Secrets of Hamakua

Explore the famed Hamakua Coast, home to magnificent country reminiscent of “old Hawaii” on this small-group adventure. Sparsely populated Hamakua is studded with breathtaking waterfalls, stunning valleys, and eccentric towns. Traveling north, first stop at Tex Drive-In, famous for made-to- order malasadas. These fried Portuguese sweet treats were originally brought to Hawaii by immigrants who worked in the cattle industry and have been a local favorite ever since. Watch the treats being made through the window and have the option to purchase a fresh one with a cup of coffee. The Valley of the Kings, Waipio Valley is a place of impossibly steep cliffs carved by plunging waterfalls cascading more than a thousand feet to the valley floor below. Waipio Valley is still home to taro farmers as it has been for a thousand years. Look closely from the overlook and glimpses of the wild horses that roam the valley floor might be possible. Turning off the highway we descend into Laupahoehoe Point. Laupahoehoe village was located here until the destruction left behind the 1946 tsunami forced the town to move to higher ground.

. Look for the monument erected in the names of those who lost there lives here. Next stop at Akaka Falls State Park, the site of the largest easily accessible waterfall on the island. You’ll traverse a paved walking path right through the center of a lush rainforest to Akaka Falls, a stunning 442 foot waterfall that plunges down a sheer cliff and into the water below. Continue your adventure with stops at two icons of Hilo, Rainbow Falls and the King Kamehameha statue. Rainbow falls is an iconic waterfall right off a postcard featuring an 80 foot tall twin waterfall system. Look for the rainbow effect that gives the waterfall its name! Leaving the Hamakua coast behind, you travel to historic Hilo Bay to enjoy a deli style lunch. Snorkel, swim or rent a kayak to explore Hilo Bay. Complete the day with a shopping stop with Hawaiian mac nut samples, Hawaii Island crafts, local products, Kona coffee and more.