Hawaii waterfalls: which tour to book on the Big Island

What should you know before you book Hawaii waterfalls?

Start with the island and the time you can spare. The Hilo Cruise Terminal is the meeting point for the Hawaii Backroad Hilo Cruise Ship Guest Special. If you are arriving by air, Makaio Tours offers pickup at the Hilo Airport, cruise ship or hotel.

How much does it cost, and what is included?

The Rappel Basecamp Adventure to the Waterfall starts from $97, and its price includes all gear, water and fruit, and digital photos.

Prices move with what a tour includes. The Kohala Waterfalls Adventure from Hawaii Forest & Trail costs from $230 per person and includes a deli-style lunch, trekking poles, day packs and raingear. The Kailani Tours Hawaii private tour costs from $2,253.40 per group and adds a Roadside Cafe lunch, a snack basket and binoculars.

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

Trip length varies a lot. The Dip in the Waterfall Adventure takes 1 hour. The Malahini Tours Majestic Waterfalls Tour takes 4 hours and includes park admission and bottled water.

Plan the day around the start time. Wasabi Tours Hawaii departs at 7:00 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. for its Big Island Waterfalls Adventure. Wasabi Tours Hawaii's Twilight Volcano Combo departs at 7:00 a.m. or 8:00 a.m. and includes a restaurant dinner on the twilight tour. Arrive before departure, since the Wasabi meeting point is a hotel or resort in Kona and Waikoloa.

Who does it suit, and who should skip it?

Minimum ages are set for each tour. The Zipline Hawaii Gardens & Waterfall Tour requires riders to be at least 11 years old. The Waterfall Hiking Tour from Hawaii Zipline Tours accepts guests from age 4. The Island Mountain Guides Umauma rappel tour requires riders to be at least 10 years old. The Wasabi Big Island Waterfalls Adventure accepts guests from age 5.

The Aloha Motorsports Waikoloa Slingshot tour is for adults only, with a minimum age of 21. The Aloha Motorsports Waikoloa tour runs 8 hours.

Families with young children may prefer a tour that offers car seats or booster seats. The Hawaii Forest & Trail private ohana outing offers car seats and booster seats upon request.

Which tours suit which trips?

The Ziplinetours Waterfall Hiking Tour suits guests who want a short guided hike. Waterfall Hiking Tour from Hawaii Zipline Tours covers access to three private waterfalls and a guided hike through 300 acres.

Majestic Waterfalls Tour from Malahini Tours costs from $172.49 per person.

The Hilo Ocean Adventures Kayak Myths and Legends Waterfall Adventure costs from $149 per person and includes the kayak, paddle, life jacket and a professional local guide.

The Hilo Ocean Adventures Cliffs of Hawai'i Onomea Waterfall Cruise costs from $139 per person and includes light refreshments and historical and cultural narration.

The Mauna Loa Helicopter Tours Private Waterfall Experience costs from $429 per group and lasts 75 minutes.

How do booking, cancellation and weather work?

Aloha Aina Tours lets you cancel or reschedule up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. The Hawaii Forest & Trail private ohana outing gives a full refund with 72 hours' notice. Wasabi Tours Hawaii charges the full price for cancellations, date changes and no-shows unless it receives advance notice.

Weather and trail conditions can change any waterfall tour, so match your backup plan to the cancellation terms above before you book.

Frequently asked questions

How long do Hawaii waterfalls take?

The Dip in the Waterfall Adventure takes 1 hour, and the Kailani Tours Hawaii private tour takes 11 hours. The Ziplinetours Waterfall Hiking Tour takes 2.5 hours.

What is included with Hawaii waterfalls?

The Wasabi Big Island Waterfalls Adventure includes a picnic lunch, snacks, park entrance fees and rain gear. The Rappel Basecamp Adventure includes all gear needed.

Prices last checked October 2026.