Big Island Waterfall Tours

Lush Rainforest, Towering Waterfalls & Iconic Swimming Holes

Explore the lush rainforest on the East coast of the Big Island with a one-of-a-kind private waterfall tour! From towering waterfalls to the rugged and beautiful Hamakua coastline; sit back, relax and enjoy the breathtaking scenery as your exceptional tour guide takes you to the best scenic waterfalls on the island. Bring your bathing suit because you’ll have the opportunity to get up close and personal with Hawaii’s largest private accessible waterfall.

Tour Highlights

Book an unforgettable private waterfall tour that will take you to some of the most scenic destinations on the Big Island of Hawaii:

  • Wailuku River State Park
  • Experience a private waterfall location: swim, kayak, and paddle-board
  • Akaka Falls State Park
  • Iconic waterfalls in the North Hilo area
  • The rugged and beautiful Hamakua coast
  • Views of Waipio Valley
  • Waimea Paniolo Countryside
Starting at $1195, with private group rates as low as $264 per person (based on eleven guests)

** Please note route map is for reference purposes only. It is approximately 1.5 hour drive each way to and from the waterfall region on the Island from the Kona Resort region. Guests will be picked up at their place of lodging so actual tour routes may vary.**

Full Tour Details:

8 Hours

8 Hour Tour Time

Itinerary:

  • Start Time: 8:00 AM

  • After pickup from your place of lodging, begin your Big Island waterfall tour with a visit to iconic Wailuku River State Park and take in the majestic beauty of Boiling Pots and Rainbow Falls. Rainbow Falls is a picturesque waterfall that cascades over a legendary cave of the goddess Hina. Get your cameras ready for a potential glimpse at the fame rainbow created in the mist of this waterfall. Approximately one mile from Rainbow Falls lies Boiling Pots, an intriguing feature of the Wailuku River. Listen to your tour guide tell you the legend of this area and the great battle between Maui and Mo’o Kuna.
  • Experience a private waterfall location at Kulaniapia Falls and relax in the beauty and tranquility of this private 42-acre property which boasts 4 waterfalls, bamboo gardens and beautiful trails. 
  • If weather and river conditions permit, you’ll enjoy some quality water time at what we feel is the best swimming hole on the island. Kulaniapia Falls cascades down 120-feet into a protected pool ideal for swimming activities. Only a limited number of guests can visit this privately accessible waterfall each day, making this a true escape. Enjoy amenities such as kayaks and stand-up paddle boards rentals that will make your swimming experience absolutely perfect.
  • Enjoy the lush rainforest and rugged coastline as you cruise along Onomea’s scenic route. The road winds through an enchanting tropical forest. Stop for photos and views at beautiful waterfalls along the way.
  • After working up an appetite, stop at a local restaurant for an included delicious locally sourced lunch.
  • Take a guided walk through Akaka Falls State Park. Not only will your tour guide tell you all about the rich botanical life found throughout the park, but you’ll have the opportunity to view 2 spectacular waterfalls. Akaka falls, which cascades 442-feet down a vertical cliff face carpeted in vibrant green, is truly an incredible site to behold and a must-see on a Big Island waterfall tour.
  • Venture up the Hamakua Coast Heritage Corridor, one of the most scenic roads in all of Hawaii, to the Waipio Valley Scenic Overlook. Enjoy the spectacular grand vista while listening to your guide tell you about the cultural significance of this site.
  • Before return into your place of lodging, pass-through the town of Waimea and learn about the Paniolo (Hawaiian Cowboy) culture that originated here.
  • If you would like to skip the private waterfall location, in substitute, other locations that can be visited include: Hawai’i Tropical Bioreserve & Garden, Hilo Farmers Market, and Richardson’s Black Sand Beach.
Guests about to go swimming at Kulaniapia Falls on a Big Island waterfall tour.
Big Island waterfall tour stop at Rainbow Falls. Guest takes a picture of a rainbow in the mist of the falls.
Boiling Pots along the Wailuku River State Park, things to do on Hawaii Big Island.
Waterfall tour on the Big Island of Hawaii, guests enjoying some swim time at a private waterfall location.
Waterfall tours on the Big Island of Hawaii visiting Akaka Falls State Park.
Waipio Valley Overlook, Big Island Hawaii Tour.

What’s Included

Tour Inclusions

Waterfall along Onomea Scenic Route, things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii.
  • Admission into all venues and parks
  • Pick up and drop off at your place of lodging 
  • Fully guided naturalist tour with educational materials and commentary provided by our top of the line tour guides
  • Complementary Photo package: 20-25 professional, edited photos shared via Adobe Cloud for easy accessibility while traveling

Food & Drink

Kona waterfall tour stop at private waterfall location. Guests enjoying a picnic lunch at the base of the waterfall.
  • Lunch: a delicious locally sourced meal at a local restaurant on the Hilo coast
  • Snacks: trail mix, fruit snacks, granola bars, chocolate, beef jerky, chips
  • All non-alcoholic beverages: water, juice, soda, hot tea, coffee and hot chocolate

Tour Gear

Guests looking at Hilo waterfall, Big Island Hawaii things to do.
  • Patagonia rain jacket and Nano puff
  • Nikon ProStaff 7s binoculars
  • Black Diamond Hiking Poles
  • Umbrellas
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Bathing suit and towel
  • Water shoes or Teva type river shoes
  • Camera
  • A change of clothes if you’d like to participate in the waterfall swim
  • Tours can be adapted to accommodate all ages and abilities. Please let us know at the time of booking if you have specific needs.
  • Assuming no modifications to this tour, guests should be able to walk at least 1-2 miles with some steps included.
  • Guests must be able to walk on uneven or rocky terrain and we may encounter cool, wet, or muddy conditions.

Customizing Your Tour

Upon booking your tour, one of our guides will contact you to discuss custom options we have available for your tour. Whether you’d like to spend more time star gazing, enjoy more time at our private waterfall location, or enjoy an extended guided hike, we’re here to make this experience memorable and most importantly – ALL ABOUT YOU!

Want a custom tour? Give us a call: (808) 315-9278

Ready to Book a Tour?

We look forward to taking you on an amazing adventure!