The Kohala Waterfalls Small Group Adventure Tour offers a full-day exploration of the lush Kohala coast on the Big Island of Hawaii for $260.73 per person. With a 7-hour duration, this tour is designed for those eager to see multiple waterfalls, enjoy a guided hike through a private nature reserve, and cool off with a swim beneath a cascading waterfall. The tour is limited to a maximum of 10 travelers, ensuring personal attention and a relaxed pace. It’s highly recommended by 97% of previous participants and boasts a perfect 5.0 rating based on 323 reviews.

This adventure departs from Hawaii Forest and Trail in Kailua-Kona, with stops along the Kona coast showcasing sweeping views of the volcanoes and coastline. The inclusion of lunch with scenic views of Mokulanikila, along with essentials like walking sticks, rain gear, and a daypack, makes it a well-rounded experience. While most visitors find it worthwhile, potential guests should note that cruise ship guests cannot be accommodated due to timing restrictions. This tour suits active travelers, nature lovers, and those looking for an intimate, guided exploration of Hawaii’s waterfalls and wilderness.

Key Points

Small group size of up to 10 travelers ensures personalized attention.
Includes a guided hike through a private nature reserve with multiple waterfalls.
Swim beneath a waterfall, a highlight praised by many.
Lunch with scenic views of Mokulanikila is part of the experience.
All necessary gear provided, including rain gear, walking sticks, and a daypack.
Most travelers book this tour 47 days in advance, indicating strong demand.

Scenic Drive Past Lava Flows and Volcanoes on the Kona Coast

The tour begins with a scenic drive along the Kona coast, offering views of lava flows and sweeping coastline vistas. This portion of the trip sets a vivid Hawaiian mood, giving a glimpse of the island’s volcanic landscape before heading into the greener, more lush areas of Kohala. The drive itself feels like a visual journey through Hawaii’s geological history.

This initial stop helps travelers appreciate the island’s diverse scenery, from fiery lava fields to vibrant green hills. The journey to the private nature reserve takes roughly 45 minutes, during which the guide shares insights into the island’s volcanic past, making the drive part of the adventure.

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Guided Hike Through a Private Nature Reserve

The core of the tour is a guided hike through a private nature reserve that features several waterfalls. The reserve includes a restored, ancient Hawaiian agricultural site, giving visitors a chance to see how native Hawaiians once cultivated and managed the land.

The hike is considered accessible and enjoyable for a variety of ages, including families with children as young as 4, provided they are in a car seat. The tour offers a relaxed pace, focusing on enjoying the scenery and learning about local flora, fauna, and history. The guide’s knowledge enhances the experience, with reviews praising their passion and storytelling.

Multiple Waterfalls and the Chance to Swim

A highlight of the Kohala Waterfalls Adventure is seeing several waterfalls during the hike. The landscape is dotted with cascades, each offering a different perspective. The tour includes a chance to swim in the pool beneath the final waterfall, which many find invigorating and memorable.

Guests are advised to bring water shoes for the waterfall swimming part, as the rocks can be slippery. The water temperature is described as super cold, but the experience is highly valued, with many reviewers noting it as a favorite activity.

Lunch with Views of Mokulanikila

A scenic lunch break takes place at a spot overlooking Mokulanikila. The meal is included in the tour price, and visitors praise the delicious food and stunning setting. The lunch spot provides ample opportunity to relax, take photos, and enjoy the natural surroundings.

The heavenly views and local Hawaiian flavors make this meal a standout part of the day. The combination of good food and spectacular scenery enhances the overall value of the tour.

Practical Amenities and Gear

Guests receive all the essentials needed for the day, including bottled water (with refillable filtered water), walking sticks, rain gear, and a lightweight daypack. The tour advises bringing a bathing suit, a short-sleeved shirt, a light sweatshirt or jacket, and a towel to be prepared for the water activities.

Restrooms are available at the start point Hawaii Forest and Trail and at the Kohala Zipline retail stop, which is a brief 15-minute convenience break during the trip.

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Group Size and Transportation Details

The tour is strictly limited to 10 travelers, ensuring a more intimate and personalized experience. The central meeting point in Kailua-Kona is used for check-in, and the tour provides transportation in a comfortable van. Since cruise ship guests are not accommodated, this tour is best suited for travelers staying on the island.

The maximum number of participants per van is 10, with most travelers booking about 47 days in advance. This high demand reflects the tour’s popularity and the quality of the experience.

Physical Requirements and Accessibility

The tour requires most participants to wear closed-toe shoes like sneakers, boots, or sport sandals. The hike is designed to be accessible, but guests should be prepared for uneven terrain and some water crossings. Children under 4 must ride in a car seat, and guests should be comfortable with light walking and getting wet.

The tour’s physicality makes it suitable for active travelers but may be less appropriate for those with mobility issues or very young children.

Guides and Their Expertise

The guides, such as Taro, Adam, Gary, and Debra, are praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and passion for sharing Hawaii’s natural and cultural heritage. Multiple reviews highlight their storytelling skills and their ability to make the experience engaging and educational.

Particularly, guides are noted for providing detailed information about the flora, fauna, and history of the area, making the tour both fun and informative.

Cancellation Policy and Booking Details

This tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, giving flexibility for planning. Guests who cancel early receive a full refund, while last-minute cancellations are non-refundable. Most travelers book the tour about a month and a half in advance, reflecting its popularity.

Kohala Waterfalls Small Group Adventure Tour: Final Summary

This full-day tour combines scenic drives, an engaging hike, waterfall swims, and scenic lunch in a small-group setting. The personalized experience and expert guides make it a top choice for those wanting to explore Hawaii’s waterfalls and natural beauty intimately.

While the water activities and scenic views are the main draws, some may find the cost slightly high for the size of the waterfalls or the overall scope. However, the inclusion of lunch, gear, and the small group size enhances the experience’s value. This tour is ideal for active visitors, families, and nature enthusiasts who appreciate guided storytelling and a relaxed pace.

Ready to Book?

Kohala Waterfalls Small Group Adventure Tour

5.0

(323)

92% 5-star

“Our tour guide Taro was so informative. He provided really great information too and from the trail site. The waterfalls and scenery on this excurs…”

— Erin M, Featured

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children over 4 years old in a car seat are welcome. The hike is accessible and suitable for families with kids, especially those who enjoy moderate outdoor activities.

What should I bring for the waterfall swim?
Guests should bring a bathing suit, towel, and water shoes to comfortably enjoy the water. The water temperature is super cold, but most find it well worth the refreshment.

Can I book this tour if I am on a cruise?
No, cruise ship guests cannot be accommodated due to timing restrictions. This tour is designed for guests staying on the Big Island.

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers the guide, bottled water, walking sticks, rain gear, lunch, and local taxes. Restrooms are available at specific stops, and transportation is provided in a small van.

How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers book about 47 days in advance, highlighting its popularity and the importance of early planning.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.

What makes this tour stand out?
The personalized small-group setting, expert guides, and the chance to swim under waterfalls set this experience apart from larger or less interactive tours.

Is the tour physically demanding?
The hike is considered accessible, but guests should be comfortable walking on uneven terrain and getting wet. It suits most active travelers.

What are the main highlights?
The waterfall swimming, scenic drive past lava flows, guided hike, and lunch with views are the key moments that make this tour memorable.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour departs from Hawaii Forest & Trail in Kailua-Kona and includes drop-off at central meeting locations in Kona.