But dont worry, this is a very easy hike to do and the trail is paved and well maintained. If you're looking for the best Big Island waterfall adventures, then look no further. Sign up for this discounted Majestic Waterfalls Tour. 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. There is only one way to get here, and thats by hiking along the coastal trail. Read more: in our guide to visiting the Akaka falls. Hours: Daily, 8:30AM - 6:00PM. . Although the Hawaiian archipelago has a multitude of famous waterfalls, especially on Oahu, Maui, and Kauai. 2. 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. Sustainable Travel guide and itineraries for the Big Island of Hawaii. There are many tours available if you would rather visit with a guide. If youre lucky, you may be able to see honu (green sea turtle) and even dolphins! In a 30-minute call we help you set up the trip of your dreams. There are no lifeguards here, so please be extremely cautious. You can also see these waterfalls as part of a zipline tour or an ATV and dip (swim) tour at the gardens. One of the greatest, Makapipi Falls, Hana Hwy, Haiku, HI 96708, USA, Located off Pali Highway is this extraordinary waterfall hike complete with a trek through a bamboo forest, views of a stunning field and reservoir, the beauty of the Hawaiian jungle, and of course the jaw-dropping, 50-foot Lulumahu Falls. The Hilton and Sheraton both have really neat waterfalls and its clean clear water. The admission fee to the park is $5.00 per car or $1 per person for pedestrians. Oahu is the lively center and most visited of all Hawaiian Islands. While visiting the Wailuku River State Park, you can also stop by the Peepee Falls. Overview . It is a privately owned so you need to go with a tour group but well worth it! Akaka Falls is a spectacularly tall waterfall that hurls down an incredible 422 feet down a mountain face. As an Amazon Associate, thistraveldream.com earns from qualifying purchases. 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. Waiilikahi Falls are yet another gem on the Big Island, but it takes a lot to hike to the falls. Most of the waterfalls on the Big Island are fairly close to Hilo. Hiilawe (the barely visible waterfall in the back of the valley) is one of the tallest waterfalls on the Big Island. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Many people stop their journey at the lower waterfall. This picturesque spot can be found past mile marker 16 on the Hana Highway, below the bridge that crosses Palauhulu Stream. However, to visit Onomea Falls, you need to go through the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden and pay an entrance fee. Umauma Falls is a three-tiered waterfall surrounded by lush vegetation. This broad waterfall in the Wailuku river is conveniently located within Hilo town. Love Hawaii? Standing at 2,954 feet tall, this waterfall is spectacular. The view is spectacular and the tame and paved nature hike was enjoyable too. Their list contains the following waterfalls: In Hilo: Rainbow falls, Pe'epe'e falls, Wai'ale falls, Kulaniapia falls. The visit is well worth your time, even just to enjoy the tranquility of this Hawaiian rainforest. The Falls has recently been named in the top ten best swimming holes in America by the magazine Travel + Leisure. Access to the overview for the waterfalls lies on private land which is being managed by the Umauma Experience. Mahalo! First, youll head to the Kohala Mountains where youll fly the coastline of Waipio Valley and Waimanu Valley. Also, be sure to check out all the waterfalls in Hawaii on ourHawaii Waterfallspage. Akaka Falls on the Big Island. I highly recommend checking out Viator for some of the best tours in Hawaii. The private property is currently managed by the Umauma Experience. However, you need to pay a fee to access the private viewing deck. Take your first right onto Akaka Falls Road and continue for 3.75 miles until you reach the parking lot. Sign up for this discounted Kohala Waterfalls Adventure Tour. On the bright side, they did not jump off the falls as they planned to. Sign up for discounted Hilo Bay Kayaking Tickets. This full-day tour will also introduce you to delicious Hawaiian cuisine in the Pololu Valley and even allow you to swim in a waterfall! Its a 100-foot waterfall that youll pass by on your way to Akaka if you follow the footpath. Hi'ilawe Falls No experience necessary! The largest waterfall in Hawaii is Oloupena Falls, located in Molokai. The water conceals long lava ridges, so its easy to be pulled in and trapped. Hawaii's Big Island is home to some of the islands' most accessible waterfalls, and here are five of the most popular. Sign up for this discounted ATV Waterfall and Swim Experience. Also known as Three Bears falls, Waikani is approximately 70 feet tall, and visible from the Hana Highway. The famous triple-tiered Umauma Falls. Helicopter tours are often one of the trip-highlights that people remember for a long time and worth considering if you are willing to spend the money. Click on the top left of the map to find separate layers marking the route and points of interest. Meet with a local driver and travel to North Kona to experience multiple zip-lines that stretch over beautiful landscapes, including waterfalls. 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. Get your discounted Kohala Zip and Dip Tour. All partners and related links comply with our Advertising Disclosures. Along the way, youll see verdant vegetation and immense, ancient Banyan trees, overgrown by fig vines and moss. 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. Zipline high above the forest floor, picnic on the rim of Pololu Valley & swim under a private waterfall fed by a cool mountain stream. This multi tiered, Oheo Gulch, OheO Gulch, Hawaii 96713, USA. Not really. 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. This picture shows the Hiilawe falls on an almost dry day. Its accessible through several different methods and gorgeous no matter how you see it. Thank you! Family friendly zipline tour + private waterfall swim. If you want to see the base of the falls, you must rent a car with four-wheel drive - and even then, the grade is so steep that it can be dangerous. Please do not put these waterfalls on your to-do list. Read more: in our guide to visiting the Rainbow falls. We are independently owned so content written by us merely reflect our own opinions. 5 out of 6 of our favorites are close to Hilo, and these falls are very easy to visit. Akaka Falls are extremely accessible, as the trail to the waterfall stretches only 0.4 miles long. There are so many incredible waterfalls, making it hard to know where to start. This gorgeous waterfall stretches 442 feet high and descends into a beautiful gorge eroded over time by water, which now lays dozens of feet below ground level. Hiilawe Falls is visible only within the valley or from the air, as the Waipio Valley is very steep. Big Island is home to some of the tallest falls in the state. from $85 + taxes & fees | Child $75. The total height of the falls is about 1,450 feet (442m), with a highest direct drop of 1,201 feet (366m)! 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. So keep an eye out for honu (green sea turtles) and admire the coast! The waterfalls of Hawaii on the Big Island are absolutely stunning. Get your discounted Kohala Tour from Kona Tour. While I was there I witnessed two people hike to the top, even though it clearly said not to do so. You can now drive on a concrete road right to the falls and tropical garden. Bear right at the top of the hill onto the main street of Honomu town. Marvel at the beauty and adventure that makes up Hawaii. The Experiences Package allows you to water rappel. The waterfalls themselves might be short, but the picturesque pools are well worth the short hike. The hike itself can be challenging and involves multiple stream crossings. Swimming here is not recommended, even on days where it feels safe. Narnia is the name given to a set of waterfalls in the Hilo Forest Reserve. The only waterfall you can swim at on the Big Island is the Inn at Kulaniapia Falls. The closest waterfalls in the Kohala district (about 50 miles) require a tour to visit. If you are short on time, we recommend that you limit yourself to the more spectacular Akaka and Rainbow waterfalls. What are the best hikes on the Big Island? First trip to the Big Island? Get in touch with us! Some of which are so beautiful that they inspired some of Hawaiis most popular songs. This isn't one that you can swim under though. Hiilawe Falls is often considered to be the tallest waterfall in Hawaii. Spend a few hours relaxing luxuriating in a private area of the Umauma River. Waterfalls of Kohala A helicopter tour of the waterfalls along the Kohala Coast. It stretches hundreds of feet tall and is surrounded by greenery. Visitors will have to pay an entrance fee for the botanical garden, but once inside, the paved stroll to the waterfall is quick, and features a changing room, available life jackets and lifeguards on duty. Confirming what your tour includes will ensure that you wont miss out on any of the waterfalls. The property also offers lava encounter tours and lava tube tours as well if you are interested. Sign up for this discounted Majestic Waterfalls Tour. She was a professional hula dancer for 20 years and even wrote her college thesis on Hawaiian history. Read more about waterfall safety. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Each island has some of the best waterfall swimming holes in Hawaii, so no matter where you are, youll find something amazing! The Northern beach offers the best base location for those wanting to live by the sea in Sons of the Forest. A delicious catered lunch is provided in our secluded pavilion. Read more about the Rainbow Falls on our website. If you plan to camp here, please make sure you obtain the proper permits, as they are required. Photos of Kulania attached . The Kulaniapia Falls is a private 90-100 foot waterfall located at the Inn at Kulaniapia Falls. They are amazing natural wonders that should definitely be on your list of things to do while visiting this tropical paradise! Located in the Waipio Valley, this waterfall is absolutely breathtaking. The tranquility and solitude youll feel there is truly unmatched. Kulaniapia Falls is located inside a 42-acre private property in Hilo, Hawaii. They can be difficult to spot, so it may be worthwhile bringing a pair of binoculars if you really want to get a good look. This air tour hits up the 7 Kohala waterfalls from the Kona airport. For example, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. 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. If you dont want to search out the waterfalls on your own, this might be the right tour for you. If you are visiting the rainbow falls and have the time and interest to see another set of waterfalls you should check out these falls. Majestic Waterfalls Tour A tour across the Hamakua Coast that stops at 'Akaka Falls State Park, Rainbow Falls and Richardson Beach Park. Upper Waikani Falls Joe Parks/Flickr Also known as Three Bears falls, Waikani is approximately 70 feet tall, and visible from the Hana Highway. Hiilawe Falls is a magnificent waterfall located in Waipio Valley on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island. The Hiilawe waterfall is one of the tallest waterfalls of the state of Hawai. Join this tour to see waterfalls and the stunning Hilo scenery and learn about King Kamehameha the Great and his preference for the area. This is one of the best waterfalls to visit while on the Big Island, and I highly recommend staying here. 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). Both waterfalls are beautiful Big Island attractions. This can cause the falls to be (almost) dry even during the wet season. There have been instances where people lost their lives here. Youll start off driving up the Kona coastline pas lava flows and check out sweeping views from the old Kohala Mule Station lookout. Most waterfalls on the Hamakua coast are a 90-mile drive away. Log in, We are passionate waterfall lovers eager to share our experiences chasing waterfalls around the world! They are a series of small pools fed by the Wailuku River. Get your discounted ATV Waterfall and Swim Experience. Zipline high above the forest floor, picnic on the rim of Pololu Valley & swim under a private waterfall fed by a cool mountain stream. You will need to stop at the visitor center to register before heading to the falls. Get your discounted Waterfalls of Kohala Tour. Please keep in mind that the falls are not accessible to the general public. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. However, it is important to note that Umauma Falls is a private waterfall that can only be accessed through small group tours. Lava from Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa meet near the base of Peepee Falls, about 2 miles downstream. There are so many beautiful waterfalls to check out during your visit to the Big Island. Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Heather Goodman. One of several waterfalls you hike to on a tour with Hawaii Forest and Trail. Compared to Maui, Oahu, and Kauai, The Big Island of Hawaii has some of the most popular waterfalls in all of Hawaii. You can either go left or right after you go down the stairs from the parking lot. There are much safer spots to swim - a.k.a. However, the waterfall tends to be dry in early spring, around March. The cliffs were formed from the lava flow from Mauna Kea that once flowed down the mountainside. Double your adventure with the Kohala Zip and Dip and explore the enchanting lands of North Kohala. To make the process easier you can look directly into Kona jeep rental deals and reserve the one that meets your needs. Entry Fees:For Akaka Falls, entry is free for children under ten years old and $5 per adult. So no one is taking care of it and ensuring the area remains clean. At the bottom of the valley, take a left and walk for roughly 5-10 minutes to see the falls. 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). While there are gorgeous waterfalls on Kauai, Oahu, and Maui, the Big Island has some of the most famous waterfalls in Hawaii. Weve rounded up our top picks for some of the most beautiful spots for waterfalls on the Big Island. Another, more expensive but more spectacular way to see waterfalls (and the volcano!) Each one of these is worth visiting at least once in my opinion. 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. The gigantic waterfall stands out from the dry, rocky background of the red-walled canyon. Our popular Summary Guidesheets are now included. Yes, but all of them require some sort of entrance fee. The dark blue/purple waterfalls are more difficult to see and smaller waterfalls. Visit the Botanical Gardens website for updated pricing. Most waterfalls in Hawaii have a great pool of water to swim in. The tour will stop at Rainbow Falls, Akaka Falls, and Richardson Beach Park. Shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 license. This is an 8-hour zipline + waterfall swim tour that takes you to Kohala, the oldest volcano on the island, for an inspiring and exhilarating day. It stretches over 120 feet high, although the tiers make it difficult to measure accurately. Onomea Falls is located along the Hamakua Coast in Hawaii. Access to the falls is right off the road. It is located inside the private property and theres no other way to access it. Its one of the tallest and most powerful waterfalls in Hawaii, although it gets a bit dry around March. The waterfall is split into two waterfalls that fall into a pool below. And if youre heading to Akaka Falls with kids, check out my guide HERE. Each has its own unique beauty that will leave you in awe from start to finish! And while you can certainly get to some of these places on your own, a great way to see the highlights is by booking aBig Island Tourwith The Volcano Van. Hiking to the waterfall is not possible as the trail crosses private property, but you can see the Hiilawe falls from many places within Waipio valley. One other thing to note is that there are 13 streams you will have to cross before getting to the water. Be sure to pay at least a few of them a visit and create some unforgettable memories that youll treasure forever! The hike down is very easy and can take as little as 20 minutes. Although Akaka Falls is the main event during the hike, the smaller Kahuna Falls is a must-see as well. Akaka Falls. click here to go to our instagram account, ATV Tours on the Big Island (BIG list of all tour operators), BIG LIST of Kona Coffee Tours on the Big Island, Stand Up Paddle (SUP) boarding: Rentals, Classes and Tours. You dont want any surprises that could ruin your trip. In general, yes, but there are several risks associated with swimming under waterfalls in the state of Hawaii that you should be aware of. My personal favorites are Polulu Valley, The Puna Trail, and The hike to Makalawena Beach, to name a few. Of course, the most popular and simple strategy is to include a visit into your itinerary as you drive by one or two waterfalls.