9 Waterfall Tours in Big Island to Build a Day Around

1.Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcanoes National Park & Black Sand Beach

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,338 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $159Our pick

Spend about six hours touring from Hilo Port to Kilauea, steam vents, sulfur banks, and Thurston Lava Tube, then spot for turtles at Richardson Black Sand Beach. Guides such as Jess, Robert, Donna, and Hannibal are known for lively local stories. Port transfers, park fees, and water are included.

“The whole trip was great, and our tour guide Hannibal made it awesome! Hannibal had a wealth of knowledge to share, jokes, facts and personal experience of the area and island in general. Unfortunately the volcano wasn’t erupting when we visited, but Hannibal showed us a great video he took of an eruption from the same spot earlier in the week! I definitely recommend the tour, especially with Hannibal as the tour guide! Planning this tour through Viator was easy and everything went smoothly. And we love it when a plan comes together!”

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2.Big Island Zipline Tour Near Akaka Falls (250-ft Waterfall!)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,077 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $246Top rated

Meet in Honomu for a 2.5-hour, seven-line zipline course near Akaka Falls. Guides such as Rose, Bobby, Julia, and Riley ease you in with practice runs, Hawaiian agriculture stories, and tropical fruit tastings before the final waterfall crossing.

“This was a very fun and informative adventure. Guides were very helpful and informative. Bring your camera and great attitude.”

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3.Big Island: 9-Line Waterfall Zipline Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,057 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $253

At The Umauma Experience near Hakalau, you’ll ride nine guided ziplines over forest, rivers, and Umauma Falls. Four lines let you race a partner, while friendly guides such as Wes and Skippy help first-timers feel at ease. Plan on 2 to 2.5 hours, closed-toe shoes, and a short walk on uneven ground.

“It’s awesome, truly a highlight of our trip! The staff is fabulous, courteous, helpful and the zip line team makes you feel very safe and well cared for.”

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4.Big Island Highlights: Coffee, Volcano, Black Sands & Waterfall

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,054 reviews · 11 hours (approx.) · from $299

Travel from Kona across the Big Island in a small group of up to 13, with hotel pickup, coffee tasting, malasadas, lunch at Volcano House, Volcanoes National Park, black sand, and Rainbow Falls. Guides such as Kawika, Chris, and Derrick add local stories along the way.

“excellent attention, very professional historical narration I learned a lot about hawaii, time very well spent”

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5.Big Island Waterfalls Tour with Swimming and Botanical Garden

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 513 reviews · 10 hours (approx.) · from $297

Spend about 10 hours crossing the Big Island from Kona or Kohala to Waipio Valley, Akaka Falls, Rainbow Falls, and Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden. Swim at Kulaniapia Falls when conditions allow, with guides such as Derek, Dreu, Drew, or Stephen leading the small-group day.

“Beautiful scenery, knowledgeable tour guide and enjoyable tour. Loved swimming in the private waterfall.”

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6.Hawaii Volcanoes, Waterfalls, Beaches & Hilo Highlights Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 391 reviews · 6 to 7 hours (approx.) · from $186

Join Justin of Makaio Tours for a 6 to 7-hour Hilo-area tour covering Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Rainbow Falls, Hilo Farmers Market, Liliʻuokalani Gardens, Big Island Candies, and Richardson Ocean Park. Pickup is available from Hilo hotels, the port, and airport.

“A great way to get to know the must-see sites in Hilo and understand Hawaiian culture, even with just one day to visit (we were coming in on a cruise, so time was tight). Stunning views, clear explanations, and Justin’s humor kept everyone engaged. Thanks Justin for making our day in Hilo memorable!”

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7.Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcano Safari Lava Caves & Black Sand

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 363 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $154Best value

Spend about six hours exploring Hilo’s volcanic coast, Kaumana Caves, Lava Tree State Park, Pahoa, and recent lava-flow areas. Guides such as Ellen, Troy, Dave, and Lori add local history and may adjust the route around weather, crowds, or volcanic activity. Pickup and ship return are included.

“Ellen was a phenomenal tour guide! I loved all the stops we made, specially the cave & waterfall. If you are going to explore the cave, I definitely recommend that you bring sneakers so you can explore as the rocks are slippery.”

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8.Kohala Waterfalls Small Group Adventure Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 335 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $267

Spend about seven hours exploring North Kohala with Hawaii Forest & Trail. You’ll ride in a van capped at 10 people, hike an easy private-land trail past several waterfalls, swim under one, and eat lunch overlooking Mokulanikila. Guides such as Gary, Taro, Debra, Matteo, and Adam add local stories.

“Amazing hike with our very knowledgeable guide Nic. We swam in sacred waters of several gorgeous private waterfalls learned Hawaiian history, botany and our guide was kind and engaging. I will definitely recommend the Kohala Falls hike to others.”

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9.Umauma Falls Deluxe ATV Waterfall and Swim Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 198 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)

Drive a Honda ATV or UTV across private Hamakua ranch land with guides such as Chloe, Kiana, and Landon, stopping for views of Mauna Kea, the Pacific, snacks, and a swim at Umauma Falls. Expect dust or mud, a short ride, and a refreshing freshwater pond.

“Excellent tour, got to stop by great views and get some snacks along the way! Tour guides were extremely friendly and helpful.”

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