Big Island waterfalls in Hawaii: prices, length and what is included

What should you know about big island waterfalls hawaii?

The Dip in the Waterfall Adventure from Botanical World Adventures runs 1 hour. Dip in the Waterfall Adventure from Botanical World Adventures - Segway Off Road and Zip Isle Zip Line costs from $42.75 per person. Full-day options run much longer, such as the Private Wild and Scenic Hawaii: Waterfalls and Wonders tour from Kailani Tours Hawaii, at 11 hours.

Start with the length that fits your day, then look at who the tour suits. Time, budget, group size and how much walking you want decide the rest of the choice.

How do you choose a Big Island waterfall tour?

Start with your time. With one hour, the Dip in the Waterfall Adventure fits. With a half day, the Majestic Waterfalls Tour runs 4 hours and starts in Hilo.

Next, weigh cost against group size, since group size changes which version makes sense. The shared version of the Hawaii Volcanoes, Waterfalls, Beaches and Hilo Highlights Day Tour is priced per person. The private version of the same tour is priced per group, so it suits a party that wants its own driver and schedule.

Age limits come next for the active tours, so keep the youngest person in your group in mind. A party with children under 10 should skip the Umauma Triple-Tier Waterfall Rappel and River Tour, which requires riders to be at least 10 years old. The Waterfall Hiking Tour, based in Honomu, accepts guests from 4 years old.

How much does it cost, and what is included?

The Big Island Waterfalls Adventure from Wasabi Tours Hawaii costs from $279 per person and includes a local-style picnic lunch, juices, snacks, bottled water, all park entrance fees, and jackets and rain gear. The Ultimate Waterfall Experience from Big Island Backroad Adventures LLC costs from $1,323.01 per group and includes lunch, state park entrance fees and 20 to 25 edited photos.

A higher price can buy a meal out. The Big Island Waterfalls and Twilight Volcano Combo from Wasabi Tours Hawaii costs from $498 per person and adds a restaurant dinner on its twilight tour.

The Gardens & Waterfall Tour costs from $10 per person. That $10 starting price is per person, so multiply it by everyone in your party before you compare it with the bigger tours.

What should you expect: how long it lasts and where it starts?

Cruise-ship guests should look at the Hilo Cruise Ship Guest Special from Big Island Backroad Adventures LLC. Your time in port is short, so pick the option that fits the hours you have.

Hotel guests on the Kona side can book the Big Island Waterfalls Adventure, which meets at major hotels and resorts in Kona and Waikoloa.

The Kohala Waterfalls Adventure from Hawaii Forest & Trail includes raingear, bug repellent, sunscreen and towels, so you do not need to pack them. Plan your morning around the pickup time, and be at the meeting point you booked.

Who does it suit, and who should skip it?

The Waterfall Wonders Slingshot Adventure Tour from Aloha Motorsports Waikoloa runs 8 hours. Riders must be at least 21 years old, so skip it if anyone in your party is younger.

If your party wants rappelling in Hilo, look at the Group Waterfall Rappelling Adventure. The Kailani Tours Hawaii private tour requires guests to be at least 10 years old. The Gardens & Waterfall Tour requires riders to be at least 11 years old.

What are the tours to book?

• Dip in the Waterfall Adventure from Botanical World Adventures: 1 hour, based in Hakalau on the Hamakua Coast, for travelers who want a short stop.
• Majestic Waterfalls Tour: 4 hours from Hilo, for visitors staying on the Hilo side.
• Waterfall Hiking Tour: 2.5 hours, with access to three private waterfalls and a guided hike through 300 acres.
• Private Waterfall and River Swim from Umauma Falls & ZipLine Experience: from $92.50 per person, with a catered lunch.

How do booking, cancellation and weather work?

Note the deadline for your dates, since each rule below turns on the hours before departure. Kailani Tours Hawaii asks for changes 72 hours before departure to avoid fees, and it gives no refunds within 72 hours. Makaio Tours Hawaii gives a full refund or credit with 24 hours notice. Mauna Loa Helicopter Tours bills the full price for cancellations made less than 24 hours before the flight, or for guests who miss the 40-minute check-in. Wasabi Tours Hawaii charges full price for cancellations unless it receives advance notice.

The National Weather Service publishes the forecast for your tour day, so plan a backup morning if the outlook turns wet.

Frequently asked questions

How much does Big Island waterfalls Hawaii cost?

Prices start from $10 per person for the Gardens & Waterfall Tour. The private Kailani tour costs from $2,253.40 per group.

How long does Big Island waterfalls Hawaii take?

The Kailani Tours Hawaii private tour runs 11 hours.