ʻAkaka Falls, Hawaii

The morning is filled with guided visits to some of the most majestic waterfalls on the Big Island. The views stop you in your tracks at the Waipio Valley lookout, where a dramatic backdrop of lush cliffs drops into the sparkling blue ocean. Continue riding along the Hamakua coast as more postcard-worthy views pass by your window before visiting Akaka Falls and the famous Rainbow Falls. Take a short walk through the rainforest for an up-close view and plenty of photo opportunities. In the afternoon, explore the wonders of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, including steam vents, the Halema’uma’u, and Kilauea Iki crater lookouts, and take a short hike along the crater rim trail.  From here, relax and take it all in at Punalu’u Beach, a great place to spot marine life from the black-sand shore. On the leisurely drive back around sunset, you’ll see views of South Point, the southernmost point of the United States, and Kealakekua Bay.  Finally, enjoy a visit to Kona Coffee Farm. Stroll through the orchards with your guide and learn about the harvesting and milling process while sampling a warm cup of Kona-grown coffee.

Explore Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Garden, swim at Kulanipia private waterfalls, visit majestic Waipio Valley Lookout, and the stunning Akaka Falls on the Hamakua Coast of the Big Island of Hawaii on this full day of fun and exciting adventure. Discover the island’s diverse natural beauty, including multiple waterfalls, lush rain forests, and rugged sea cliffs as your guide shares history and legends. The morning begins with a visit to the majestic Waipio Valley Lookout after passing through the famous Parker Ranch. Marvel at the stunning views of the rugged sea cliffs drop into the sparkling blue ocean and mile-long black sand beach. A drive along the scenic Hamakua Coast will greet you with a burst of energy as the splendid waterfalls await – capture the famous Akaka Falls while you hear the unrivaled power of water coursing down hundreds of feet. Continue to a garden nestled in the scenic Onomea Bay – Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Garden. Throughout this garden valley, nature trails meander through a true tropical rainforest, crossing bubbling streams, passing several beautiful waterfalls, and the exciting ocean vistas along the rugged Pacific Coast. This highly acclaimed garden allows you to take up-close shots of rare and exotic flora-over 2000 species of exotic tropical plants and orchids in a tranquil setting. In the afternoon, you will escape the crowd and get to swim under the 120 feet tall Kulaniapia private waterfall, Hawaii’s largest privately accessible waterfall, to cool down and relax when river conditions permit. The adventure ends with the return to Kona or Kohala Coast via a spectacular drive on Saddle Road, a highway nestled between the world’s tallest sea mountain Mauna Kea and the world’s most massive mountain Mauna Loa.

The highlight of our Hilo adventure is a visit to the world-famous Kilauea Volcano, which has been erupting continuously since the 1980s. Your guide will tell you about the history of the volcano on your visit to the park and the Kilauea lava flow. On our Big Island Volcano Adventure enjoy the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park - Visitor Center, an ancient lava tube, steam vents, and more. We’ll take you on a drive along the famed Banyan Tree Drive. The trees you’ll see on the this road were planted by various local Hawaiians, political and religious leaders, famous authors, movie stars and world adventurers beginning back in 1933. At Akaka Falls we’ll stop so you can take photos. This waterfall is 80 feet tall and nearly 100 feet wide, and flows over a natural lava cave into a large freshwater pool surrounded by thick tropical vegetation.

Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Big Island on our immersive Big Island Big Volcano Adventure from Kona. Departing from Kona, our full-day guided tour begins with a scenic drive along Highway 19, offering glimpses of Waimea's historic cattle ranches that dot the landscape. As we journey eastward, marvel at the rugged beauty of the Hamakua Coast, shaped by millennia of volcanic activity and coastal erosion. Stop at Laupahoehoe to witness the dramatic cliffs sculpted by the relentless power of the Pacific Ocean. Our adventure continues through lush jungle roads to Akaka Falls, where you'll be captivated by the awe-inspiring 442-foot cascade into the Kolekole gulch. Rejuvenate with a delicious lunch at Hilo Sharks in Honomu, savoring fresh local wraps before embarking on the next leg of our journey. Traveling along scenic backroads, we reach Hilo, a charming town nestled between jungle gorges and epic ocean vistas. From there, venture into the heart of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home to the legendary Kilauea volcano. Explore the summit caldera and traverse the east rift zone, witnessing the raw power of volcanic activity up close. Our adventure concludes with a scenic drive along Saddle Road, offering panoramic views of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. With stops at various elevations, you'll traverse diverse landscapes, from lush rainforests to high desert plains, before returning to Kona.

Embark on your Big Island waterfall exploration with a convenient pickup from the Hilo cruise ship terminal. The journey begins at the iconic Wailuku River State Park, where you'll be captivated by the majestic beauty of Boiling Pots and Rainbow Falls. Witness the picturesque cascade of Rainbow Falls as it gracefully descends over a legendary cave. Just a mile upstream, encounter the intriguing Boiling Pots—an extraordinary feature of the Wailuku River shaped by the forces of ancient lava flows. Gain insights into Hawaii's geological wonders and volcanic legacy as you immerse yourself in the natural splendor of these iconic sites. Experience the captivating beauty of the Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve and Gardens, where lush rainforest flora, including rare orchids and towering palms, flourish amid the backdrop of cascading waterfalls. Delve into the intricacies of Hawaiian biodiversity as you explore winding paths, encountering endemic species and learning about conservation efforts aimed at preserving these precious ecosystems. Discover the lush rainforest and rugged coastline while cruising along Onemea scenic route. Stop along the way to capture the beauty and magic of the panoramic views of beautiful waterfalls. Once you've worked up an appetite, indulge in a delightful break at a local restaurant. Savor a delicious lunch crafted from locally sourced ingredients, offering a taste of the region's culinary treasures. Take a guided exploration through Akaka Falls State Park, where your naturalist guide will illuminate the diverse botanical life that graces the park. This immersive experience goes beyond mere observation, providing the opportunity to witness two spectacular waterfalls. Akaka Falls, boasting a remarkable 442-foot cascade down a vertical cliff face adorned in vibrant green, stands as an incredible spectacle and an essential highlight of any Big Island waterfall tour. Before returning back to the Hilo cruise ship terminal, explore the Hilo Farmers Market, a bustling hub of local flavors and artisanal crafts. Discover an array of fresh produce and cultural delights while immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Hawaii's culinary scene.

Embark on a journey from the highlands of Waimea to the coastal jungles of Hilo, traversing the iconic Hamakua Coast. Witness the breathtaking beauty of Waipio Valley, carved through millennia of erosion into the eastern flank of Kohala volcano. Indulge your taste buds with the renowned malasadas at Tex Drive In, a local favorite. Continue your adventure to Laupahoehoe Point, where towering sea cliffs meet the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean, offering a mesmerizing display of nature's power. Immerse yourself in the lush rainforest surroundings of Akaka Falls State Park, where you'll encounter the majestic Akaka Falls plunging 442 feet into the Kolekole gulch below. Next, marvel at the enchanting Rainbow Falls, a must-see destination in Hilo, with its stunning 80-foot drop captivating visitors for generations. Delve into the ancient lava tubes of Kaumana Caves, remnants of Mauna Loa volcano's fiery past, and gain insight into the island's geological history. Conclude your unforgettable journey with a scenic drive along Saddle Road, ascending to nearly 6,800 feet amidst lush rainforests, cloud forests, and vast prairies, offering panoramic views of the Big Island's diverse microclimates.