more, 2006-2023 World Of Waterfalls, The lush green northeastern coast- the Hilo and Hamakua Coast regions- is home to lovely tropical gardens nourished by the abundant rainfall the area receives. There are different car rental companies in Kona, Hawaii that will set it up for you. Akaka and Kahuna Falls are part of the Akaka Falls State Park, located north of Hilo. Swimming here is not recommended, even on days where it feels safe. We decided to take a scenic drive while staying on the Hilo side to see some of these waterfalls. It is located in the Pelekunu Preserve on the windward side of Molokai. The good news is, while youre inside the botanical garden, youll be able to see the beautiful flora and fauna species that are native to Hawaii. Umauma Falls Please keep in mind that the falls are not accessible to the general public. Please do not put these waterfalls on your to-do list. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. It is advised that you check weather reports and ocean conditions before heading out for the day, never swim in these pools when you have open wounds and to always watch your step. Hiilawe Falls is often considered to be the tallest waterfall in Hawaii. Of course, the most popular and simple strategy is to include a visit into your itinerary as you drive by one or two waterfalls. You can read the full story here. They are one of the best helicopter companies in Hawaii. Unfortunately, the strength of the falls is often dependent on rainfall - so here's to hoping you catch it on a good day. Read more: in our guide to visiting the Akaka falls. This is a 120ft waterfall on the Waiau Stream situated on the lower slopes of Mauna Kea not far from Hilo. Swimming here can be dangerous and has proved lethal several times in the past. Swimming in tropical fresh water ( and I use the term loosely) is a product of Hollywood movies like blue Lagoon. The waterfall is split into two waterfalls that fall into a pool below. The Rainbow Falls are located in Hilo and are fed by the Wailuku River the same river that also feeds the Peepee Falls. The content on this website may not be copied or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior written permission. One of the, Often referred to as Secret Falls, this beautiful waterfall will require substantial work to reach but we think its totally worth it. On the list of Big Island of Hawaii waterfalls below, we've included the height of the falls, a ranking, have noted if it's a seasonal waterfall, and have added any additionalinformation as necessary. Get your discounted Hilo Bay Kayaking Tickets. Here are some tours you can check out: This half-day tour takes you to the three most famous Big Island waterfalls: Akaka Falls, Hiilawe Falls and Rainbow Falls. Check out the latest prices and more details. Just make sure to leave this waterfall in Hawaii as clean as you found it. You can access this trail from the Waipio Valley lookout. Each island has some of the best waterfall swimming holes in Hawaii, so no matter where you are, youll find something amazing! A tour across the Hamakua Coast that stops at Akaka Falls State Park, Rainbow Falls and Richardson Beach Park. Plus, youll keep an eye out for Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles and stop at Big Island Candies for the most famous Hawaiian candy on the Big Island. This can cause the falls to be (almost) dry even during the wet season. If you only have time to see one of the waterfalls, we suggest seeing the incredible Akaka Falls. Most of these places do not have a lifeguard on duty, making you solely responsible for your safety. Alternatively, you could think of going for this scenic drive to see all the waterfalls close to Hilo in half a day. Check out the latest prices and more details. from $85 + taxes & fees | Child $75. This website's use is your expressly conditioned acceptance of the terms, conditions, and disclaimers found within our Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability page without any modifications. They also offer ATV tours, waterfall rappelling and horseback riding tours to the falls as well. Waimoku Falls is a 400 foot waterfall that you see pictured on the cover of many of Maui's guidebooks and is one of the tallest waterfalls on Maui. If youre an old soul, this Hilo Bay Waterfalls by Kayak tour was made for you. P?palaua Falls, Hawaii 96748, USA 6. It is simply breathtaking. Big Island travel tips & recommendations , Explore Big Island Hotels & Resorts Search Now. Dont miss them because once you see them, youll never forget them! A couple of travel dreamers who fell in love with Hawaii and want to share the beauty of the Islands! This picture shows the Hiilawe falls on an almost dry day. If you are staying in Kona, meet up with a local driver who takes you to North Kohala. This is a full-day trip from Kona. Lava from Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa meet near the base of Peepee Falls, about 2 miles downstream. While there are gorgeous waterfalls on Kauai, Oahu, and Maui, the Big Island has some of the most famous waterfalls in Hawaii. Rainbow Falls is one of the easiest to see and most popular waterfalls on the Big Island of Hawaii. While you can access most of these on your own, you can also join Hawaii waterfall tours for a more personalized experience. Furthermore, flash floods and strong currents are a real danger there. These are gorgeous Hawaii Big Island waterfalls worth checking out. Its a way to connect with nature and experience the waterfall closer than otherwise. Free cancellation: up to 48 hours before tour. Akaka, Kahuna, Hiilawe, Rainbow, Umauma, Peepee, Kulaniapia, Onomeaand WaiilikahiFalls. The visit is well worth your time, even just to enjoy the tranquility of this Hawaiian rainforest. While transporting logs over to build the base might be a nuisance, the beach offers a wealth of advantages that . The path to Onomea Falls is stunning in itself. If you have the time and are already visiting Rainbow Falls, add a short hike to continue your waterfall adventure. With a population of less than 75,000, Kauai is truly a small-town island, littered with open space, protected preserves, and old plantation history. Located only 1.5 miles upstream from Rainbow Falls, Peepee Falls is another beautiful spot. You can now drive on a concrete road right to the falls and tropical garden. The waterfall got its name from the rainbow that often forms at the base. The majority of waterfalls on the Big Island can be seen on your own. Kayak & Swim in the Umauma River. The Onomea Falls is located within the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, This s private property owned by Dan Lutkenhouse, first opened in 1984. Click the button below. Umauma Falls is a three-tiered waterfall surrounded by lush vegetation. On an especially clear day, you'll be able to see Mauna Kea behind them. For a beautiful view and unforgettable experience, sign up for a discounted Magical Waterfall Tour. The hike to the waterfall takes either 5 or 15 minutes, depending on which route you decide to take. The area beyond that is private property, so be aware of where youre going! Be sure to do both if you have the time. Akaka Falls are extremely accessible, as the trail to the waterfall stretches only 0.4 miles long. You can get access to the falls either by purchasing a day pass (limited availability of 10 guests / day), or by joining their Rappel down the 120ft Kulaniapia Falls experience. Aside from waterfalls, youll also be able to see red-hot lava flows, the Kohala Mule Station lookout, and more! Bear right at the top of the hill onto the main street of Honomu town. In fact, there is a small parking lot near the falls, as well as a short but slippery path to visit the base. Rainbow Falls, or Wainuenue, is located inside the Wailuku River State Park in Hilo, Hawaii. There are so many incredible waterfalls, making it hard to know where to start. Most waterfalls on the Hamakua coast are a 90-mile drive away. Deluxe Big Island ATV Tour & Waterfall Swim at Umauma Falls . The most popular way to observe the Umauma Falls is from a tranquil overlook accessible through the World Botanical Garden. Waterfall tours are among our favorites because of the amount of nature they allow you to experience in a relatively short amount of time and because they often feature a visit to a private waterfall that permits you to actually swim under a waterfall. While Kahuna Falls are also located in this state park, you can hear them more than you can see them. To be exact, you can find it along the Umauma River in Hakalau. We also receive a small commission from travel partners for some of the links found on this website. All Rights Reserved You have to be a guest at the Inn to access the trail leading to the waterfall. If youre staying in Hilo and enjoy learning about history, you might get a kick out of this Legends of the Waterfalls tour where youll learn why Hilo was one of the favorite places for Kamehameha the Great. Also, if you are visiting Oahu and want to know where the best waterfall hikes are on Oahu, Ive got you covered. Head to Waimea Falls for the best, A short hike within the Puaa Kaa State Wayside will reward you with a relatively secluded and picturesque waterfall, cascading into the delightful pool below. To be exact, you can visit Hiilawe Falls by going to the Waipio Valley at the Kohala Coast in Hawaii. Big Island Hotels, Resorts, B&Bs, & Vacation Rentals, Big Island Tours, Excursions, & Adventures. Peepee Falls on the Big Island. Papalaua Falls in Molokai is an unbelievably impressive waterfall, and unsurprising that's it on Molokai as this island is home to some of the tallest waterfalls in the entire world. Plus. Check out the latest prices and more details. Check out the latest prices and more details. You will need to pay an admission fee to see these falls. Be sure to bring extra clothing. Don't miss them because once you see them, you'll never forget them! The on-site Inn organizes this tour which is led a team of expert canyoneering guides. Seeing waterfalls is a great way to save money while on your vacation to Hawaii. They are amazing natural wonders that should definitely be on your list of things to do while visiting this tropical paradise! The best part? Not only that, but this island is still expanding! A couple of the best waterfalls near Hilo can be seen in Akaka Falls State Park, including Akaka Falls (422 feet) and Kahuna Falls (100 feet). Hiilawe Falls is best seen at a distance, as public access to the base of the falls is not possible. Enjoy spectacular views of Mauna Kea and the Pacific Ocean, awesome photo spots, swim in a private pond and really experience off-road Hawaii. Not really. Take a comfortable ride through stunning countryside up to the hiking trailhead. This is a very difficult hike to complete in one day and is not recommended for beginners. If conditions are suitable you can use on-property SUP and kayak equipment to explore the waterfall. Visit the Akaka Falls State Park and take the pleasant 0.4 mile paved foot path loop that takes you to viewing spots of both Akaka Falls (442 feet) and Kahuna Falls (100 feet). One other thing to note is that there are 13 streams you will have to cross before getting to the water. Good to know: to access the falls you must purchase a $49 daypass to the grounds. Of this list, youre not allowed to swim in both Rainbow Falls and Akaka Falls, as it is both dangerous and illegal. Below we've included links to several of the best waterfalls on the Big Island, most of which you can see without ahelicopter(all falls visible from the air only are noted). Each hike has its charm, and all offer beautiful views of different parts of the island. If you follow the path, youll see the beautiful Kahuna Falls along the way just before you see Akaka Falls. Get prepared to go off the beaten road (literally) and be stained with mud as you go off-road in a Honda ATV or a Side x Side ATV! You can also book one of their events to have access to their waterfall. There are however several safety tips to keep in mind while doing so on the Big Island: We share our favorite tips and images on Instagram, click here to go to our instagram account. You can contact the State Division of Forestry and Wildlife at 808-974-4221. Mahalo! The Waipio Valley lookout trailhead is a very steep but short half-mile hike. This is also close to where most of the black sand beaches on the Big Island are located. Get your discounted ATV Waterfall and Swim Experience. HOME PRIVACY POLICY TERMS, Affiliate Disclosure: We receive compensation from companies whose products or services are used, referenced, or reviewed regardless of whether we endorse or criticize them. Our featured listings highlight those tours that combine exceptional waterfall experiences, professional guides, and more fun than you can imagine. Waiilikahi Falls are yet another gem on the Big Island, but it takes a lot to hike to the falls. Marvel at the beauty and adventure that makes up Hawaii. The water can be seen while hiking down the valley, and it should be visible to the left within around 7 minutes into the hike (depending on how fast you walk). An aerial view of Kulaniapia Falls. Standing at around 80 feet tall, this waterfall is a must-see year round on the Big Island. Check out the latest prices and more details. Access costs $12 per person (walk-in fee, no pre-bookings required), which also buys you access to their garden. The famous triple-tiered Umauma Falls. You can find many waterfalls on the north and east side of the Big Island thanks to lots of rain and a large gradient in elevation (volcanoes!). Its an impressive 1,450-foot natural waterfall with a main drop of 1,201 feet. Rainbow Falls are beautiful and can be viewed from a relatively close location, making them that much more enjoyable. The Big Island is filled with tourist attractions! Oahu is the lively center and most visited of all Hawaiian Islands. Which Hawaiian island has the best waterfall hikes? So without further ado, here are the best of the Big Island Waterfalls that we've personally swam in or at least see ourselves swimming in PEEPEE FALLS (PE'EPE'E FALLS & BOILING POTS) A couple swimming in one of the pools of the Boiling Pots just downstream of Pe'epe'e Falls Read more about waterfall safety. Be sure not the trespass onto the private land that surrounds the waterfall. This half-day tour takes you to the three most famous Big Island waterfalls: 'Akaka Falls, Hi'ilawe Falls and Rainbow Falls. Also, be sure to check out all the waterfalls in Hawaii on ourHawaii Waterfallspage. Big Island is home to some of the tallest falls in the state. Most of the waterfalls on the Big Island are fairly close to Hilo. Akaka Falls is located within the Akaka Falls State Park, roughly 3.6 miles south of Honomu on the Hilo Coast. This, Upper Waikani Falls, Hana Hwy, Haiku, HI 96708, USA, Perhaps one of Oahus most stunning hidden waterfalls, this trek through the mud is never uphill for too long and offers the opportunity to jump in a beautiful waterfall at the end. Hi'ilawe Falls is visible only within the valley or from the air, as the . While some are hidden behind long and strenuous hikes, many waterfalls on the big island and other islands are visible from the road or after an easy hike. Hiilawe Falls (or Hi'ilawe Falls) was one of those waterfalls where it seemed it had a reputation that it can no longer live up to. Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Big Island Itinerary complete with daily schedules, kid-friendly activities, and travel hacks? Our most popular hotels on the Island of Hawaii Download and/or view the map of all 9 waterfalls here. It stretches hundreds of feet tall and is surrounded by greenery. However, they have started opening the grounds to the public for a $49 day pass. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu. The falls used to only be open to those staying at the hotel located on the grounds. And if youre heading to Akaka Falls with kids, check out my guide HERE. This is for kids at least 5 years old who can comfortably stay in a kayak. You may have a luxury problem though: there are more waterfalls on the Big Island than you can reasonable visit during your stay! The Wailuku River flows along the bottom of the gorge and downstream to Rainbow Falls. Along the way, youll be privy to various wild orchids. This is the perfect pre or post-hike pit stop for pineapples and fresh coconuts that you can't miss. Hi'ilawe Falls Where are the best waterfalls to swim in Hawaii? The Hiilawe waterfall is one of the tallest waterfalls of the state of Hawai. For example, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Peepee Falls are another great waterfall that you can visit. Photos of Kulania attached . I have seen people continue to do it anyway, but this is just asking for trouble. Oloupena Falls is an impressive 2,953-foot Hawaiian waterfall. It is comprised of three short waterfalls that are located close to each otherthe water actually cascades down this series of waterfalls from the river. On the bright side, they did not jump off the falls as they planned to. It is located inside the private property and theres no other way to access it. Youll never run out of things to do here. In fact, some still consider it a secret or hidden spot on the island even though it has been featured in several magazines and TV shows. If you are on this side of the Big Island, for example, to see the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, a bit of planning will make sure that you can see some spectacular waterfalls. Keep scrolling for the best waterfalls on the Big Island and discover why people love coming back again and again to this magical island destination. Hi'ilawe Falls is a magnificent waterfall located in Waipio Valley on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island. Now you know some of the best waterfalls Big Island has to offer. These 7 Big Island waterfalls are truly spectacular and well worth checking out during your stay here! The 422 ft tall Akaka falls are part of the Akaka falls state park, located just north of Hilo. If you visit when the sky is clear and the sun is out, youll be able to see a beautiful rainbow at the foot of the waterfall. If you prefer places that are not busy, then you will love Peepee Falls. The Kulaniapia waterfall is located on the grounds of the Inn at Kulaniapia and up until recently access to their waterfalls was restricted uniquely to their overnight guests. For those with a daring spirit, the Deleuze ATV Waterfall and Swim Experience tour is for you. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. You can swim in this one! Come join the Big Island's only horseback ride that offers swimming at a waterfall! If you are short on time, we recommend that you limit yourself to the more spectacular Akaka and Rainbow waterfalls. If the idea of planning a self-guided waterfall trip causes you anxiety, or if you simply want to sit back and enjoy the view, you can always book one of these tours! The trailhead is easy to find just off the parking lot. All the waterfalls listed below are spectacular in their own way, and when you visit them theyre sure to impress. Its accessible through several different methods and gorgeous no matter how you see it. Sign up for this discounted Kohala Waterfalls Adventure Tour. These include stargazing and helicopter tours and is absolutely worth the time and money. You will need to stop at the visitor center to register before heading to the falls. We are independently owned so content written by us merely reflect our own opinions. Image credit: Mark. They are very safe and you will have amazing views. Another great way to visit all of these falls is through a helicopter tour. Check out the latest prices and more details. Address: 875 Akaka Falls Rd, Honomu, HI 96728, United States. Where are all the waterfalls in Hilo Hawaii? Its easily accessible and it will only take you about half an hour to get here. Youll be able to see 3 of the most famous Big Island waterfalls (Akaka Falls, Hiilawe Falls, and Rainbow Falls) on a half-day tour. Get your discounted Kohala Tour from Kona Tour. The content on this website may not be copied or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior written permission. Please do not be tempted to hike up if there are signs that say hiking is not allowed and its blocked off. If youre considering visiting Akaka Falls, check out my full guide HERE. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. Another stop on Mauis Road to Hana, Puaa Kaa translates to rolling pig in Hawaiian.