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. Akaka Falls and Kahuna Falls. Book any of these great Big Island waterfall tours today! We've updated both travel guides with a lot of new great information for potential visitors (and those who've been a time or two as well). Kulaniapia Falls is once again located on private property, this time belonging to The Inn and usually reserved exclusively for residents there. Youll never run out of things to do here. 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? The pots are called boiling pots because, during heavy rain, the flow of water increases and the pots appear to be boiling. But make sure to read up on the waterfall you visit, because sometimes certain areas in the Hawaiian islands are prone to flooding, and can be dangerous to swim in after a heavy rainfall. On the paved uphill Akaka Falls Loop Trail, you'll venture past these two beautiful waterfalls . The falls are located in Waimanu Valley. 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. There is a chance of injury or death if you decide to go swimming or wading in any waterfall. While there are gorgeous waterfalls on Kauai, Oahu, and Maui, the Big Island has some of the most famous waterfalls in Hawaii. This is also close to where most of the black sand beaches on the Big Island are located. Simply put, waterfalls on the Big Island of Hawaii are some of the world's finest. Visiting the Big Island of Hawaii is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and weve done all the work for you to help plan your trip. Hanapueo and Umauma Falls. She was a professional hula dancer for 20 years and even wrote her college thesis on Hawaiian history. The website World of waterfalls is an excellent resource to find out more about the smaller waterfalls on the island. This one has amazing views of the Kohala Coast while listening to fascinating commentary from the pilot. 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. The lush landscape alone is enough to warrant a hike here. The Big Island Waterfalls page is where we narrow our focus of Hawaiian Waterfalls to the Big Island of Hawaii. Swim, kayak, stand up paddleboard or just relax and enjoy the scenery with your friends and family. I also included a table of contents, so feel free to skip to the sections you are most interested in. You can follow an uphill path towards the waterfall, which is about half a mile long. The waterfalls of Hawaii on the Big Island are absolutely stunning. Access to the overview for the waterfalls lies on private land which is being managed by the Umauma Experience. Its accessible through several different methods and gorgeous no matter how you see it. It is also possible to rappel down along the Kulaniapia Falls. A tour across the Hamakua Coast that stops at Akaka Falls State Park, Rainbow Falls and Richardson Beach Park. The hike is beautiful, surrounded by bamboo groves and delicate wild orchids. Rainbow Falls One of Hawaii's most stunning waterfalls, Rainbow Falls is named for the rainbows that can be seen in the mist. Located in the Cummins Falls State Park in Jackson County, Tennessee, the Cummins Falls is 75 feet high and is the eighth largest waterfall in Tennessee by volume. Kayak & Swim in the Umauma River. Photo credit: Island of Hawaii Visitors Bureau (IHVB) / Tyler Schmitt. Each hike has its charm, and all offer beautiful views of different parts of the island. 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. Check out the latest prices and more details. Take a comfortable ride through stunning countryside up to the hiking trailhead. The state park is located along the northeastern Hilo Coast, west of Honom. It depends on which one you choose! These falls are not reachable without trespassing and access to them is restricted. However, to visit Onomea Falls, you need to go through the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden and pay an entrance fee. Click here to see all our recommended waterfall tours on our website. 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. For more information on waterfalls in Maui, You can check out this post on the best 15 stops on the Road to Hana. All partners and related links comply with our Advertising Disclosures. Majestic Waterfalls Tour A tour across the Hamakua Coast that stops at 'Akaka Falls State Park, Rainbow Falls and Richardson Beach Park. Spend a few hours relaxing luxuriating in a private area of the Umauma River. The closest waterfalls in the Kohala district (about 50 miles) require a tour to visit. Umauma Falls And it is surrounded by immense boulders and greenery. If you decide to swim, please take extra precautions as rivers are prone to flash flooding. Hiilawe Falls is often considered to be the tallest waterfall in Hawaii. 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. Nonetheless, its still a breathtaking sight to see. There are so many beautiful waterfalls to check out during your visit to the Big Island. One of several waterfalls you hike to on a tour with Hawaii Forest and Trail. But dont worry, this is a very easy hike to do and the trail is paved and well maintained. From USD 130.62. Make sure your tour includes all of the waterfalls you want to see. Starting from the pickup points in Kona you are driven along the sweeping northern Kona coast past ancient lava flows up to the old Kohala Mule Station lookout with its sweeping views. Located along the Umauma River in Hakalau, Umauma Falls is a series of three, short cascading waterfalls. Your use of this website constitutes your acceptance of all the terms, conditions, and disclaimers posted herein. 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. If youre thinking of driving a 44 vehicle down, Id be careful and ensure that it has enough horsepower and gas to make it back up. Located in Hilo, Hawaii in Wailuku River State Park, Rainbow Falls might be the most famous waterfall on the island. This would allow you to see almost all of our favorite waterfalls and is recommended for people that really love waterfalls. Rappelling at the Kulaniapia Falls. Good to know: to access the falls you must purchase a $49 daypass to the grounds. The Waipio Valley lookout trailhead is a very steep but short half-mile hike. There are several ways people choose to see the waterfalls. Star the map to save it to your own Google Maps, or open the map in a new window for a larger version. If youre considering visiting Akaka Falls, check out my full guide HERE. 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. I hope that these waterfalls and tours will give you an idea of what you can add to your itinerary for your trip to the Big Island! Hi'ilawe Falls Our most popular hotels on the Island of Hawaii This broad waterfall in the Wailuku river is conveniently located within Hilo town. 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. Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Big Island Itinerary complete with daily schedules, kid-friendly activities, and travel hacks? Please do not be tempted to hike up if there are signs that say hiking is not allowed and its blocked off. Whether you want to soar over the falls or dive right in and swim them, we have the tour for you. 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 " If waterfalls are your thing you most likely wont be happy to see only the biggest six. The hike is suitable for the whole family and takes half an hour if you take your time. 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. Check out the latest prices and more details. It is located about 1.6 miles (5-minute drive) from Rainbow Falls and is also part of the Wailuku River. The Magical Waterfall Tour is an airborne tour that takes you on a visit to the coastline of Waipio Valley and Waimanu Valley. To be exact, you can find it along the Umauma River in Hakalau. Also known as Three Bears falls, Waikani is approximately 70 feet tall, and visible from the Hana Highway. 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. 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. Youll get to hear a bit about the history of Coconut Island (it will totally surprise you) as you paddle around Hilo Bay. Visit the Botanical Gardens website for updated pricing. Sign up for this discounted Waipio Valley and Waterfalls Adventure. Enjoy! Table of Contents hide 1 Rainbow Falls 2 Akaka Falls 3 Umauma Falls 4 Wai'ale Falls 5 PeePee Falls 6 Hi'ilawe Falls 7 Private Waterfalls 8 Why Are There So Many Waterfalls in Hawaii? 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. Have you gone to any of the best waterfalls in Hawaii to swim? If that is the case you should definitely have a look at our lists of waterfalls for the other islands: The light blue waterfalls marked on the map below represent our favorites that are described in more detail below. There may be no better way to experience Hawaiian waterfalls than with a helicopter tour. The hike takes you past 7 waterfalls with as grand finale a cooling dip in the final one! The cliffs were formed from the lava flow from Mauna Kea that once flowed down the mountainside. The best time to visit the rainbow falls is in the early morning because this is when you have the most chance to see rainbows in the spray of the waterfall. Other than water rappelling, the Experiences Package offers a multitude of other activities. The Umauma falls are three waterfalls in close proximity to the Umauma River, 16 miles north of Hilo on the Hamakua coast. Whats the Honolulu Sister Cities Program? Besides the abundant disease there are a lot of rock chunks that get eroded and transported by the stream So there are chunks in the waterfall normaly From USD 221.99 (9) Umauma Falls Zipline Tour & Waterfall Swim Adventure . Double your adventure with the Kohala Zip and Dip and explore the enchanting lands of North Kohala. Bear right at the top of the hill onto the main street of Honomu town. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu. 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. What is the best way to visit all these waterfalls? The hike to the waterfall takes either 5 or 15 minutes, depending on which route you decide to take. These are just a few of the many, many tours that can be booked to see the beautiful waterfalls on the Big Island. Check out the latest prices and more details. The couple run a healing retreat on Hawaii's Big Island - and Dorina has been swimming with dolphins throughout her pregnancy. 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. 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. Nanue Falls is located on the Hamakua Coast in Hawaii. 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! I have seen other people recommend Peepee Falls as another great option. Each one of these is worth visiting at least once in my opinion. 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. You dont want any surprises that could ruin your trip. Overview . Most waterfalls can be found on the slopes of the Mauna Kea volcano close to Hilo and on the Hamakua coast. As an Amazon Associate, thistraveldream.com earns from qualifying purchases. Sign up for this discounted Kohala Waterfalls Adventure Tour. This can cause the falls to be (almost) dry even during the wet season. By far, Akaka Falls are my favorite waterfall to visit on the Big Island. Akaka and Kahuna Falls are part of the Akaka Falls State Park, located north of Hilo. Flash flooding in this area is common, so please proceed with caution. This waterfall is created from a small stream and is a multiple-tier waterfall located inside the Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Garden. Directions: About 30 min north from Hilo airport, park on the mauka (mountain-side) of highway 19 just after the 16 mile marker. Compared to many other Hawaiian Islands, the Big Island is huge. Rainbow Falls is not safe for swimming. The falls used to only be open to those staying at the hotel located on the grounds. If you're looking for the best Big Island waterfall adventures, then look no further. When people talk about swimming at Peepee Falls, they are probably referring to the boiling pots located by the lookout point. To be exact, you can visit Hiilawe Falls by going to the Waipio Valley at the Kohala Coast in Hawaii. Upper Waikani Falls Joe Parks/Flickr Also known as Three Bears falls, Waikani is approximately 70 feet tall, and visible from the Hana Highway. Great for first-time visitors. Regardless, they are still worth the visit if you love nature and gorgeous views. A picnic lunch and hotel transport are included for a hassle-free experience. Sign up for this discounted Majestic Waterfalls Tour. Umauma Falls is located on the Big Island in Hawaii. Waterfalls of Kohala A helicopter tour of the waterfalls along the Kohala Coast. 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 Located in the Waipio Valley, this waterfall is absolutely breathtaking. Thankfully they didnt, as there appeared to be rocks under the shallow water at the bottom of the falls. Although smaller, the Kahuna Falls is similarly beautiful. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. The tropical gardens have a wonderful overlook that allows you to get a great view of Umauma Falls. This is why we list the tallest, most popular, and most easily accessible waterfalls on the Big Island: to make sure you spend your waterfall-time as efficient as possible. Where are all the waterfalls in Hilo Hawaii? youll get to taste seasonal fruit and macadamia nuts, swim at private waterfalls, and enjoy local food for lunch. It is located inside the private property and theres no other way to access it. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. This waterfall is one of the tallest waterfalls across all of the Islands, standing at its maximum height at 1,450 feet. [more], 2006-2023 World Of Waterfalls, All Rights Reserved 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. Standing at around 80 feet tall, this waterfall is a must-see year round on the Big Island. It takes about 60 to 90 minutes to hike to the waterfall. Before we talk about the best waterfalls, lets discuss some FAQs you might have: Swimming is NOT allowed at Akaka Falls State Park. Sign up for this discounted Majestic Waterfalls Tour. Its easily accessible and it will only take you about half an hour to get here. 'Akaka Falls 'Akaka Falls is located just north of Hilo and are a gem of the Big Island's waterfalls. Good to know: The river feeding Hiilawe is used for irrigation purposes. Sugar Water: Hawaiis Plantation Ditches by Carol Wilcox. Log in, We are passionate waterfall lovers eager to share our experiences chasing waterfalls around the world! You can hide and show different layers, or click icons on the map to see the names of waterfalls we mention in this guide. So keep an eye out for honu (green sea turtles) and admire the coast! The property offers helicopter, lava tube exploration, stargazing, and lava encounter tours as well. While you can access most of these on your own, you can also join Hawaii waterfall tours for a more personalized experience. Here, youll zipline across the forest, have lunch in the Pololu Valley, and even swim in a Big Island 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. 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. Please do not put these waterfalls on your to-do list. Hawaii's Big Island is home to some of the islands' most accessible waterfalls, and here are five of the most popular. You will need to stop at the visitor center to register before heading to the falls. Hi'ilawe Falls Enjoy this 8-hour adventure as you explore Kohala, the oldest of five volcanos that make up the Big Island. Click on the top left of the map to find separate layers marking the route and points of interest. In fact, there is a small parking lot near the falls, as well as a short but slippery path to visit the base. Plus it has numerous attractions, from volcanic rock formations to beautiful waterfalls. Guests will witness mantas up close as they grace the waters and feed on plankton. Lava from Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa meet near the base of Peepee Falls, about 2 miles downstream. Read more about the Rainbow Falls on our website. What I mean by this is that it was once one of the tallest and mightiest waterfalls in all the islands of Hawai'i with its often quoted cumulative height of 1,450ft. 2. Weve rounded up our top picks for some of the most beautiful spots for waterfalls on the Big Island. Some of which are so beautiful that they inspired some of Hawaiis most popular songs. Be sure to bring extra clothing. Youll also pass by Boulder Creek on your way to the falls, which is a gorgeous sight to see. Which one was your favorite? The Northern beach offers the best base location for those wanting to live by the sea in Sons of the Forest. Aside from waterfalls, youll also be able to see red-hot lava flows, the Kohala Mule Station lookout, and more! Check out the latest prices and details! From USD 218.85 (9) Big Island Waterfall Swim & Rainforest Hiking Tour & Nature Eco-Adventure . This picturesque spot can be found past mile marker 16 on the Hana Highway, below the bridge that crosses Palauhulu Stream. Check out the latest prices and more details. This is a full-day trip from Kona. Check out the latest prices and more details. One of the risks is that rocks occasionally get washed over the falls and can land on unsuspecting swimmers. The size of these waterfalls and their location in the lush and tropical rainforest makes them a popular and spectacular attraction to check out. Access costs $12 per person (walk-in fee, no pre-bookings required), which also buys you access to their garden. For the adventurous, go off-roading on the Big Islands Hamakua Coast in a Honda ATV or a Side x Side UTV. You can also book one of their events to have access to their waterfall. Its location allows the sun to hit the water at just the perfect angle. Get your discounted Waterfalls of Kohala Tour. Where is the Blue Pool waterfall in Hawaii? This allows you to experience a birds-eye view of the waterfall! They are all unique in their own ways. 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. We enjoy nature, the ocean, mountains, adventure, and all things outdoors. Peepee Falls on the Big Island. Sign up for this discounted ATV Waterfall and Swim Experience. The Best Hiking Shoes for Hawaii in 2021(The Ultimate buying Guide), The 5 Best Reef Safe Sunscreens for Hawaii. I have seen people continue to do it anyway, but this is just asking for trouble. Big Island of Hawaii Waterfalls Simply put, waterfalls on the Big Island of Hawaii are some of the world's finest. 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. The largest waterfall in Hawaii is Oloupena Falls, located in Molokai. Download your copy of our That means, you should take extra care to make sure you leave it as you saw it! You can also see these waterfalls as part of a zipline tour or an ATV and dip (swim) tour at the gardens. The 422 ft tall Akaka falls are part of the Akaka falls state park, located just north of Hilo. Most of these places do not have a lifeguard on duty, making you solely responsible for your safety. Hello, my name is Abduvaliev diyorbek. If you prefer places that are not busy, then you will love Peepee Falls. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. The Big Island, however, also has breathtaking waterfalls. I highly discourage doing this hike during the rainy season. You can now drive on a concrete road right to the falls and tropical garden. Most of the waterfalls on the Big Island are fairly close to Hilo. Be sure not the trespass onto the private land that surrounds the waterfall. This Upper Waikani Falls, Hana Hwy, Haiku, HI 96708, USA 2. the State Parks website for updated pricing. While I was there I witnessed two people hike to the top, even though it clearly said not to do so. Be sure to do both if you have the time. The volume of the rainbow falls (or Waianuenue) changes on a daily basis. Oloupena Falls is an impressive 2,953-foot Hawaiian waterfall. There are plenty of these tours you can take while on the Big Island. Image credit: Mark. On Highway 19's bridge, most drivers will pass by these 2 neat waterfalls without realizing it! The Big Island is filled with tourist attractions! Copyright 2023 Guide of US, LLC. Its such a fun, Combine vibrant sapphire pools with some stellar spots for cliff jumping, and youve got one of Mauis local hangouts. #1. We decided to take a scenic drive while staying on the Hilo side to see some of these waterfalls. Click the button below. This 8-hour tour takes you from Kona to the oldest volcano on the Big Island for an inspiring and exhilarating day. You may have a luxury problem though: there are more waterfalls on the Big Island than you can reasonable visit during your stay! 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. Check out the latest prices and more details. Sustainable Travel guide and itineraries for the Big Island of Hawaii. Did we list it? The Majestic Waterfalls Tour is one of the best tours on this list. These 7 Big Island waterfalls are truly spectacular and well worth checking out during your stay here! Join this tour to see waterfalls and the stunning Hilo scenery and learn about King Kamehameha the Great and his preference for the area. Nanua Falls is a series of waterfalls on the Hamakua Coast, about 18 miles north of Hilo. It is alleged to have a height of 1,450 feet. Just make sure to leave this waterfall in Hawaii as clean as you found it. 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. You can access this trail from the Waipio Valley lookout. Most of these waterfalls are located very close to each other, and it makes sense to see them in one day as it only takes a few minutes to get from one to the other. Copyright 2019-2023 Hawaii Travel With Kids/Marcie In Mommyland, Top 7 Big Island Hawaii Waterfalls You Should Visit, Privacy Policy for Hawaii Travel with Kids, Courtyard by Marriotts King Kamehameha Beach Hotel. 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. And this rainfall provides lots of opportunities to appreciate the island's falls. As you travel, youll be privy to the views of obscure but beautiful hidden waterfalls, coasts, and beaches. Now you know some of the best waterfalls Big Island has to offer. On the bright side, they did not jump off the falls as they planned to. The farmers markets are a little-known gem allowing visitors to meet locals, shop for arts and crafts and enjoy edible treasures.