Exciting Eco-Tours on the Big Island
Love eco-tours? Then you need to see the exciting eco-tours offered on the Big Island. These eco-tours are designed to exhilarate the mind and soul. It will be an adventure you’ll remember for years to come.
What is an Eco-Tour?
But first – what exactly is an eco-tour? Simply put, an eco-tour is essentially a tour or activity that showcases the all-natural, ecological beauty of a certain place. Activities during an eco-tour are designed to be ecologically sustainable, such as hiking and sustainable farming.
Sometimes, eco-tours offer extra special treats such as farm-to-table dining that uses produce directly taken from the land just hours before being served to guests. Talk about delicious and fresh!
Best Eco Tours on the Big Island
Now, let’s take a closer look at the wonderful eco-tours on the Big Island.
Kohala Waterfalls Adventure
When you think of Hawaii, plenty of people think of an off-road 4-wheel adventure. That’s exactly what the Kohala Waterfalls Adventure is all about. Here, you get to enjoy a thrilling off-road excursion in a 4-wheel vehicle.
From there, you will take a relaxed, guided walk through a private nature reserve that is nothing short of stunning. Aside from the beauty of nature, you will also get to walk through a restored ancient Hawaiian agriculture site that takes you back in time.
Feel like taking a dip? Kohala Waterfalls Adventure offers seven mesmerizing, cascading waterfalls for you to swim under and enjoy while you cool down.
When those hunger pangs start to strike, you will get to enjoy a private picnic lunch at one of the island’s best scenic lookouts. Here, you will find some of the most scenic views you have ever seen, including soaring sea cliffs and remote valleys.
A few handy tips to keep in mind are:
- The eco-tour provides lunch, walking sticks, and rain jackets, so you don’t need to bring these items with you.
- Expect to walk through rocky terrain and muddy conditions.
- Bring your reusable water bottle and bug repellent.
- Enjoy this eco-tour to the fullest!
Kohala Canopy Adventure
Looking for an eco-tour with more thrills? Then the Kohala Canopy Adventure is right for you. On this eco-tour, you will be able to zip, trek, and rappel through a sustainably built aerial trekking course. This thrilling adventure leaves you flying from tree to tree, reaching speeds of up to 45 MPH.
Aside from a burst of adrenaline, you will also get to enjoy the beauty of the forest canopy with majestic views of the Kohala Coast, Maui, and ancient Hawaiian agriculture systems. Perhaps the best part, though, is that tree to tree zipping means you don’t have to worry about walking up and downstairs in-between zips.
Kohala Canopy Adventure isn’t just about zipping, though. They also offer a fun off-road drive in one of their 6-wheel drive Pinzgauers up to the top of the course. Here, you will indulge in a complimentary local and delicious treat of macadamia nuts, trail bars, and fruit snacks.
Concerned about safety? Don’t be! This eco-tour complies with the highest level of safety standards set by the industry’s internationally recognized governing body, otherwise known as The Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT). Of course, there are some restrictions, such as:
- Participants must be at least eight years old.
- Participants must weigh between 70 and 270 pounds (Will be weighed at check-in)
- Must be able to walk over uneven terrain
- Must be able to handle short walks up about 25 stairs
- Not meant for expectant mothers
As long as you meet the criteria for participating and are wearing closed-toe walking shoes and pants, capris, or knee-length shorts, you’re ready for the experience of a lifetime.
Don’t forget to capture all of the fun with a GoPro camera rental, or have your guide take photos for you with the photosystem specifically designed for ziplines. Enjoy the provided snacks and water!
Kohala Zip & Dip
The Kohala Zip & Dip is the ideal eco-tour for those that want to enjoy the thrill of ziplining with the relaxation and experience of waterfall swimming. With the Kohala Zip & Dip, you will start your tour with a fun off-road drive through private lands.
From there, a stroll through a private nature reserve begins. You will see some of the most beautiful vegetation throughout your saunter, ending the trip at three stunning and secluded waterfalls that you can swim in. When you get hungry, you can enjoy your lunch overlooking the gorgeous Pololu Valley. (Snacks, deli lunch, and drinks available throughout the tour).
But lush views and waterfall swimming isn’t the only thing to be desired from Kohala Zip & Dip. It’s the zipping portion, too! With the Kohala zipline, you experience a full aerial canopy course, including nine lines, five sky bridges, and a rappel.
To enjoy the ziplining adventure, the same rules apply as above:
- Participants must be at least eight years old
- Participants must weigh between 70 and 270 pounds (Will be weighed at check-in)
- Must be able to walk over uneven terrain
- Must be able to handle short walks up about 25 stairs
- Not meant for expectant mothers
- Closed-toe walking shoes required
- Pants, capris, or knee-length shorts recommended
As long as you meet the criteria, you will thoroughly enjoy the thrill that Kohala zipping has to offer.
Final Thoughts
Eco-tours are a great way to compellingly enjoy the natural beauty of the Bis Island. Whether you’re looking for a nice walk, swimming under waterfalls, or the thrill of ziplining, you can find it at one of these top eco-tours on the Big Island. Enjoy!