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A waterfall in a lush green forest. 1
A wooden boardwalk through a dense forest with ferns and large-leafed plants. 2
Tropical Botanical Garden entrance with a gate and lush greenery. 3
A coastal landscape with a prominent cliff, dense foliage, and a view of the ocean. 4
A concrete path flanked by dense tropical foliage. 5

Private Hilo Shore Excursion Waterfalls and Botanical Garden

By BARBIL TOURS
Free cancellation available
Price is AU$1,871 per traveller* *Get a lower price by selecting multiple travellers
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Features

  • Free cancellation available
  • 6h
  • Mobile voucher
  • Instant confirmation

Overview

Discover the wild beauty of the Big Island on an exclusive, private shore excursion from Hilo tailored completely to your group's pace. Your private adventure begins at the legendary Rainbow Falls, where an 80-foot waterfall plunges over an ancient lava cave. Wind through the lush, canopy-covered Pepeekeo Scenic Drive in your own private vehicle before exploring the world-renowned Hawai'i Tropical Botanical Garden — a 40-acre sanctuary home to over 2,000 species of rare tropical plants along scenic Onomea Bay. Enjoy the flexibility of a private itinerary as you stop in the charming plantation village of Historic Honomu Town for a leisurely stroll and local treats, then witness the breathtaking 442-foot free-fall of ʻAkaka Falls. Conclude your personalised day at Liliʻuokalani Japanese Gardens — the largest authentic Edo-style garden outside of Japan — and cross the footbridge to Coconut Island for stunning panoramic views of Hilo Bay.

Activity location

  • Rainbow Falls
    • 96720, Hilo, Hawaii, United States

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • Rainbow Falls
    • 96720, Hilo, Hawaii, United States

Check availability

Private Group 1-5

  • Activity duration is 6 hours6h
    6h
  • English

Private Group 1-5
Pickup included

Language options: English
Price details
AU$1,870.50 x 1 TravellerAU$1,870.50
Total
Price is AU$1,870.50

What's included, what's not

  • What's includedWhat's included
    Private transport
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Bottled water
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Air-conditioned vehicle
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Pickup/Drop off
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Expert Guide
  • What's excludedWhat's excluded
    Tips & Service charge
  • What's excludedWhat's excluded
    Foods & drinks

Know before you book

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transport options are available nearby
  • Specialised infant seats are available
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Activity itinerary

Rainbow Falls

  • 45m
Feast your eyes on the breathtaking beauty of Rainbow Falls (Waiānuenue), an iconic 80-foot natural waterfall that plunges over an ancient lava cave into a sparkling turquoise pool below. According to Hawaiian legend, the cave beneath the waterfall was the sacred home of Hina, mother of the demigod Maui. Surrounded by lush tropical rainforest, this spectacular site gets its name from the vibrant rainbows that dance across the mist on sunny mornings. A short paved pathway offers effortless access to the viewing platform, making it easy to capture perfect postcard-worthy photos of one of the Big Island's most beloved natural wonders. For those who want to explore further, a staircase leads to the top of the falls where a hidden pathway through lush vegetation reveals a grove of magnificent ancient banyan trees.

Pepeekeo Scenic Drive

  • 30m
Experience the breathtaking old-world charm of the Pepeekeo Scenic Drive. This legendary 4-mile stretch of the Old Mamalahoa Highway winds from one scenic spot to another through a dense, canopy-covered tropical rainforest, far removed from the busy main highway. As you navigate the gentle curves and cross charming old bridges, look out at towering banyan trees, lush giant ferns, and vibrant tropical flowers. Along the way, stunning glimpses of beautiful Onomea Bay and rugged volcanic coastline give you a front-row seat to the untouched wild beauty of the Big Island's coast. Halfway through the drive, the world-famous Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve and Gardens — home to over 2,000 species of rare and exotic plants — awaits as a breathtaking bonus stop.

Hawai‘i Tropical Botanical Garden

  • 1h
  • Admission ticket included
Step into a living paradise at the Hawai'i Tropical Botanical Garden, a stunning nature preserve nestled in the scenic Onomea Valley, just 8 miles north of Hilo along the Big Island's beautiful Hamakua Coast. This lush 40-acre sanctuary is home to over 2,000 species of rare and exotic tropical plants, representing more than 125 families and 750 genera from around the globe — including nearly 200 species of towering palms, vibrant orchids, and dramatic heliconias. Walk down a 500-foot landscaped boardwalk into the lower garden trails, where tranquil streams, hidden waterfalls, and breathtaking coastal views await. Follow the trail to the stunning three-tiered Onomea Falls before the path opens up to spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean where the rainforest dramatically meets the sea. It is an unforgettable and deeply peaceful look at the true botanical magic of the Big Island.

Honomu

  • 35m
Take a delightful step back in time as you explore Historic Honomu Town, a charming plantation-era village nestled along the beautiful Hamakua Coast. With its history dating back to 1876, this quaint town was once a thriving sugar cane plantation hub with its own theatres, shops, and bustling community life. Today, its beautifully preserved early 20th-century wooden shopfronts and plantation-style architecture tell the storey of old Hawaii. Stroll down the high street to browse eclectic art galleries, hunt for unique handmade souvenirs, and stop at local shops selling plantation-era antiques and locally crafted gifts. Don't miss Mr. Ed's Bakery — a beloved local institution famous for its giant cinnamon rolls, sticky monkey bread, and over 150 varieties of tropical jams and jams. It's the perfect slice of authentic small-town Hawaii charm before continuing your adventure.

Liliuokalani gardens

  • 1h 30m
Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Liliʻuokalani Gardens, the largest authentic Edo-style Japanese garden outside of Japan, spanning 24 acres along Banyan Drive in Hilo. Dedicated in 1917 as a tribute to Hawaiʻi's first Japanese immigrants who worked the Big Island's sugar cane fields, this stunning oceanfront park was made possible by Queen Liliʻuokalani — Hawaii's last reigning monarch. Stroll along winding footpaths to discover koi ponds, stone pagodas, lanterns donated by 14 Japanese prefectures, and a traditional teahouse. A charming footbridge leads to Coconut Island — Moku Ola, or "Island of Life." Once home to an ancient Hawaiian healing temple, today it offers a peaceful retreat in Hilo Bay with panoramic views of the historic waterfront and lush green mountains.

Hilo

  • 15m
After a beautiful day exploring the best waterfalls, tropical gardens, and scenic coastlines of the Big Island, we will begin our relaxed drive back to Hilo. Relax and enjoy the passing landscapes as your guide drops you off directly at your original pickup location.

Location

Activity location

  • LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIES
    Rainbow Falls
    • 96720, Hilo, Hawaii, United States

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    Rainbow Falls
    • 96720, Hilo, Hawaii, United States

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Experience the wonders of the world up close with great deals on things to do near and far. We offer one-of-a-kind activities that allow you to explore Hilo your way. Whether you love nature, culture, food or a bit of adventure, we have the perfect activity for you.