Somewhere between ziplining and rock climbing, waterfall rappelling is an outdoor adventure that combines the thrill of descending cliffs with the beauty of cascading waterfalls. Canyoneering is rappelling plus a bit extra: it involves navigating through the riverbed, which, next to rappelling, includes additional challenges such as hiking, swimming, scrambling.
Table of contents
- Introduction: What is waterfall rappelling
- Key things to know about rappelling
- Where to Rappel? Kulaniapia Falls vs. the Umauma Falls.
Table of Contents
- Introduction: What is waterfall rappelling
- Key things to know about rappelling
- Where to Rappel? Kulaniapia Falls vs. the Umauma Falls.
Here on the Big Island, participants get the chance to rappel and canyoneer through lush tropical landscapes and stunning waterfalls. Our guide below covers everything from preparation and necessary skills to the best locations.
What is Waterfall Rappelling?
Waterfall rappelling is the activity of descending down a waterfall using specialized ropes, harnesses, and other safety equipment. Participants control their descent by leaning back into the rope system while walking or sliding down the rocky face beneath the flowing water.
This is one of the more adventurous activities you can do here and combines the adrenaline rush of navigating steep, slippery cliffs with the awe-inspiring experience of being immersed in nature’s beauty.
And what about Canyoneering?
Canyoneering basically is rappelling with the added experience of lots of playing in the water, making it a more varied but physically demanding journey. Next to rappelling, it also involves navigating through the river between rappels. Participants get navigate through the river between rappels giving them the chance to scramble over rocks, wade through water, and experience a wider range of challenges.
Key Things to Know About Waterfall Rappelling
Waterfall rappelling requires basic safety measures and preparation. Here are a few things to keep in mind before diving into this adventure.
The right equipment is essential for a safe rappelling experience. Expect a helmet, harness, ropes, and shoes with good grip. All tours here on the island provide the necessary gear and instruction.
While being physically fit can enhance your experience, you don’t need to be an athlete to enjoy waterfall rappelling. If you’re comfortable with moderate hiking and can handle some physical exertion, you’ll be fine.
Many people think they need extensive climbing experience, but that’s not true. The tours here on the Big Island are designed for beginners, with trained guides who teach you everything you need to know on the spot.
Being comfortable with heights is crucial for waterfall rappelling because the activity involves descending steep, often vertical cliffs. You need to follow safety instructions and trust the rope, harness, and gear, all while enjoying yourself!
How to decide which tour to take
There are 3 locations on the Big Island where you can rappel down a waterfall: the Pu’uwai o’Kamae’e falls, Kulaniapia falls, the Umauma Falls (more on those below).
- Never rappelled before and not sure it’s for you: start with the Rappel Basecamp at Botanical World ($97, 1 hour) right next to the Pu’uwai o’Kamae’e Waterfalls. It’s low-commitment, repeatable, and a good way to find out whether you want more.
- Ready for the real thing but want a manageable first experience: Kulaniapia Falls ($249, 2 hours) is the sweet spot. A 120-foot waterfall descent, proper training beforehand, beginner-friendly, and genuinely impressive.
- Want the full adventure: Umauma Falls ($399, 4 hours) is the most demanding option — four rappels, a waterfall jump, and four hours moving through water on uneven terrain. Swimming ability required.
Kulaniapia Falls Rappelling
Kulaniapia Falls is a gorgeous 120 ft waterfall just outside of Hilo. Great for families and beginners, the course involves a training rappel and the main rappel, where there is a great photo opportunity. You do not need go in the water on this tour so it is better for non-swimmers, although it is possible (and highly recommended!) to jump in the lake below the waterfall after your gear is returned.
Read more about this tour below:
Waterfall Rappelling at Kulaniapia Falls (120ft)
Family friendly and no experience needed! Rappel down Hawaii’s largest privately accessible waterfall supervised by expert guides
from:
$249
What is a suggested tour?Our suggested tours are hand-picked tours that receive consistent good reviews, give back to the community, and work hard to minimize their impact on the environment. Read more about these tours on our website.
An aerial view of Kulaniapia Falls. Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Heather Goodman
Umauma Falls Rappelling and Canyoneering
This is a great tour for adventurous families.
The Umauma tour involves navigating around 5 waterfalls and swimming the pools between. It includes 4 rappels, a down climb, and about a 5′ jump off a waterfall. While rappelling is a major component of this tour, it also includes moving through the riverbed, making it a more varied and technical journey. This tour provides a fuller exploration of the environment and is perfect for people seeking a more dynamic, multi-faceted experience.
Rappel down the Triple-Tier Umauma Waterfall and swim the pools between
Great for adventurous families: navigate 5 waterfalls and swim the pools between. Includes 4 rappels, a down climb, and jump off a waterfall
from:
$399
What is a suggested tour?Our suggested tours are hand-picked tours that receive consistent good reviews, give back to the community, and work hard to minimize their impact on the environment. Read more about these tours on our website.Guests need to be able to swim and those who have the most fun are more adventurous and physically able. It is still completely accessible to beginners, but swimming ability and enough mobility to walk across uneven slippery rocks are essential.
Rappel down the famous triple-tier Umauma waterfalls, swim, or float in river tubes. Image: Island Mountain Guides.
Rappel Basecamp Adventure at Botanical World Adventures
The gentlest introduction to rappelling on the island. The experience runs about an hour: basecamp training on a stable platform, progressing to angled and vertical surfaces, finishing with a 45-foot descent down a rocky cliff to a gorge below. You can repeat the descent a few times within the session.
It’s a good fit if you’re curious about rappelling but not ready to commit to a full waterfall experience, or if someone in your group needs a more accessible option. The location at Botanical World on the Hamakua coast (31-240 Old Mamalahoa Highway, Hakalau) pairs well with a visit to Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve and Gardens next door.
Digital photos, water, and seasonal fruit included. Closed-toe shoes required. More information on the booking website.
This is a starter rappel and begins on a stable deck, to an angled deck simulating a ledge that leads to a vertical deck for getting the full rappel experience.