SHARED Heavenly Hamakua from Kona

Explore the Big Island's lush Hāmākua Coast on this 7-hour shared tour for up to 6 guests, heading north from Kona into an older, more traditional Hawai'i. Pickup from your Kona, Waikoloa, or Kohala accommodation.

From the highlands of Waimea, the route follows highways old and new through jungle gulches, river crossings, and scenic ocean vistas. Start at Waipi'o Valley Lookout — one of the greatest valleys in all of Hawai'i, carved over thousands of years into Kohala volcano's eastern flank. Stop at Tex Drive-In for their famous malasadas.

At Laupāhoehoe Point, watch powerful Pacific waves crash against a peninsula flanked by 300-foot sea cliffs. Continue to 'Akaka Falls State Park for a rainforest walk leading to a 442-foot waterfall plunging into Kolekole gulch. Visit Rainbow Falls in Hilo, an 80-foot cascade that has drawn visitors for generations, then explore Kaumana Caves, a Mauna Loa lava tube where you can walk inside what was once a channel of flowing lava.

The return follows Saddle Road, climbing to nearly 6,800 feet through rainforests, cloud forests, high desert, and vast prairies between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. Lunch, snacks, and drinks are included. The itinerary may be adjusted based on conditions and group interests.