Forest. Once you walk through thus jungle like forest there is so much amazing plant life that it is almost too much to take in. Guide is very friendly and informative. I really liked the prehistoric ferns and trees that give that Jurassic Park vibe. Was just one other couple when we went, so it felt very private. Would highly recommend for nature lovers.

Best Walking Tour on the Island
The cloud forest is amazing. Kelly was a wonderful guide. The photo opportunities are insane. Definitely a trip u dont want to miss. We even got to see a wild cockatoo. Totally worth it.

A Must Do In Kona
We went to the Cloud Forest via a shore excursion from our cruise ship. Visiting this place is one of highlights of our three years of travels. We learned about the history of the land and the amazing ecosystem we were in. I'd love to go back and spend more time there one day!

Educational and Entertaining
My husband and I had a wonderful experience here. We took a chance and showed up shortly before the first tour without a booking, and we were welcomed on the spot. Our guide, Kelly, was extremely knowledgeable about the trees and plant life in the forest and his passion for protecting this beautiful place was very apparent. The tours are a bit expensive, but we came away feeling it was worth every penny. If you have the opportunity to go here, don't pass it up.

Magical and Mesmerizing
Kelly was an excellent guide unless you want a scientific genus and species in a very academic framework. He is interesting, generous with his time and explanations, and his care of this incredible forest is his reason to exist! He gives great descriptions of the development of the cloud forest and how the different plant species interact to create this little bit of heaven. He makes it fascinating and fun! The area is at altitude and as a result is cool and is a perfect break from the heat of the beach! The walk is not very strenuous, but covers some heaven‐like areas and makes you feel as if yo have entered a different world. We live on island and will return regularly to see new developments! Thanks for wonderful experience, Kelly.

Amazing Educational Tour of the Cloud Forest
I booked this tour for my family based on TripAdvisor reviews. We visit the Big Island regularly, and I was looking for something new to try. I was so impressed with this tour. Kelly was a veritable encyclopedia of knowledge about the forest and we learned so much from him. My 10 year old found it interesting as well, although my 6 yr old was bored (not that I can blame him). However the kids loved seeing the rescued parrots they keep in the forest. They were also excited to learn that James Cameron filmed parts of Avatar 2 and 3 here, so this really is Pandora! My in‐laws enjoyed the tour as well, and were pleased that it was acceptable to bring their dog along for the tour. Do bring a sweater as the weather is cooler there. We all found the tour fascinating and informative.

A Memorable Time with the One and Only ‐ KELLY DUNN
Let me start off by saying that I truly adore Kelly for being such a passionate and amazing host. I was lucky enough to be accompanied with such an amazing group who seemed just as passionate and interested in the walk. It should be noted that if you do not enjoy walking and listening to someone talk about what they are so dedicated to‐ this is not for you. He even gives you the option to leave! All throughout the walk you will most definitely learn something new and even fall in love with a few plants/trees (thats what i did). Kelly, thank you thank you for this amazing trip and learning about the Eucalyptus Deglupta. I was amazed to find someone who enthusiastic about what they love and you truly opened my eyes. For anyone visiting Hawaii, please come to the Kona Cloud Forest (NOT A RAINFOREST)! You really get to be in touch with nature and listen to all the jokes Kelly has to offer. He even takes free pictures (amazing ones with his phone/stylus in hand) and sends them to you after!
Although you will not see any birds or pigs come out, you will be able to hear the loud and amazing noises the birds make just as if they were right next to you! I will be sure to be back Kelly! And it will be for the other trails that you have to offer, maybe even a night tour? Thank you for this walk! I am forever grateful!!!

An Unforgettable Walk Through a Unique Environment
I was ready to learn about and explore a cloud forest, but I wasn’t ready for the enthusiasm, knowledge, and stories that might define Kelly Dunn ‐ our host for the tour. Our small group was fortunate that we were the only tour for the day, so our tour almost doubled in the time that Mr Dunn gave us. Questions were encouraged, and our group wasn’t short on these. We were rewarded with explanations and anecdotes that enhanced the experience. I would do it again on my next Hawai’i vacation.

Best Birthday Surprise Ever and A Must‐See When You Visit Kona!
This tour was the highlight of my birthday and will always be remembered as one of my most favorite. If you're spending any time in Kona, you need to do this tour. Kelly, our tour guide, was knowledgeable, funny, and brought the forest alive for us with his stories and lore. Oh, and Kelly has a hidden talent ‐‐ he's the bird whisperer! (a little inside joke!) We will definitely be back to visit again or maybe to even volunteer. Thanks again, Kelly, for a memorable birthday!

A Secret Gem Near Kona!
This tour was one of our most favourite things we'd experienced in Kona. We'd booked for a tour with my family (husband and 2 kids) and the tour was approximately 3‐4 hours long. I will break up my review in different several parts:
CLOUD FOREST ‐‐ Words cannot describe the wonder and fragile beauty of the cloud tree forest. The plants/trees here are a wonder to behold and touch. Throughout the tour, Kelly will either encourage you to touch and feel different plants ‐ and tell us which ones to avoid. We saw plants/trees which were endemic (unique) to the island, hundreds of years old or were one of a kind. if you were not a nature lover before, you will be after this tour!
ACCESSIBILITY ‐‐ The tour is relatively easy if you're in good health. There is no paved road; so it is not wheelchair accessible. The tour/hike is typically level with some parts where you would need to walk up‐ hill or downhill. But in general, it's relatively easy on the knees.
CONTENT/GUIDE ‐‐ KellY is a wonderful guide with a wealth of knowledge. He is personable and engaging and had a lot of wonderful stories and knowledge to impart. He made learning fun for both kids and adults.
WHAT TO BRING ‐‐ Wear comfortable shoes (don't recommend flip flops). The Cloud Tree Forest is cooler so I'd recommend light long pants and a shirt; with optional sweater or jacket. Don't forget to bring water. We didn't really see much sun ‐‐ so we didn't really need sunscreen. You may want to bring a mosquito repellent but if you forget, KellY has some he'd shared with us. Also, Kelly had plenty of walking sticks for everyone to use during the hike.
We would definitely visit again and recommend this attraction to everyone.

Magical Vacation Memories
The Kona Cloud Forest hike was the best experience of our Hawaiian vacation. We went on the afternoon tour and it did not rain. With the assistance of the provided hiking sticks the trail was easy to walk even though we are an older couple.
Our guide Kelly introduced us to the special plants and their adaptations that make this a cloud forest ‐ different from a rain forest. Every tree had a story and Kelly answered every question we asked. There was plenty of time to take pictures. Every twist in the trail revealed a new perspective of the joyous abundance of green. It literally felt good to be among the trees. We will definitely go back to take the other trails.

Not To Be Missed Natural Beauty
This is a very unique view of Mother Nature at it's finest. Recommend this for anyone school age on up. Must reserve in advance but Kelly offers daily tours rain or shine. This is a three hour nature walk and while you don't cover a great distance you learn a tremendous amount and see hundreds (over 1000 species of palms and ferns alone) of species of trees, flowers and shrubs. Kelly's stories really make the Forrest come alive. Kelly loves to "talk story" as the locals say and his kind and quirky personality really add a lot to the tour (I think he'd embrace that description of himself). His passion shines through. He told us parts of Avatar 2 were shot in the Forrest just a few weeks before our tour and then showed us some plant roots that inspired James Cameron to turn them into a weapon used in the movie ‐ something for everyone.
Logistics: You can use the bathroom at Kelly's home (a hidden gem itself within the Forrest) at the start of your walk and he will have walking sticks and umbrellas if needed. Kelly will take a couple group photos to email. Photo opportunities everywhere. My recommendation is to do the morning walk then plan on a stop at the Mountan Thunder Coffee Plantation a few hundred feet down the road before you leave.
For anyone who loves nature this isn’t to be missed. A very unique opportunity.

Just Wonderful!
We visited in late September, and no one else was booked for the tour at that time, so it became a private tour with Kelly as the tour guide. I have visited botanical gardens and unique environments in many locations but the cloud forest is 'not to be missed'. We saw some areas of the forest that are not included for larger groups. We spent more time there than most people probably do.
I agree with all the positive comments made by others. I would definitely visit again if I was on the island.
Kelly answered my very many questions and offered use of his photos for a presentation I will be making to local horticultural groups.
Thanks for your time and commitment

Kona Cloud Forest
We had an amazing time at this beautiful cloud forest sanctuary. It was like stepping into a different world surrounded by incredible flora and fauna, Kelly was most informative and eager to share his knowledge with his guests. It was a wonderful way to spend a few hours, and we were able to see the rainbow eucalyptus trees. Highly recommended!

Beautiful and Informative
We had a lovely and informative tour about the botany and ecology of the area. Kelly has a great passion for what he does and it shows with knowledge and enthusiasm. Each tour is clearly tailored to the group dynamics and knowledge level present. Trail was well manicured and was more like a pleasant walk or a very easy hike. A very nice departure from the standard water and beach activities.

마 치 영 화 속 한 장 면 같 았 던 신 비 로 움
Kona Cloud Forest에 서 는 영 화 속 에 있 는 듯 한 느 낌 을 받 을 수 있 습 니 다 . 쥬 만 지 나 쥬 라 기 공 원 과 같 은 느 낌 의 정 글 이 빽 빽 하 게 있 는 장 소 였 습 니 다 .

Book Your Tour and Create Some Magic In Your Life. It Was Absolutely Incredible.
The reason I’ve taken so long to write this review as it is so close to my heart, no words will ever describe the feelings and magic obtained within this cloud forest. It is truly a profound and magical place, bursting with so much light, joy, happiness, high vibrations and so much love. Cloud forests are even more endangered than other types of forests making this a truly rare opportunity. Kelly Dunn, the caretaker, the gatekeeper of the wisdom is incredible and very informative. He has a heart of gold and he makes you feel special. He is funny and is the sort of person that would do anything for you.
He really does wear his heart on his sleeve. He gives so much of his time and pours his heart and soul into this beautiful place for people like myself to come enjoy and feel at home and at peace. He and the team work hard to maintain the forest for future generations to enjoy, helping to promote Nature and all the benefits she provides us.
I loved how he explained that the clouds were created by the breath of the plants, which give off oxygen and moisture that sustains life. I feel being in his presence and having the privilege to be in the cloud Forest filled my cup up and gave me more inspiration, ideas, creativity and love. My sights, sounds, and touches were awakened on many levels. It reminded me to be truly present and I was truly present there, every little flower, tree, plant I was intrigued with, and it captured my heart and my soul.
Touching them, seeing them, being a part of them, listening to them as well as the songs of the birds. The unique flowers and trees that you will not see elsewhere on the island. I am drawn to the unique painted trees of Hawaii, which are deeply rooted in the heritage of the islands. I feel in love with them many years ago and have been dreaming of them ever since, longing to hug and sit with them and Kelly and the team made that dream become a reality. What an incredible experience. The Eucalyptus Deglupta trees are my favourite tree in the whole world, They reveal a stunning palette, as they naturally shed their bark and what I love most is that no two trees share the same vibrant colour pattern and a stand of these island eucalyptus create a living rainbow.
I feel a sense of duty to preserve these treasures for millennia. When hugging these trees I am in my happy and safe place. My magically kingdom, my voice, my heart, my oneness. If you just take the time to listen ‐ every part of that forest speaks to you, it speaks right to your heart. She holds you in your arms. She provides warmth, care, love, ease, grace, light. She really does shine like trillions of Diamonds. This is the Hawaii that you dream of ‐ a small piece of paradise. Kona cloud forest brings awareness of the importance of the trees, plants and flowers on the planet Earth. Thank you for maintaining the Kona Cloud Forest in all of its prehistoric beauty. Hawaii is a part of my soul. It was truly a magically place and the memories and magic created here will remain in my heart forever and I hope to return again soon. Book your tour and create some magic in your life.

Great Tour For A Nature Lover!
I came across this place when I was looking up things to do on the island other than water and beach activities. I suggested it to my group and they decided to come along with me. It is a very special place and the owner really loves showing off all the special tress and plants to his visitors. We loved the adventure and seeing the flowering Hawaiian Orchids and all the wonderful painted eucalyptus trees. This tour isn't focused on wildlife (not sure why people would think it is) but it is all about the trees and plants. The owner teaches you a lot about native/non‐native plants and how to appreciate all of them. As another poster said, make sure you do it at 10am before the rain starts but they provide umbrellas for you just in case. Make sure you wear GOOD hiking shoes/boots that you aren't worried about getting muddy.

Simply Awesome!
Such a fun tour and you learn so much about all the beautiful plants endemic or brought onto the island. Suggest going early in the AM before it starts to rain.

An Appreciation of the Kona Cloud Forest
Visited with a large group of plant lovers. Kelly Dunna gave us a wonderful introduction to the garden's inception and objectives, describing not only the history of the garden's development, but also what makes a cloud forest different from a rain forest. Our group was seated on the steps and patio of his home set amid lush forest with densely planted understory filled with lively color in the form of both flowers and foliage, and accented by moss‐covered Balinese temples and lanterns, and soft chirps of birds as they flitted through the canopy above. With bamboo arching overhead accented by vivid blue ginger flowers, a tray made from timber bamboo holding a display of a boar's jawbone, a poi pounder, and some textured palm seeds, and a stone bowl trickling water ‐‐ I was immediately hooked.
Add the soft spoken wisdom of the garden master followed by the moderately paced walking tour through several distinct sections of the forest where we learned about the struggles with overly exuberant species and meek and submissive native plants. We appreciated the lush beauty of the garden and also came away with a greater appreciation of the plant life in the cloud forest.

You Want Off The Beaten Path ?
If you want a total off the beaten path experience ‐ head up to this fab experience in the Cloud forrest above Kona. If you are looking for a gltzy, manicured experience ,walk on by ‐ but if you are up for a little adventure, and listening to some fascinating stories of the amazing plants and trees of this amazing eco‐ system this is for you.
Kelly is charming, funny, and full of knowledge about the various trees, vegetation , and history of this sanctuary. When I said off the beaten path, the thing is that Kelly and his volunteers have actually made the paths, that open up this wonderful forest as an educational experience.
The walk is a very easy nature walk, not a strenuous hike at all ‐ well equipped with tennis shoes, the provided walking sticks added a touch of Indiana Jones to the adventure.
Great experience !!!!!!!!!!

What A Magical Experience!
Kelly was an exceptional guide. He was very informative and you could tell he had great passion! We spent around 3 hours on the tour with him and another small group and enjoyed seeing the great variety of flora and fauna, both native and non‐native to Hawaii. He was a wealth of knowledge and if you enjoy nature, beauty, and learning about the local environment, I HIGHLY recommend this tour

The Most Exotic Experience in Kona!
Before visiting the Kona Cloud Forest, I thought sea turtles and volcanos were the sights to see in Kona. Discovering the last Hawaiian Cloud Forest, and seeing rare plants, trees (including my favorite Rainbow Tree), and knowing they coexist symbiotically in this one place was truly the highlight of being on the Big Island! A truly Hawaiian land adventure. This is a secret place that should be shared.
With our walking sticks in hand, Kelly Dunn (tour guide and keeper of this sanctuary), explained that the clouds above were created by the breath of the plants, which give off oxygen and moisture that sustains life. He pointed out plants and features of trees that we thought only existed in animated movies, and fiction.
Unlike a rainforest, there were no snakes or predatory creatures, other than some mosquitos and a house cat. Kelly is part of a nonprofit effort to save the few existing Painted Trees. It was a great value, knowing the funds are going towards awareness to preserve this land where trees are hundreds to a thousand years old. We hope others will venture the less than 30 minute drive from the Kona Airport, about 3000 feet elevation. You must call Kelly at (808) 640‐3888 to reserve your approx 2‐3 hr walking tour time. We got ours on the same day we called. Tennis shoes could get a bit muddy, depending on weather. I wish everyone could experience this sacred place, but at the same time I hope that visitors will take care to treat the sanctuary kindly.

Do This Tour!!!
This is a must do if you are anywhere close to interested in trees and nature. Kelly really knows his stuff and tells you stories along the hike about how the trees came onto the Big Island and how the trees work together. As the caretaker of this land he blazes new trails through the acreage. He recently found foundations of old buildings on the property. The groups are small which helps keep the conversation flowing. Our group was a group of six and the two hour tour turned into almost 4 because we were not in a hurry and we were the only tour of the day. The hike is slower paced but there are some roots to avoid. Ask tons of questions!! I wouldn't recommend this tour to younger folks due to the amount of information and botanic trivia that younger ones won't find interesting. As Kelly will tell you...this is a cloud forest and not a rainforest. No sweating and no bugs!

OMG!
We stumbled upon this after visiting Mountain Thunder coffee. The timing was right, so we went , with no pre‐planning. My husband and I cannot stop talking about how interesting it was! We’re considering this one of the most memorable things about our trip to Hawaii! Kelly is so knowledgeable and enthusiastic! We would recommend this to anyone visiting the Big Island! In fact, when you read this, Kelly, if you ever get to Chicago, let us know !

My Whole Family, Which Includes Little Kids, Had A Blast!
When we booked our trip to Hawaii the Volcano Park and seeing Painted trees was at the top of the list. Unfortunately the Volcano had other plans, but thankfully we were still able to do this and boy was it worth it!!! This is a MUST if you plan on visiting the Big Island (bring a rain jacket) Mr. Kelly Dunn made the tour fly! and the knowledge this guy possess is AMAZING! My kids loved every minute of it! and the Painted Trees...wow! However, the other trees and plants located at this location I never imagined i would get to see in person. Mr. Dunn, if he hasn't written a book then he should. We could have listened to him all day and he is just down right a nice and decent person. We wish him and everyone's efforts at the Kona Cloud Forest the best

We Did It!
We are not professional hikers, but we enjoyed driving up Hualalai into the cloud forest and walking the trail for about an hour. The trees, ferns and ground cover give a different vision of the Big Island...well worth the effort. A little disappointed that we did not see much wildlife. Could hear birds but not see them.

Amazing “Walk in the Clouds”
Our group had such a great time. The hike was very interesting and we loved all of Kelly Dunn’s great stories. Highly recommended! An educational “Walk in the Clouds”.

Peaceful Tour....

Kelly gave us a lovely and informative tour through the cloud forest. So much plant life to explore, along with listening to the rescue parrots made this an enjoyable hike through the cloud forest. Kelly was so interesting and made the tour one of the best we have ever taken! A true hidden gem in Kona!

A Must Visit
This is a place you must visit if you have any interest, at all, in the plant life of the area. We had a fascinating, interesting and educational leisurely walk through the forest with Kelly. One of the highlights is the incredible "Painted Trees" along with many other beautiful plants growing wildly in this area. However, these plants are becoming threatened due to our carelessness with our environment. Go and see what is out there before it disappears and you will be supporting a small group that is trying to preserve it. Check out their website and do not be discouraged when you see people with walking sticks. These are provided so that you do not trip over the surface root systems. The trail is very gentle and safe, no scrambling involved!

A Hidden Gem
KELLY!!! I have been visiting the Big Island for 15 years and sadly didn’t discover this hidden gem until this week. All of the other recent reviewers have expressed my experience as well as I could. This is the Hawaii that you dream of ‐ a small piece of paradise, not to be missed.

Fabulous Place Hidden in the Clouds
Took this tour as ship excursion. It is a three hour hike through a rainbow forest. The plant life is exotic! The surroundings serene. No place like it anywhere else. Best thing to do in Kona!

Amazing One of a Kind Experience!
The abundance of different plant life and indigenous species to this elevation on the Big Island are truly amazing! The tour is a great opportunity to get outdoors with friends and family and engage with the natural beauty of Hawaii Island. Kelly Dunn gives the adventure a fun educational spin and will have you laughing hysterically with his wit and humor! Overall there's not a better way to spend the afternoon if you love tropical flora and fauna. Big Mahalo Kelly, see you soon my friend!

Best Afternoon with Kelly Dunn in the Kona Cloud Forest!
Fresh air, Beautiful Trees, magical land, and a great tour guide that keeps you laughing and engaged the whole hike. My coworkers and I were lucky to take a field trip day to this breath taking forest. This place is truly magical and you don't what the hike to end. We learned so much about the world around us, from the plants, Hawaiian culture, spices that grow wild (my favorite! Smells like chai tea), flowers, and history. I recommend everyone to come out and support this lush and thriving forest. It holds so many important components to keeping new types of species of plants and wild life alive, even some that are still being discovered and studied right now. It also holds almost extinct species of plants that do not even exist anywhere but in this forest. The forest also includes prehistoric Jurassic grass.
We all were blown away and would do this hike again in a heartbeat. Thanks Kelly Dunn for the best forest hike on the big island!

Amazing Tour
My morning dive got canceled so i called to see if i could join the tour. They asked me how many were in my group and i replied 1. Lol. Even though they didn’t have anyone else they took me! Amazing facts and fun along the way this is a must see on your trip! Thanks Kelly!

Amazing Trees and Foliage with a Most Entertaining Guide ‐ Fantastic Experience!
What a fabulous experience this tour by Kelly Dunn turned out to be. Not only did we see the most incredible plant life ‐ awesome eucalyptus varieties, beautiful tree ferns, palms ..... and so many more exotic plants but we had such fun with Kelly, a marvelously entertaining guide. And on top of all that the institution is doing a great job of education and conservation. Do not miss it.

Amazing Cloud Forest/Painted Trees of Hawai'i
A wonderful hike into a jungle/forest paradise. It's amazing to see and learn about so many native and exotic plants and trees. Truly God's handiwork on display for all to cherish!

Fun and Different
We explored this hike on our own and it was a blast. Very different type of scenery than the typical beaches, but was beautiful and so fun.

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