Big Island Waterfalls & Swimming: Akaka Falls, Kulaniapia, Botanical Garden

Four Waterfalls & a Private Swimming Hole on Hawaii's Hamakua Coast

You visit four major waterfalls and swim at a private 120-foot cascade, walk through a tropical botanical garden with 2,000+ plant species, and see Waipio Valley's sea cliffs: all in one full day with hotel pickup, lunch, and a professional guide in a small group. The swimming stop at Kulaniapia is the standout, and the Hamakua Coast drive alone justifies the time.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each7 stops

1. Parker Ranchpassing by
2. Waipio Valley20m
3. Hawaii Tropical Botanical GardenEntry included1h 30m
4. Kulaniapia FallsEntry included1h 30m
5. Rainbow Falls15m
6. Saddle Roadpassing by
7. Akaka FallsEntry included40m

Explore waterfalls and botanical garden

• Pass by Historic Parker Ranch
• Visit Waipio Valley Lookout
• Stop to eat local Malasada
• Explore Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden
• Swim at Kulaniapia private waterfall
• Visit Akaka Falls
• Visit Rainbow Falls with banyan trees
• Return to hotel via Saddle Road

The experience

"You're going to see more water today than most people see in a month," our guide said as we pulled out of the hotel in the Mercedes Sprinter van, and honestly, he wasn't exaggerating. The Big Island waterfalls tour hits five major stops across the Hamakua Coast and inland valleys: Akaka Falls at 442 feet, Rainbow Falls with its giant banyan trees, Kulaniapia's 120-foot private waterfall where you actually get in the water, the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden with over 2,000 species of tropical plants, and Waipio Valley's ocean-cliff lookout. We passed Parker Ranch on the way up and grabbed malasada (the local fried pastry) at a quick stop, which became the unofficial breakfast everyone talked about later.

The swimming part is what separates this from a standard waterfall-spotting drive. Kulaniapia Falls is privately accessible (you won't find crowds here), and when river conditions allow, you wade in under the cascade itself. The water's cold and the rocks are slippery, so water shoes matter (bring them). The botanical garden comes earlier in the day, and it's genuinely worth the time. The trails wind through actual rainforest, crossing streams and passing smaller waterfalls, and the orchids and rare plants are the kind of thing you'd normally only see in a greenhouse. By afternoon you're on the scenic Hamakua Coast driving toward Akaka Falls, which is a short hike down into a gorge. Nothing technical, but it's real walking, not a parking-lot view.

The whole day runs about eight to nine hours depending on stops and how long you linger at each waterfall. The van holds a small group, which means you're not herding through a tour bus crowd, and the guide shares history and local legends as you go. Lunch is picnic-style (vegetarian and gluten-free options available if you request at booking), and you get bottled water and Hawaiian juice throughout. The route back goes via Saddle Road, which cuts across the island's interior. It's a real drive, not a scenic cruise, but it's the fastest way home. The tour runs rain or shine, so dress for wet weather and bring a swimsuit, towel, and closed-toe walking shoes.

What’s included

Hotel pickup and drop-off from Kona and Kohala area hotels in a luxury Mercedes Sprinter van, admission fees to all attractions, picnic-style lunch with snacks, bottled water and Hawaiian juice throughout the day, and a professional guide leading a small group. Vegetarian and gluten-free meal options are available with advance notice at booking.

Information

Lasts 10h, runs Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 07:00, from US$ 278 per person, with a live guide in English, as a private tour and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesMonday, Wednesday, Friday and SaturdayDeparts at 07:00Another time? ›

GroupPrivate4 group tours ›

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 20 pickup points.

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Wasabi Tours Hawaii

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see multiple waterfalls, actually swim at one, and explore the botanical garden without arranging your own transport and timing: the van pickup and fixed itinerary handle all of that, leaving you to focus on the water and the views.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 12 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the tour?

Approximately 8 to 9 hours, including all stops, drives, and lunch.

Can I swim at all the waterfalls?

Only at Kulaniapia Falls, when river conditions permit. The other waterfalls are viewed from designated lookouts or short hiking trails.

What should I bring?

Swimsuit, towel, water shoes, closed-toe walking shoes, and a change of clothes. Sunscreen and a light rain jacket are also recommended.

Is lunch included?

Yes, a picnic-style lunch with snacks, bottled water, and Hawaiian juice are included. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available with advance notice.

What is the fitness level required?

Moderate fitness is needed. There are short hikes to waterfalls and walking through the botanical garden, but nothing strenuous.

Does the tour run in bad weather?

Yes, it operates rain or shine. Dress appropriately for wet conditions and bring a rain jacket.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from Kona and Kohala area hotels are included.

What is Kulaniapia Falls?

Hawaii's largest privately accessible waterfall at 120 feet tall. It's the only stop where swimming is permitted, weather permitting.

How many people are in the group?

Small groups travel in a luxury Mercedes Sprinter van with a professional guide.

Are there age restrictions?

Children under 5 years old are not permitted on this tour.