They offer a variety of tours to see the falls with ziplining being our favorite way to see the falls. Hiilawe (the barely visible waterfall in the back of the valley) is one of the tallest waterfalls on the Big Island. Several are featured in popular Hawaiian songs. 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. Hiilawe Falls is visible only within the valley or from the air, as the Waipio Valley is very steep. The 422 ft tall Akaka falls are part of the Akaka falls state park, located just north of Hilo. 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. You can contact the State Division of Forestry and Wildlife at 808-974-4221. Its an impressive 1,450-foot natural waterfall with a main drop of 1,201 feet. Akaka Falls on the Big Island. 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 " The Hilton and Sheraton both have really neat waterfalls and its clean clear water. One of the, Pua'a Ka'a Falls, Hana Hwy, Haiku, HI 96708, USA, This secluded swimming spot is a phenomenal reward after a hike that should not be braved unless you are an experienced hiker. 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. When people talk about swimming at Peepee Falls, they are probably referring to the boiling pots located by the lookout point. Youll never run out of things to do here. 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. Several are featured in popular Hawaiian songs. Their list contains the following waterfalls: In Hilo: Rainbow falls, Pe'epe'e falls, Wai'ale falls, Kulaniapia falls. The best part? However, to visit Onomea Falls, you need to go through the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden and pay an entrance fee. However, you need to pay a fee to access the private viewing deck. As you tour, youll be able to enjoy amazing photo spots and unparalleled views of the Pacific Ocean, waterfalls, and the Mauna Kea. The Big Island Waterfalls page is where we narrow our focus of Hawaiian Waterfalls to the Big Island of Hawaii. Read more: in our guide to visiting the Rainbow falls. Its easily accessible and it will only take you about half an hour to get here. Although this tour doesnt take you to any of the immensely popular waterfalls on the Big Island, youll be treated to a view of seven obscure and uncrowded Kohala waterfalls, where youll be allowed to swim and picnic. At the writing of this post, the Umauma Falls are now accessible through the botanical gardens. I have included a downloadable map of these waterfalls at the bottom of this post to help with your planning and navigation. Where are all the waterfalls in Hilo Hawaii? If you are staying on the other side of the Big Island, be sure to plan these excursions into your vacation plans. Rainbow Falls are beautiful and can be viewed from a relatively close location, making them that much more enjoyable. Akaka Falls are about 422 feet tall, but are only viewable from the viewing platform. While theyre all worth seeing, we must warn you that most of them do not have a swimming hole or pool available. This is what the falls look like after a good rain upstream. Your use of this website constitutes your acceptance of all the terms, conditions, and disclaimers posted herein. The day pass includes access to amazing hiking trails, tropical gardens and a total of four waterfalls - with Kulaniapia Falls being our favorite. However, it is not totally uncommon to see that the waterfall is dry, which is a result of the Hamakua Ditch that diverts the flow of water. Their list contains the following 13 waterfalls: The location of these waterfalls is marked on the map higher up this page, and you can read more about each fall separately in the list of 13 Big Island Waterfalls published on the World of Waterfalls website. 9 Hawaii Big Island Waterfalls Rainbow Falls Each has its own unique beauty that will leave you in awe from start to finish! Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Heather Goodman. It takes less than an hour to hike leisurely and is only somewhat sloped uphill. Located only 1.5 miles upstream from Rainbow Falls, Peepee Falls is another beautiful spot. This, Located within Waimea Valley is this charming waterfall, perfect for a family swim. On the paved uphill Akaka Falls Loop Trail, you'll venture past these two beautiful waterfalls . They are a series of small pools fed by the Wailuku River. This is a full-day trip from Kona. There are much safer spots to swim - a.k.a. Located along the Umauma River in Hakalau, Umauma Falls is a series of three, short cascading waterfalls. 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. Hawaii Waterfall Swim Adventure, Waipio Valley Lookout & Botanical Garden . Alternatively, you can zipline or rappel at the Umauma Falls. They are all unique in their own ways. ~ Trusted by Millions of Hawaii Visitors Annually ~. To make the process easier you can look directly into Kona jeep rental deals and reserve the one that meets your needs. 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? 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. 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). If ATVing is a bit too adventurous for you, try this tranquil kayaking tour that starts in Hilo town and takes you past hidden waterfalls. 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. 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). Youll get to hear a bit about the history of Coconut Island (it will totally surprise you) as you paddle around Hilo Bay. You can read the full story here. If conditions are suitable you can use on-property SUP and kayak equipment to explore the waterfall. One of the most unique tours on this list, the Waterfalls of Kohala tour takes you on a helicopter journey that allows you a unique birds-eye view of some of the prettiest waterfalls on the Big Island. Hanapueo and Umauma Falls. Let us know in the comments below! HOME PRIVACY POLICY TERMS. 6 Favorite waterfalls Akaka falls (inside state park, small entrance fee required) Rainbow falls (free to visit) Umauma falls (on private grounds, entrance fee required) Kulaniapia Falls (on private grounds, entrance fee required) Peepee Falls (+ 1 extra, free to visit) Hiilawe falls (viewable from public road) 7 other waterfalls All the waterfalls listed below are spectacular in their own way, and when you visit them theyre sure to impress. The trail is surrounded by beautiful vegetation and singing birds, and the falls are absolutely worth the effort! For more information on waterfalls in Maui, You can check out this post on the best 15 stops on the Road to Hana. A tour across the Hamakua Coast that stops at Akaka Falls State Park, Rainbow Falls and Richardson Beach Park. In any case, as you can see from the map above and the list below that . This is a great way to see some of the tallest waterfalls in Hawaii. They are one of the best helicopter companies in Hawaii. Located in the Waipio Valley, this waterfall is absolutely breathtaking. Although the Hawaiian archipelago has a multitude of famous waterfalls, especially on Oahu, Maui, and Kauai. 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 waterfall is created from a small stream and is a multiple-tier waterfall located inside the Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Garden. Furthermore, flash floods and strong currents are a real danger there. Please do not put these waterfalls on your to-do list. Thats not to say that the Big Island has the best waterfalls I think all the islands have something great to offer when it comes to these fascinating feats of nature. Keep in mind that youll need to clear a full day of your itinerary for this. Here at Only In Hawaii, weve talked about waterfalls, and weve talked about swimming holes, but now were combining the two and giving you our exclusive list of 13 of the best waterfalls in Hawaii to swim in across all of the islands from spots found only from hiking through the deep jungle of Oahus windward coast, to various scenic spots visible from Mauis breathtaking Hana Highway. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. The hike takes you past 7 waterfalls with as grand finale a cooling dip in the final one! 2023 Hawaii Travel Guide. The falls are located in the rainforest. Youll experience 7 incredible Kohala waterfalls plus a picnic lunch. There are no lifeguards here, so please be extremely cautious. This one has amazing views of the Kohala Coast while listening to fascinating commentary from the pilot. from $85 + taxes & fees | Child $75. 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. Due to its location, the sun hits the water at just the right angle to show off. One of the most spectacular waterfalls in Hawaii is Onomea Falls. Hi'ilawe Falls is a magnificent waterfall located in Waipio Valley on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island. You can view all three of them from an overlook that you can access via a private botanical garden. Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability. the State Parks website for updated pricing. This waterfall used to have a high volume of water in the stream, making swimming here dangerous. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Having traveled to Hawaii MORE THAN 40 TIMES, Marcie is a self-proclaimed Hawaii travel expert! If you only have time to see one of the waterfalls, we suggest seeing the incredible Akaka Falls. If youre looking for a little piece of paradise on the Big Island, just keep your eyes peeled and head to one of these gorgeous waterfalls. Standing at around 80 feet tall, this waterfall is a must-see year round on the Big Island. The Falls has recently been named in the top ten best swimming holes in America by the magazine Travel + Leisure. In general, yes, but there are several risks associated with swimming under waterfalls in the state of Hawaii that you should be aware of. The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls is one of the only waterfalls I recommend swimming at while on the Big Island. with the opportunity to enjoy a relaxing snack break at the waterfalls where you can swim and paddleboard. 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. Another great way to see these waterfalls is to take an organized tour. Hi'ilawe Falls Entry Fees:For Akaka Falls, entry is free for children under ten years old and $5 per adult. Entry to the state park will cost $5 . Akaka Falls and Kahuna Falls. On Highway 19's bridge, most drivers will pass by these 2 neat waterfalls without realizing it! The most important is the water-born disease leptospirosis: dont go swimming if you have any abrasions, scrapes, blisters or other skin lesions. This waterfall is smaller than the rainbow falls but also far less crowded. Did we list it? Nanua Falls is a series of waterfalls on the Hamakua Coast, about 18 miles north of Hilo. 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. Youll find the largest waterfall in Hawaii on the secluded island of Molokai. 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. from the air is as part of a helicopter tour. All Rights Reserved I also included a table of contents, so feel free to skip to the sections you are most interested in. While there are gorgeous waterfalls on Kauai, Oahu, and Maui, the Big Island has some of the most famous waterfalls in Hawaii. The website World of waterfalls is an excellent resource to find out more about the smaller waterfalls on the island. Location: North east side of Big Island. Another, more expensive but more spectacular way to see waterfalls (and the volcano!) Rainbow Falls, or Wainuenue, is located inside the Wailuku River State Park in Hilo, Hawaii. The Best Hiking Shoes for Hawaii in 2021(The Ultimate buying Guide), The 5 Best Reef Safe Sunscreens for Hawaii. Akaka Falls is a spectacularly tall waterfall that hurls down an incredible 422 feet down a mountain face. They are very safe and you will have amazing views. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu. Of course, the most popular and simple strategy is to include a visit into your itinerary as you drive by one or two waterfalls. For those with a daring spirit, the Deleuze ATV Waterfall and Swim Experience tour is for you. 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. Plan to hike on slippery rocks, uphill slogs, tree roots, mud, and unmaintained trails. The state park is located along the northeastern Hilo Coast, west of Honom. It depends on which one you choose! Just make sure to leave this waterfall in Hawaii as clean as you found it. 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. If you already have accommodations, water rappelling can also be booked by the general public. Swimming here is not recommended, even on days where it feels safe. Enjoy! This would allow you to see almost all of our favorite waterfalls and is recommended for people that really love waterfalls. The Majestic Waterfalls Tour is one of the best tours on this list. Get more stories delivered right to your email. This picturesque spot can be found past mile marker 16 on the Hana Highway, below the bridge that crosses Palauhulu Stream. To get to the waterfalls you need to make a pleasant and short 0.4-mile hike through the lush rainforest filled with wild orchids, bamboo groves and draping ferns. 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. Description: Considered one of the best family waterfall hikes on the island, the 800-foot Waipoo Falls can be approached via the Waipoo Falls Trail at Waimea Canyon. Check out the latest prices and details! 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 best seen at a distance, as public access to the base of the falls is not possible. The Experiences Package allows you to water rappel. User-submitted Waterfall Write-up of the Month, and the latest news and updates both within the website as well as around the wonderful world of waterfalls. Hiilawe Falls is located on the Big Island. The 422 ft. tall Akaka falls are a pleasant stop on your way to or from Hilo. 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. If you are looking for a bit more of an adventure, more waterfalls can be found in the valleys of the Kohala coast, as well as on the northern Hamakua coast. This is part of Hawaiis state park system. Stunning Big Island Hawaii Waterfalls Worth a Stop, planning a trip to the Big Island of Hawaii, Courtyard by Marriotts King Kamehameha Beach Hotel, Check out the latest prices and more details, discounted Kohala Waterfalls Adventure Tour, Legends of the Waterfalls and Volcano Tour, budget-friendly things to do on the Big Island. Not only that, but this island is still expanding! It will take you about an hour to reach the end of the path, which is lined with lush greenery and beautiful scenery. Wrapping Up the Best Waterfalls on the Big Island. You will need to pay an admission fee to see these falls. Its not a difficult hike to get to the foot of the waterfall, so you wont need any special gear to visit this beautiful waterfall. Also known as Three Bears falls, Waikani is approximately 70 feet tall, and visible from the Hana Highway. This is for kids at least 5 years old who can comfortably stay in a kayak. Shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 license. As you travel, youll be privy to the views of obscure but beautiful hidden waterfalls, coasts, and beaches. As youre admiring the view of the Kohala Coast, youll also be privy to commentary about the history and culture of the area by the pilot. Mahalo! A delicious catered lunch is provided in our secluded pavilion. This is one of the most famous waterfalls on the Big Island. 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. Waianuenue Falls, Big Island James Walsh/Flickr Kulaniapia Falls is a private waterfall located on the Waiau Stream, not far from Hilo. Take a comfortable ride through stunning countryside up to the hiking trailhead. Rainbow Falls One of Hawaii's most stunning waterfalls, Rainbow Falls is named for the rainbows that can be seen in the mist. as a very big person in the future I want to help people I want to give a gift to the. This is a great family-friendly waterfall as there are no strong currents or falling rocks around. Its a 1,450 feet tall waterfall, although most of it drops 1,201 feet, making it one of the tallest waterfalls in Hawaii. There have been instances where people lost their lives here. It is located in the Pelekunu Preserve on the windward side of Molokai. Swimming here can be dangerous and has proved lethal several times in the past. Its a 100-foot waterfall that youll pass by on your way to Akaka if you follow the footpath. These include stargazing and helicopter tours and is absolutely worth the time and money. 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. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. 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. 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. Oahu is the lively center and most visited of all Hawaiian Islands. While you can access most of these on your own, you can also join Hawaii waterfall tours for a more personalized experience. Are you as obsessed with Hawaiian waterfalls as we are? 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. Subscribe to receive 5 emails in 5 days: Call us for advice! Zipline high above the forest floor, picnic on the rim of Pololu Valley & swim under a private waterfall fed by a cool mountain stream. By donating to our small business, you accept and acknowledge the donation terms. However, they have started opening the grounds to the public for a $49 day pass. Unfortunately, swimming is not allowed at Rainbow Falls, and there are signs warning about the danger of swimming. As we all know, a trip to Hawaii can be expensive and doing free or cheap activities is how most of us can afford to travel. Peepee Falls on the Big Island. This waterfall is one of the tallest waterfalls across all of the Islands, standing at its maximum height at 1,450 feet. Youll see places on the Big Island only accessible by air. The package can include waterfall rappelling, which is the best way to experience Kulaniapia. 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. While there are gorgeous waterfalls on Kauai, Oahu, and Maui, the Big Island has some of the most famous waterfalls in Hawaii. At the bottom of the valley, take a left and walk for roughly 5-10 minutes to see the falls. I have seen other people recommend Peepee Falls as another great option. When river safety conditions permit, you can also go swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding under the Kulaniapia Falls using on-site equipment. Its accessible through several different methods and gorgeous no matter how you see it. With all that you can do at Kulaniapia Falls, it makes this waterfall a top-rated Hawaii waterfall on the Big Island. 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. Sign up for this discounted ATV Waterfall and Swim Experience. 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 bright side, they did not jump off the falls as they planned to. Family friendly zipline tour + private waterfall swim. No, swimming at Akaka Falls is no longer allowed. First trip to the Big Island? And be sure to keep your eyes out for sea turtles, which are known to hang out in this area! You can also see these waterfalls as part of a zipline tour or an ATV and dip (swim) tour at the gardens. 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. Image credit: Mark. The water conceals long lava ridges, so its easy to be pulled in and trapped. The area beyond that is private property, so be aware of where youre going! 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. All partners and related links comply with our Advertising Disclosures. Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden The Oloupena Falls is the tallest waterfall in Hawaii, located on the tiny island of Molokai, stretching an immense 2,953 feet high. This is one of the best waterfalls to visit while on the Big Island, and I highly recommend staying here. Akaka Falls. Hawaii's Big Island is home to some of the islands' most accessible waterfalls, and here are five of the most popular. . Now they have opened up their grounds to a limited amount of daily visitors. The best hikes on the Big Island of Hawaii are indeed a mixed bag. Thankfully they didnt, as there appeared to be rocks under the shallow water at the bottom of the falls. Read THIS first! 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! My personal favorites are Polulu Valley, The Puna Trail, and The hike to Makalawena Beach, to name a few. You dont want any surprises that could ruin your trip. 1: Maui Overview 2: Things to Do 3: Where to Stay 4: Popular Sights and Destinations 5: Road to Hana (Maui) 6: Maui Itinerary 7: Maui blog posts, The second-biggest island in the chain, much of Mauis appeal comes from its natural landscape and biodiversity, including its two massive volcanoes, whale watching and marine ecosystems, 1: Oahu Overview 2: Things to Do 3: Where to Stay 4: Popular Sights and Destinations 5: Oahu Beaches 6: Oahu Itinerary 7: Oahu blog posts.