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Big Island Waterfall Tour Review: Is Wasabi’s Adventure Worth It?
- Alyssa
- Apr 1, 2023
- 7 min read
Updated: Dec 14, 2025
If you’re trying to choose a waterfall tour on the Big Island, Wasabi Tours is one of the most popular all-day options. During our trip to Hawaiʻi, renting a car wasn’t an option for us, so we decided to book their Big Island Waterfalls Adventure to see as much as possible in one day without driving. We paid $249 per person ($551.34 total for two adults), and the tour covered a large portion of the island, multiple waterfalls, and even a descent into Waipiʻo Valley.
In this review, we break down what the tour includes, which stops stood out, and whether Wasabi’s Big Island Waterfall Adventure is actually worth it.
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Big Island Waterfall Tour at a Glance
Tour Operator: Wasabi Tours
Tour Name: Big Island Waterfalls Adventure
Duration: Full day
Pickup: Hotel pickup included
Price: $249 per person
Stops: Multiple waterfalls + Waipiʻo Valley
Transportation: Small-group van
Best For: Travelers without a rental car, first-time Big Island visitors, waterfall sightseeing in one day
Transportation on Wasabi’s Big Island Waterfall Tour
We rode in a Mercedes Sprinter van that comfortably fit about 16 people. The seats were comfortable, and the van had strong air conditioning, which helped a lot given the heat outside. It was also equipped with speakers throughout the cabin so everyone could hear the driver’s commentary clearly. Even when he did use the microphone, we had no trouble hearing, and overall the ride felt smooth and well-managed.
Hotel Pickup & Start Time for the Big Island Waterfall Adventure
Wasabi Tours calls the day before your trip to confirm your estimated pickup time and location. We were picked up at our hotel around 6:45 AM, which was just a few minutes before the scheduled start time. One important thing to note: if you’re staying closer to Kona, you may be picked up up to an hour earlier than the listed start time. The tour begins pickups in that direction before heading toward Hilo, so earlier mornings are common depending on where you’re staying.
Stops on Wasabi’s Big Island Waterfall Adventure
This full-day waterfall tour includes several stops across the east side of the Big Island, combining scenic viewpoints, short walks, swimming opportunities, and lava formations. The itinerary moves at a steady pace and covers a lot of ground, with each stop offering something different, from iconic waterfalls to lesser-known natural sites.
Waipiʻo Valley Lookout (Former Valley Access Stop)
After picking everyone up we headed to our first stop, Waipio Valley. It's about a 45-minute to an hour drive from the last hotel to the start of the valley. In this time you get to know your group, tour guide, and some of the island's history. At the entrance of Waipio Valley, we switched to another vehicle that could be taken down into the valley. The road down was VERY steep and narrow like a one-way (even though people tried to go both ways at once) and not paved in certain spots. Because of the road conditions, and some light off-roading they use a separate "beater" van (no seatbelts, no windows) for this part of the tour! A journey into Waipio Valley is no longer offered on the tour! Instead, now the tour just stops at a Waipio Valley lookout!
The views on the way down were astonishing! The Valley is 2000 feet down so we got a birds-eye view on the drive down. You could see the tops of trees, the coastline, and all the beautiful waterfalls pouring into the valley. We don’t want to spoil everything for you, but the trip down into the valley is one of our favorite (and best-smelling) places we have been in Hawaii. The land is so rich, layered with beauty, and full of life. We learned so much about Hawaiian history here, and our tour guide was great at answering any questions we had.
Lunch Stop & Local Fruit Stand
Packed lunches were provided by Wasabi Tours, and dietary restrictions were confirmed before the tour date. After visiting Waipiʻo, we stopped near a small shop and café to eat. Lunch was a boxed bento-style meal that included chicken katsu, fried fish, rice, and taro slices, along with water and Hawaiian Sun drinks.
After eating, we had time to browse the shop, grab coffee or snacks, and relax before heading to a nearby local fruit stand. There, you could purchase fresh coconut juice, fruit, and smoothies. If you bought a coconut, the staff would even cut out the meat afterward for you to take along. It was a refreshing stop before continuing on.
Akaka Falls State Park:
Our next stop was Akaka Falls State Park Once we arrived at Akaka Falls, we were guided to the park entrance and given about 45 minutes to explore. There are two paved trails throughout the park leading to Akaka Falls and looping back to the park entrance. We found the walk to be very serene, it is full of lush vegetation and beautiful trees. You can hear the strong rush of water off the falls before you see it, and it is breathtaking once it comes into view! Bring a poncho or raincoat if you do not want to get wet, it rained in a few spots and it is about a half-mile walk!
Private Waterfall Swim Stop
Our next stop was about a 10-minute drive from Akaka Falls. It was a private waterfall located on a small inn's property. We stopped at the inn's lobby where we were given the chance to change into our swimwear. We then made our way down to the waterfall. The walk to the waterfall could be tough for some. It is not paved, muddy, and on a hill. Once down at the falls, you get the chance to swim (life jackets are provided if needed), use free paddle boards and kayaks, and take pictures. The water can get rough, especially near the falls, and there are lots of rocks in the water (bring water shoes if you plan to get in). At the time of our tour, the falls were entirely private and you had to be on an approved tour or a guest of the inn to visit, but now they offer day passes for $49 (you must pre-book).
Rainbow Falls (Hilo)
After seeing the private falls, we drove about 15 minutes down to Hilo to see our last waterfall of the trip, Rainbow Falls. This spot felt very different than the other waterfalls. It is inside of a neighborhood in Hilo and it was as simple as parking, walking through the lot, and looking at the waterfall. Although it was simple to reach, that did not take away from its beauty!
This was the easiest place to get family photos on the trip. Our tour guide was very helpful, taking photos for everyone! After everyone finished taking photos, we piled back into the van and headed to Kaumana Lava Cave.
Kaumana Lava Cave:
Our next stop was a really neat location that showcased the power of volcanos. The stairs down to Kaumana Lava Cave are steep, small, and can get slippery. To walk around in the cave, you will have to climb over and dodge rocks. It was not too difficult to get through but be aware of your footing at all times or you could leave with scraped-up knees and elbows! You can see in the cave about 40 feet, but afterward, the light from the outside is cut off. If you go any deeper you will need a flashlight! (we just used our phones and were fine). A small group of us including the tour guide went in as far as possible and it was worth it! We then made our way out of the cave back to the surface to head to our final destination, Saddle Road.
Saddle Road Scenic Stop
Saddle Road is the mid-point between the west side (Kona/Waikoloa) and the east side (Hilo/Waipio) of the island. It sits right in between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa at about 5,000 feet. The stop is just a chance for a bathroom break, but the views are very pretty from the location. You can see large fields of lava rocks, the sides of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, and if the climate is right, you can see the tops of clouds as the sunset pierces through them!
Drop-off After the Tour:
The drop-off for this trip is as simple as first in first out. Those who are picked up first will be dropped off first. If you are staying in or around Kona, keep in mind it could take an extra hour or two to get dropped off for this reason!
What to Bring on the Big Island Waterfall Tour
Because this is a full-day tour with walking, swimming, and changing weather conditions, being prepared will make the experience much more comfortable.
Comfortable walking shoes – You’ll be walking on paved trails, uneven ground, and muddy paths at some stops.
Swimsuit, towel, and a change of clothes – Especially useful for the private waterfall swim stop.
Rain jacket or poncho – Waterfall areas can be wet, and light rain is common.
Water shoes – Helpful if you plan to swim; rocks can be slippery and uneven.
Sunscreen – Several stops are exposed with little shade.
Cash – Useful for gratuity for the driver/guide and for shopping at local stops.
Snacks – Meals are included, but having something extra can be helpful during such a long day.
Portable phone charger – With photos, navigation, and a long itinerary, batteries drain quickly.
Final Verdict: Is Wasabi’s Big Island Waterfall Adventure Worth It?
Overall, we had a great experience on Wasabi’s Big Island Waterfall Adventure, especially for how much ground the tour covers in a single day. For $551.34 total for two people, the price included full-day transportation, park admission, and lunch, making it a convenient way to see multiple waterfalls without renting a car. We visited five different waterfalls, had the chance to swim at one, and explored parts of the island we likely wouldn’t have reached on our own.
Our guide was friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive throughout the day, which made the long hours of driving feel manageable. One important thing to note, however, is that the tour no longer descends into Waipiʻo Valley and now stops only at the lookout. Experiencing the valley itself was our favorite part of the tour when we went, so it’s disappointing that this portion is no longer offered, and something to keep in mind before booking.
This is also a very long day. We were picked up around 6:45 AM and didn’t return to our hotel until about 9:00 PM. That said, if your goal is to see as many waterfalls and landscapes as possible in one day, especially without a rental car, this tour delivers. For travelers who want an efficient, all-inclusive way to experience the Big Island’s waterfalls, Wasabi’s Waterfall Adventure is a solid option.
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