Fern Forest: Nature Nearby and an Outdoor Tour

Fern Forest brings together nearby natural attractions and an outdoor activity in town for trip planning. In nearby Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Crater Rim Drive passes through a tree fern forest and by Thurston Lava Tube. At Hapu'u Fern Farm at Paradise Unplugged in Fern Forest, the approximately two-hour “Big Island Jungle Tour with Guava Green Tea” takes place outdoors. This gives you two specific options to consider: outings to the forest and lava tube nearby, or an outdoor experience in Fern Forest. If you’re looking for a vacation rental, these different focuses can help guide your trip planning.

Nearby Natural Attractions

Near Fern Forest, Crater Rim Drive in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park passes through a tree fern forest and by Thurston Lava Tube. Nāhuku is also in the national park near Fern Forest; it combines a walk through lush rainforest with a 500-year-old lava tube. Lava that was once 2,000°F (1,093°C) flowed through this tube.

The two destinations offer different highlights: along Crater Rim Drive, the tree fern forest shapes the route; at Nāhuku, a rainforest walk and lava tube come together. For your planning, this means a clear choice between a forest landscape along a route and a nature experience that combines a rainforest walk with a lava tube. Both destinations are in the national park near Fern Forest. Check current conditions in the national park before visiting.

An Outdoor Experience in Fern Forest

At Hapu'u Fern Farm at Paradise Unplugged, the “Big Island Jungle Tour with Guava Green Tea” is an approximately two-hour outdoor experience. The business grows Hapu'u ferns and other plants on its three-acre property. For planning purposes, these are two separate points to consider: the approximate duration of the tour and the cultivation of plants at the venue. Allow time for the tour as a separate activity and check dates and availability in advance, as they may change.

Transportation and Road Planning

Since February 1, 2026, Hele-On has offered flexible public transportation for everyone on Route 403. It provides additional transportation options in Fern Acres, Fern Forest, Eden Roc, Keaʻau, and South Hilo when the regular bus route cannot be reached. The bus can travel up to one mile off the route; a reservation is required at least one hour in advance. Check the current schedule before traveling, as operating details may change.

The Fern Forest Community Association publishes monthly roadwork maps, including maps covering the previous twelve months. They supplement schedule planning with information about roadwork. As road conditions can change, it’s a good idea to check the relevant map before traveling.

Explore More Destinations

Explore more destinations: Kailua Kona, Kawaihae, Kapaau, Kalaoa, Honokaa, Waimea, Holualoa, Keaau

For the main trip overview: Hawaii.