Go See the Hawaii Big Island Waterfalls
Home to stunning valleys, exotic plants, waterfalls, and the heart of ancient Hawaiian folklore, the Big Island's Hamakua Coast is a breathtaking adventure waiting to happen.
This 40-mile stretch of natural wonder, spanning from Hilo to Waipi'o Valley, offers more opportunities to discover incredible sights than anywhere else in Hawaii.
However, nothing compares to the majestic waterfalls of the Big Island. Lykkers, if you're planning a trip to the Island of Hawaii, make sure to visit these amazing waterfalls during your stay.
1. Hiilawe Falls
Hiilawe Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in Hawaii, cascades over 1,400 feet. You can view the falls by hiking or using a four-wheel drive vehicle to descend into Waipi'o Valley. However, a van or horseback riding tour of the valley will bring you much closer since the falls are on private property.
Note that the waterfall may not be flowing if there hasn't been recent rainfall. It's a good idea to check the conditions before making the trek.
Top Restaurant Picks Near Hiilawe Falls
a. The Fish and The Hog
Price: around $14.00
Address: 64-957 Hawaii Belt Rd, Waimea, HI 96743
Distance: 9.74km
b. Merriman's Big Island
Price: around $73.00
Address: 65-1227 Opelo Rd B, Waimea, HI 96743, United States
Distance: 11.6km
2. 'Akaka Falls
A mesmerizing 422-foot waterfall, ‘Akaka Falls is located within Akaka Falls State Park, north of Hilo. This stunning waterfall is one of the most popular on the Big Island.
Easily accessible and offering incredible photo opportunities, visitors can enter the park for a small fee per vehicle if parking in the lot, or a small per-person fee about $15 if parking outside the gate. ‘Akaka Falls State Park is open from 8:30 am to 6 pm, but you can walk in to see the falls from sunrise to sunset.
With just a short 20-30-minute walk on a paved trail through a section of rainforest teeming with orchids, ferns, and bamboo, you'll reach the falls in no time. Although the walk is fairly easy, it includes several sections with stairs, making it not wheelchair accessible.
If you take the right fork on the trail, you'll also have the chance to see the smaller Kahuna Falls on this 0.4-mile loop. Who can resist the opportunity to see two waterfalls on one pleasant walk?
3. Umauma Falls
Three waterfalls within close proximity to one another on the Umauma River form Umauma Falls, located about 16 miles north of Hilo. This incredible sight has even been featured in several Hollywood films, and the TV show "The Bachelorette" was filmed here. The water below the first waterfall is actually swimmable.
However, Umauma Falls is on private property, and access is restricted to those who pay through Umauma Experience. Admission costs $12 per person for a self-guided tour through the gardens and along the river walk, or you can see the falls during the zip-line tours. Final entry time is 4:30pm
Want to discover these waterfalls? Get ready to go!
