Following the Flow: A Small-Group Trek to Kohala’s Hidden Waterfalls
A private preserve, rainforest cascades, and a gentle hike into the Big Island’s oldest mountain.
Morning in North Kona begins with black lava shining like cooled glass, the ocean breathing slow and steady to your left, and a ribbon of road teasing toward the green wall of Kohala. On the Kohala Waterfalls Small Group Adventure Tour, the day opens with a drive along the coastline where ancient flows from Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea have frozen mid-charge. The land reads like a timeline of eruptions—old, older, oldest—with Kohala, the island’s eldest volcano, lifting its mossy shoulder beyond the resort belt. By the time you crest into the uplands, the air shifts. Trade winds brush your arms. The hills turn a saturated green that seems to grow deeper with every mile.
Trail Wisdom
Wear real shoes
Closed-toe hiking shoes or sturdy water shoes with traction are essential for wet bridges and slick rock near the falls.
Pack a light shell
Trade-wind showers are common in Kohala; a compact rain jacket keeps you comfortable without overheating.
Swim smart
Only enter pools when your guide approves and avoid standing directly under falling water or on algae-slick rocks.
Go reef-safe
Use mineral, reef-safe sunscreen to protect streams and downstream reefs, and reapply before stepping back into the sun.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Lapakahi State Historical Park for coastal ruins and wind-swept shoreline
- •Pololū Valley Lookout for end-of-day views over sea cliffs and black-sand beach
Wildlife
Hawaiian hawk (ʻio), Green sea turtles (honu) along the nearby coast
Conservation Note
Help protect native forests threatened by Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death: brush mud from shoes, rinse gear between hikes, and stick to established trails. Use reef-safe sunscreen to keep streams and downstream coral healthy.
North Kohala was the heart of Hawaiʻi’s sugar era and the birthplace of King Kamehameha I. The Kohala Ditch, built in 1905–1906, once carried water by tunnel and flume to irrigate cane fields.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Lush greenery, Reliable waterfall flow
Challenges: Intermittent showers, Muddy sections after rain
Spring brings vibrant foliage and steady cascades. Expect comfortable temps with quick showers that refresh the forest.
summer
Best for: Warm swimming conditions, Clear mornings
Challenges: Stronger sun exposure, Occasional vog depending on winds
Summer days are bright and warm; start early to beat the heat and bring extra water and sun protection.
fall
Best for: Quieter trails, Balanced temps
Challenges: First seasonal storms may increase stream flow
Fall offers shoulder-season calm with pleasant hiking conditions; watch footing on damp leaves and roots.
winter
Best for: Powerful waterfall viewing, Cooler hiking temps
Challenges: Heavier rain, Potential high, swift streams
Winter rains swell the falls and can make crossings unsafe—follow guide instructions and expect occasional weather delays.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Lightweight hiking shoes with gripEssential
Wet bridges and slick rock demand traction and toe protection.
Quick-dry towel
Useful for drying off after a swim and keeping the van seat dry.
Compact rain jacketEssential
Keeps you comfortable during brief mountain showers without adding bulk.
Dry bag or waterproof pouch
Protects phone and camera from spray near the falls and sudden rain.
Common Questions
How strenuous is the hike?
The walking is easy to moderate, about 2–3 miles on dirt paths and plantation roads with gentle elevation changes and some steps and bridges.
Can I swim at the waterfalls?
Swimming is typically allowed at one or more pools when conditions are safe; your guide will make the call based on weather and water levels.
What should I wear?
Wear quick-dry clothing, a light layer for showers, and closed-toe shoes with good traction. Bring a swimsuit if you plan to swim.
Is this tour suitable for kids?
Yes, it’s a family-friendly outing; children who can walk independently and follow guide instructions generally do well.
Are food and water provided?
Operators typically provide water and light snacks—confirm inclusions at booking and bring a reusable bottle to refill.
What happens in bad weather?
The tour runs in light rain, but heavy rain or unsafe stream conditions may delay, reroute, or cancel for safety. Your guide will advise.
What to Pack
Closed-toe hiking shoes with tread—wet stones and bridges are slick; Reef-safe sunscreen and sun hat—UV is strong even in the forest; Microfiber towel and swimsuit—for an optional dip in a mountain pool; Lightweight rain shell—trade showers are common in Kohala
Did You Know
Kohala is the oldest of the Big Island’s five volcanoes and last erupted about 120,000 years ago; its deeply eroded valleys, including Pololū, were further carved by the sea and intense rainfall.
Quick Travel Tips
Start early to enjoy cooler temps and clearer skies; Bring a reusable water bottle—many guides offer refills to cut plastic waste; Cell service is spotty in Kohala valleys—download maps ahead of time; After the hike, detour to Pololū Valley Lookout for a sunset finale
Local Flavor
Refuel in Waimea (Kamuela) at Merriman’s for farm-to-table Hawaiian cuisine or grab a craft pint at Big Island Brewhaus. Craving something casual? Kohala Burger and Taco down in Kawaihae is a local favorite for seaside eats. Pick up Kona coffee and lilikoʻi pastries at a Waimea farmers market to round out a perfect North Hawaiʻi day.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Kona International (KOA). Trail access: private preserve in North Kohala near Hawi/Kapaʻau. Drive time: ~1.5 hours from Kailua-Kona, ~35–45 minutes from Waimea. Cell service: limited in valleys. Permits: none needed when visiting with a licensed guide on private land.
Sustainability Note
This tour crosses sensitive watershed in a private preserve—stay on trail, avoid soaps or chemical repellents in streams, and pack out everything you bring. Rinse footwear to prevent spreading invasive species and respect any kapu (no entry) signs.
Continue Reading
Riding Bedrock: Southern Utah’s Flintstone ATV Adventure
Ride a guided five-hour ATV route through Southern Utah’s red rock playground, where sand dunes roll into grippy slickrock and Zion looms on the horizon. This is a dust-on-your-boots journey with lunch, big views, and terrain that keeps you engaged without shutting you down.
St. George, Utah
Riding the Sands to Peek-A-Boo: A Private UTV Slot Canyon Escape
Skip the crowds and ride straight into the heart of Southern Utah’s red rock country. This private UTV tour to Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon blends a playful desert drive with a peaceful, family-friendly slot hike—short on logistics, long on reward.
Kanab, Utah