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Hawaii’s newest and largest island has some of the most powerful natural forces on earth. The Big Island of Hawaii features volcanoes, lush valleys, black sand beaches, and beautiful waterfalls, and occasionally a snow capped mountain.
If you’re looking to explore some of the most breathtaking Big Island waterfalls, look no further than this comprehensive travel guide to fourteen of the most marvelous cascades! The Big Island of Hawaii is home to some of the best waterfalls, each with its unique charm and personality.
While Kauai, Oahu, and Maui all have stunning waterfalls, too, the Big Island is home to some of Hawaii’s most renowned, many of which are included in well-known Hawaiian tunes. Traversing the island to find the waterfalls will also give you the secondary pleasure of experiencing the many beautiful areas of the island. With everything from gentle cascades to powerful plunges, there’s something for everyone.
So grab your swimsuit or hiking gear, and head to one (or more!) to jumpstart your full-day Big Island waterfalls adventure!
Waterfalls on the Hilo Coast
Rainbow Falls
Pro Tip: Visit Rainbow Falls in the morning to avoid crowds.
Rainbow Falls, one of the waterfalls in Wailuku River State Park near Hilo, is a stunning waterfall to see first thing in the morning. It’s located just outside Hilo Town and is easily accessible by foot from the parking lot. The falls resemble an 80-foot-tall white shower falling over a rock shelf and into a calm blue-green pool when the flow is just right.
Like all waterfalls, Rainbow Falls’ presentation is influenced by recent rainfall. It can alternate between a solitary, thin stream and a turbulent cascade. You can opt to take one of the many waterfall tours in the area that will take you not only to Rainbow Falls, but Akaka Falls and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, as well.
The rainbow that can occasionally be seen arching across the falls gave rise to the place’s name, and the name says it all. Rainbow Falls is known to produce a lovely rainbow effect that can be seen any time of day or night. Its Hawaiian name, Waianuenue Falls, translates to “rainbow seen in the water.”
The surrounding greenery appears to be a dense jungle from the overlook. A view from the peak of Rainbow Falls is accessible through a route to the left of the observation point.
Unfortunately, this is a very well-liked tourist destination, which makes it a favorite hangout for thieves. As a result, make sure to lock your car and never leave any valuables inside.
Pe’epe’e Falls
Pro Tip: Be aware that there is no designated or authorized hiking trail and the hike to get a closer view of the falls should not be used after significant rainfall.
Found near Pahoa Village on the southeast side of the island in the Puna district, these falls flow through an old lava tube and drop more than 100 feet into a swimming hole below. They’re perfect for swimming and cliff jumping! It’s about a mile from the road, but it’s worth it to view the falls and the swimming hole at the bottom.
If you’re in Hilo and are already visiting the well-known Rainbow Falls, you might as well drive another mile up the road and check out Pe’epe’e Falls, as well. There is a vantage point on the road where you can observe this lesser-known waterfall from a distance.
A series of small pools and waterfalls called Boiling Pots, a collection of bowl-shaped ponds where water rushes through old lava rocks and tubes, is closer to the lookout point. These may be seen in great detail from the viewing area.
Due to subsurface lava tubes, the pots appear to boil during periods of heavy rain; hence the name Boiling Pots. If it has recently rained and a lot of water is flowing down the stream, it may get extremely tumultuous.
Throwing caution to the wind, there is a trail that will get you closer to the falls themselves on the other side of the Boiling Pots overlook. You must follow the river upstream to reach the sizable plunge pool below Pe’epe’e Falls. There will be some rock-slipping on the climb to the waterfall, and you might get wet. This hike is roughly a mile round trip.
Pe’epe’e Falls drops about 80 feet into a pool below and is flanked by lava rocks and lush vegetation.
Kulaniapia Falls
Pro Tip: You can reserve an advanced day pass without staying at the inn to enjoy the private property and Kulaniapia Falls.
Kulaniapia Falls is a private waterfall on the Waiau Stream that rises between 80 and 100 feet (estimated height) on the lower slopes of Mauna Kea, not far from Hilo. Lenny, the property’s owner, claims that the “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” film crew visited his location to capture the waterfall.
Even though these falls aren’t accessible to the general public, staying above Hilo Bay gives you access to your own private waterfall. At the base of the falls, there is a pond where you can swim.
Waiʻale Falls
Pro Tip: Swim at your own risk, as several people have been swept away by the river.
Near downtown Hilo, Waiale Falls (or Wai’ale Falls) is a lesser known waterfall located further upstream from Pe’epe’e Falls and the famous Rainbow Falls. Although the Wai’ale Falls’ two tiers are not particularly tall, a substantial amount of water flows through them. Likewise, the more well-known Rainbow Falls receive the same water that goes downstream.
There are two layers to the falls. A wall constructed beneath the falls’ flow looks to have been added to the lowest tier. A bridge on Waianuenue Road offers a glimpse of Wai’ale Falls. The sights don’t get much better as you climb a dusty trail to the top of the falls.
A 0.25-mile “path” that is overgrown and occasionally dim leads to pools at the top of the falls, in addition to providing a scenic view of both waterfall tiers. The trailhead to Wai’ale Falls is not designated, and depending on the time of year, it might be overgrown. However, you should be able to see a cut in the trees indicating the beginning of the route if you look to the north side of the river.
The short trail will take hikers out of the bushes and up to the first tier of Waiale Falls. This lower tier of the Waiale Falls, also known as the first tier, runs over an artificial wall originally used as a dam. The upper tier of the Waiale Falls, or the second tier of this cascade, can also be seen more clearly here.
The bottom tier of the waterfall is connected to the higher tier by a plunge pool. The upper tier is a naturally occurring waterfall that cascades water over a lava cliff into the plunge pool below it. In reality, there are multiple pool sections isolated from one another by large rock barriers.
Even though swimming at Waiale Falls is technically possible, significant risks are involved. In addition, beware, there aren’t any lifeguards on duty here. As a result, it’s typical for visitors to come by themselves or in small groups.
Hamakua Coast
Kahuna Falls
Pro Tip: To avoid paying the $10 parking fee, park on the roadside just outside the parking area.
One short stroll past Akaka Falls State Park will take you past two breathtaking waterfalls, one of which is Kahuna Falls. These falls are quite a bit smaller at just 100 feet compared to Akaka Falls 442 feet, but worth the 0.4 mile hike to catcha glimpse.
The uphill uphill passes through a verdant rainforest dotted with groves of bamboo, wild orchids, and hanging ferns. Even with the kids, you may take a trip to Kahuna Falls because of the trail’s low difficulty level.
After your nature excursion, be sure to stop by Mana’s Aloha Fruit Stand to pick up some fresh pineapples and coconuts for the authentic Hawaiian experience.
Non-residents must pay $5 to enter Akaka Falls State Park in addition to the parking fee if you don’t park outside the designated parking area. With an ID, entrance is free for Hawaii residents.
Akaka Falls
Pro Tip: You can only pay your entrance and parking fee with a credit card.
Hawaii’s Akaka Falls State Park is home to the Big Island’s most easily accessible and tallest waterfall, as well as one of the most celebrated. This may be the most famous waterfall on the Big Island due to its convenient location just off Highway 19 and its stunning beauty. It features a beautiful rainforest setting and plunges 442 feet into a gorge below.
West of Honomu, near Hilo, is where you’ll find the Akaka Falls State Park and this glorious natural waterfall. It easily accessible by a paved footpath making it friendly for wheelchairs and children.
It’s a great place to visit if you’re looking for a hike, as the trail to get there is only about 0.6 miles long. You will need about a half hour to an hour to reach the path’s end, surrounded by rich vegetation and spectacular landscape.
The park’s accessible area is located high on the western shoulder of the narrow gorge into which the Akaka waterfall cascades. Visitors can see the waterfalls from various points along the park’s trail. The Akaka Falls are one of the most well-known sites on this side of the island, so be ready to encounter other hikers along the way. They are also one of the Big Island’s top 5 favorite waterfalls.
The state park website has the most recent details on the “Akaka Falls Loop Trail.” Additionally, Google offers a virtual tour of the trail.
To avoid the crowds and view the waterfalls lit by the sun, try to visit before 11 am. It’s fine if you arrive later; the Akaka Falls are beautiful to view in any weather, with or without people, and at any time of day.
Kolekole Falls
Pro Tip: This is the waterfall to visit for those trying to avoid crowds of tourists.
You probably won’t come across somebody looking for Kolekole Falls. It’s not unusually large, towering, or fantastic. However, Because many tourists choose to see the nearby Akaka Falls, Kolekole Falls is also an excellent area to enjoy a picnic away from the crowds. With shelters, bathrooms, picnic tables, and barbecue pits, Kolekole Beach Park makes guests feel at home.
On the Hamakua Coast of the Big Island of Hawaii, Kolekole Falls is tucked away in the lush, jungle-like Kolekole Beach Park. The Kolekole Stream, which is fed by Akaka Falls, is frequently used as a swimming pool.
Just above where the stream reaches the seashore, the plunge pool of the falls is a well-liked swimming area, as well. The falls are a great place to spend the day relaxing, or you may visit them as part of one of the many waterfall tours along the Hamakua Coast. Adventurers can also take a zipline tour that weaves through the emerald-green mountains to view the falls from above.
Umauma Falls
Pro Tip: In addition to Umauma Falls, visitors can select from a variety of à la carte activities, including a gigantic swing, a hike along the flume trail, kayaking, or a stroll around the tropical grounds.
Climb 15 minutes up through lush rainforest scenery to reach these three-tiered waterfalls – it’s definitely worth the effort! Umauma Falls is a stunning three-tiered waterfall with a cumulative height of roughly 300 feet that is situated about 16 miles north of Hilo.
The World Botanical Gardens had previously provided access to this waterfall, but the Umauma Falls viewing point and its 90 acres of surroundings were sold to Umauma Experience in 2008. This business also runs zip line tours. The Umauma Experience is the only way to access the waterfall at this time, and the entrance fee for seeing the waterfall and garden is $12 + taxes and fees.
After stopping at the visitor center, you can proceed directly to the falls and tropical garden. This self-guided tour does not require reservations. Take as much or as little time as you want. Just be aware that 4:30 pm is the last admission time to view the falls.
Onomea Falls
Pro Tip: Onomea Falls is located inside the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden.
The Onomea Falls are a lovely addition to any waterfall tour of the Big Island. The waterfall divides itself into numerous stages. You’ll have lots of chances to take stunning pictures against the backdrop of palms, ferns, rocks, and trees, especially if you stand along the narrow bridge close to the falls.
The botanical gardens located here are also a big draw for visitors. You can see approximately 2000 different species in the 20-acre botanical gardens! There are many kinds of flowers, plants, and trees to discover along the paved walkways that go through the beautiful jungle. Even some unusual birds may be seen in the gardens. A visit is absolutely worthwhile!
The Admission fee is $25, and the gardens are accessible daily from 9 am to 5 pm.
Nanue Falls
Pro Tip: There are a lot of mosquitoes in this region, so bring insect repellent.
The Big Island’s Hamakua Coast, about 18 miles north of Hilo, is home to several waterfalls collectively known as Nanue Falls. The lower portion of the waterfall is what most people witness. More enormous waterfalls are located further upstream, but accessing them involves a trek along Nanue Stream.
The hike is relatively steep and unpleasant and entails boulder-hopping along the stream. You can find another waterfall downstream from the bridge (the name “Nanue” is etched into the stone bridge); to get to its top, take the steep slope that descends from the guardrail 75 feet beyond the bridge.
It is not advisable to hike along the stream due to the slick boulders and the risk of flash floods, which can sweep you off your feet and injure you. Therefore, the stream and waterfall are best viewed from the Nanue Stream bridge on Old Mamalahoa Highway.
Kohala Coast
Hi’ilawe Falls
Pro Tip: Be advised that a hike into the valley to view the falls might not be worthwhile because the falls have diminished over time.
Located in Waipio Valley, Hi’ilawe Falls has a primary drop of 1,201 feet and a length of an astonishing 1,450 feet. It is one of Hawaii’s highest and strongest waterfalls, though, around March, it tends to dry out a little. But even so, it’s a breathtaking sight to behold.
If you take a hike down to the Waipio Valley, you can also witness this waterfall up close! The centerpiece of numerous helicopter tours over the island, this 1,200-foot waterfall is one of the most powerful and tallest waterfalls on any island in the Hawaiian archipelago.
A few years ago, the river that feeds the falls was blocked, making the water smaller and less dramatic. As a result, the early winter and rainiest months offer the best viewing of the falls. Despite the reduction in water flow, it remains one of the Big Island’s most popular waterfalls.
A hike to the waterfall takes 60 to 90 minutes. However, you won’t need extra equipment to view this lovely waterfall because the journey to the waterfall’s base is manageable. Unfortunately, the hike is challenging on the way back up because it is so steep.
The waterfall can best be seen from within the valley or the air because of how deeply it is buried in the valley. So while you would assume that the Waipi’o Valley Lookout offers a nice view of the falls, you can only see across the valley.
On the Muliwai Trail, also known as the Z-Trail, which lies on the other side of the valley, you may get the best panoramic picture of Hi’ilawe Falls and the Waipio Valley. About halfway up the switchbacks, there are stunning views of the valley and the waterfalls.
There is an access route along Waipio Valley Road for motivated and physically fit individuals to view the waterfall from the valley bottom. However, the journey is only advised if you have a 4X4 because this one-way, paved road is incredibly steep downhill with a 25% declining slope, on average. In fact, it’s one of the steepest roads in the world and the steepest in the United States.
Depending on the water level, there are also a few rivers that must be crossed if you want to travel all the way to the road’s finish. From there, proceed past the intersection and into the valley, where you can see the falls. You are currently on private property, and continuing would be trespassing.
Alternatively, you can book a tour to descend the 25% incline horseback riding or in a 4-wheel drive vehicle.
Kaluahine Falls & Waiulili Falls
Pro Tip: Waipio Valley and these magnificent coastal waterfalls should be at the top of your list of things to visit.
Waipio Valley is the last and biggest of the seven valleys east of the Kohala Mountains, located on the Big Island’s Hamakua Coast. The green valley is surrounded by enormous cliffs that rise more than 2,000 feet, giving the area tranquility, seclusion, and mystery. This gorgeous region is full of breathtaking landscapes everywhere you turn and is a significant historical and cultural landmark.
The valley is challenging to access, much like many other locations on the Big Island. A four-wheel drive vehicle is highly advised if you intend to drive yourself. Although paved, the mile-long road is steep and narrow. You can also park at the Waipio Valley Lookout and hike into the valley from there.
This waterfall, which plunges directly off a cliff toward the beach and ocean below, makes a perfect turnaround point for your journey from the parking lot above. Bring a camera because you won’t be able to stop talking about this coastal waterfall. A second waterfall can be seen nearby if you look closely.
These two magnificent waterfalls are Waiulili Falls and Kaluahine Falls. If you intend to explore, wear solid shoes and avoid venturing too far because the region is a mix of rough jungle and private land. Hiking down from the vantage point above the beach is the most effective way to get there.
Laupahoehoe Point Waterfall
Pro Tip: Locals love Laupahoehoe because it is somewhat isolated, has little traffic on weekdays, and is generally quiet.
The Laupahoehoe Point Waterfall has two sections – an upper section, which flows over a jagged lava shelf, and a lower section which spills into a serene pool area. Both are equally stunning and well worth exploring.
Laupahoehoe Point is a peninsula with coconut trees, grass, and black lava rocks on the coastline, contrasting nicely with the bottomless blue ocean that is incredibly vibrant on a sunny day. It is situated on the Big Island’s Hamakua Coast.
Although Laupahoehoe is renowned for its beautiful scenery, it also has a dark past. On April 1st, 1946, a tsunami struck this location, killing five adults and nineteen schoolchildren. The victims’ names and ages were inscribed on a rock in the park as a monument. Later, the village was moved further inland to prevent a repeat of the disaster.
This park is a beautiful place for a picnic and photos, but there are few opportunities for water sports there. The ocean here is too rough and unsafe for swimming, save from checking out the nearby tidepools. Also, the waves often crash against the lava rocks while you’re out on the peninsula.
The Big Island Is Full Of Waterfall Experiences
A waterfall tour of the Big Island will naturally lead to exploration of the diverse ecosystems, areas, and adventures that this paradise has to offer. Whether it’s a casual photo opportunity for the family or a mission along a rugged hiking trail, each one holds a special island adventure.
Planning your trip to visit the waterfalls should involve a strategic jump off point. There are plenty of vacation rental homes across the island to choose from for your family or groups next trip.
