Private Hamakua Coast, Akaka Falls & Green Sea TurtlesExplore > United States > Big Island of Hawaii > Private Hamakua Coast, Akaka Falls & Green Sea Turtles
OverviewExplore the beauty of the Hilo countryside, including spectacular waterfalls and lush gardens. Make sure that your camera battery is fully charged before beginning this tour because there is an abundance of spectacular sites to see along the way! Your journey begins on historic Banyan Drive, named for the old banyan trees that shade it. The road curves along the waterfront as you pass by these trees, many of which were planted by famous visitors to the city such as Babe Ruth, Cecil B. DeMille, and Amelia Earhart. A stop at the Liliuokalani Gardens, named after Hawaii's last reigning monarch, Queen Liliuokalani, is a beautiful introduction to island and Japanese gardens. This authentic 30-acre park features arching red bridges over fishponds, rock gardens, pagodas, Japanese stone lanterns, and a teahouse. Marvel at the awesome views of Mauna Kea, one of the world’s tallest mountains, and the stunning Hamakua Coast. Continuing up the Hamakua Coast, you'll experience the lush green beauty that Hawaii is famed for. We'll visit a popular surfing spot, where you can witness some of our island's best surfers at play, whales splashing about (in season), and cascading waterfalls. We'll travel through the famous 4-mile Scenic Route, where you'll be amazed at the variety of Hawaii's exotic plants and flowers. Traveling north, we'll tour the historic towns of Wailea and Hakalau, and view old plantation-era houses and sugar mill sites on the steep cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. On the way to the historic sugar town of Honomu, we'll gain an elevation of 2,000 feet before arriving at the spectacular 439-foot Akaka Falls. Take a walk along a loop trail through the tropical rain forest to view the majestic falls. Returning into Historic Downtown Hilo, we'll stop at the “Shark Shop,” for a cup of home-grown local coffee. Enjoy a little lunch (not included) before heading towards Rainbow Falls, the 80-foot waterfall renowned for its misty morning rainbows and behind which hides a secret cave. Just above Rainbow Falls, you can explore under the huge canopy of a beautiful banyan tree that always leaves her guests in awe, and a lagoon on the river to the falls that has become a very popular attraction. On the way back to the cruise ship pier, our final stop will be at a local beach for a chance to see the great protected Green Sea Turtles! - After you have purchased the charter, there is no charge for children 5 and under. Children under 4 require a car seat. - Please wear good walking shoes. - Umbrellas will be provided in the event of rain. - Lunch is not included in the price of this tour. - This tour can accommodate collapsible wheelchairs. Akaka Falls requires a 7-minute walk down 4 flights of stairs, and is the only area of the tour that is not accessible to wheelchairs. - If you have more than 7 people in your party, please call ShoreTrips for pricing. Days offered: 7 days a week Departures:
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