Community/KMR Tours | Kealakekua Mountain

Kealakekua Mountain Reserve Tours

Kealakekua Mountain Reserve offers free tours to interested learners of all ages.

To book a tour, please reach out to Keliʻikanoe Mahi at keliikanoe@hikiola.org to secure your preferred date. We recommend giving at least 3-4 weeks' notice, as short-notice requests may be harder to accommodate. Before contacting Keliʻikanoe, take some time to explore the various tour options and their timeframes. Once you’ve selected your tour and know the number of people in your group, email her to finalize your booking.

Option Pōkole Tour time 3+/-

Pōkole means short. We begin this tour with a hands-on session identifying native Hawaiian plants and birds, deepening our connection to the land. Next, we explore Kealakekua Forest Nurseries, the island’s largest Native Hawaiian nursery, where conservation and restoration come to life. We conclude with an exclusive tour of the distillery that transforms ‘iliahi and naio into essential oils, carrying the essence of Hawai'i in every drop.

Option Nānā Tour time 3+/-

Nānā means to look—come see restoration in action.

Tour Kealakekua Forest Nurseries, the island’s largest Native Hawaiian nursery, and visit the distillery where ‘iliahi and naio oils are crafted. Then, journey up KMR’s property to witness the transformation of the 2019, 2020, and 2021 planting areas. See firsthand how reforestation is bringing native landscapes back to life!

Option Hana Tour time 6 hours +/-

Hana means to work—engage in meaningful action.

Discover Kealakekua Forest Nurseries, the island’s largest Native Hawaiian nursery, and learn how ‘iliahi and naio oils are made at the distillery. Then, contribute to the reforestation effort by volunteering at the nursery. Assist with various tasks under the guidance of nursery technicians and enjoy a relaxing lunch amidst the natural beauty of the nursery.

Option Hoʻohui Tour time 6 hours +/-

Hoʻohui means to combine things together—experience harmony in action. Discover Kealakekua Forest Nurseries, the island’s largest Native Hawaiian nursery, and see how ‘iliahi and naio oils are made at the distillery. Join the reforestation effort by volunteering for two hours, assisting with tasks under the guidance of nursery technicians. Afterward, enjoy a well-deserved lunch at the nursery before heading further up KMR’s property to explore the 2019, 2020, and 2021 planting areas. Witness firsthand the powerful results of reforestation!

Option *Kanu Tour time 6 hours +/-

Kanu means to plant—so immerse yourself in the process of growth.

Explore Kealakekua Forest Nurseries, the island’s largest Native Hawaiian nursery, and discover how ‘iliahi and naio oils are made at the distillery. Contribute to reforestation by planting Native Hawaiian forest plants in our current planting area. After, enjoy lunch at the pavilion and end the day with a tour of the 2019, 2020, and 2021 planting areas, witnessing the success of ongoing restoration efforts.

*Option Kanu must be authorized in advance and is contingent on the planting season and weather conditions.