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Kohala Waterfalls Adventure Tours
Exclusive small-group waterfall trek through private Kohala lands with scenic picnic views.
Difficulty level: Easy
- Everything you get: Journey with a small group (up to 10 guests) through Kohala's lush region, access a private nature reserve, and trek a scenic mile along a stream. Swim in waterfalls, enjoy a picnic with sea cliff views, and learn about local history from guides. All gear, including trekking poles, towels, day packs, rain gear, bug repellent, and sunscreen, is provided.
- Why choose this: Experience Hawaii’s wild beauty away from the crowds, with exclusive access, expert guides, and all essentials included.
Exclusive small-group waterfall trek through private Kohala lands with scenic picnic views.
Difficulty level: Easy
- Everything you get: Journey with a small group (up to 10 guests) through Kohala's lush region, access a private nature reserve, and trek a scenic mile along a stream. Swim in waterfalls, enjoy a picnic with sea cliff views, and learn about local history from guides. All gear, including trekking poles, towels, day packs, rain gear, bug repellent, and sunscreen, is provided.
- Why choose this: Experience Hawaii’s wild beauty away from the crowds, with exclusive access, expert guides, and all essentials included.
Inclusions
- Small group (max 10 guests) adventure through Kohala
- 4-wheel-drive vehicle transport
- Expert local guide
- Access to private nature reserve and waterfalls
- Picnic lunch at a scenic overlook
- Refreshments during the tour
- Swimming opportunity in freshwater pools
- Gear provided:
Exclusions
- Water bottle (guests must bring a reusable one)
- Bathing suit
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Gratuities
What to bring
- Closed-toe shoes are required for hiking on uneven or rocky terrain.
- Bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated during the tour.
- Pack a light jacket and bathing suit for changing weather and swimming opportunities.
- Personal sun protection such as a hat and sunglasses is recommended.
- Bring any additional personal items you may need for comfort during outdoor activities.
What’s not allowed
- Pets are not permitted, except for registered service animals.
- Alcohol, drugs, and any form of intoxication are strictly prohibited on the tour.
- Large bags, suitcases, and oversized luggage are not allowed on the experience.
Accessibility
- This experience is not wheelchair accessible and may not be suitable for guests with limited mobility, as it involves hiking on uneven or rocky terrain.
Additional information
- All ages are welcome; however, guests should be able to hike on uneven or rocky terrain.
- Pregnant individuals must obtain a doctor’s approval due to the risks associated with off-road driving.
- The hike covers approximately 1 mile in 1.5–2 hours with minimal elevation gain (about 200’).
- Expect cool, wet, or muddy conditions; rain gear and towels are provided.
- Maximum group size is 10 guests for a personalized experience.
- Water temperature in the waterfall pools ranges from 60–70°F.
- Sustainable practices are followed, utilizing reusable and recyclable materials.
- This adventure is not recommended for guests on cruise ships due to timing constraints.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Experience North Kohala’s wild side—zipline, hike, and swim in a private nature reserve.
Difficulty level: Moderate
- Everything you get: Enjoy a guided adventure with exclusive access to North Kohala’s lush landscapes. Trek through a private reserve, zip across 8 lines, cross 6 sky bridges, and rappel beside waterfalls. Swim in a freshwater cascade, savor a picnic lunch, and ride off-road—all gear, lunch, and expert guides included.
- Why choose this: This small-group tour blends adrenaline and tranquility, offering ziplining, hiking, and swimming in one seamless, eco-friendly package—plus exclusive access to a private section of Kohala.
Experience North Kohala’s wild side—zipline, hike, and swim in a private nature reserve.
Difficulty level: Moderate
- Everything you get: Enjoy a guided adventure with exclusive access to North Kohala’s lush landscapes. Trek through a private reserve, zip across 8 lines, cross 6 sky bridges, and rappel beside waterfalls. Swim in a freshwater cascade, savor a picnic lunch, and ride off-road—all gear, lunch, and expert guides included.
- Why choose this: This small-group tour blends adrenaline and tranquility, offering ziplining, hiking, and swimming in one seamless, eco-friendly package—plus exclusive access to a private section of Kohala.
Inclusions
- Zipline canopy adventure with 8 ziplines, 6 sky bridges, and 1 rappel
- Small-group experience (max 9 guests)
- Guided nature walk through a private reserve
- Picnic lunch and refreshments
- Swim at a private waterfall
- 4-wheel-drive off-road transport
- Expert interpretive guide
- Gear provided:
Exclusions
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Tips and gratuities
What to bring
- Closed-toe shoes are required; please bring your own.
- Bring a light jacket for comfort during the tour.
- Bring a bathing suit for swimming at the waterfall.
- Bring personal sun protection, such as a hat and sunglasses.
- It is recommended to bring any necessary medications, especially if you have allergies or medical conditions.
What’s not allowed
- Observer option is not available; all participants must take part in the full experience.
- Pets are not permitted, except for registered service animals.
- Alcohol, drugs, and any form of intoxication are strictly prohibited on the tour.
Accessibility
- This experience is not wheelchair accessible.
- All guests must be able to walk over uneven terrain and handle a short walk.
- Participants must be able to reach above their heads to apply friction to the cable.
- The tour is not suitable for pregnant individuals, guests with back or neck problems, or those with an extreme fear of heights.
- Guests with heart disease, cardiac conditions, asthma, diabetes, insulin dependency, severe allergies, or any condition that could require immediate medical attention should consult their physician prior to participating.
Additional information
- Guests must weigh between 70 and 270 lbs and be at least 8 years old; these restrictions are strictly enforced, and guests will be weighed at check-in.
- Activity level is moderate and includes approximately 1 mile of hiking over 1.5–2 hours with short ascents and descents.
- The zipline course lasts around 2–3 hours and includes short walks and stairs.
- The tour operates rain or shine; please dress accordingly.
- Water temperature at the waterfall ranges from 60–70°F.
- Restroom and snack breaks are provided during the zipline portion.
- Guides are certified to ACCT standards.
- Departures are available from multiple locations; allow 50 minutes from Waikoloa Beach Resort or 1 hour 15 minutes from Kailua-Kona.
- Pick up points:
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Did you know
- Kohala is the legendary birthplace of King Kamehameha I, the ruler who united the Hawaiian Islands, making the region historically and culturally significant.
- The Kohala region is the oldest part of the Big Island, shaped by millions of years of erosion. This long history created the deep valleys, dramatic ridges, and towering waterfalls you see today.
- Many Kohala waterfalls flow from pristine rainwater that filters through dense forests and ancient lava, creating some of the clearest freshwater streams in Hawaiʻi.
- Kohala’s most stunning waterfalls sit on privately owned, protected lands, which is why guided tours offer rare access to landscapes the general public cannot visit on their own.
- Upper Kohala receives over 150 inches of rain annually, supporting endangered birds, native plants, and rare ecosystems found nowhere else on Earth.
- Kohala is one of the few places on the island where you can see multiple ecosystems, lush rainforest, flowing cascades, and sweeping coastal vistas, all in one journey.
Your tour options explained
Tours
Duration
Transportation
Highlights
Food included
Booking link
Volcano, Chocolate & Waterfall Tour
11–12 hours
Yes, round-trip transportation
Explore Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, walk ancient lava fields, visit Rainbow Falls, tour a private cacao farm, enjoy a tasting session, and soak in stunning coastal scenery.
No
Kohala Waterfalls Tour
6–7 hours
Yes, round-trip transportation
Enjoy exclusive access to lush valleys, take part in easy guided hikes, visit several picturesque waterfalls, cool off with a refreshing swim beneath one, and learn about historic Hawaiian agricultural sites.
Yes, a picnic lunch
Kohala Waterfalls & Canopy Zip & Dip Tour
8–9 hours
Yes, round-trip transportation
Experience a full canopy zipline course, splash in a secluded mountain-stream waterfall, enjoy a picnic lunch, travel off-road through rugged terrain, and take in panoramic views of Kohala’s dramatic landscapes.
Yes, a picnic lunch
Know before you go
Timings
Directions
Accessibility
Rules
Facilities
Timings:
- Big Island: Volcano, Chocolate & Waterfall Tour: Daily 7:30am to 7:30pm
- Big Island: Kohala Waterfalls Tour: 7:30am to 3:30pm
- Big Island: Kohala Waterfalls and Canopy Zip & Dip Tour: From 8:30 am
Best time to visit the Kohala Waterfalls Tour:
- The Kohala region is beautiful year-round, but the best time to visit is during the dry season from May to October, when trails are clearer, skies are sunnier, and swimming conditions are at their best. The winter months (November to April) bring more rainfall, which can make the waterfalls even more dramatic, but trails may be muddier and conditions more unpredictable. Weekdays generally offer quieter, less crowded experiences, while weekends tend to be busier.
Pick-up points:
- Big Island: Volcano, Chocolate & Waterfall Tour: Kailua-Kona | Find on Maps
- Big Island: Kohala Waterfalls Tour: Hawaii Forest & Trail | Find on Maps
- Big Island: Kohala Waterfalls and Canopy Zip & Dip Tour: Hawaii Forest & Trail | Find on Maps
Getting there by:
- Tour transportation: All tours offer round-trip transportation from select pick-up locations.
- By car: From Kona, drive north on Highway 19, then turn onto Hina Lani Street and follow signs to the Hawaiʻi Forest & Trail base. Parking is available on-site.
- These tours require guests to walk on uneven, rocky, and sometimes slippery terrain, so participants should be comfortable navigating moderate hiking paths.
- The tours are not wheelchair accessible, as the trails, off-road areas, and natural environments cannot accommodate mobility devices.
- Guests must be able to walk short distances, climb steps, and manage mild elevation changes throughout the experience.
- Swimming portions (where applicable) require participants to be comfortable entering and exiting natural pools without handrails.
- Closed-toe shoes are mandatory for safety, and those with knee, back, or mobility concerns should evaluate their comfort level before booking.
- You must follow all safety instructions provided by the guide, especially near waterfalls, steep edges, and while hiking.
- Swimming is only permitted in designated areas and when approved by the guide, based on the prevailing conditions.
- Outside alcohol, glass containers, and large coolers are not allowed on the tour.
- Drones are prohibited to protect the natural environment and respect private property.
- Participants should remain with the group at all times, as access is through private lands where wandering off-trail is not permitted.
- Smoking and vaping are not allowed during the tour or on the vehicles.
- If you do not meet the physical requirements or ignore safety guidelines, you may be restricted from certain activities for your own well-being.
- All tours include clean, accessible restrooms at the starting point or at designated stops along the route.
- Guests will have access to filtered water and light refreshments, with some tours including lunch or picnic-style meals.
- Trekking poles, daypacks, rain gear, and towels are provided depending on the specific tour.
- Secure storage for small personal belongings may be available in the tour vehicle.
Frequently asked questions about Kohala waterfalls tours
Can I swim in the waterfall?
Yes, on the Kohala Waterfalls Tour and the Zip & Dip Tour, guests are welcome to enjoy a refreshing swim beneath a private waterfall, conditions permitting.
How difficult is the hike?
The waterfall trail typically covers easy to moderate terrain, with gentle inclines and well-maintained paths. Most guests with basic fitness can comfortably complete the walk.
How cold is the water?
The waterfall pools stay cool year-round, usually between 60–70°F (15–21°C), offering a refreshing dip after the hike.
Is ziplining required on the Zip & Dip Tour?
Yes. The Zip & Dip Tour combines the full Kohala canopy course with the waterfall hike and swim. If you prefer a tour without ziplining, opt for the Kohala Waterfalls Tour instead.
What kind of terrain should I expect?
Trails include uneven ground, short ascents and descents, and some narrow sections. Off-road travel in a 4x4 vehicle is also part of the experience.
Do I need to know how to swim for the Zip & Dip Tour?
No, but swimming is optional. Life vests are available for guests who want support in the water.
What should I wear for the tour?
Closed-toe shoes are required. A swimsuit, lightweight layers, and sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses) are recommended. Bring a towel if you plan to swim.
Is transportation provided?
Pickup is available from select meeting points, including Hawaii Forest & Trail’s headquarters. Check the meeting points before you book.
Are the tours safe for those with medical conditions?
The tours involves hiking, uneven paths, and off-road travel. Guests with heart conditions, back or neck issues, or recent surgeries should consult their doctor before participating.
Do the tours include gear?
Yes, rain gear, trekking poles, bug repellent, and drinking water are included. Ziplining tours also include helmets and harness equipment.
How long are the tours?
Depending on the option you choose, tours run 5–9 hours round-trip, including transportation.