Waterfalls & Highlights of the Hamakua Coast
-
Port
Hilo, Hawaii, US
-
Activity Level
Moderate
-
Excursion Type
All
-
Wheelchair Accessible
No
-
Starting At
$269.95
-
Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
-
Duration
Approximately 7 Hours
-
Meals Included
Meals included
Explore the famed Hamakua Coast -- home to magnificent country reminiscent of Old Hawaii. Sparsely populated Hamakua is studded with breathtaking waterfalls, stunning valleys, and eccentric, eclectic towns.
Travel north from Hilo to stop at Tex Drive-In, famous for made-to-order malasadas. These fried Portuguese sweet treats were initially brought to Hawaii by immigrants who worked in the cattle industry. They've been a local favorite ever since. Watch the treats and coffee being made through the window, both of which are available for purchase.
Waipio -- the Valley of the Kings -- is a place of impossibly steep cliffs carved by plunging waterfalls. The cliffs and the falls cascade more than a thousand feet to the valley floor below. Waipio Valley has been home to taro farmers for a thousand years. From the overlook, if you're lucky, you may catch a glimpse of the wild horses that roam the terrain below.
Turning off the highway, you'll descend to Laupahoehoe Point to enjoy a picnic style lunch. Laupahoehoe village was located here until the 1946 tsunami forced displaced townspeople to move to higher ground. Look for the monument naming those who lost their lives here.
Next, visit Akaka Falls State Park -- site of the largest readily accessible waterfall on the island. You'll traverse a paved walking path right through the center of the lush rain forest to reach Akaka Falls. This stunning waterfall plunges 442 feet down into the water below.
Continue your adventure with stops at two iconic locations -- Rainbow Falls and the King Kamehameha statue. Travel to historical Hilo Bay. Spend time here relaxing, swimming, snorkeling or renting a kayak (at your own expense) to explore the bay. Complete your day with a shopping stop to browse for Hawaiian macadamia nut samples, Hawaii island crafts, local products and Kona coffee.
Notes:
Minimum age is 5 years. Children 9 years and under require a car seat, per Hawaii state law; the tour operator can supply a child safety or booster seat at no charge with advance notice to the Shore Excursions team on board. Wear closed-toe shoes (mandatory). Wear your swimsuit under your clothing; bring a towel, reef-safe/biodegradable sunscreen, light clothing to act as a full cover-up for further protection from the sun, and a hat. Terrain includes uneven surfaces and stairs. Guests with a heart, back or neck condition are not allowed to participate.