Get ready for a full-day adventure! This tour loops around the Hamakua Coast on the northern tip of Big Island visiting secret waterfalls, scenic hikes and a detour through Hilo. On the North Island Jungle Adventure Loop you’ll drive over 100 miles with the option to stop at 25 awesome spots along the way.

Note: This tour can be taken clockwise or counterclockwise around the island starting from Kona, Waikoloa, or Hilo. For simplicity’s sake, we will list the itinerary starting from Hilo headed counterclockwise. The tour makes the same stops regardless of where you start or which direction you travel in.

MORNING

Depart Hilo EARLY. We recommend starting the tour before 9:00 a.m.

Hike the Scenic Onomea Trail OR Stroll through a Tropical Botanical Garden

Approximate time: 30-45 minutes

Views from Onomea Trail, Tor Johnson via Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA)

Onomea Trail, or donkey trail, is an easy hike that runs along a breathtaking section of coastline that gives you 180-degree views of Onomea Bay. It’s worth it for the photo opportunities alone! Being on the wet side of the island, there are a lot of streams running through the trail as well as a small waterfall and a swimming hole.

If you want a more leisurely stroll through a manicured garden with roughly 2,000 plant species opt to visit Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden instead of hiking Onomea Trail. The garden is actually more of a nature reserve where scientists study the unique and endangered plants of the rainforests. The garden features a canopy of trees that include 100-foot tall mango trees from the 1800’s and one-hundred-year-old breadfruit trees as well. While you’re there, take the paved garden walk. It’s just over a mile and runs parallel to the Onomea Trail. Note entrance fee: $20.00/adult and $5.00/child per person.

Hike to Akaka Falls

Approximate time: 30 minutes

Arguably one of the most famous waterfalls on Big Island, you can take the half-mile stroll on a paved path through lush rainforest filled with wild orchids, bamboo groves and draping ferns to get a glimpse of this iconic natural wonder. The accessible portion of the park lies high on the right shoulder of the deep gorge into which the waterfall plunges, and the falls can be viewed from several points along a loop trail through the park. Note: $10 per vehicle parking fee and $5 per person entrance fee. 

Hike to Umauma Falls

Approximate time: 20 minutes

Ready for another waterfall? There’s an entrance fee to see Umauma Falls, but once you do you’ll drive up to this three-tier waterfall. If you’re pressed for time we recommend you skip this spot. Note: the cost to see the falls is $10.00 per car.

Visit the Laupahoehoe Train Museum

Approximate time: 30 minutes

When you take this tour we’ll tell you all about the history of sugarcane in Hawaii. This industry once flourished on the islands and railways were a key mode of transportation for this vital export. This museum celebrates the history of the Hamakua Coast and the railroads that connected this Big Island’s sugarcane industry to the rest of Hawaii and the world.

Pay Tribute at the Laupahoehoe Tsunami Monument

Approximate time: 20 minutes

In 1946 there was a devastating tsunami in this area that killed over 150 people, many of them being school children. During the tour you’ll hear the story of this tragic day and learn about a few brave survivors. At the beach park, you can pay tribute at a memorial that honors the lives lost that day. This is also a great viewpoint of the ocean coastline.

Grab Lunch at Tex’s Drive Inn

Approximate time: 30 minutes

At this point in the tour you’re probably ready for a quick bite. Well do we have a treat for you! We’ll guide you to Tex’s Drive Inn -- a local spot with hearty plate lunches that will keep you fueled and ready to go for the rest of your journey.

Pro Tip! Be sure to order a malasada (think filled donut without a hole) while you’re at Tex’s; they have some of the best in Hawaii! Not hungry yet? Skip this spot and grab lunch in Waimea Town.

AFTERNOON

Marvel at Waipio Valley

Approximate time: 20 minutes

Waipio Valley, Island of Hawaii

Waipi‛o Valley is one of the most storied valleys in Hawaii. According to legends, the gods lived in Waipi‛o in ancient days. It was also the royal center for many ancient rulers on the Big Island, including Kamehameha. There’s a stunning view of the valley just from the lookout area. If you’re interested in driving into the valley, you MUST have four-wheel drive. This journey is not for the faint of heart. You’ll be driving down one of the steepest roads in the world. In fact, we actually recommend you avoid driving this road all together. If you’re really yearning to visit the valley, we’d suggest you hike it. The hike is about 4 miles round trip and will take about 3 hours to complete, depending on how much time you want to spend marveling at Waipio Valley’s black sand beach.

Explore the Inside of a Lava Tube

Approximate time: N/A - drive by

As you travel off the main road through this area in Hamakua towards Waimea, you’ll be driving above a network of underground lava tubes. Have a look around and see if you can spot the entrance to these caves - just be sure to pay attention to the road!

Waimea Town

Approximate time: 30 minutes - 1 hour

Waimea Town is an artsy farm town known for its quaint bed and breakfasts and cowboy history. Waimea also has lots of amazing restaurants, a theatre, art exhibits, historic ranches and an astronomy center. Might be a good place to stop to grab a bite before heading back to Kona. How much time you choose to spend here depends on your interests but here are a few activities that can keep you busy exploring this small town:

• Keck Visitor Center: The Keck Observatory has a small visitor’s center with models and images from their highly successful telescopes on Mauna Kea. They are open from 10 am – 2pm Monday through Friday; admission is free.
• Anna Ranch: The Anna Ranch is a national historic site that harks back to the Big Island’s plantation days. The white, wooden walls contain a lot of stories; it’s been in the same ranching family for five generations and was home to Anna Lindsey Perry-fiske, aka the first lady of ranching. Open 10AM-2:30PM and closed Saturday-Monday. $10 per person.  
• Waimea Nature Park: The name of this park is Ulu la’au which means ‘circle of trees’ in Hawaiian. It’s a great place for a stroll or a picnic to relax next to a flowing stream.
• Parker Ranch: Here you’ll find two historic houses built in the 1800’s. The houses serve as the parker ranch headquarters and free self-guided tours are available weekdays from 8AM to 4PM. They’re packed with art, antiques, and other historic relics that help tell the story of the Parker Ranch. It’s a great way to experience what life was like on this iconic ranch throughout the years.

Saddle Road

Approximate time: 50 minutes

After Waimea Town, you’ll embark on your drive across Saddle Road, a main thoroughfare on Big Island that connects Kona in the west with Hilo in the east. This is about a 50 minute drive and we’ll tell you stories the whole way. There are three optional stops along this road: 1) a rest stop, which we’ll point on the tour; 2) a cinder cone where you can get acclimated to the altitude if you’re embarking on a journey to Mauna Kea; and 3) Mauna Kea, Hawaii’s tallest mountain. If you’re not planning on visiting any of these places you can just sit back, relax and enjoy the drive.

Hike a Cinder Cone

Approximate time: 30 minutes 

Before turning for Mauna Kea, there is a cinder cone you can pull off to on Saddle Road. Might be a good place to stop for some fresh air and just to get your legs moving before ascending Mauna Kea.

Explore Mauna Kea Visitor Center (currently closed due to COVID 19)

Approximate time: 1 -2 hours

Drive up Mauna Kea on your North Island Jungle Adventure Driving Tour

The summit of Mount Everest is higher above sea level than the summit of any other mountain, but Mauna Kea is the tallest when measured from base to summit. Astronomers from around the world explore the universe from its peak and Hawaiian’s have many ancient spiritual connections to this special site. For visitors, it is one of the clearest places on the planet for viewing the night sky and offers a rare opportunity to experience the polar tundra in Hawaii.

We do not recommend you drive past the visitor’s center to the summit, it is steep, four-wheeled drive only and not recommended for visitors. Visitors information station is plenty high to get a feel for mauna kea. If you’re visiting during the day you can stop at the visitor’s information station where they often have one of the solar telescopes to view the sun. But we really recommend is visiting in the evening when you can enjoy the center’s stargazing program from 8pm - 9pm. Call this number to get weather conditions on a recorded phone line:

EVENING

Visit Imiloa Astronomy Center

Approximate time: 30 minutes - 1 hour

The ‘Imiloa astronomy center is part of the University of Hawaii at Hilo, and is a gathering place that integrates science and Native Hawaiian culture. They have a visitor’s center, with wonderful exhibits, programs, and events. Since Hawaiian society was built on exploration and observation, Hawaiian cultural practices have become an important part of ‘imiloa’s exhibits. (Hours: Tuesday-Sunday from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)

Explore Historic Hilo Town

Approximate time: 1-2 hours

We’ll end the tour in Hilo Town and although this town may be small, there’s plenty to see and do. We recommend you budget about 1-2 hours on this section of the tour alone. Here are some of the places you’ll explore in and around Hilo:

Hawaiian Fishpond & Beach

Approximate time: 20 minutes

This is a nice place to take a relaxing stroll next to the beach and hear an interesting story about the Hawaiian fishponds in ancient times.

Coconut Island

Approximate time: 10-20 minutes

Coconut Island is a small beach park in Hilo accessed by a small bridge. This island is also called Moku Ola, which means 'healing island' or 'island of life', and it used to be the home of an ancient temple that was dedicated to healing. Legend has it that swimming around the island three times would heal any ailments or ill feelings. Go for a quick stroll around the island, jump in the water for a swim, or bring some treats for a picnic.

Queen Liliuokalani Park

Approximate time: 20 minutes

Gate to Rock Garden at the Queen Liliuokalani Gardens in Hilo;  brewbooks, CC BY SA 2.0, via Wiki Commons

Queen Liliuokalani Park is one of the gems of Hilo Town. This park is known as the biggest edo-style garden outside of Japan! In this serene park you’ll find majestic red bridges over Koi ponds, statues, and pagodas, along with stone lanterns lining the pathways.

Downtown Hilo OR Rainbow Falls and Boiling Pots

Approximate time: 30 minutes

Here you will see many historic stores and buildings from quaint boutiques to fine restaurants and galleries. Most of the buildings were built in the early 1900’s but over the years have been remodeled and are still in use today.

Pro Tip! If you're pressed for time and want to see Rainbow Falls and Boiling Pots before the gates close at 6:00 p.m. -- skip Downtown Hilo for now and come back for dinner.

Rainbow Falls and Boiling Pots

Approximate time: 20 minutes

Rainbow Falls, Island of Hawaii

Located just a short drive from Downtown Hilo is Rainbow Falls. On sunny days, rainbows appear in the midst of the 80-foot falls, making for some pretty magical views. The broad waterfall - nearly 100 feet in diameter - plunges over a natural lava cave and into the river below. A few minutes down the road you’ll find Boiling Pots, a chain of overflowing waterfalls that looks like boiling pots of water after it rains.

Kaumana Caves

Approximate time: 20 minutes

Kaumana Caves is a massive cave part of a 25-mile long lava tube created by the Mauna Loa lava flow of 1880. The public part of the cave stretches about 2 miles and quickly goes pitch black as soon as you enter. Be sure to bring a flashlight if you plan to do some exploring.

Naha Stone at Hilo Library

Approximate time: 5 minutes

Pull over at the Hilo public library and take a look at the Naha Stone on the grass outside. In ancient times the Naha Stone was believed to have spiritual powers and that whoever could lift this 5,000 pound rock would become the Hawaiian King. Legend has it that at the age of 30, King Kamehameha successfully lifted the stone and overturned it.

End of Tour, Return to Downtown Hilo

The last stop on this tour is the Naha Stone, but we recommend you end your day in Downtown Hilo for a nice dinner at one of it’s great local eateries. Check out our tour highlights to find a few places we recommend.

When you’re in Hawaii, we ask that you act respectfully towards the locals, land and wildlife. Please pick up your trash; never touch any marine life, plants, or other animals; and avoid spots that are unsafe. Hawaii’s natural resources are precious, it’s up to all of us to help preserve these resources.

Ready to take the North Island Jungle Adventure Loop? Here's everything you need to know before you go! 

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MORE BIG ISLAND TOURS: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Tour, South Island Epic Coastal Journey,  Kona Big Kahuna Tour, Kohala Coast Backcountry Tour