The gigantic waterfall stands out from the dry, rocky background of the red-walled canyon. with the opportunity to enjoy a relaxing snack break at the waterfalls where you can swim and paddleboard. However, because you descend over 900 feet in such a short distance, the hike up is immensely steep and challenging to manage. Of course, the most popular and simple strategy is to include a visit into your itinerary as you drive by one or two waterfalls. The waterfalls are located less than half a mile from the parking lot. Sign up for our free monthly updates (more info) about everything that is new and happening in Hawaii. Regardless, they are still worth the visit if you love nature and gorgeous views. Swim, kayak, stand up paddleboard or just relax and enjoy the scenery with your friends and family. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Mahalo! I have included a downloadable map of these waterfalls at the bottom of this post to help with your planning and navigation. Each hike has its charm, and all offer beautiful views of different parts of the island. I have seen other people recommend Peepee Falls as another great option. The falls are located in the rainforest. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu. The majority of waterfalls on the Big Island can be seen on your own. They offer a variety of tours to see the falls with ziplining being our favorite way to see the falls. Her next trip to Hawaii is never too far away! As an Amazon Associate, thistraveldream.com earns from qualifying purchases. Not only that, but this island is still expanding! They are all unique in their own ways. So keep an eye out for honu (green sea turtles) and admire the coast! This article covers seven of the Big Islands most beautiful waterfalls! The Peepee Falls are located about 1.5 miles upstream the rainbow falls, at the Wailuku river on the end of Wailuku drive. Lava from Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa meet near the base of Peepee Falls, about 2 miles downstream. We like to get up and close to any waterfall we see, and know the same is true for many of our readers. Sign up for this discounted ATV Waterfall and Swim Experience. Spend a few hours relaxing luxuriating in a private area of the Umauma River. 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. Take your first right onto Akaka Falls Road and continue for 3.75 miles until you reach the parking lot. Big Island is home to some of the tallest falls in the state. Youll start off driving up the Kona coastline pas lava flows and check out sweeping views from the old Kohala Mule Station lookout. 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. Rainbow Falls One of Hawaii's most stunning waterfalls, Rainbow Falls is named for the rainbows that can be seen in the mist. Sugar Water: Hawaiis Plantation Ditches by Carol Wilcox. However, you need to pay a fee to access the private viewing deck. Whether you want to soar over the falls or dive right in and swim them, we have the tour for you. All Rights Reserved. Compared to Oahu or Maui, the Big Island of Hawaii is massive! The hike to the waterfall takes either 5 or 15 minutes, depending on which route you decide to take. Keep in mind that youll need to clear a full day of your itinerary for this. The only waterfall you can swim at on the Big Island is the Inn at Kulaniapia Falls. Each island has some of the best waterfall swimming holes in Hawaii, so no matter where you are, youll find something amazing! The 422 ft tall Akaka falls are part of the Akaka falls state park, located just north of Hilo. The falls used to only be open to those staying at the hotel located on the grounds. 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. 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. Note: There is an admission fee to the state park, $5.00 per car or $1 per person if you are walking. 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. Even though swimming is no longer allowed here, its worth the drive as the view is amazing and can be seen from the parking lot. This state park is home to two amazing waterfalls, one of which plunges 422 feet into a stream-eroded gorge below. 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 lush green northeastern coast- the Hilo and Hamakua Coast regions- is home to lovely tropical gardens nourished by the abundant rainfall the area receives. Hiilawe Falls is one of the best Big Island waterfall hikes. Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Big Island Itinerary complete with daily schedules, kid-friendly activities, and travel hacks? 2023 Hawaii Travel Guide. The Hiilawe waterfall is one of the tallest waterfalls of the state of Hawai. HOME PRIVACY POLICY TERMS. From USD 221.99 (9) Umauma Falls Zipline Tour & Waterfall Swim Adventure . 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. There may be no better way to experience Hawaiian waterfalls than with a helicopter tour. This picturesque spot can be found past mile marker 16 on the Hana Highway, below the bridge that crosses Palauhulu Stream. The state park is located along the northeastern Hilo Coast, west of Honom. Youll get to play in the ocean, explore a tidepool, and see Rainbow Falls. Kayak & Swim in the Umauma River. Waimoku Falls is a 400 foot waterfall that you see pictured on the cover of many of Maui's guidebooks and is one of the tallest waterfalls on Maui. This half-day tour takes you to the three most famous Big Island waterfalls: 'Akaka Falls, Hi'ilawe Falls and Rainbow Falls. If you dont want to search out the waterfalls on your own, this might be the right tour for you. Youll need to pay an entrance fee to enter the area. Stretching 93 miles long, its nearly four times as big as Maui. Where are the best waterfalls to swim in Hawaii? Read more about waterfall safety. Overview . Also known as Three Bears falls, Waikani is approximately 70 feet tall, and visible from the Hana Highway. 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. The area beyond that is private property, so be aware of where youre going! If you do not agree with any part of these terms and conditions, you should not use this website. 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. What takes a waterfall from "beautiful" to "spectacular" is height- and Hawaii's falls undoubtedly have it! Rainbow Falls, located along the length of the Waikuku River and well-known for its beauty and accessibility, is one of the most popular waterfalls on the Big Island. Here are a few top picks that are worth checking out! The property also offers lava encounter tours and lava tube tours as well if you are interested. Akaka Falls is a spectacularly tall waterfall that hurls down an incredible 422 feet down a mountain face. Other than water rappelling, the Experiences Package offers a multitude of other activities. You no longer need to book a tour with the Umauma Experience to get to the falls. With all that you can do at Kulaniapia Falls, it makes this waterfall a top-rated Hawaii waterfall on the Big Island. An aerial view of Kulaniapia Falls. 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. This waterfall is smaller than Rainbow falls, but also way less crowded. 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 Experiences Package allows you to water rappel. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. Visit the State Parks website for updated pricing. Check out the latest prices and more details. Read THIS first! Most of the waterfalls are found near Hilo and northeastern, or Hamakua, coast. Directions: About 30 min north from Hilo airport, park on the mauka (mountain-side) of highway 19 just after the 16 mile marker. 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. This waterfall is smaller than the rainbow falls but also far less crowded. While youre enjoying these natural attractions, be sure to take lots of pictures! It is alleged to have a height of 1,450 feet. Hiilawe (the barely visible waterfall in the back of the valley) is one of the tallest waterfalls on the Big 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. These are gorgeous Hawaii Big Island waterfalls worth checking out. from the air is as part of a helicopter tour. It is located inside the private property and theres no other way to access it. I visited Rainbow Falls in September of 2021 and the trail to get to the top was closed. And if youre heading to Akaka Falls with kids, check out my guide HERE. You can view all three of them from an overlook that you can access via a private botanical garden. Another, more expensive but more spectacular way to see waterfalls (and the volcano!) Wading through these pools is not recommended. My personal favorites are Polulu Valley, The Puna Trail, and The hike to Makalawena Beach, to name a few. It depends on which one you choose! Before we talk about the best waterfalls, lets discuss some FAQs you might have: Swimming is NOT allowed at Akaka Falls State Park. Check out the latest prices and more details. Map of Big Island Waterfalls Wrapping Up the Best Waterfalls on the Big Island 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. This waterfall used to have a high volume of water in the stream, making swimming here dangerous. This is awesome for those not renting a car. You can also walk down from the upper parking lots and viewing decks. 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? Looking for a car rental in Kona, Big island? Marvel at the beauty and adventure that makes up Hawaii. Thankfully they didnt, as there appeared to be rocks under the shallow water at the bottom of the falls. Get your discounted Hilo Bay Kayaking Tickets. Be sure to bring extra clothing. If you think you've located a Big Island waterfall we've omitted, please contact us, and we'll make sure it's added. Great for first-time visitors. One of the, As you are driving on Hana Highway from the north, the first notable attraction you will discover is these twin waterfalls, also known as Hololawa Falls. There are other adventurous activities that you can enjoy here too. 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). There are no lifeguards here, so please be extremely cautious. All the waterfalls listed below are spectacular in their own way, and when you visit them theyre sure to impress. Come join the Big Island's only horseback ride that offers swimming at a waterfall! These falls are not reachable without trespassing and access to them is restricted. Big Island in a Day: Volcanoes, Waterfalls, Sightseeing, History (From $226.96) Hawaii Volcano Adventure Tour from Hilo (From $195.99) I work as a factory electrician. Sign up for this discounted Majestic Waterfalls Tour. The tranquility and solitude youll feel there is truly unmatched. The beach! If you only have time to see one of the waterfalls, we suggest seeing the incredible Akaka Falls. The content on this website may not be copied or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior written permission. Access to the overview for the waterfalls lies on private land which is being managed by the Umauma Experience. Looking for a car rental in Kona, Big island. Check out the latest prices and more details. There are several ways people choose to see the waterfalls. Kulania Falls is nearby and just as beautiful. Youll also pass by Boulder Creek on your way to the falls, which is a gorgeous sight to see. If youre debating on visiting Oahu or Maui, you can check out my other article on Oahu Vs Maui to learn more. Thank you! The content on this website may not be copied or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior written permission. The day pass includes access to amazing hiking trails, tropical gardens and a total of four waterfalls - with Kulaniapia Falls being our favorite. Entry Fees:For Akaka Falls, entry is free for children under ten years old and $5 per adult. You can follow an uphill path towards the waterfall, which is about half a mile long. The waterfall is named for the beautiful rainbow that forms at the waterfalls base. On Highway 19's bridge, most drivers will pass by these 2 neat waterfalls without realizing it! Although Akaka Falls is the main event during the hike, the smaller Kahuna Falls is a must-see as well. You may have a luxury problem though: there are more waterfalls on the Big Island than you can reasonable visit during your stay! 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. It is located in the Pelekunu Preserve on the windward side of Molokai. Just make sure to leave this waterfall in Hawaii as clean as you found it. Check out the latest prices and more details. Farmers Markets. Nanue Falls is located on the Hamakua Coast in Hawaii. Onomea Falls is located along the Hamakua Coast in Hawaii. Compared to Rainbow Falls, Peepee Falls are less crowded and less known. Night Swim with Manta Rays. 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. Each has its own unique beauty that will leave you in awe from start to finish! Whats the Honolulu Sister Cities Program? Located in the Waipio Valley, this waterfall is absolutely breathtaking. 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. Read more on the Umauma experience website. Kulaniapia Falls is once again located on private property, this time belonging to The Inn and usually reserved exclusively for residents there. Several are featured in popular Hawaiian songs. Kohala Waterfalls Small Group Adventure Tour 183 By Hawaii Forest and Trail Adventure Tours 6+ hours See the highlights of Kohala in a day on this small-group adventure tour. You can start the hike to this waterfall from the Waipio Valley lookout. 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). The Kulaniapia waterfall is located on the grounds of the Inn at Kulaniapia and up until recently access to their waterfalls was restricted uniquely to their overnight guests. The Akaka Falls and the Rainbow Falls are hands-down the most-visited waterfalls on the Big Island. Youll be able to get up close and personal with this body of water and have the most memorable time in Hawaii. I am not sure how people did this as signs warn against it, and its illegal and can be dangerous. 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. Of this list, youre not allowed to swim in both Rainbow Falls and Akaka Falls, as it is both dangerous and illegal. However, to visit Onomea Falls, you need to go through the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden and pay an entrance fee. Now you know some of the best waterfalls Big Island has to offer. Check out the latest prices and details.