Private Property Hike to Bamboo Falls and Papakolea Falls in Lihue, 90-Minute Swim Tour

Two waterfalls sit on one private property near Lihue, reached on foot in a quarter mile each way. The land overlooks the Hule'ia watershed and the Ha'upu Mountain range and borders the Hule'ia National Wildlife Refuge, and the guided visit takes 1.5 to 2 hours. First comes Bamboo Falls, 30 feet high, a good stop for photos. Then Papakolea Falls, 60 feet high, where guests can swim in the pool and even climb behind the cascade. A guide leads the walk through rainforest, points out Hawaiian plants and animals, and supplies hiking sticks and water refills. The trail is slippery, muddy and uneven, and participants must be able to walk up and down at least eight flights of stairs. Water shoes are not included, so bring a pair. Minimum age is 8, and the tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers, for people over 250 lb, or for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health. Bookings take up to 12 travelers. Guests drive to the property themselves: it lies on Hulemalu Rd. between Puhi Rd. and Halehaka Rd., behind a gate with a big orange rock beside it, and the GPS coordinates are 21°57'16.3"N 159°23'06.8"W.