Big Island: Kohala Waterfalls Hike & Private Valley Lunch

Summary

Walk old sugar trails swim beneath Kohala falls picnic above a hidden valley

You’ll ride along Kona’s wild coastline before hiking through private Kohala lands with a local guide, hearing stories of old sugar plantations and legends along the way. Cool off in mountain streams or beneath waterfalls, then share lunch above a remote valley where silence feels almost sacred. It’s less about distance than slowing down together.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the road from Kona to feel so long and quiet — you get these sudden stretches where the ocean just drops away and it’s nothing but black lava and scruffy grass. Our guide, Kaleo, pointed out Mauna Kea in the haze (“sometimes you can see snow up there,” he said, which I’d never have guessed). The van was small — maybe eight of us — and everyone sort of loosened up after we stopped for coffee at this little shop that smelled like guava pastries. I should’ve bought one.

The hike itself was softer than I thought it’d be. We followed Kaleo through a gate into what he called “private land — old plantation ground.” There were these low stone walls half-swallowed by ferns, and the air felt heavy with water even before we saw any falls. First waterfall was loud enough to drown out conversation; I remember the spray on my arms felt cold and clean. Someone (I think her name was Marissa?) tried to skip stones but just splashed herself instead. We all laughed, even Kaleo.

Lunch came after a short climb — not hard, just enough to make sandwiches taste better. They’d set up a picnic table under this crooked tree overlooking Mokulanikila valley. It’s hard to describe how quiet it got; even the kids in our group hushed for a minute staring out at all that green. I still think about that view sometimes when things get noisy back home. Oh, and if you’re wondering: yes, you can swim under one of the waterfalls if you bring your suit (the water’s brisk but worth it). My toes went numb but in a good way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Kohala Waterfalls Adventure Tour

• Check-in in Kailua-Kona area
• Drive along Big Island coastline
• Stop at Kohala Zipline retail store
• Hike private nature reserves and ancient site
• Swim under cascading waterfall
• Lunch with view of Mokulanikila

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for the Kohala Waterfalls tour?

No, pickup is from central meeting locations in Kailua-Kona area—not individual hotels.

How difficult is the Kohala Waterfalls hike?

The walk is easy and suitable for most fitness levels—just wear closed-toe shoes.

Can I swim during the tour?

Yes, there’s time to swim under one of the waterfalls if you bring your bathing suit.

Are meals provided on this day trip?

Yes, lunch is included and served at a private picnic spot overlooking Mokulanikila valley.

What should I bring for this adventure?

Bring your own water bottle (filtered refills provided), swimsuit under clothes, light jacket or sweatshirt, towel, and closed-toe shoes.

Is this tour suitable for young children?

Children under 4 must ride in a car seat; infants under 3 need to be carried in a backpack carrier.

How big are the groups on this tour?

The maximum group size is 10 people per van for a more personal experience.

Will we visit public or private land during the hike?

You’ll explore private nature preserves not open to general visitors.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from central Kona meeting points, guided hiking through private Kohala nature preserves with walking sticks and rain gear if needed, filtered water refills (bring your own bottle), plus lunch served at a scenic overlook above Mokulanikila valley before heading back in the afternoon.