Kohala Waterfalls Adventure in Kailua-Kona, HI

The Kohala Waterfalls Adventures tour begins with a wonderful drive of contrast and changes from the dry-side resort area to the lush green country of Kohala. Along the way, you'll journey up the North Kona, and Kohala coastlines over the lava flow from Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea, and the Kohala Mountains. Often from the shoreline, you can see splashing spinner dolphins or in the winter months, breaching humpback whales. You'll pass through the quaint plantation towns of Hawi and Kapaau, the site of the life-size statue of King Kamehameha. At the end of the road, a brief rest stop at the historic Kohala Mule Station offers one of Hawaii's most spectacular coastal views. Then the real fun begins, with a bumpy but short off-road drive on an old cane road over private ranchland to the trailhead.

The Adventure: You'll step back into the early 1900s when plantation owners began construction of the Kohala Ditch Trail to bring much-needed water to the sugar cane fields. Along the 1.5-mile loop trail, you'll see tunnels blasted and carved from solid rock, walk over an aqueduct on two bridges, and learn the story of the tremendous effort it took to build an irrigation system stretching over 22 miles. You'll delve into ancient Hawaiian history as well, visiting a former taro farming site just off the path. Several beautiful waterfalls grace the trail. You can take a refreshing dip in the last pool we visit and play under a refreshing cascade. With stunning mountain panoramas, green valleys, and pasturelands, and of course the abundant water, the Kohala Waterfalls Adventure is a fascinating way for young and old to experience Kohala's "story of water."

This Tour is great for:

• Couples
• Families

Schedule: Daily tours depart from Hawaii Forest & Trail Headquarters, and Waikoloa Queen’s Marketplace. Tour time is about 6-7 hours round trip

Rated: Easy; all ages welcome

Included in the Tour:

• Deli-style lunch with assorted soft drinks
• Sunscreen
• bug spray
• Hand sanitizer are also available upon request
• Please bring your own reusable water bottle (refills provided) Reusable water bottles may be purchased upon request

Group Size: Tour limited to a maximum of 9.

Restrictions: Guests should be able to hike on uneven or rocky terrain. This tour sometimes encounters cool, wet, or muddy conditions. Other tour restrictions may apply.

What to Bring & Wear: Comfortable walking shoes or reef walkers, bathing suit, hat, sunscreen, and a light jacket.