9 Waterfall Swimming and Natural Pools in the USA Worth Booking

1.Big Island Waterfalls Tour with Swimming and Botanical Garden

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

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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2.Maui: Guided Rainforest and Waterfall Walk & Swim

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 226 reviews · 3 hours · from $140

You’ll take an easy one-mile rainforest walk near the Road to Hana, led by an English-speaking naturalist guide such as Joel, Gail, or Randalyn. Expect island history, edible plants, snacks, waterfall swims, and optional rock jumps, with conditions guiding the day’s exact route.

“This tour was better than we could have ever expected. We learned so much about the plants and even the history of the island vegetation and wildlife. And of course the waterfall was beautiful. Our guide (Michael) was exceptional! Definitely recommend!”

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3.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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4.Oahu: Complete Island Tour with Tropical Waterfall Swimming

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 154 reviews · 10 hours · from $179

Spend a full day touring Oʻahu with a local English-speaking guide, stopping for Hawaiian coffee, North Shore surf beaches, Waimea Falls, Kahuku food trucks, Byodo-In Temple, and coastal lookouts. Guides such as Chris, Emily, Mac, and Andrew are known for island stories and helpful photos.

“Best tour we’ve ever done. Mac our guide was amazing and the tour was awesome. Perfect amount of time with each stop, never overly long or too short. Mac was informative but didn’t over talk anything. Amazing time!”

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5.Kauai: Guided Hike and Waterfall Swim

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 67 reviews · 2 hours · from $93Best value

Walk a quarter mile through a private Lihue estate to Bamboo Falls and Papakolea Falls with a local English-speaking guide. You can pose at the 30-foot falls, then swim and climb behind the 60-foot cascade when conditions allow. Guides have included Shiz, Kate, Mitchell, and Volker.

“Our guide Shiz was brilliant. A very authentic experience and the whole family thoroughly enjoyed it. Not cheap but I would say worth it Hawaii has very few waterfalls you can actually swim in.”

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6.Oahu: Valley of Waimea Falls Swim & Hike with Lunch & Dole

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 33 reviews · 8 hours · from $134

Spend eight hours exploring Waimea Valley with guides such as Jackson, Jason, or Mei. Start with coffee and a pastry, walk an easy 1.5-mile botanical trail, swim beneath Waimea Falls, eat lunch, and stop at Dole Plantation.

“An amazing tour, guided by Jackson! That's was a real, professional, greatly organized tour, with plenty of time for the waterfall, botanical garden and pineapple store. Jackson would take care of everyone, making sure we all had our coffee, sandwiches, etc. We saw a coffee plantation and made lots of pictures there and everywhere on our way, including breathtaking waves. I would choose that tour and guide again. Thanks, Jackson, and company!”

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7.Big Island: Waterfall Tour with Swimming & Botanical Garden

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 24 reviews · 10 hours · from $297

Join a small group of up to 13 for a full day from Kona or the Kohala Coast. Visit Waipio Valley, Akaka Falls, Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve, Rainbow Falls, and Kulaniapia Falls, where swimming is possible when river conditions allow. Guides such as Chris and Dreu add local stories along the way.

“Unfortunately, it was an abnormally high rain day which limited visibility for most of the activities. Our guide did well given the location closures due to flooding but was able to provide alternative stops. The rain also required our guide to have extra focus on the road and limited some interactions.”

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8.Road to Hana: Professional Guide, Food, Swimming, Waterfalls

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 20 reviews · 10 hours · from $279

Let a local guide handle Maui’s twisting Road to Hana in a roomy 12-passenger cruiser. You’ll get breakfast, Huli Huli chicken lunch, waterfall swimming, Waiʻānapanapa’s black sand beach, and stories from guides such as Spencer, Travis, and Uncle Joe.

“Trip was amazing! Spencer was a fantastic guide and shared lots of history about the island. Kids (teens) enjoyed as well so that's always a bonus!”

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9.Hilo: Waterfall Hike and Swim with Native Hawaiian

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 8 reviews · 4 hours · from $150

Join Christian of Kalaninuimehameha for a four-hour Hilo waterfall hike limited to six people. Visit Waiānuenue, Peʻepeʻe, Waiāle, and Waiālima Falls, swim at Waiāle, and learn Hawaiian language, history, plants, and cultural practice.

“It was a great day with Christian. Very knowledgeable and fun day.”

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