The Mauna Kea Cloudforest Bioreserve — Attraction in Hawaii

Our favorite tour on the Big Island, and we’ve done just about everything. A must-do hidden gem experience that is the opposite of a tourist trap.

Axel was an incredible guide, sharing his living ecological research project with you on the tour. His deep knowledge of the forest, especially his work on identifying and preserving native species while combating invasive ones makes the experience meaningful on a whole new level. Whether or not you’re a gardener, you’ll come away with a richer understanding of the environment and how delicate and important it is to the Hawaiian ecosystem.

His property is an arboretum is full of diverse and fascinating trees. Tasting the ice cream bean fruit was a highlight, delicious and unlike anything we’ve seen in stores.

The private waterfall was another magical moment. It was incredibly peaceful and refreshing, and we got enjoy it entirely by ourselves.

We were the only ones on the tour and had a great time talking to Axel about life while feeding his goats ice cream bean fruit.

Highly recommend booking this tour with Axel. You’ll leave with new knowledge and a deeper appreciation for this beautiful (and...

Truly a hidden gem. Axel gave us a tour of the property including so much information and education on their ecological efforts over the years. He is incredibly knowledgeable on all the various plants and foliage they are growing, what is invasive vs not, how the different plants thrive in their area vs which were not taking as well, their propagation efforts, and so much more. We were blown away by his knowledge and kindness.. and he was so patient with all of our questions. After a tour around, we were allowed to take the small walk to the waterfall to take a dip for an hour and enjoy the peaceful, secluded space. To manage expectations to all reading: this isn’t a tourist trap where you’re herded along with a huge group of people - this feels way more individualized, it will be whatever you would like to make it!! We stuck around for awhile after, chatting with Axel about plants and life, seeing their goats, and eating from their ice cream plants. We left with massive smiles on our faces and so much new knowledge on the Hawaiian foliage!! He also gives great tips on other activities in the area. Highly...

The Mauna Kea Cloudforest Bioreserve is a hidden gem of what one person's passion can do to educate all about the diversity of plants and the impact of sustainable farming/gardening. Axel was a fantastic tour guide leading us all around his property and explaining his extensive collection of trees, palms, and other plants. He catered the tour to our interests and home state to explain the comparisons between Hawaii and Florida. He also did a great job of interpreting his work to me and my husband's differing levels of plant knowledge (intermediate vs. beginner). We enjoyed our time with someone who is deeply passionate about his work. The waterfall swim at the end was an added bonus for us! It was very private and we had all the time we wanted. We will definitely visit again on our next trip to...