easy
6–7 hours
Suitable for most fitness levels; participants should be comfortable walking on uneven, rocky terrain for about 1 mile.
Discover the hidden waterfalls and coastal valleys of North Kohala with Hawaii Forest & Trail. This easy-paced trek combines off-road access, cultural insights, and refreshing swims beneath tropical cascades.
All ages. | Rated: Easy.
Embark on an unforgettable North Kohala adventure, featuring off-road driving to a secluded trailhead. Enjoy a guided stroll through a private nature reserve, swim beneath cascading waterfalls, explore ancient Hawaiian agriculture, and savor a picnic lunch with breathtaking views of sea cliffs and remote valleys. Experience nature like never before!
Duration Around 6 to 7 hours.
Rated Easy.
Schedule Daily tour departs from Hawaii Forest & Trail Headquarters, Waikoloa Queen’s Marketplace, Shops at Mauna Lani, and Kohala Zipline Headquarters.
What's Included Deli-style lunch with assorted beverages. Sunscreen and bug spray are also available upon request.
Gear Provided Towels, walking sticks, and rain jackets.
What to Bring & Wear Comfortable walking shoes or reef walkers, a bathing suit, hat, sunscreen, a light jacket or sweatshirt, and a reusable water bottle.
Restrictions Guests should be able to hike on uneven or rocky terrain. We sometimes encounter cool, wet, or muddy conditions. Other tour restrictions may apply.
How much hiking do we do?
Expect to cover approximately 1 mile in 1.5 - 2 hours.
Is there elevation gain?
Expect to do minimal climbing. The estimated elevation gain over the course of the hike is about 200’.
What is the water temperature in the pool we swim in?
Water temperature varies by season and the amount of rainfall. Temperatures range between 60 and 70 degrees F.
• Guests will receive a full refund with 24 hours' notice of cancellation.
• Private tours: Customers will receive a full refund with 72 hours notice of cancellation.
Cancellations within the cancellation period and “no-shows” will be charged the FULL AMOUNT of the tour.
Trails can be rocky and wet; closed-toed shoes protect your feet for the off-road hike and swimming spots.
Several waterfall pools invite a swim—wear your swimsuit and pack a towel for drying off after the dip.
Protect skin with eco-friendly sunscreen that won’t harm the local marine life or sensitive ecosystems.
The area can be cool, wet, or muddy, so layering with a light jacket or rain gear is advisable.
The trail crosses lands once used for traditional Hawaiian agriculture, highlighting sustainable practices from centuries ago.
Hawaii Forest & Trail prioritizes sustainable access by using private reserves, limiting group sizes, and educating visitors on protecting fragile ecosystems.
Protects feet on rocky trails and during swimming in waterfall pools.
Necessary for cooling off in waterfall pools along the trail.
Useful for unexpected showers or cooler mornings and evenings.
spring|fall|winter specific
Stay hydrated during the extended hike and warm weather.