Waterfalls Near Hilo - 2024 Ultimate Kayak Tour Tips & Reviews

Discover an enchanting world of hidden waterfalls, beaches, and rivers in Hilo town via kayak! The Big Island of Hawaii comes to life with the help of experienced narrators. 

Immerse yourself in tantalizing nature scenes only found in Hawaii. Kayaks are the preferred mode of transportation when you’re living life on island time! Beautiful Hilo waterfalls only scratch the surface of the natural wonders you’ll see while on this Hilo Bay waterfall & kayak tour.

Seeing (and even swimming by!) waterfalls is a quintessential Hawaiian activity! If you’re interested in chasing waterfalls, Hilo and the nearby Hamakua Coast boast an impressive collection. The best part is that many waterfalls near Hilo are easily accessible!

If you’re ready to see spectacular waterfalls on the Big Island yourself, it’s time to book your own kayak tour today! Plan your trip and get ready to bask in the refreshing spray of breathtaking Hilo waterfalls. 

About Hilo Waterfalls

To throw out some names, the selection of Hilo, Hawaii waterfalls includes Kulaniapia Falls and Kahuna Falls in Akaka Falls State Park. Keep in mind that Kulaniapia Falls is located on private property, so an entrance fee is typically required.

Related Post: 10 Mind-Blowing Kona Activities You Need To Try

Wailuku River State Park is home to Rainbow Falls and the boiling pots area, which consists of big pools of water that roll like boiling water. You’ll find the Umauma Falls on the Umauma River just north of Hilo. Revel in the best waterfalls Hilo has to offer today!

Fun Fact: Heard about the Narnia Waterfall Hilo? Narnia in Hawaii is actually a collection of multiple waterfalls! The exquisite beauty of these waterfalls transports onlookers to another world. 

photo credit: Mckay Woods via Facebook

Aside from sightseeing, Hilo Hawaii waterfalls are great for Hilo waterfall swimming! Accessible waterfalls mean jumping in should be a breeze. However, be sure to avoid swimming during dangerous flash floods.

Pro Tip: Botanical Gardens abound in Hawaii! These lush displays of overwhelming green are so rich they almost seem fake. The good news? They’re real! Just five miles north of Hilo, find the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden. Check this out for the perfect post-kayak tour activity!

The kayak tour allows you to come face to face with Hilo’s natural beauty while being led by a guide! Guides are lifeguard-certified, and they know a thing or two about the waterfalls of Hilo. In addition, the tour is narrated, so you’ll know just what you’re looking at. 

Related Post: 11 of the Best Things to Do in Kona for First-Time Visitors

Before the tour is over, you’ll have a chance to get out of your kayak and take a dip! Throughout your tour, watch for friendly green sea turtles called honu.

Hilo Kayak Tour Discount Tickets

Before jumping into your kayak to see the waterfalls in Hilo, book kayak tour tickets online ahead of time! This will save a hassle once you arrive. Then, with tickets secured, all you’ll have to worry about is getting on the water!

Related Post: 6 Reasons Why You Should Visit Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

Hilo Kayak Tour Coupons and Discounts

Don’t worry about searching the internet to scrape up more deals. We’ve done it for you! Read on to find out about additional Hilo Hawaii waterfall tour discounts.

Hilo Kayak Tour Military Discount

There is no military discount for the kayak tour at this time.

Hilo Kayak Tour AAA Discount

No AAA discount is currently available for the kayak tour. 

Related Post: Big Island Stargazing: Discount Tour Tickets, Tips, and Reviews

Pro Tip: If you’re a daredevil, one of the most thrilling ways to experience waterfalls is to waterfall rappel! This exciting activity is a bucket list item, but not for the faint of heart.

Kohala Coast Cliff and WaterfallsHilo Kayak Tour Senior Discount

Unfortunately, there is no senior discount for the kayak tour at this time.

Related Post: 8 Fun & Free Things to do on Big Island

Hilo Kayak Tour Group Travel Deals

Traveling with a large group? You’re in luck! Groups of eight people or more are eligible for a kayak tour discount.

Hotels Near Hilo Waterfalls

There’s nothing better than a nap following time on the water! Cool off in a pile of crisp sheets. You’ll need a place to stay during your time on the Big Island!

Enjoy resting in the lap of luxury while saving at the same time! Book one of these great hotels with Tripster:

ground water view over hotel exterior at Hilo Hawaiian Hotel on The Big Island, Hawaii, USA
photo credit: Castle Resorts & Hotels via Facebook

Big Island Hawaii Attractions

The best way to make the most of your money on your Hawaii trip is to do as much as possible while you’re there! Since you’re already making the journey to the islands, ensure you soak up all the vacation fun you can. Here are some of our other top picks!

Related Post: Big Island 5-Day Itinerary: A Definitive Day-by-Day Guide

Coffee, Cloud Forest, and Brewery Experience

This brewery experience is unlike any other attraction in Hawaii! Coffee fanatics will enjoy sipping delicious Kona coffee. In addition, wander the misty trails of the Cloud Forest.

Big Island Mauna Kea Summit & Stars Adventure

When you consider the portion of this massive mountain under sea level, Mauna Kea is actually taller than Mount Everest! On the Big Island Mauna Kea Summit & Stars Adventure, make your way to the summit. First, learn about the area from your interpretive guide. Then, feast on a picnic-style dinner!

night sky filled with stars with people looking through a telescope, stargazing at Mauna Kea in Big Island, Hawaii, USA

Spirit of Aloha Catamaran Snorkel Sail

All that kayaking may leave you longing to dive in for a few hours! The snorkel sail will allow you to do just that. Mix and mingle with marine creatures such as sea turtles, exotic fish, and dolphins as you explore the ocean blue!

Insider Hilo Kayak Tour Tips

What to Bring

Prepare for toasty weather and bright sun! You’ll need sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to ward off the rays. We recommend wearing sandals as your shoes will likely get wet. Sandals with a back strap are ideal for stability.

Check out our ultimate Hawaii packing list, so nothing gets left behind!

If you plan to bring your phone or a camera, don’t forget a waterproof bag! Finally, be sure to wear light, cool clothes.

Can I Bring Food on the Hilo Kayak Tour?

While on the tour, water and a light snack will be provided. We recommend bringing an additional water bottle along. Kayaking beneath the hot sun is bound to leave you parched!

photo credit: America the Beautiful via Facebook

Hilo Kayak Tour Parking

Kayak tours depart from the pier behind the KapohoKine Adventures store. So, be sure to park at the store!

Hilo Kayak Tour Reviews

Don’t just take it from us. Learn what fellow kayakers have to say about the Hilo Bay waterfall kayaking adventure! Check out the most recent Hilo Kayak Tour reviews. 

Book your own Hilo waterfalls kayak tour today!

If you’re on the search for Hawaii waterfalls, Hilo delivers! Embark on a Hilo Bay waterfall & kayak adventure today. 

As far as the rest of your vacation to Hawaii goes, Tripster is here to help with that too! Rack up hotel deals and attraction steals. Take the trip of a lifetime while sticking to your budget!

Have You Experienced Hilo Waterfalls?

Did you kayak? Did you hike?

Share with us below!


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Written by Michaela Satterfield

Michaela is a journalist who views every story she writes as an adventure, leading her to explore new places and meet new people....


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