Big Island Waterfalls Tour from Kona: Akaka, Rainbow and Kulaniapia Falls

Overview

The Big Island waterfalls tour from Wasabi Tours Hawaii is a 10-to-11-hour van day from Kona-side hotels to Waipiʻo lookout, ʻAkaka Falls, a botanical garden, private Kulaniapia Falls and Rainbow Falls for $279 plus tax with lunch. It suits visitors who want the Hilo side without driving. The drawback: the Kulaniapia swim is not guaranteed.

Highlights

• Five stops on the Hilo side: Waipiʻo Valley lookout, ʻAkaka Falls (442 feet), Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden with over 2,000 plant species, Kulaniapia Falls (120 feet, private) and Rainbow Falls, returning over Saddle Road.
• $279 plus tax per adult and $269 for children 12 and under, including a teriyaki chicken and fish picnic lunch, drinks, all admission fees, mosquito repellent and rain gear.
• A swim at the base of Kulaniapia Falls is part of the plan but depends on weather and safety conditions on the day.
• Maximum 13 guests per van; hotel pickup between 7:00 and 8:30 AM from Keauhou, Kona, Waikoloa and the Kohala Coast.
• Individual walks are under 1 mile on paved paths and boardwalks, but ground can be uneven, sloped and slippery with some stairs.

What to Expect

1. Get picked up at your Keauhou, Kona, Waikoloa or Kohala Coast hotel between 7:00 and 8:30 AM for the drive north and east across the island.
2. Stop at the Waipiʻo Valley lookout for views over the valley floor and sea cliffs; the tour does not descend into the valley.
3. Walk the short paved loop through a tropical ravine to the ʻAkaka Falls viewpoint.
4. Tour the boardwalks of Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden on the Hāmākua Coast, admission included.
5. Visit the private Kulaniapia Falls and, if the operator judges conditions safe, swim at its base; eat the included picnic lunch during the day.
6. Stop at Rainbow Falls in Hilo beside its large banyan tree, then drive back to the Kona side via Saddle Road, 10 to 11 hours after pickup.

What to Bring

• Swimsuit and towel for the optional swim
• Covered walking shoes or sports sandals with good grip
• Comfortable summer clothing and a light jacket
• Sun protection and a camera

Restrictions and Requirements

• Ages 5 and older only
• Guests must walk on uneven, sloped and potentially slippery ground with some stairs and inclines
• Individual hikes are no more than 1 mile; difficulty rated moderate by the operator
• No refunds for closures or itinerary changes outside the operator's control

Cancellation Policy

Full refund with at least 24 hours' notice for groups of 1 to 5, 48 hours for groups of 6 or more, and 72 hours for private charters; later cancellations, date changes and no-shows are charged in full. Departures with fewer than 4 bookings may be cancelled by the operator with a full refund. Tours run rain or shine. Checked October 2026 on wasabitourshawaii.com.

Location

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Kailua-Kona, Big Island, Hawaii

Meeting Point

Hotel pickup at listed resorts in Keauhou and Kona (e.g. Outrigger Kona Resort, Royal Kona Resort), Waikoloa (Hilton Waikoloa Village lower lobby, Waikoloa Beach Marriott) and the Kohala Coast (Mauna Lani, Fairmont Orchid, Westin Hapuna); others call (808) 238-5222

Check-In

Pickup window 7:00 to 8:30 AM depending on location; exact time confirmed by the operator

Parking and Getting There

Not applicable for hotel pickups; Kahaluu Beach Park main entrance and Foodland at Shops Mauna Lani are listed pickup points for self-drivers

Frequently Asked Questions

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