Waterfall Cruises

Hilo's magnificent waterfalls are legendary. Now they can be seen as they spill into the ocean off the Hilo coast. One tour company has launched a new tour that departs from the Wailoa River Boat Ramp in Hilo and cruises down a coast where commercial traffic is light and waterfalls are abundant.

This tour is a waterfall extravaganza. Expect to see at least 50 coastal waterfalls in a 20-mile stretch of shoreline. Passengers will ride in a 25-foot rigid aluminum inflatable vessel called the Manta Raiv. Coast Guard certified, the vessel can carry up to 15 passengers.

Leaving from Hilo Bay, cruises head north along the Hilo coastline towards Laupahoehoe. The ocean will reveal spinner dolphins, humpback whales in season, other year-round whales and sea turtles. On the shore, remnants of Hilo's sugar cane past will slide by.

Most Big Island boat cruises originate from the Kailua-Kona area. Hilo Ocean Adventures is opening a new market with its Hilo tours. Wailoa River Boat Ramp is located near the intersection of Manono Street and Highway 19 on the mauka (mountain) side of the Wailoa Bridge.