KAILUA-KONA PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Between Cliffs and Coral: A Two‑Day Land‑and‑Sea Waterfalls Tour from Kailua‑Kona
A two‑day combo that pairs a full-day waterfalls and rainforest circuit with a morning dolphin snorkel — a concise guide to what you’ll see, how it runs, and what to pack.
Between Cliffs and Coral: A Two‑Day Land‑and‑Sea Waterfalls Tour from Kailua‑Kona.
From Kailua‑Kona, Wasabi Tours Hawaii runs a Land and Sea Combo — Waterfalls Tour that unfolds over two different days: a full‑day waterfalls itinerary on the Big Island and a separate morning dolphin snorkel outing. The program threads rainforest walks, multiple waterfalls and coastal lookouts on land with an open‑ocean snorkel in protected marine sanctuaries, with all snorkeling equipment and reef‑safe sunscreen provided and lifeguard‑trained crew on hand.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Spinner Dolphins and Coral Gardens
The morning snorkel visits protected marine sanctuaries accessible only by boat, where spinner dolphins frequently join the trip and guests snorkel among vibrant reef life; all equipment and reef‑safe sunscreen are provided and the crew offers instruction for beginners.
Waipio Valley Lookout and Coastal Cliffs
The land day includes a stop at the majestic Waipio Valley Lookout to photograph tall, lush cliffs dropping into the ocean and a drive along roads like the Saddle Road past the island’s towering mountains.
Akaka, Kulaniapia and Botanical Cascades
Highlights on the Hamakua Coast include a rainforest walk to the towering Akaka Falls, visits to the Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Garden, and a swim beneath the 120‑foot Kulaniapia private waterfall amid diverse flora.
What the day feels like
How the Two‑Day Flow Feels
The experience splits into a full, immersive day on land—moving between lookouts, botanical gardens, rainforest trails and multiple waterfalls—and a separate morning at sea for a dolphin snorkel. On land you’ll traverse scenic roads and walk short rainforest trails; at sea you board a boat to reach protected reefs, snorkel with a lifeguard‑trained crew providing instruction, then return toshore with amenities such as a premium cash bar on the boat.
THE SEA
Spinner Dolphins and Coral Gardens
The morning snorkel visits protected marine sanctuaries accessible only by boat, where spinner dolphins frequently join the trip and guests snorkel among vibrant reef life; all equipment and reef‑safe sunscreen are provided and the crew offers instruction for beginners.
THE LANDSCAPE
Waipio Valley Lookout and Coastal Cliffs
The land day includes a stop at the majestic Waipio Valley Lookout to photograph tall, lush cliffs dropping into the ocean and a drive along roads like the Saddle Road past the island’s towering mountains.
THE WATERFALLS
Akaka, Kulaniapia and Botanical Cascades
Highlights on the Hamakua Coast include a rainforest walk to the towering Akaka Falls, visits to the Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Garden, and a swim beneath the 120‑foot Kulaniapia private waterfall amid diverse flora.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who gets the most from this combo tour.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Bring swimwear, a towel, and sun protection; the operator supplies all snorkel equipment and reef‑safe sunscreen and offers instruction for beginners.
All snorkeling equipment is provided and the crew is lifeguard‑trained; reef‑safe sunscreen is also supplied.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long are the tours?
The Big Island waterfalls tour runs about 10 hours; the morning dolphin snorkel is about 4.5 hours, and the activities take place on two different days.
Can beginners snorkel on this trip?
Yes. First‑timers as well as experienced snorkelers of all ages can join; the crew provides friendly instruction and all equipment.
Is snorkeling done from shore or boat?
Snorkeling is accessible only by boat to reach protected marine sanctuaries and coral reef gardens.
Will we see dolphins?
Spinner dolphins frequently join the snorkel trips and sometimes come into the reef gardens where guests are snorkeling.
Is equipment provided?
All snorkeling equipment is provided, including reef‑safe sunscreen.
Are there onboard amenities?
On the snorkel trip there is a premium cash bar available for guests on the return trip.