Northern Gems: Private Big Island Waterfall & Hāmākua Coast Tour
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Trip Highlights
Flexible Itinerary for your Bucket-List Stops
Sacred Waipi'o Valley
Exotic Fruit Stand
Iconic Waterfalls
Explore historic Hilo town
Easy Nature Walk
Vanilla Tour
Botanical Garden
Description
Discover ʻAkaka Falls, Rainbow Falls, and the scenic Hāmākua Coast on Northern Gems, our private Big Island waterfall tour. Travel with your own local guide and enjoy a flexible itinerary combining waterfalls, tropical scenery, historic towns, and island flavors.
With pickup from your accommodation, this 6–10-hour adventure is tailored to your group’s interests and pace. Visit the Waipiʻo Valley Lookout, stop for tropical fruit and malasadas at Tex Drive In, and explore downtown Hilo along the way.
At ʻAkaka Falls, follow a rainforest walking loop to views of the dramatic waterfall. At Rainbow Falls, enjoy an easy-access lookout over the Wailuku River. Your guide shares the stories, geology, and natural history behind the landscapes you visit.
Optional experiences include the Hawaiian Vanilla Company and Hawaiʻi Tropical Bioreserve & Garden, with additional admission charges. We’ll help you choose stops that suit your schedule and preferred activity level.
Private transportation, a knowledgeable guide, snacks, refreshments, rain gear, and national and state park entrance fees are included. Lunch stops can be arranged, with meals purchased separately.
Itinerary
1
Enjoy a convenient start to your day with private pick-up and drop-off directly from your accommodation or preferred location.
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We start our day off by visiting the sacred valleys that make up the Hamakua coast. Waipio Valley, known as the "Valley of the Kings," is a breathtaking mile-long black sand beach with crashing waves and over 2000ft valley walls.
Although driving down into the Valley is only accessible to locals, you can’t miss the opportunity to visit the lookout and take a picture of this ancient Jurassic park-like scenery.
3
Taste exotic fruits you may have never seen before, varieties like rambutan and jackfruit, or drink from a fresh coconut!
The islands' fertile soil and abundant sunshine create ideal conditions for growing fruits such as succulent pineapples, sweet mangoes, and vibrant papayas.
Hawaii's tropical fruits play a key part of the local culture and cuisine, often celebrated in farmers' markets, festivals, and traditional dishes.
4
These Portuguese-inspired doughnuts are deep-fried to golden perfection, resulting in a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior. Coated in a generous layer of granulated sugar, malasadas often come filled with a variety of delectable fillings like chocolate, haupia (coconut cream), or custard. Originating from Portuguese immigrants who settled in Hawai’i, malasadas have become a cherished part of local food culture, often enjoyed during festivals, special occasions, or as a delightful everyday treat.
5
Take a stop at the U.S.’s first commercial Vanilla farm where you can buy pure vanilla bean and even try a scoop of the best vanilla ice cream you’ve ever had.
Add on a 60 min tour at 42$ per person to learn about the intricate steps involved in vanilla production and to savor the exceptional, locally grown vanilla in its purest form. These farms contribute to Hawaii's agricultural diversity of exceptional gourmet produce.
6
Stretch your legs on this beautiful half-mile loop to see a 442 ft free-falling waterfall into a majestic pool below. Accessible via a picturesque, well-maintained loop trail, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the falls from several vantage points along the path. The trail meanders through a dense forest of bamboo and ferns, leading to an observation deck where the full splendor of Akaka Falls can be admired. The falls, along with the nearby Kahuna Falls, create a captivating display of nature's power and beauty.
7
Add on a stop at Trip Advisor’s #3 attraction for the Island of Hawai’i, immerse yourself in over 2,500 species of plants from all around the globe as well as a cascading waterfall. 25$ per person.
8
Rainbow Falls, located in Hilo on the Big Island of Hawai’i, is an iconic 80-foot waterfall named for the rainbows that frequently form in its mist during sunny mornings. Surrounded by lush tropical rainforest, the falls cascade into a serene pool, creating a picturesque setting that attracts visitors year-round. The site is easily accessible and offers a short, scenic walk to the viewing platform, making it a popular destination for both tourists and locals.
9
Downtown Hilo's eclectic mix of shops, art galleries, and restaurants showcases the island's diverse cultural influences, while its lush parks and scenic coastal views provide a relaxing backdrop. The area is also home to vibrant local markets, such as the Hilo Farmers Market, where fresh produce, local crafts, and unique Hawaiian goods are sold. Visitors can explore an array of historic buildings, including the striking Hilo Hawaiian Hotel and the old Hilo Theater, which reflect the city’s rich history.
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We finish the day in a Native bird sanctuary nestled in a 5000-year-old native Hawaiian forest. You’ll be taken back to what Hawai’i looked like and sounded like before even the earliest Hawaiian settlers. The plants and birds that you’ll see don't exist anywhere else in the world!
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At the end of your adventure, enjoy a convenient drop-off at the location of your choice, making for a seamless and stress-free finish to your day.
Tour Info
Duration
6 to 10 hours
Group Size
Up to 14 people
Price per group, up to 6 guests
$1,900
Languages
English
Why take this tour?
Enjoy the Big Island’s waterfalls and Hāmākua Coast with a guide dedicated to your group. Northern Gems combines ʻAkaka Falls and Rainbow Falls with scenic lookouts, local food stops, and time in historic Hilo.
Your day follows your interests, with flexible pacing and optional farm and garden visits. It’s an inviting choice for families, couples, and private groups who want to explore comfortably while learning about Hawaiʻi Island.
Included
- Binoculars
- Rain Gear
- Entrance Fee to National and State Parks
- Snacks & Refreshments
- Accommodation Pick Up/Drop Off
- Lunch Stop (price not included)
- Knowledgeable Guide
Excluded
- Gratuity
- Any added on excursions such as Botanical Gardens or Hawaiian Vanilla Company
Things to know
What to bring
Comfortable Clothes and footwear
Restrictions
Can be tailored to each groups needs
Extras
Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve and Garden- 25$ per person. To be paid day of tour.
Hawaiian Vanilla Company- 42$ to be paid directly to them upon arrival.
Disclaimers
This tour runs rain or shine. Tour operator will cancel under extreme weather circumstances.
Pickup
We pick you up at your accommodation and drop you off there after the tour.
Ages
All ages are welcome.
Price per group
$1,900 is the price for your private group of up to 6 guests. Groups larger than 6 ride in our Sprinter van, with tiered pricing.
Cancellations
Customers will receive a full refund or credit with 24 hours notice of cancellation. Customers will also receive a full refund or credit in case of operator cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Contact us by phone to cancel or inquire about a cancellation. No-shows will be charged the full price.
What to bring
Comfortable Clothes and footwear
Restrictions
Can be tailored to each groups needs
Extras
Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve and Garden- 25$ per person. To be paid day of tour.
Hawaiian Vanilla Company- 42$ to be paid directly to them upon arrival.
Disclaimers
This tour runs rain or shine. Tour operator will cancel under extreme weather circumstances.
Pickup
We pick you up at your accommodation and drop you off there after the tour.
Ages
All ages are welcome.
Price per group
$1,900 is the price for your private group of up to 6 guests. Groups larger than 6 ride in our Sprinter van, with tiered pricing.
Cancellations
Customers will receive a full refund or credit with 24 hours notice of cancellation. Customers will also receive a full refund or credit in case of operator cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Contact us by phone to cancel or inquire about a cancellation. No-shows will be charged the full price.
Check Availability
From
$1,900
Why book with us?
- Book instantly directly with provider
- Get the lowest price guarantee
- Worry-free flexible cancellation policy
Human support:808-443-4924