Umauma Triple-Tier Waterfall Rappel and River Tour

Set against the lush landscape of Hawaii’s Big Island, Island Mountain Guides offers an adrenaline-charged encounter with nature through their Umauma Triple-Tier Waterfall Rappel and River Tour. Located at 31-313 Old Mamalahoa Hwy in Hakalau, this experience is anything but ordinary. The Umauma River—a dynamic watercourse cutting through volcanic rock and tropical rainforest—provides a rugged backdrop for a 3 to 5-hour canyoneering adventure that blends rappelling, swimming, and skill-building.

Participants are equipped with wetsuits, helmets, harnesses, and flotation devices before descending a series of waterfalls up to 150 feet tall, traversing four different rappel points amidst the terrain’s vivid greens and the river’s clear turquoise pools. Each descent demands focus and technique, but expert guides ensure safety and provide comprehensive instruction, making this journey accessible to able swimmers aged 10 and above. The terrain is a striking showcase of volcanic basalt formations, where water carves powerful drops framed by indigenous flora.

Island Mountain Guides is well established as one of the premier rope-adventure companies in Hawaii’s outdoor scene. Their commitment to skillful, family-friendly adventures sets them apart—not just as tour operators, but as educators and stewards of Hawaii’s rugged river systems. The remote location in Hakalau typifies the island’s wild charm, far from crowded tourist spots but alive with natural energy and a community focused on sustainable outdoor recreation.

This trip stands out in Hawaii’s landscape because it requires low water conditions to run safely, so timing your booking right—including considering seasonal rainfall—is key. The result is a hands-on, immersive encounter with Hawaii’s wild heart: crawling between pools, rappelling challenging heights, and swimming beneath waterfalls. For adventurers who want to engage deeply with the island’s wild rivers under expert guidance, Island Mountain Guides delivers an experience you won’t forget.