This has some of the best waterfalls on Maui. This is one of the most famous waterfalls on the Big Island. Credit: John McCollum. youll get to taste seasonal fruit and macadamia nuts, swim at private waterfalls, and enjoy local food for lunch. 9 Hawaii Big Island Waterfalls Rainbow Falls This allows you to experience a birds-eye view of the waterfall! You can access the waterfall for free and its one of the best Big Island hikes. These are gorgeous Hawaii Big Island waterfalls worth checking out. While visiting the Wailuku River State Park, you can also stop by the Peepee Falls. Get your discounted Kohala Zip and Dip Tour. This tour is unique in that it focuses almost entirely on the history and culture of Hawaii. Youll also pass by Boulder Creek on your way to the falls, which is a gorgeous sight to see. 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. . Turn inland (mauka) between mile markers 14 and 13 onto Honomu Road. Another, more expensive but more spectacular way to see waterfalls (and the volcano!) Furthermore, flash floods and strong currents are a real danger there. Nonetheless, its still a breathtaking sight to see. Check out the latest prices and details! Hawaii's Big Island is home to some of the islands' most accessible waterfalls, and here are five of the most popular. Standing at 2,954 feet tall, this waterfall is spectacular. 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! The property offers helicopter, lava tube exploration, stargazing, and lava encounter tours as well. 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). You can see all sorts of hidden waterfalls if you go kayaking, take a boat tour, or ride in a helicopter. It aims to take you on an unforgettable journey through the Hamakua Coast. Each one of these is worth visiting at least once in my opinion. Guests will witness mantas up close as they grace the waters and feed on plankton. The Hiilawe waterfall is one of the tallest waterfalls of the state of Hawai. Hiilawe Falls is one of the top Big Island waterfall hikes to do. Peepee Falls form a rather risky, but popular local swimming hole known as boiling pots. However, swimming here has proved to be lethal and should be avoided. What youll see along the route will depend on what trail you choose, but each one is worth it! 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. This tour takes you on a journey through Hilo, stopping by at the Rainbow Falls, tidepools, and ocean beaches. A helicopter tour of the waterfalls along the Kohala Coast. Akaka, Kahuna, Hiilawe, Rainbow, Umauma, Peepee, Kulaniapia, Onomeaand WaiilikahiFalls. Take a comfortable ride through stunning countryside up to the hiking trailhead. Download and/or view the map of all 9 waterfalls here. Where is the Blue Pool waterfall in Hawaii? This is a full-day trip from Kona. 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. Family friendly zipline tour + private waterfall swim. The waterfall, however, is worth the effort it takes to access it. You dont want any surprises that could ruin your trip. 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. Due to its location, the sun hits the water at just the right angle to show off. An aerial view of Kulaniapia Falls. The beach! Drive down yourself (only with 4WD), or get down to the valley floor as part of a horseback riding tour in the valley. 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. Good to know: to access the falls you must purchase a $49 daypass to the grounds. Click here to see all our recommended waterfall tours on our website. The closest waterfalls in the Kohala district (about 50 miles) require a tour to visit. The Hilton and Sheraton both have really neat waterfalls and its clean clear water. If you have the time and are already visiting Rainbow Falls, add a short hike to continue your waterfall adventure. It takes less than an hour to hike leisurely and is only somewhat sloped uphill. Flash flooding in this area is common, so please proceed with caution. 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). The waterfalls are located less than half a mile from the parking lot. 5 out of 6 of our favorites are close to Hilo, and these falls are very easy to visit. As you tour, youll be able to enjoy amazing photo spots and unparalleled views of the Pacific Ocean, waterfalls, and the Mauna Kea. This half-day tour takes you to the three most famous Big Island waterfalls: 'Akaka Falls, Hi'ilawe Falls and Rainbow Falls. from the air is as part of a helicopter tour. 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. Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden Its an impressive 1,450-foot natural waterfall with a main drop of 1,201 feet. Shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 license. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW. The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls is one of the only waterfalls I recommend swimming at while on the Big Island. You can also see these waterfalls as part of a zipline tour or an ATV and dip (swim) tour at the gardens. If you plan to camp here, please make sure you obtain the proper permits, as they are required. And, youll pass it on the way to Akaka Falls. Most waterfalls can be found on the slopes of the Mauna Kea volcano close to Hilo and on the Hamakua coast. 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. In fact, there is a small parking lot near the falls, as well as a short but slippery path to visit the base. Swim, kayak, stand up paddleboard or just relax and enjoy the scenery with your friends and family. This waterfall is one of the tallest waterfalls across all of the Islands, standing at its maximum height at 1,450 feet. 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. We are independently owned so content written by us merely reflect our own opinions. Youll see places on the Big Island only accessible by air. Just two weeks ago, the couple posted a YouTube video of the mum-to-be at 38-weeks pregnant interacting with dolphins in the sea. So, if youd rather sit back and enjoy a guided tour past some of our best waterfalls you could consider one of the following tours: This is a small-group adventure tour that lets you explore the beautiful and historic north Kohala forests and waterfalls. Youll never run out of things to do here. 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. 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. 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. All Rights Reserved The hike takes you past 7 waterfalls with as grand finale a cooling dip in the final one! These are just a few of the many, many tours that can be booked to see the beautiful waterfalls on the Big Island. Don't miss them because once you see them, you'll never forget them! The falls are located in the rainforest. 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. Free cancellation: up to 24 hours before tour. Check out the latest prices and more details. The admission fee to the park is $5.00 per car or $1 per person for pedestrians. If you decide to swim, please remember to always swim with caution and be aware of the danger around you no matter where you are. Simply put, waterfalls on the Big Island of Hawaii are some of the world's finest. The falls are located in Waimanu Valley. more, 2006-2023 World Of Waterfalls, Hi'ilawe Falls in the Waipio Valley. You can hide and show different layers, or click icons on the map to see the names of waterfalls we mention in this guide. The most spectacular waterfalls on the Big Island of Hawaii Rainbow Falls Pe'epe'e Falls Wai'ale Falls 'Akaka Falls Onomea Falls Umauma Falls Kulaniapia Falls Hi'ilawe Falls Map of the Big Island waterfalls How to decide which Big Island waterfall to visit? The waterfall got its name from the rainbow that often forms at the base. The couple run a healing retreat on Hawaii's Big Island - and Dorina has been swimming with dolphins throughout her pregnancy. This is one of the best waterfalls to visit while on the Big Island, and I highly recommend staying here. Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Heather Goodman. 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. Another great way to see these waterfalls is to take an organized tour. This place is good for viewing and taking photos. Read more about ourHawaii adventureshere. This waterfall used to have a high volume of water in the stream, making swimming here dangerous. This is for kids at least 5 years old who can comfortably stay in a kayak. There are several ways people choose to see the waterfalls. Read more about the Rainbow Falls on our website. This multi tiered, Oheo Gulch, OheO Gulch, Hawaii 96713, USA. Sustainable Travel guide and itineraries for the Big Island of Hawaii. . If youre considering visiting Akaka Falls, check out my full guide HERE. Sign up for this discounted Legends of the Waterfalls & Volcano Tour. One of the coolest ways to experience Kulaniapia Falls is by booking a spot in one of the Experience Packages available at the property. Hanapueo and Umauma Falls. 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. If youre debating on visiting Oahu or Maui, you can check out my other article on Oahu Vs Maui to learn more. Content on this site is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical, health, or safety advice. It depends on which one you choose! Check out the latest prices and more details. Are you as obsessed with Hawaiian waterfalls as we are? They are a series of small pools fed by the Wailuku River. Youll be able to see 3 of the most famous Big Island waterfalls (Akaka Falls, Hiilawe Falls, and Rainbow Falls) on a half-day tour. You can also book one of their events to have access to their waterfall. Oloupena Falls is an impressive 2,953-foot Hawaiian waterfall. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Compared to Rainbow Falls, Peepee Falls are less crowded and less known. Please do not put these waterfalls on your to-do list. A full-day rainforest adventure for all ages. Please keep in mind that the falls are not accessible to the general public. For a beautiful view and unforgettable experience, sign up for a discounted Magical Waterfall Tour. Plan to hike on slippery rocks, uphill slogs, tree roots, mud, and unmaintained trails. If you follow the path, youll see the beautiful Kahuna Falls along the way just before you see Akaka Falls. 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. Make sure your tour includes all of the waterfalls you want to see. All Rights Reserved. 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 " 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? I have included a downloadable map of these waterfalls at the bottom of this post to help with your planning and navigation. 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. Are there a lot of waterfall swimming holes in Hawaii? The waterfalls of Hawaii on the Big Island are absolutely stunning. Not only that, but this island is still expanding! 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 of several waterfalls you hike to on a tour with Hawaii Forest and Trail. The best hikes on the Big Island of Hawaii are indeed a mixed bag. You no longer need to book a tour with the Umauma Experience to get to the falls. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. This ziplining tour is the option for those who love a thrill. Get your discounted Hilo Bay Kayaking Tickets. While theyre all worth seeing, we must warn you that most of them do not have a swimming hole or pool available. Access to the falls is right off the road. Sign up for discounted Hilo Bay Kayaking Tickets. There are so many beautiful waterfalls to check out during your visit to the Big Island. The hike down is very easy and can take as little as 20 minutes. How to use this map: Above youll find a map of waterfalls on the Big Island of Hawaii. 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. Zipline high above the forest floor, picnic on the rim of Pololu Valley & swim under a private waterfall fed by a cool mountain stream. Another stop on Mauis Road to Hana, Puaa Kaa translates to rolling pig in Hawaiian. 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. Dont miss them because once you see them, youll never forget them! In a 30-minute call we help you set up the trip of your dreams. 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. 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.