Waterfalls
Waterfall Adventures on the Big Island
The Big Island is home to some of Hawaiʻi’s most breathtaking waterfalls, many of which are hidden deep within lush valleys along the island’s tropical east side. While a few well-known waterfalls can be viewed from scenic overlooks, the majority of the island’s most beautiful and swimmable waterfalls are located on private land and protected conservation areas, making them inaccessible without special permission or guided access.
Through a small number of carefully managed tours, visitors have the rare opportunity to explore these landscapes and experience waterfalls up close. These excursions often take guests through private valleys, rainforest trails, and historic agricultural lands to reach secluded waterfalls that few people ever see.
One of the biggest advantages of visiting waterfalls through private access is the ability to swim beneath or beside the falls, something that is not permitted at most publicly accessible waterfalls on the island.
Public sites like Akaka Falls State Park, Rainbow Falls, and Boiling Pots are beautiful and well worth seeing, but they are primarily viewing locations rather than immersive experiences.
The Big Island’s Best Waterfall Experiences
Below are some of the island’s most unique waterfall adventures, each offering rare access to private valleys, rainforest landscapes, and hidden falls that most visitors never get to experience.
Kohala Waterfall Adventure
One of the island’s most iconic waterfall experiences, this guided adventure explores a private nature reserve in North Kohala. Guests hike through lush rainforest, cross streams, and follow historic irrigation flumes before reaching multiple secluded waterfalls where swimming is often possible. This tour offers a beautiful blend of scenery, history, and adventure.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Ramble off-road in a 6-wheel-drive Pinzgauer (an Austrian military vehicle)
Take a relaxed, guided walk through a private nature reserve.
Cool off with a swim under one of the seven cascading waterfalls.
Enjoy a private picnic lunch with views of soaring sea-cliffs and remote valleys.
TOUR TIMES: Departs daily at 7:30AM from Kona. Pickup & Drop off at various locations along the Kohala Coast.
RESTRICTIONS: Guests should be able to hike on uneven or rocky terrain. We sometimes encounter cool, wet or muddy conditions. Other tour restrictions may apply.
PRICES:
Adult $229 + tax
Child (12 & Under) $204 + tax
AGE: Easy all ages!
Kohala Cultural E-Bike Waterfall Tour
This unique guided e-bike tour combines cultural history with stunning natural landscapes. Ride through Kohala’s scenic countryside and historic plantation lands while learning about the region’s rich Hawaiian heritage. The tour includes stops at dramatic coastline viewpoints and private waterfalls tucked into the lush valleys of North Kohala.
OFFERED: Mondays - Fridays
TOUR TIMES: 10AM & 2PM
DURATION: 1.5 hours
PRICES: Starting at $135 + tax per person
RESTRICTIONS: Participants must be 15 years or older, and must weigh no more than 275lbs.
*No pre-booking required! Drive-ups welcome.
Umauma Falls Zip & Dip with Kayaking
Located on a private nature reserve along the Hamakua Coast, this experience pairs waterfall views with adventure activities. Guests can soar over tropical landscapes on a multi-line zipline course, then kayak across a tranquil lake fed by the beautiful Umauma Falls. The setting offers one of the most picturesque waterfall views on the island.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Complimentary with purchase of Zipline, River Swim & Kayak or Zip N Dip.
Drive-up to the falls viewing
A great way to pass time while waiting for your zip time, or while others in your party zip!
Great stop to stretch your legs & get some fresh air while exploring and driving along the Hamakua Coast.
*No pre-booking required! Drive-ups welcome.
OFFERED: Mondays - Fridays
INCLUDED: Rain wear, water, all safety gear (helmets, gloves & harness.)
PRICING STARTING AT:
ADULT $314 + tax.
CHILD (Ages 4-10) $294 + tax
(we highly recommend the whole 9!)
RESTRICTIONS: Physical: Must weigh between 35-275 lbs. Participants will be weighed at check in. Must be able to walk over uneven terrain and handle a short climb.
AGE: Participants must be 4 years or older.
*OUR TOP PICK! Combine this with the Zip & Dip - One hour of swimming and kayaking after your Zip. (Includes lunch)
*For those wanting to try the exciting options on the Hilo side of the Island, we are happy to send you a fun driving itinerary with sights along the way, making you day truly spectacalular! This activity is not recommended for guests with a fear of heights.
Kohala Zip & Dip
This is another Zip & Dip Combination option, allowing you to Zipline AND visit a Waterfall. Spend an inspiring and exhilarating day in North Kohala, a land of stunning beauty and profound cultural significance. Zipline high above the forest floor, picnic with stunning views of the valleys and swim under a private waterfall fed by a cool mountain stream.
Highlights include:
Combine two amazing experiences into one!
Stroll by secluded waterfalls in a private nature reserve, only accessible via guided tours.
Enjoy a picnic lunch and swim in a private waterfall.
Enjoy a fun off-road adventure through private lands.
TOUR TIMES: 8AM
RESTRICTIONS: Guests must weight between 70 and 270 lbs. Guests must be able to walk over uneven terrain and handle a short climb. This tour is not suitable for expectant mothers.
WHAT TO WEAR & BRING: Swimsuit, closed-toe walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen and a light sweatshirt or jacket.
RATE:
Adult $270 +tax
Child (8 - 12 years old) $245 +tax
AGE: 8+
Umauma Waterfall Rappel & River Experience
Perfect for adventurous travelers, this tour offers the chance to rappel down a stunning waterfall within a private tropical reserve. After descending alongside the falls with expert guides, guests continue exploring the river and surrounding rainforest environment for a truly unforgettable waterfall adventure.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Rappel 150FT into the Umauma Valley
Land on a ledge next to a 60FT Waterfall before a 40FT Rappel lands you directly in the river
OFFERED: Mondays - Saturdays
TOUR TIMES: 9:30AM & 1:00PM
DURATION: 4 hours
PRICES: Starting at $399 + tax per person
RESTRICTIONS: Participants must be 10 years or older, and weigh between 70lbs - 250lbs
Volcano, Chocolate & Waterfalls Tour
This full-day guided experience combines the dramatic landscapes of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park with a unique waterfall setting on a private cacao farm above Hilo Bay. Guests explore volcanic terrain, lava tubes, and recent eruptive sites before visiting a lush 1,000-acre chocolate farm to learn about cacao cultivation and the chocolate-making process. The day concludes with a chocolate tasting beside the farm’s own secluded waterfall, creating a memorable blend of nature, culture, and flavor.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Visit the world’s most active volcano, Kīlauea
Explore volcanic landscapes and lava tubes within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Interactive cacao-to-chocolate experience on a private tropical farm
Chocolate tasting beside a secluded waterfall
TOUR TIME: 7:30 AM – 7:00 PM (approximately 11.5 hours round trip from Kona)
WHAT TO WEAR & BRING: Closed-toe shoes and a reusable water bottle are required. Long pants, a light jacket, and sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen) are recommended.
PRICES: Please inquire for current pricing and availability.
RESTRICTIONS: Ages 6+. Guests should be comfortable walking short to moderate distances on uneven terrain.