4.9★ from 5,400+ reviews on TripAdvisor
HIKE TO PRIVATE WATERFALLS IN KOHALA
Culture & History, Hiking, Wildlife
A 6–7 hour guided adventure through North Kohala that blends off-road access, private waterfalls, short hikes, and picnic views of one of the Big Island’s most scenic coastlines.
$249
Big Island
Kohala
"Loved our tour guide NIc. Learned much, enjoyed our walk and had lunch at a really gorgeous spot. None of this is accessible to the public except by tour and well worth the price."
Verified Review
This North Kohala experience packs a lot into one day—private waterfalls, an easy hike through native forest, ancient Hawaiian agricultural sites, and a secluded cliffside lunch with sweeping ocean views. The tour starts with an off-road ride to a private reserve, then continues on foot across lush terrain, with swimming stops at cascading falls and time to explore hidden valleys. With trekking poles, rain gear, and lunch all provided, this is a full-day escape into one of the Big Island’s quietest and most beautiful corners—no backpacking required.
GUEST REQUIREMENTS
For ages 8 and up, group size limited to 10 guests.
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Intermediate activity with 3‑mile hike
WHAT TO BRING
Wear closed-toed shoes, swim gear, water bottle, and sun protection
CANCELLATION POLICY
Receive a full refund with 24 hours notice of cancellation for group tours.
WHAT GUESTS ARE SAYING
4.9★ from 5,400+ reviews on TripAdvisor
Guests overwhelmingly praise this tour for its accessible yet scenic trek to dramatic waterfalls. Many highlight that the off-road drive and gentle 1.5-mile hike are fun and doable—even for families—while guides are consistently described as knowledgeable and engaging, sharing island history and local flora. Visitors love the highlight of cooling off with a swim beneath the final waterfall and appreciate the included picnic lunch and sweeping coastal views. Overall, travelers call it “amazing,” a “nature lover’s delight,” and a must-do full-day Big Island adventure.
Immerse yourself in stunning private waterfalls, tranquil streams, scenic coastlines, and rugged valleys on this North Kohala adventure. Kick off the fun with an off-road drive to an exclusive trailhead.
What's included:
Deli-style lunch, snacks, water and assorted beverages.
Gear Provided:
Trekking poles, day packs, raingear, bug repellent, sunscreen and towels.
Itinerary:
Ramble off-road to an exclusive trailhead, Take a relaxed, guided walk through a private nature reserve, Cool off with a swim under one of several cascading waterfalls, Walk through a restored ancient Hawaiian agricultural site, Enjoy a private picnic lunch with views of soaring sea cliffs and remote valleys, at one of the island’s best scenic lookouts
What to bring:
Comfortable closed-toed shoes and/or closed-toed water shoes, swimgear, reusable water bottle, and any personal sun protection (hat, sunglasses, etc.)
Special requirements:
Hawaii's Child Passenger Restraint Law requires children under 4 years of age to ride in a child safety seat. Children 4 through 7 years old must ride in a child passenger restraint or booster seat.
Hawaii Forest & Trail can provide car seats, booster seats, and backpack carriers.
Please call us at 808-331-8505 to confirm which option your child needs.
- Children under 2 years old must be properly restrained in an approved rear-facing child passenger restraint system.
- Children 2 to 4 years old must be properly restrained in an approved rear-facing or forward-facing child passenger restraint system.
- Children 4 to 10 years old must be properly restrained in an approved car seat or booster seat.
- Children 7 to 10 years old who are taller than 4’9” must be properly restrained by a seat belt.
Restrictions:
Guests should be able to hike on uneven or rocky terrain. We sometimes encounter cool, wet, or muddy conditions. Other restrictions may apply.Hawaii Forest & Trail has been guiding guests around the Big Island for over 30 years, founded by naturalist Rob Pacheco and his partner Cindy. Known for their small-group, fully outfitted adventures, they’re one of the few companies granted exclusive private access to remote Hualālai terrain and native forests. Their team of expert interpretive guides combines deep cultural knowledge and environmental stewardship, making every guided hike a truly immersive and meaningful Big Island experience.
Guests can drive to meet at the Hawaii Forest & Trail Kona Headquarters or be picked up at Four Seasons Resort, Hualalai, Kona Village, Queens' Marketplace, Shops at Mauna Lani, or Kohala Zipline
Customers will receive a full refund with 24 hours notice of cancellation. Private tours: Customers will receive a full refund with 72 hours notice of cancellation. Cancellations within the cancellation period, “no-shows”, or any guest not meeting the tour requirements will be charged the FULL AMOUNT of the tour.
FOLIO TRAVELOGUE
Swim, Walk, Explore: A Day in Kohala’s Wild North
The day starts with a drive north, past lava fields and cattle country, toward the misty green hills of Kohala. You’ll board a 4x4 van and head off-road, bumping through rugged terrain to a trailhead deep inside a private nature reserve—no other visitors, no busloads, just your small group and a quiet stretch of forest. The hike is more of a walk, really—under two miles total with plenty of stops—but the scenery is anything but ordinary. Lush groves, freshwater streams, and a series of waterfalls that feel like they were placed there just for you.
A full day out—but the kind that leaves you recharged, not wrecked.
Along the way, the guide breaks down the region’s geology and cultural history, from lava-formed valleys to ancient lo‘i kalo (taro terraces) hidden in the landscape. You pass a restored Hawaiian agricultural site, hear stories of how communities once lived off this land, and then—just when it’s starting to feel too good to be real—you get to swim. A set of towels is waiting. So is the water: clear, cool, fed by rainfall and gravity. Afterward, you climb back into the van for a short drive to a lookout above the coastline. Lunch is simple and solid—local-style deli fare—but the view makes it feel like a full spread. You eat with a wide-angle view of sea cliffs, valleys, and maybe even Maui in the distance. It’s not a hard hike. But it’s the kind of day that sticks with you.
