If you have the time and are already visiting Rainbow Falls, add a short hike to continue your waterfall adventure. Even when the falls are dry, the lush landscape is incredible. If you're looking for the best Big Island waterfall adventures, then look no further. Before we talk about the best waterfalls, lets discuss some FAQs you might have: Swimming is NOT allowed at Akaka Falls State Park. As a paradise for active travelers it is rich in experiences that include nature, culinary discoveries, historic landmarks, shopping, nightlife and festivals. . Rainbow Falls One of Hawaii's most stunning waterfalls, Rainbow Falls is named for the rainbows that can be seen in the mist. One of the coolest ways to experience Kulaniapia Falls is by booking a spot in one of the Experience Packages available at the property. The enormous waterfall cascades down a steep lava rock wall into a boulder-strewn pool. What youll see along the route will depend on what trail you choose, but each one is worth it! Check out the latest prices and more details. If you are short on time, we recommend that you limit yourself to the more spectacular Akaka and Rainbow waterfalls. You can either go left or right after you go down the stairs from the parking lot. To be exact, you can find it along the Umauma River in Hakalau. Nanue Falls is located on the Hamakua Coast in Hawaii. Read more: in our guide to visiting the Rainbow falls. Its approximately a 19-mile out and back hike that takes around 4 hours each way. So keep an eye out for honu (green sea turtles) and admire the coast! HOME PRIVACY POLICY TERMS. Turn inland (mauka) between mile markers 14 and 13 onto Honomu Road. You can now drive on a concrete road right to the falls and tropical garden. . Akaka Falls on the Big Island. Get your discounted Magical Waterfall Tour. With a 440-foot summit, this waterfall is wildly popular due to the easy 0.4-mile paved loop, which takes you to the viewing spots of both Akaka Falls and Kahuna Falls. Don't miss them because once you see them, you'll never forget them! Mahalo! Hours: Daily, 8:30AM - 6:00PM. Peepee Falls are another great waterfall that you can visit. Be sure to pay at least a few of them a visit and create some unforgettable memories that youll treasure forever! Zip with up to 65 miles per hour on 9 long lines, over 14 rushing waterfalls, suspension bridges, and treetops of the lush Hamakua coast rainforest. 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. Another great way to visit all of these falls is through a helicopter tour. Its accessible through several different methods and gorgeous no matter how you see it. When people talk about swimming at Peepee Falls, they are probably referring to the boiling pots located by the lookout point. The Hamakua Coast is beautiful and this half-day waterfall tour will stop at Akaka Falls State Park, Rainbow Falls, and Richardson Beach Park. Hi'ilawe Falls Sign up for a discounted Kohala Waterfalls Adventure Tour. pro tip for another close-by waterfall: if you continue up Wailuku drive a few minutes longer you get to a bridge crossing the Wailuku river. Most waterfalls can be found on the slopes of the Mauna Kea volcano close to Hilo and on the Hamakua coast. Youll never run out of things to do here. The Peepee Falls are located about 1.5 miles upstream the rainbow falls, at the Wailuku river on the end of Wailuku drive. [more], 2006-2023 World Of Waterfalls, All Rights Reserved Get your discounted Kohala Tour from Kona Tour. Big Island of Hawaii Waterfalls Simply put, waterfalls on the Big Island of Hawaii are some of the world's finest. There may be no better way to experience Hawaiian waterfalls than with a helicopter tour. In addition, if weather and conditions permit, you may be able to swim, kayak or paddleboard under the waterfalls. 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. Starting in Hilo town, this tour takes you on a slow-paced kayaking trip through the waters of Hilo Bay, where youll learn about some of the culture and history of the area. Access to the overview for the waterfalls lies on private land which is being managed by the Umauma Experience. In fact, there is a small parking lot near the falls, as well as a short but slippery path to visit the base. This amazingly unique experience takes place on the beautiful landscapes near the Umauma stream, held on pristinely-kept private property. While Kahuna Falls are also located in this state park, you can hear them more than you can see them. Youll need to pay an entrance fee to enter the area. There are different car rental companies in Kona, Hawaii that will set it up for you. Akaka Falls. However, the waterfall tends to be dry in early spring, around March. They offer a variety of tours to see the falls with ziplining being our favorite way to see the falls. As you tour, youll be able to enjoy amazing photo spots and unparalleled views of the Pacific Ocean, waterfalls, and the Mauna Kea. Then, you have to complete the 45-minute hike through the muddy jungle to reach the falls. Whether you are looking to Big Island waterfall tours or waterfalls you can swim in on the Big Island, this guide will give you everything you need to plan your next adventure. Photo credit: Island of Hawaii Visitors Bureau (IHVB) / Tyler Schmitt. We like to get up and close to any waterfall we see, and know the same is true for many of our readers. It aims to take you on an unforgettable journey through the Hamakua Coast. ), make small hikes, and admire the sweeping views and scenic coastlines and rugged valleys. Interested? Kulaniapia Falls is once again located on private property, this time belonging to The Inn and usually reserved exclusively for residents there. The Northern beach is one of the potential crash sites in Sons of the Forest, and it's also one of the best base locations. Thank you! Address: 875 Akaka Falls Rd, Honomu, HI 96728, United States. For the adventurous, go off-roading on the Big Islands Hamakua Coast in a Honda ATV or a Side x Side UTV. Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Heather Goodman. Check out the latest prices and more details. The government or any private party does not manage Nanua Falls. Make sure your tour includes all of the waterfalls you want to see. Sign up for this discounted Legends of the Waterfalls & Volcano Tour. Although the Hawaiian archipelago has a multitude of famous waterfalls, especially on Oahu, Maui, and Kauai. It takes about 20-30 minutes to complete the loop. I would plan 10 hours out of your day if you are thinking about doing the hike. Kulaniapia Falls is a private waterfall located on the Waiau Stream, not far from Hilo. Compared to Oahu or Maui, the Big Island of Hawaii is massive! See below for the sign that was there when I went. If you are looking for an adventure or just want to relax on your vacation, these seven waterfalls will not disappoint. P?palaua Falls, Hawaii 96748, USA 6. This is what the falls look like after a good rain upstream. Majestic Waterfalls Tour A tour across the Hamakua Coast that stops at 'Akaka Falls State Park, Rainbow Falls and Richardson Beach Park. Several are featured in popular Hawaiian songs. This is a great way to see some of the tallest waterfalls in Hawaii. Each hike has its charm, and all offer beautiful views of different parts of the island. It is located inside the private property and theres no other way to access it. The majority of waterfalls on the Big Island can be seen on your own. Kayak & Swim in the Umauma River. To be able to visit the waterfall, you can book a guest room at The Inn or book one of the Experience Packages available at the property. Book any of these great Big Island waterfall tours today! The Best Hiking Shoes for Hawaii in 2021(The Ultimate buying Guide), The 5 Best Reef Safe Sunscreens for Hawaii. The dark blue/purple waterfalls are more difficult to see and smaller waterfalls. While there are gorgeous waterfalls on Kauai, Oahu, and Maui, the Big Island has some of the most famous waterfalls in Hawaii. Then, there are waterfalls where the access is rather ambiguous (to my knowledge), and these include Hi'ilawe Falls, Nanue Falls, and the so-called Narnia Waterfalls (which are actually a convergence of three named waterfalls). Get more stories delivered right to your email. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. If youre debating on visiting Oahu or Maui, you can check out my other article on Oahu Vs Maui to learn more. I highly discourage doing this hike during the rainy season. This isn't one that you can swim under though. This waterfall can only be accessed from the lookout, and swimming here is no longer allowed. Be sure to do both if you have the time. Aside from waterfalls, youll also be able to see red-hot lava flows, the Kohala Mule Station lookout, and more! 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. Why not go on one of our perfectly planned waterfall road trips with itineraries for both Oahu and Maui. It takes about 60 to 90 minutes to hike to the waterfall. Where is the Blue Pool waterfall in Hawaii? Free cancellation: up to 24 hours before tour. The content on this website may not be copied or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior written permission. Onomea Falls is a stunning multi-tiered waterfall set amidst a beautiful botanical garden: the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden. That means, you should take extra care to make sure you leave it as you saw it! Looking for a car rental in Kona, Big island. When river safety conditions permit, you can also go swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding under the Kulaniapia Falls using on-site equipment. Its one of the quietest and least touristy waterfalls on the island, so you can enjoy a chill day with your friends when you visit. Located up the Wailua River, you will need to either rent kayaks or book a guided tour to reach the trailhead. There are more than seven pools, and they arent sacred rumor has it that a local hotel owner coined the name in order to attract more visitors to his establishment. This half-day tour takes you to the three most famous Big Island waterfalls: 'Akaka Falls, Hi'ilawe Falls and Rainbow Falls. I highly encourage taking a helicopter tour through the Kohala Coast if you want to see these waterfalls, unless you are a very experienced hiker looking for some adventure. I work as a factory electrician. This is also close to where most of the black sand beaches on the Big Island are located. Note: There is an admission fee to the state park, $5.00 per car or $1 per person if you are walking. However, the best views come when you climb under the bridge and follow a short jungle path to the base of the waterfall. The only waterfall you can swim at on the Big Island is the Inn at Kulaniapia Falls. An aerial view of Kulaniapia Falls. And, youll pass it on the way to Akaka Falls. The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls is one of the only waterfalls I recommend swimming at while on the Big Island. Read more about the Rainbow Falls on our website. 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). These 7 Big Island waterfalls are truly spectacular and well worth checking out during your stay here! Sugar Water: Hawaiis Plantation Ditches by Carol Wilcox. Drive along the cliffs and over rugged landscape Free cancellation Recommended by 97% of travelers from $225.13 per adult Reserve Travelers talk about " plants and animals " Please remember that all of these falls have different levels of water throughout the year. The farmers markets are a little-known gem allowing visitors to meet locals, shop for arts and crafts and enjoy edible treasures. What is the best way to visit all these waterfalls? The left is a shorter route to get to the Akaka waterfall, but if you are up for an adventure I recommend taking a right for a longer but beautiful hike. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Because these incredible destinations are fed waterfalls, it is important to issue a friendly warning about the risks associated with flash flooding, and leptospirosis bacteria found in many of Hawaiis natural pools. On the bright side, they did not jump off the falls as they planned to. Here, youll zipline across the forest, have lunch in the Pololu Valley, and even swim in a Big Island waterfall. If you are in the Kona area, I highly recommend Paradise Helicopters. Here you will find a delightful selection of art galleries and gift stores as well as several cafes. In a 30-minute call we help you set up the trip of your dreams. 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. Compared to many other Hawaiian Islands, the Big Island is huge. Mahalo! Download and/or view the map of all 9 waterfalls here. Check out the latest prices and details here! It stretches over 120 feet high, although the tiers make it difficult to measure accurately. Get your discounted ATV Waterfall and Swim Experience. The Rainbow Falls are the easiest waterfalls to see on the Big Island! The gigantic waterfall stands out from the dry, rocky background of the red-walled canyon. Simply put, waterfalls on the Big Island of Hawaii are some of the world's finest. At the writing of this post, the Umauma Falls are now accessible through the botanical gardens. Content on this site is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical, health, or safety advice. 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. The Oloupena Falls is the tallest waterfall in Hawaii, located on the tiny island of Molokai, stretching an immense 2,953 feet high. Youre planning a trip to the Big Island of Hawaii, and you want to visit some of the many beautiful waterfalls on this volcanic island. Both waterfalls are beautiful Big Island attractions. You can also see these waterfalls as part of a zipline tour or an ATV and dip (swim) tour at the gardens. Night Swim with Manta Rays. By donating to our small business, you accept and acknowledge the donation terms. This is part of Hawaiis state park system. Just two weeks ago, the couple posted a YouTube video of the mum-to-be at 38-weeks pregnant interacting with dolphins in the sea. Cooling lava flows created columns, which connect a series of cascading waterfalls and pools that appear to be bubbling. Click on the top left of the map to find separate layers marking the route and points of interest. If you're visiting the Big Island of Hawaii soon, be sure to download your copy of one of our updated 2023 Big Island Visitor Guides. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! 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). Image credit: Mark. Sign up for discounted Hilo Bay Kayaking Tickets. And this rainfall provides lots of opportunities to appreciate the island's falls. Check out the latest prices and more details. The Kulaniapia Falls for example require a day pass, and others are on private property and only reachable as part of a tour. Visit the State Parks website for updated pricing. This is a full-day trip from Kona. more, 2006-2023 World Of Waterfalls, Unfortunately, the strength of the falls is often dependent on rainfall - so here's to hoping you catch it on a good day. Due to its relative obscurity, especially compared to the rest of the waterfalls on this list, going to this waterfall and relaxing in the area may seem like a scene out of a movie. Please do not be tempted to hike up if there are signs that say hiking is not allowed and its blocked off. One of the risks is that rocks occasionally get washed over the falls and can land on unsuspecting swimmers. I have seen other people recommend Peepee Falls as another great option. The state park is located along the northeastern Hilo Coast, west of Honom. Enjoy this 8-hour adventure as you explore Kohala, the oldest of five volcanos that make up the Big Island. This state park is home to two amazing waterfalls, one of which plunges 422 feet into a stream-eroded gorge below. There have been instances where people lost their lives here. 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 multi tiered, Oheo Gulch, OheO Gulch, Hawaii 96713, USA. Top 9 Waterfalls on The Big Island Akaka Falls and Kahuna Falls Hi'ilawe Falls Rainbow Falls Pe'epe'e Falls Umauma Falls Kulaniapia Falls Onomea Falls Wai'ilikahi Falls What is the best way to visit all these waterfalls? It is located about 1.6 miles (5-minute drive) from Rainbow Falls and is also part of the Wailuku River. Commonly, especially if you visit in the early morning, the positioning of the Rainbow Falls sends a rainbow arching from its base into the water. This Upper Waikani Falls, Hana Hwy, Haiku, HI 96708, USA 2. Oloupena Falls is an impressive 2,953-foot Hawaiian waterfall. Are you as obsessed with Hawaiian waterfalls as we are? Waipoo Falls. This 80-ft. waterfall on the Wailuku river is the site of a Hawaiian legend that involves the demigod Maui, his mother the Goddess Hina, the Volcano Goddess Pele, and a giant Mo'o or lizard monster up to no good. More waterfalls can be found at the northern Hamakua coast seaside cliffs and the valleys of the Kohala coast. 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. Find the best prices here. Love Hawaii? Your use of this website constitutes your acceptance of all the terms, conditions, and disclaimers posted herein. It is alleged to have a height of 1,450 feet. If youre considering visiting Akaka Falls, check out my full guide HERE. Swim, kayak, stand up paddleboard or just relax and enjoy the scenery with your friends and family. Absolutely! Plus it has numerous attractions, from volcanic rock formations to beautiful waterfalls. Always a classic, this, Located just a mile upstream of Rainbow Falls on the Wailua River, Peepee Falls feeds a series of several pools known as the boiling pots. Swimming in tropical fresh water ( and I use the term loosely) is a product of Hollywood movies like blue Lagoon. Check out the latest prices and details. If you are staying on the other side of the Big Island, be sure to plan these excursions into your vacation plans. You can view all three of them from an overlook that you can access via a private botanical garden. Credit: John McCollum. The hike takes you past 7 waterfalls with as grand finale a cooling dip in the final one! 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. Although Akaka Falls is the main event during the hike, the smaller Kahuna Falls is a must-see as well. Hiilawe (the barely visible waterfall in the back of the valley) is one of the tallest waterfalls on the Big Island. Its no wonder that you might be having issues deciding where to go. Enjoy spectacular views of Mauna Kea and the Pacific Ocean, awesome photo spots, swim in a private pond and really experience off-road Hawaii. However, because you descend over 900 feet in such a short distance, the hike up is immensely steep and challenging to manage. The view is spectacular and the tame and paved nature hike was enjoyable too. All the waterfalls listed below are spectacular in their own way, and when you visit them theyre sure to impress. These falls are more difficult to visit and include the last of our favorites that can only be seen from a distance: the Hiilawe falls.