Flumin’ Kohala
Flumin’ Kohala
5
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About
Flumin' Kohala offers a truly unique way of experiencing pristine Hawaii. Via 4WD off road vans and our custom four-man kayaks, you'll float through tunnels dripping with spring water, soar high over rushing streams via elevated flumes, and quietly meander through thick forests. Go Flumin' to see, touch, hear, and feel the hidden beauty of Hawaii!
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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5.0
614 reviews
Excellent
530
Very good
60
Average
17
Poor
7
Terrible
0
VCT
Toronto, Canada159 contributions
Mar 2020
We had the BEST time on this tour. I had been to the island several years ago with friends who didn't want to try this...next time I came, I knew I couldn't pass it up.
I went with my daughter and my mum, both made it through this adventure just fine (I was worried about my 7 yo daughter with the caves and the dark).
The guides were so funny, and made everything really easy, from getting to the ditch, to the loading of the kayaks, and then stearing them through the ditch. The information they shared while going through the tour was quite interesting, and the scenery is really quite beautiful in Kohola.
My daughter loved sitting behind our tourguide, and especially loved the stories she had to tell about other tourists. We always felt safe throughout trip and it was quite a unique experience to relay back to our friends in Canada.
The town of Kohola itself is quite small, but worth spending some extra time in as well. We did some shopping, and got some snacks while there, as well.
I went with my daughter and my mum, both made it through this adventure just fine (I was worried about my 7 yo daughter with the caves and the dark).
The guides were so funny, and made everything really easy, from getting to the ditch, to the loading of the kayaks, and then stearing them through the ditch. The information they shared while going through the tour was quite interesting, and the scenery is really quite beautiful in Kohola.
My daughter loved sitting behind our tourguide, and especially loved the stories she had to tell about other tourists. We always felt safe throughout trip and it was quite a unique experience to relay back to our friends in Canada.
The town of Kohola itself is quite small, but worth spending some extra time in as well. We did some shopping, and got some snacks while there, as well.
Written May 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mlpbjm
Mukilteo, WA1,085 contributions
Feb 2021
company takes the Covid safety rules seriously. thank you. we were really looking forward to his tour and while it was fun, some disappointments exist. firstly, they mention if you have any back issues it's not recommended. i thought mine were under control but i should have heeded the warning. that's on me. the drive from the check-in office is about 30 mins in an older van over ridiculously rutted mountain roads so be prepared to bump and bounce around. pretty uncomfortable. the kayaks-if that's even accurate-are specially built for this activity we were told and unlike most kayaks, you sit on top of the inflatable with no seat, back support or even sides to grip. it doesn't take long to get uncomfortable. also the inflatables have seams that let the cold water into where you sit. but you know going in it will be wet will be cold.
just before you hit the water, the guide hands out headlamps to see in the tunnels. this is absolutely needed as you spend about 3 times as much time in the tunnels as you do out in the jungle and the sun. there are nine tunnels the flume goes through and while they are interesting as part of the history of the flume, it eventually gets old going through the dark IMO. and be prepared to get wet from above as water seeps through the ground above into the tunnels. halfway through you get a nice place to stand up, in the water, to see a waterfall and stretch your legs and back. most welcome.
our guide, Leilani, was personable, funny, and knowledgeable. she's a big asset to this company and we highly recommend her. great stories and jokes. she pointed out things you'd never see without a local guide. the trip is close to a must do if you want a unique, only in Hawaii, experience and all the discomfort i experienced was on me. they do a great job with this trip. just be aware what's to come.
just before you hit the water, the guide hands out headlamps to see in the tunnels. this is absolutely needed as you spend about 3 times as much time in the tunnels as you do out in the jungle and the sun. there are nine tunnels the flume goes through and while they are interesting as part of the history of the flume, it eventually gets old going through the dark IMO. and be prepared to get wet from above as water seeps through the ground above into the tunnels. halfway through you get a nice place to stand up, in the water, to see a waterfall and stretch your legs and back. most welcome.
our guide, Leilani, was personable, funny, and knowledgeable. she's a big asset to this company and we highly recommend her. great stories and jokes. she pointed out things you'd never see without a local guide. the trip is close to a must do if you want a unique, only in Hawaii, experience and all the discomfort i experienced was on me. they do a great job with this trip. just be aware what's to come.
Written February 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aloha!
First off, we would like to thank you for making Flumin' Kohala apart of your recent visit to the Big Island of Hawai'i. It's our companies top priority to keep our guests, local community, and staff safe and healthy during these uncertain times.
Leilani along with each of our tour guides enjoy sharing their knowledge of their hometown and history of The Kohala Ditch . She is definitely a asset to our company and we're very fortunate and thankful to have her apart of our Flumin' Kohala team.
We greatly appreciate you sharing your Flumin' experience and truly value your feedback. We'll be sure to let Leilani know you enjoyed your tour with her. On behalf of Flumin' Kohala and Leilani we would like to give you a BIG MAHALO for your review.
Written February 24, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sandy826
Northbrook, IL177 contributions
Feb 2020
So much fun kayaking thru the irrigation ditches, channels, and tunnels of the former Big Island sugar cane fields. This company provides a very safe, fun, and educational experience! Our guides Mana, Kaylee, and Uncle Dave were wonderful. They help you paddle, so you are able to really enjoy the beautiful scenery that surrounds you. Will definitely do this again!
He nui ka Mahalo!
He nui ka Mahalo!
Written March 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aloha,
We're glad to hear you had so much fun kayaking through the Kohala Ditch. It's also very pleasing to hear you enjoyed your time with tour guides Mana and Kaylee and your tour driver Uncle Dave.
We're so glad you were able to join us. Flumin' Kohala appreciates you sharing your tour with us. We look forward to your return. We would also like to give you a BIG MAHALO for your wonderful review.
Written March 10, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
only1n
usa9 contributions
Apr 2021
I hate to leave a three star review as the people are awesome and it is a family run business. I think that if you have free days and have nothing to do on the Big Island then you could potentially do this. However, if you have limited time, I think we would pass. My kids felt bored and to be honest for over $100 per person, I think it is not worth at least for our family. Again the people are great and this is not a reflection on the company. It is just that the overall excursion is not that interesting.
Written April 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lia V
6 contributions
Sep 2021 • Couples
This was a highlight of our trip to the big island. The guide Jericho was so energetic, fun and knowledgeable of the history and culture of the big island. And Bernelle was very kind and patient with the elderly participants of the tour. Thank you so much Bernelle for taking such a good care of our parents. We had a total of 4 UTV cars and 2 of the guides on ATVs with Jericho guiding and Bernelle closing. We drove through the fields with tall grass, thick forest with dirt and exposed tree roots, stopped at several viewing points, and a charming small waterfall where you can swim, and learned a lot about the islands and it’s proud and incredible people. We were soaking wet from rain and covered in dirt and mud but no other activity we did on the island can be compared with the fun we had on this tour. A special thank you to David for a very entertaining drive from the check in office to the UTV parking, we loved all your stories. The people who work in this UTV tour are the one who make it so special. Thank you again to all of you.
Written October 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HeardItBothWays
Easton, PA2,364 contributions
Sep 2019
My husband and I went flumin' with Flumin' Kohala during our short stay in Hawaii and had a blast!
The tour started at their office, where we boarded a van with some of the guides and got a short tour of the area en route to the Kohala Ditch irrigation channel. All of our guides had grown up in the area and it was really interesting to learn what it was like to be a local. They told us about how they used to play in the irrigation channel, so they were the perfect guides!
The flumin' was a lot of fun. Our guide told us so much about the local plant life, the history of the irrigation channel, and the local wildlife. He even caught a prawn for us to see up close!
I would definitely recommend taking a tour with Flumin' Kohala if you're in the area!
The tour started at their office, where we boarded a van with some of the guides and got a short tour of the area en route to the Kohala Ditch irrigation channel. All of our guides had grown up in the area and it was really interesting to learn what it was like to be a local. They told us about how they used to play in the irrigation channel, so they were the perfect guides!
The flumin' was a lot of fun. Our guide told us so much about the local plant life, the history of the irrigation channel, and the local wildlife. He even caught a prawn for us to see up close!
I would definitely recommend taking a tour with Flumin' Kohala if you're in the area!
Written January 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aloha!
Thank you for making Flumin' Kohala apart of your short stay on the Big Island of Hawai'i.We're very delighted to hear that you had a lot of fun while out on tour with us.
Each of our friendly local tour guides take much pride in sharing their knowledge of their hometown,North Kohala. It's so rewarding to hear how much our guests have enjoyed themselves.It's our companies top priority to deliver a fun, fascinating, and memorable experience.
Flumin' Kohala like to give you a big Mahalo Nui Loa for your awesome review.
Written January 2, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bob R
13 contributions
Feb 2020
Not sure what I expected but this something else! Our (often funny, always knowledgeable) guides grew up in the neighborhood and shared a great deal of info - about the flumes and many other topics. (Wish I'd recorded it.) This is not ziplining; for that sign up next door. More like the Lazy River but going through long narrow (at times low-ceilinged and leaky) lava tunnels and on bridges over valleys. Beautiful lush landscapes.
If you are a big fan of the world-class telescopes atop Mauna Kea, you might want to save that info for the 2nd or 3rd date.
If you are a big fan of the world-class telescopes atop Mauna Kea, you might want to save that info for the 2nd or 3rd date.
Written March 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SJM705
Chicago, IL18 contributions
Jul 2021
We had a blast doing this on the last day of our wonderful vacation on the Big Island. Our family of 8 ranged from ages 14 to 70 and we all LOVED the experience. Absolutely not for anyone with back or neck issues, but don't let being a senior hold you back if you are in good shape. I forgot to bring Dramamine and was worried about the up and down motion in rugged terrain, but since the vehicle is open and you get plenty of air (mud, dust and rain too!) I did not feel sick at all. The guides were young, friendly, energetic, full of information about everything on the island, patient and accommodating. One leads the group and one is behind the last vehicle so no one gets left behind. The scenic views are gorgeous and you are offered a granola bar and water at the last stop; a beautiful waterfall. You can swim in it if you want to so wear your bathing suit! There are no bathrooms along the trails so be ready to go in the wild if you have to, we did!! :) Mahalo to everyone at Flumin Kohala!
Written July 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julie C
1 contribution
Dec 2023 • Couples
I would give more stars if I could. The UTV tour was so AMAZING. The tour guides were SO enthusiastic, friendly, engaging, welcoming, and funny...we enjoyed very second of the tour. They were excited to tell us local stories and gave great local recommendations as well. This tour itself is led by locals and we love that!!!! The tour was listed to be 2.5 hours but they allowed us to take our time, relax at each stop, hangout for stories and the view, with no rush at all. Our tour ended up more than 3 hours. The tour guides offered to take pictures of us at every stop, they were so creative and fun! It was truly a magical experience. Would recommend this tour to anyone visiting Big Island.
Written January 2, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kathy A
San Diego, CA3 contributions
Nov 2019
If you want a ride in a series of tunnels it's great. If you want a ride in a series of tunnels with the history involved then it depends on who your guide is. We live on the Big Island and have taken our last 2 sets of guests on this adventure. I am in the process of scheduling a 3rd with the January company. What I like about Flumin and any adventure in a place I am unfamiliar is the history. The first guide provided a lot of history along the way. Pointed out things we wouldn't have noticed. I enjoyed it very much as did my guests. The 2nd time the guide was quiet and didn't provide the history as I experienced the first time. I prodded him with questions to get him to open up. I already knew the answers but was hoping he'd take over from there but he didn't. I agree with some folks that the guides can be too chatty as well as I heard that in the other canoes. It's the goldie locks dilemma. Finding one that is just right. This time I will ask for the first guide. I think I remember his name but not sure. Having said all this, all staff members are friendly and competent.
Written January 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What are the kaamaina rates. Our group consists of 4 adults and one 7 yr old child.
Written December 16, 2019
Adults$135, children $75:00
Sounds pricey, but we found it really fun. I hope you get the same guide we had- Jericho. He has so many stories for us and was good to our children (11,11 and 7)
Written December 17, 2019
Priscilla Y
Los Angeles, California
Do they sell/rent water shoes and how much are they?
Written July 3, 2019
Hi, what is the hike to the irrigation like? and how many miles?
Written April 5, 2019
I would say about 1 mile or so. It’s not to bad distance wise although that grass is very long makes it a little difficult to walk in
Written April 7, 2019
I could be missing it somehow but how does a person make reservations? I don't see an email address, phone or website- just a geo address.
Thanks
Written May 6, 2018
Or call (808) 933-4294. They are awesome peeps! Don't forget your water shoes!!
Written May 7, 2018
Hi
We wore closed toe sandals, water shoes would work as well. Swim clothes with T-shirt. You will get wet as you are sitting in a kayak
Written September 10, 2017
Meellaa
Claremont, California
I will be about 4 months pregnant while in Hawaii, is this excursion suitable/safe for me? Thank you.
Written May 29, 2017
I think you will be fine on this ride as stated below, sometimes you have to duck under the tunnels. You do get wet, but it is level, without sudden drops or dips.
Written May 30, 2017
Aloha !
Flumin' Kohala 's Adult and Children prices are as follows;
Adult (12+yrs.) $135.00 + tax = $140.63
Child(5-11yrs.) $ 75.00 + tax = $ 78.13
Flumin' Kohala offers Senior, Military, and Kama'aina rates.
Please call our Flumin' Kohala office at (808)933-4294 to book and take advantage of these special discounts.
Written February 23, 2017
Aloha Siobhan W,
Thank you for your interest in Flumin' Kohala. The whole tour takes about 3 hours, you spend about 1.5 hours on the water and 1.5 hours being transported to and from the ditch.
Again, thank you for your interest and we look forward to having you join us for a Flumin' tour!
Written February 14, 2017
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