Big Island Kohala Waterfalls: Waterfall Hikes & Mountain Stream Swim

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Free cancellationExcellent quality

1/8

Duration7h

GroupUp to 10

LanguagesEN

Mobile ticketAccepted

Waterfalls and Mountain Streams on the Kohala Coast

You meet in Kailua-Kona, drive north along the Kohala Coast past two volcanoes, then hike through a private nature preserve to reach multiple waterfalls where you swim in mountain pools. Lunch with a valley view is included, along with your guide, gear, and all entry fees. The group stays under ten people, which keeps the pace relaxed and the experience personal.

Step-by-step itinerary

Kohala Waterfalls Adventure Tour

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

The Experience

Picture this: a narrow trail cutting through a restored Hawaiian agricultural site, the sound of water growing louder as you move deeper into the preserve, and then the waterfall appears — a cascade dropping into a pool so clear you can see the rocks beneath. That's the Kohala Waterfalls adventure on the Big Island, and it starts the moment your small group van leaves the Kona coastline behind and heads north toward the Kohala Mountain. The drive itself is part of it — you're passing views of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea, two of the island's most massive volcanoes, while your guide talks about the old sugar plantations and the legends tied to this land. It's not a rushed thing; the whole day is built around moving slowly enough to actually notice where you are.

Once you reach the private nature preserve, the walking starts, but it's easy — nothing steep or technical. Your guide brings trekking poles and rain gear if the weather shifts, and the trails wind through streams and over bridges to reach several different waterfalls. The real moment comes when you stop at one of them and actually get in. The water is cold and clear, and you're swimming under the cascade itself, which sounds like something people say about Hawaii but rarely actually do. After that, lunch happens at a private picnic area that overlooks a remote valley — a deli sandwich (turkey, ham, pastrami, or veggie), chips, a locally baked cookie, and water. You sit there with the view and eat, and it's the kind of quiet that makes you understand why people move to Hawaii and never leave.

The whole thing runs as a small group tour, which means no more than ten people in the van, and that changes how it feels. Your guide isn't performing for a crowd; they're talking to the people actually standing next to them. Pickup happens from central meeting locations in the Kailua-Kona area — your exact time will be different from the tour start time shown online, so you'll need to confirm that when you book. The tour includes everything except your own water bottle (though filtered water is provided), and you should wear closed-toe shoes and bring a bathing suit under your clothes. If you're coming off a cruise ship, this one won't work for you due to timing, but if you're staying on the island, it's the kind of day that sticks with you.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel or central pickup from the Kailua-Kona area, transportation along the Kohala Coast, access to a private nature preserve, a guide, trekking poles and rain gear, easy walks to multiple waterfalls with a swim in a mountain pool, lunch (sandwich, chips, cookie, and beverages), and all entry fees.
You bring your own water bottle, though filtered water is provided.
The group is capped at 10 people per van.

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availableNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Hawaii Forest &Trail

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to swim in real waterfalls without arranging your own transport, navigation, or lunch — the small group size and fixed itinerary mean you show up and spend the day actually in the water and on the trails instead of figuring out logistics.