PrairieGirlsTravel
Mar 2018
I will start by saying that I 100% recommend this tour. All of the tour sites were on my Big Island to-do list (Waipio Valley, Akaka Falls, Rainbow Falls). My husband and I had rented a car on the Big Island and debated driving to each of these sites on our own but we were so glad we decided to do the tour instead (more on that below).
The day started early (6:50am). We were the first pick up in Kona at Magic Sands Beach. We picked up the last family on our tour an hour later at Waikoloa Village. From there we headed to Waipio Valley. Our tour guide, Chris, was amazing! Big Island born and raised, his knowledge of the Island's history, geology and geography made the tour even more interesting. The Waipio Valley lookout was Incredible! We also were able to drive down into the valley, something that we would not have been able to do had we driven there on our own or if we had, it would have been EXTREMELY stressful. The road is narrow (barely the width of one vehicle) and it is so steep! Another option would have been to walk but it is not only steep but also wet! There are 2 streams to cross and no bridges. Our van just drove right through them!
The remaining stops included Akaka Falls, a private waterfall (where we could have swam had it not been pouring rain), OK Farms, Rainbow Falls and Mauna Key via Saddle Road. Chris added in a very welcomed extra stop at Tex for the most delicious Malasadas (Portuguese donuts) - everyone on the tour LOVED it!
We were able to see so much on this tour with insight that we would not have had if we had gone on our own. The company even provides rain jackets! Another note: the lunch provided was absolutely delicious AND filling (rice, marinated chicken, sweet potato, beverage). Bottled water and snack bars were also available throughout the day.
It is a long day but you cover a lot of ground. Great for singles, couples or families!