Big Island: Waterfalls Swim, Botanical Garden & Waipio Valley

Summary

Swim beneath a Big Island waterfall and explore wild coastlines

You’ll stand above Waipio Valley cliffs, wander rainforest trails through Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, swim under Kulaniapia’s private waterfall (if river conditions allow), and share stories over a picnic lunch. Expect laughter, mist on your face, and small moments that stick with you long after you’ve left the Big Island.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed on the drive up the Hamakua Coast was how the light kept changing — one minute it’s all misty green, then suddenly you get this flash of blue ocean through the trees. Our guide, Kaleo, grew up nearby and had this way of pointing out tiny things I’d never notice myself, like the way the guava smells when you crush a leaf or why Parker Ranch’s grass looks almost gold in the morning. We stopped at Waipio Valley Lookout, and honestly? I just stood there for a while not saying much. It’s huge. The cliffs are so steep they almost don’t look real — and some local kids were selling fruit by their truck, laughing at something on someone’s phone.

I didn’t expect to love the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden as much as I did. It’s not just flowers — it’s these winding trails under giant palms where you hear water everywhere but can’t always see it. There was this spot where we crossed a little bridge and I could smell wet earth and something sweet (maybe ginger?). Kaleo picked up a fallen orchid for us to touch — so soft it barely felt like anything. After that we headed to Akaka Falls; you hear it before you see it, just this constant roar behind all the birds.

Lunch was picnic-style near Kulaniapia Falls — which is apparently private land, so there weren’t crowds at all. The water was colder than I thought but after hiking around in that sticky air it felt pretty great to just float there looking up at 120 feet of falling water. Someone tried to do a cannonball (not me) and slipped on a rock; everyone laughed but nobody got hurt. By the time we got to Rainbow Falls in Hilo, my shirt was still damp but I didn’t care anymore — banyan roots everywhere, sunlight coming through them like strings.

We drove back over Saddle Road with windows cracked open, smelling rain somewhere far off. That whole day keeps coming back to me in flashes: kids’ voices echoing in Waipio Valley, cold river water on my skin, Kaleo telling us legends about night marchers while we ate pineapple slices with our hands. Not sure any photo does those waterfalls justice — maybe that’s okay.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore waterfalls and botanical garden

• Pass by Historic Parker Ranch
• Visit Waipio Valley Lookout
• Drive along scenic Hamakua Coast
• Hike to Akaka Falls
• Explore Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden
• Swim at Kulaniapia private waterfall
• Visit Rainbow Falls in Hilo
• Return to hotel via Saddle Road

Top questions

Can I swim at Kulaniapia Falls during this tour?

Yes, swimming at Kulaniapia Falls is included when river conditions permit.

Is hotel pickup included for this Big Island waterfalls tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included from Kona and Kohala areas.

How long does it take to reach Waipio Valley Lookout from Kona?

The drive takes about 1.5–2 hours depending on traffic and stops along the way.

Are meals provided during the day trip?

A picnic-style lunch with snacks is included; vegetarian or gluten-free options are available if requested when booking.

What should I bring for swimming at the waterfall?

You should bring your swimsuit, towel, and water shoes for swimming at Kulaniapia Falls.

Are children allowed on this tour?

This tour is not allowed for children under 5 years old.

Is there much hiking involved in this Big Island waterfalls day trip?

You’ll do some walking on nature trails; moderate fitness is recommended but hikes are not strenuous.

Does the tour run if it rains?

Tours operate rain or shine; dress appropriately for changing weather conditions.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Kona or Kohala areas, entry fees for all sites including Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden and Kulaniapia Falls, transportation in a Mercedes Sprinter van with bottled water and Hawaiian juice along the way, plus a picnic-style lunch with snacks before heading back over Saddle Road in the evening.