Hawaiian Tikis and Guava Tea

The most unusual part of this Big Island outing is that it takes you into a working personal art project, not a polished attraction. In Fern Forest, Jason and Nikki have cleared paths, carved life-sized Hawaiian tikis, shaped lava rock, and built small structures from recycled pallets.

I like the hands-on look at off-grid living, with solar power and rainwater collection built into The Okina. I also like the chance to see more than 300 hapuʻu ferns growing in their natural setting, rather than in a formal garden. The main thing to consider is the uneven lava path, which may be less comfortable for anyone who has trouble walking on rough ground.

Key points to know before you go

• Seven chess-piece tikis greet you at the entrance, each carved at life size.
• Jason and Nikki lead the visit, sharing how they cleared the property and built its structures.
• More than 300 hapuʻu ferns grow along a natural lava-flow path.
• The Okina uses recycled pallets, solar electricity, and water catchment.
• Children can get a closer look at wood carving and rock chiseling, making this a strong family choice.
• The group is limited to 10 people, and the tour starts at 2:30 p.m. on Jungle King Avenue.

A personal art project in Fern Forest

This experience gives you a rare look at a property shaped by its owners, Jason and Nikki. The tikis, stone work, paths, buildings, and recycled structures are all part of one connected idea: make useful things with local materials and live with less dependence on standard utilities.

That personal touch changes the feel of the visit. You are not walking through a commercial museum with signs at every turn. You are seeing an evolving homestead and art space, with Jason and Nikki explaining what they made and why.

The property combines tropical growth with rough, handmade construction. You will see plants and trees around the path, wildlife may be present, and the work has an intentionally homemade quality. Some people will find that refreshing. If you prefer a neat, formal garden or a highly scripted cultural show, this will feel more informal.

The small group limit helps here. With no more than 10 people, you should have room to ask questions and hear the story behind the structures. The experience is offered in English.

Seven tikis shaped like a chess set

Your visit begins with seven life-sized tiki statues along a fence made from 100 percent recycled pallets. The figures represent the game of chess, giving the entrance an unexpected theme and a strong visual first impression.

The tikis are not simply decorative markers. They introduce Jason’s carving work and the broader idea behind the property: traditional-looking forms mixed with modern reuse. The recycled-pallet fence frames the statues while making the material choices easy to see.

This opening section is also useful for families. Children can look at the large figures, compare the chess roles, and begin asking how the wood was shaped. The setting gives them something concrete to notice before the walk moves into the forest.

Do not expect a long lesson in Hawaiian chess symbolism or a formal presentation on tiki traditions. The available details point to a personal art collection and homestead project. The appeal is the scale, craftsmanship, and setting.

Walking the uneven lava-flow path

From the entrance, the tour follows a naturally formed path over uneven lava. Along the way, you will see more than 300 hapuʻu ferns growing in their natural environment.

This is one of the strongest parts of the outing for anyone interested in tropical plants. Hapuʻu ferns are not arranged in tidy rows here. They grow as part of the forest, surrounded by other tropical plants, trees, and possible wildlife. That gives you a better sense of how the fern fits into its environment.

The rough path is also the main practical concern. The tour description specifically notes uneven lava, so wear sturdy shoes and expect a walk that requires attention to your footing. The information provided does not give a distance or accessibility rating, but the terrain alone means this is not the best choice for anyone who needs a smooth, paved route.

The forest setting can make the visit feel slower and more observant. You are looking down for safe steps, then up to notice plant growth, carvings, and structures. That rhythm suits people who enjoy a close look at a place rather than a quick series of photo stops.

Lava rock sculptures with a Rasta stone figure

The route also includes several lava rock sculptures, including a Rasta stone sculpture that remains in place where it was created. This use of volcanic stone connects the artwork to the Big Island itself.

Lava is not just scenery here. It is a building and carving material, a rough surface underfoot, and part of the property’s visual character. Seeing it used in sculpture gives you another way to understand how the owners work with what surrounds them.

The Rasta stone sculpture is described as in situ, meaning it remains in its original position rather than being moved into a gallery or display area. That matters because the forest and rock form one scene. You are not viewing an isolated object, but artwork that belongs to the site.

Expect an outdoor art experience rather than a conventional sculpture park. The emphasis is on personal expression, recycled materials, and working with the land. The style will appeal most to you if you enjoy handmade projects and unusual settings.

Inside The Okina recycled-pallet house

One of the most memorable stops is The Okina, a prototype house made entirely from recycled pallets. The structure includes hallways and a sleeping area of about 100 square feet, along with original mixed-media artwork.

The Okina is small, but that is the point. It shows how limited space can be arranged for shelter and creative use. You will see a water-catchment system and solar electricity, two features that help explain how the property supports a more independent lifestyle.

The space is not presented as a full-size house tour. It is a compact art installation and prototype structure. If you are curious about alternative building methods, recycled materials, or small-scale living, this may be the most useful stop on the route.

One especially appealing option is that The Okina has been available to book separately through Airbnb. A previous family experience included an overnight stay there, allowing them to hear the jungle sounds at night. That overnight option is not part of the two-hour tour price, so treat it as a separate possibility and check its current availability before planning around it.

Why families may enjoy this experience

This tour works well for families because it gives children several ways to stay involved. There are large tikis, unusual buildings, tropical plants, lava sculptures, and a story about making things by hand.

Jason has also allowed a child to try carving wood and chiseling rock. That kind of participation can make the visit more memorable than simply looking at finished objects. The information provided does not promise that every child will carve or chisel, so you should treat hands-on activity as something to ask about rather than a guaranteed part of every departure.

The property also offers a practical lesson. Children can see how solar electricity, water collection, recycled building materials, and careful use of space fit together. It is a real-world way to discuss sustainability without turning the visit into a classroom lecture.

The forest path is the part to watch. Younger children may enjoy the setting but need help on uneven lava. The group size of up to 10 keeps the outing manageable, yet families should still expect an outdoor walk rather than a stroller-friendly attraction.

What the $75 price gives you

At $75 per person, this is not priced like a simple walk through public forest. You are paying for access to a private property, a guided two-hour visit, the owners’ time, and an explanation of the art and building projects.

The value depends on what you want from a Big Island activity. If your priority is a major volcano viewpoint, a long scenic drive, or a broad cultural performance, this tour may not be the right use of your budget. It focuses on one small property and the ideas expressed through its tikis, plants, sculptures, and structures.

I see stronger value if you enjoy personal stories, creative reuse, plant life, and authentic contact with a local project. The tour combines several interests in one stop: art, tropical growth, volcanic stone, family interaction, and off-grid design.

Admission at the stop itself is listed as free, but that does not mean the guided experience has no cost. The $75 price is for the organized activity and access to the site. Since the tour lasts about two hours, consider it a focused half-day addition rather than a full-day excursion.

Timing, meeting point, and group size

The tour begins at 2:30 p.m. on Jungle King Avenue in Fern Forest, Hawaii. It ends back at the same meeting point, which keeps the outing simple if you are arranging your own transportation.

The afternoon start can work well if you want a quieter activity after a morning elsewhere on the Big Island. At the same time, the tour is outdoors, so keep the local conditions in mind when planning what to wear and carry. No specific packing list is provided, but sturdy footwear is a sensible choice because of the uneven lava path.

The group maximum is 10 people. That is small enough for direct conversation with Jason and Nikki, and it suits a property where personal explanation matters. A large bus group would likely miss much of the charm.

The experience is booked an average of 33 days ahead. That suggests you should reserve early if your dates are fixed, especially if you want to include it in a tightly planned Big Island schedule. Confirmation is provided when you book, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the 2:30 p.m. start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not refundable.

Service animals are allowed, and the activity is near public transportation. Most people can participate, but the uneven natural path remains an important consideration.

Is the guava tea part of the visit?

The experience is titled Hawaiian Tikis and Guava Tea, but the available details do not explain when guava tea is served, how much is included, or whether it is part of the walking route. If the tea is important to your plans, ask Paradise Unplugged to confirm the current arrangement before booking.

The main described experience centers on the tikis, ferns, lava sculptures, recycled structures, and The Okina. I would make those the reason to book, rather than treating the tea as the central feature.

Who should book this Fern Forest tour?

I would point this toward you if you like small-scale experiences with a strong personal story. It suits families with curious children, people interested in simple living, amateur gardeners, handmade art fans, and anyone who would rather visit an individual creative project than a standard tourist attraction.

It is also a good fit if you want to learn how a property can combine art with practical systems. The recycled pallets, solar electricity, water catchment, and small prototype house give the visit more substance than a quick photo stop.

I would think twice if you need smooth paths, dislike informal settings, or want a major Big Island landmark. The site is compact, the terrain is uneven, and much of the appeal comes from talking with the owners and examining their work closely.

Should you book Hawaiian Tikis and Guava Tea?

Book it if you want an intimate, unusual look at a Fern Forest homestead shaped by art, recycling, and self-reliance. Jason and Nikki’s work gives the tour a human scale, while the tikis, lava sculptures, hapuʻu ferns, and Okina house keep it visually interesting.

Skip it if you are looking for a polished attraction or a wide-ranging island tour. For the right visitor, $75 buys more than a walk: it buys access to a living project and the chance to ask how it was made.

FAQ

Where does the Hawaiian Tikis and Guava Tea tour begin?

It begins on Jungle King Avenue in Fern Forest, Hawaii 96778.

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 2:30 p.m.

How long does the experience last?

The experience lasts approximately two hours.

Where does the tour end?

It ends back at the same meeting point on Jungle King Avenue.

How many people can join the tour?

The activity has a maximum of 10 travelers.

What will I see during the walk?

You will see seven life-sized tiki statues representing chess, a recycled-pallet fence, more than 300 hapuʻu ferns, lava rock sculptures, a Rasta stone sculpture, tropical plants, trees, wildlife, and The Okina prototype house.

Who leads the experience?

Jason and Nikki lead the experience and explain their artwork, structures, plants, and off-grid lifestyle.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes. Service animals are allowed.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.