Big Island: Umauma Falls ATV Tour & Private Waterfall Swim

Summary

ATV adventure on Big Island ranches with waterfall swim break

You’ll ride ATVs across real Big Island ranch land with views of Mauna Kea and the Pacific, stopping for photos and stories from your local guide. After bouncing through muddy trails, cool off with snacks and a private swim at Umauma Falls’ hidden pond. It’s one of those days that leaves you grinning—and maybe still brushing off mud later.

What’s the experience like?

"You see that ridge?" our guide Kimo asked, pointing past the dust rising behind his ATV. "On clear days you can spot Mauna Kea’s shadow all the way down here." I was still getting used to the helmet and goggles, feeling half-excited, half-nervous about driving my own Honda 4x4. The engine rumbled under me as we set off, tires crunching over red dirt and bits of old lava rock. There was this smell—wet grass mixed with something metallic from the machines—that stuck in my nose for a while.

The Hamakua ranch land is wider than it looks on any map. We bounced along muddy trails (I learned quickly not to follow too close unless you like eating mud), and every so often Kimo would slow down to point out wild guava trees or a line of cows watching us like we were the odd ones. The views kept shifting—one minute thick green hills, then suddenly a break in the trees and you catch blue ocean way below. There’s a spot where you can see both Mauna Kea above and Pacific below if you stop just right. I tried to snap a photo but mostly ended up with my own thumb in the shot.

After maybe an hour (I lost track), we pulled up near Umauma Falls for snacks and a swim. The water was colder than I expected—like it bit your skin for a second before you got used to it—and honestly, I didn’t want to get out once I’d jumped in. Some folks skipped rocks or just lay on the grass; I sat on a warm boulder listening to everyone laugh about who got muddiest. Kimo told us locals call this pond “liquid aloha”—not sure if he was joking, but it stuck with me anyway.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — ATV tour and waterfall swim

• Choose Honda 4x4 ATV or Side x Side UTV
• Receive riding instruction on practice track
• Ride through Hamakua ranch land trails
• Enjoy views of Mauna Kea and Pacific Ocean
• Stop for photos at scenic viewpoints
• Take 20-minute break for snacks and swim
• Swim in Umauma's private waterfall pond

Top questions

How long is the Umauma Falls ATV tour?

The tour covers miles of trails with several scenic stops and includes time for instruction, photos, snacks, and swimming.

Is swimming included during the Umauma Falls ATV experience?

Yes, there’s a stop for snacks plus time to swim in Umauma’s private waterfall pond.

Do I need ATV experience for this Big Island tour?

No experience needed—there’s a practice track and guides provide instruction before heading out.

Are helmets and goggles provided on this ATV tour?

Yes, helmets and goggles are included for all riders.

What kind of vehicles do we use on this day trip?

You’ll choose between Honda 4x4 ATVs or Side x Side UTVs—both fully automatic with power steering.

Is food included during the tour?

Snacks are included during your stop at Umauma Falls’ private pond.

Can anyone join this ATV waterfall tour?

The tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues; moderate fitness is required.

What’s included

Your day includes use of Honda 4x4 ATVs or Side x Side UTVs (your choice), helmets and goggles for safety, instruction from local guides on a practice track, plus snacks during your waterfall swim stop at Umauma’s private pond before heading back across Hamakua ranch land.