If youre considering visiting Akaka Falls, check out my full guide HERE. Kulania Falls is nearby and just as beautiful. These falls are not reachable without trespassing and access to them is restricted. Can you swim in any waterfalls on the Big Island? Later you transfer to an off-road vehicle to get off the beaten path and take a small hike along the tunnels and aqueducts of an over 100 year old sugar plantation. The falls are located in Waimanu Valley. 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. You can view all three of them from an overlook that you can access via a private botanical garden. Furthermore, flash floods and strong currents are a real danger there. As you travel, youll stop at the famous Big Island Candies store, where youll be treated to some of the best candy on the Big Island! This broad waterfall in the Wailuku river is conveniently located within Hilo town. 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). Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. 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. At the bottom of the valley, take a left and walk for roughly 5-10 minutes to see the falls. 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! Confirming what your tour includes will ensure that you wont miss out on any of the waterfalls. Compared to Oahu or Maui, the Big Island of Hawaii is massive! Big Island travel tips & recommendations , Explore Big Island Hotels & Resorts Search Now. The enormous waterfall cascades down a steep lava rock wall into a boulder-strewn pool. The couple run a healing retreat on Hawaii's Big Island - and Dorina has been swimming with dolphins throughout her pregnancy. A Guide To The Best Waterfalls In The Big Island Of Hawaii 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. Check out the latest prices and more details. The Big Island, however, also has breathtaking waterfalls. Book any of these great Big Island waterfall tours today! Come join the Big Island's only horseback ride that offers swimming at a waterfall! Visit the State Parks website for updated pricing. For the adventurous, go off-roading on the Big Islands Hamakua Coast in a Honda ATV or a Side x Side UTV. Youll see places on the Big Island only accessible by air. Another great way to see these waterfalls is to take an organized tour. And if youre heading to Akaka Falls with kids, check out my guide HERE. 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. 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. It aims to take you on an unforgettable journey through the Hamakua Coast. As a paradise for active travelers it is rich in experiences that include nature, culinary discoveries, historic landmarks, shopping, nightlife and festivals. This state park is home to two amazing waterfalls, one of which plunges 422 feet into a stream-eroded gorge below. If you dont want to search out the waterfalls on your own, this might be the right tour for you. . Read more about the Rainbow Falls on our website. The closest waterfalls in the Kohala district (about 50 miles) require a tour to visit. 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. Off the main street is the Mana's Aloha Fruit Stand. Check out the latest prices and details! Looking for a car rental in Kona, Big island? What youll see along the route will depend on what trail you choose, but each one is worth it! The state park entry fees are $5/car or $1/pedestrian. With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. Our popular Summary Guidesheets are now included. 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. 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. Kohala Waterfalls Adventure (Kailua-Kona) - All You Need - Tripadvisor They also offer ATV tours, waterfall rappelling and horseback riding tours to the falls as well. If you decide to swim, please take extra precautions as rivers are prone to flash flooding. Spend a few hours relaxing luxuriating in a private area of the Umauma River. Youll also pass by Boulder Creek on your way to the falls, which is a gorgeous sight to see. Note: There is an admission fee to the state park, $5.00 per car or $1 per person if you are walking. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Rainbow Falls are beautiful and can be viewed from a relatively close location, making them that much more enjoyable. Get your discounted Magical Waterfall Tour. Hi'ilawe Falls is a magnificent waterfall located in Waipio Valley on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island. If you are staying on the other side of the Big Island, be sure to plan these excursions into your vacation plans. Get your discounted ATV Waterfall and Swim Experience. Peepee Falls are another great waterfall that you can visit. Get our brand-new trip planning series delivered directly to your inbox - for FREE (more info). Hiilawe Falls is one of the best Big Island waterfall hikes. The Rainbow Falls are the easiest waterfalls to see on the Big Island! We decided to take a scenic drive while staying on the Hilo side to see some of these waterfalls. For example, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. What are the best hikes on the Big Island? The waterfall is named for the beautiful rainbow that forms at the waterfalls base. 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. Overview . This is a very difficult hike to complete in one day and is not recommended for beginners. No, swimming at Akaka Falls is no longer allowed. Oloupena Falls is an impressive 2,953-foot Hawaiian waterfall. You can visit their website at the Inn at Kulaniapia Falls for additional details. All Rights Reserved. Our most popular hotels on the Island of Hawaii My personal favorites are Polulu Valley, The Puna Trail, and The hike to Makalawena Beach, to name a few. 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. And, youll pass it on the way to Akaka Falls. These include stargazing and helicopter tours and is absolutely worth the time and money. Get your discounted Waterfalls of Kohala Tour. The visit is well worth your time, even just to enjoy the tranquility of this Hawaiian rainforest. Top Must-See Waterfalls on the Big Island of Hawaii It is located about 1.6 miles (5-minute drive) from Rainbow Falls and is also part of the Wailuku River. Its a 100-foot waterfall that youll pass by on your way to Akaka if you follow the footpath. Narnia is the name given to a set of waterfalls in the Hilo Forest Reserve. 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. click here to go to our instagram account, ATV Tours on the Big Island (BIG list of all tour operators), BIG LIST of Kona Coffee Tours on the Big Island, Stand Up Paddle (SUP) boarding: Rentals, Classes and Tours. It is alleged to have a height of 1,450 feet. Its 93 miles across and has all sorts of terrain and natural wonders. 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. Please keep in mind that the falls are not accessible to the general public. Meet with a local driver and travel to North Kona to experience multiple zip-lines that stretch over beautiful landscapes, including waterfalls. There are plenty of these tours you can take while on the Big Island. It is simply breathtaking. 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. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. This is a 120ft waterfall on the Waiau Stream situated on the lower slopes of Mauna Kea not far from Hilo. Great for first-time visitors. By far, Akaka Falls are my favorite waterfall to visit on the Big Island. Hiilawe Falls is located on the Big Island. 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. This ziplining tour is the option for those who love a thrill. This 80-ft. waterfall on the Wailuku river is the site of a Hawaiian legend that involves the demigod Maui, his mother the Goddess Hina, the Volcano Goddess Pele, and a giant Mo'o or lizard monster up to no good. Guests will witness mantas up close as they grace the waters and feed on plankton. Where are all the waterfalls in Hilo Hawaii? Step Into The World Of Narnia On This Forbidden Waterfall Hike In Hawaii, The Hike In Hawaii That Takes You To Not One, But TWO Insanely Beautiful Waterfalls, Hike Less Than A Mile To This Spectacular Waterfall Swimming Hole In Hawaii, Embark On An Epic 7.3-Mile Trail In Hawaii That Features Waterfalls And Jaw-Dropping Views, The 14 Tallest Waterfalls In Hawaii Will Drop Your Jaw, This Waterfall Swimming Hole In Hawaii Is So Hidden Youll Probably Have It All To Yourself, This Tiered Waterfall And Swimming Hole In Hawaii Must Be On Your Summer Bucket List, The Ultimate Bucket List For Anyone In Hawaii Who Loves Waterfall Hikes. 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. Love Hawaii? 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. Its hard not to love this, Lulumahu Falls, 4459 HI-61, Honolulu, HI 96817, USA, Wailua Falls flows from Honolewa Stream, and is visible from the highway. An aerial view of Kulaniapia Falls. Its one of the tallest and most powerful waterfalls in Hawaii, although it gets a bit dry around March. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW. P?palaua Falls, Hawaii 96748, USA 6. Hawaii Horseback Riding Tour with Waterfall Swim at Umauma Falls Access to the overview for the waterfalls lies on private land which is being managed by the Umauma Experience. Plan to hike on slippery rocks, uphill slogs, tree roots, mud, and unmaintained trails. The Majestic Waterfalls Tour is one of the best tours on this list. Hi'ilawe Falls There are different, The private property is currently managed by the. Hiilawe Falls is one of the top Big Island waterfall hikes to do. 6 Must-Visit Waterfalls On Big Island Top Picks From Locals This is a full-day trip from Kona. Click on the top left of the map to find separate layers marking the route and points of interest. If conditions are suitable you can use on-property SUP and kayak equipment to explore the waterfall. One of the coolest ways to experience Kulaniapia Falls is by booking a spot in one of the Experience Packages available at the property. While Kahuna Falls are also located in this state park, you can hear them more than you can see them. Check out the latest prices and details here! Check out the latest prices and more details. Hi'ilawe Falls is visible only within the valley or from the air, as the . Sons of the Forest best base locations | Rock Paper Shotgun 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. 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? This is awesome for those not renting a car. The Rainbow Falls are located in Hilo and are fed by the Wailuku River the same river that also feeds the Peepee Falls. Rappelling at the Kulaniapia Falls. There are much safer spots to swim - a.k.a. Youll be treated to an entirely new and equally beautiful view of the waterfalls. This is also close to where most of the black sand beaches on the Big Island are located. Hiilawe Falls is visible only within the valley or from the air, as the Waipio Valley is very steep. Another popular way to observe the Umauma Falls is through a short 1.7 mile hike within the World Botanical Garden that most consider to be unchallenging. The Umauma Falls are a spectacular 3-tiered falls and one of the best waterfalls on the Big Island. Onomea Falls is a stunning multi-tiered waterfall set amidst a beautiful botanical garden: the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden. 9 Hawaii Big Island Waterfalls Rainbow Falls They are very safe and you will have amazing views. There are other adventurous activities that you can enjoy here too. The Hilton and Sheraton both have really neat waterfalls and its clean clear water. The Big Island is filled with tourist attractions! Well, you are in luck. Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Big Island Itinerary complete with daily schedules, kid-friendly activities, and travel hacks? This is part of Hawaiis state park system. as a very big person in the future I want to help people I want to give a gift to the. Have you gone to any of the best waterfalls in Hawaii to swim? #1. The cliffs were formed from the lava flow from Mauna Kea that once flowed down the mountainside. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Although smaller, the Kahuna Falls is similarly beautiful. Big Island waterfall tours Legends of the Waterfalls & Volcano Full-Day Tour You can start the hike to this waterfall from the Waipio Valley lookout. There are many tours available if you would rather visit with a guide. Entry Fees:For Akaka Falls, entry is free for children under ten years old and $5 per adult. This is what the falls look like after a good rain upstream. Big Island of Hawaii Waterfalls and How To Visit Them Most of the waterfalls are found near Hilo and northeastern, or Hamakua, coast. 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? Hanapueo and Umauma Falls. The Hiilawe waterfall is one of the tallest waterfalls of the state of Hawai. Maunawili Falls All Rights Reserved On the paved uphill Akaka Falls Loop Trail, you'll venture past these two beautiful waterfalls . Akaka and Kahuna Falls are part of the Akaka Falls State Park, located north of Hilo. The path to Onomea Falls is stunning in itself. Before you get to Akaka Falls, you can also visit Kahuna Falls inside the state park. Another great way to visit all of these falls is through a helicopter tour. Alternatively, you can zipline or rappel at the Umauma Falls. It is also possible to rappel down along the Kulaniapia Falls. Get more stories delivered right to your email. I have included a downloadable map of these waterfalls at the bottom of this post to help with your planning and navigation. Most waterfalls can be found on the slopes of the Mauna Kea volcano close to Hilo and on the Hamakua coast. This allows you to experience a birds-eye view of the waterfall! Free cancellation: up to 48 hours before tour. The three-tier fall has a combined height of 300 feet, but it doesn't seem very high when you look at it from the viewing bridge. 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. Entry to the state park will cost $5 . These 7 Big Island waterfalls are truly spectacular and well worth checking out during your stay here! I highly recommend checking out Viator for some of the best tours in Hawaii. And it is surrounded by immense boulders and greenery. The farmers markets are a little-known gem allowing visitors to meet locals, shop for arts and crafts and enjoy edible treasures. Be sure not the trespass onto the private land that surrounds the waterfall. If youre lucky, you may be able to see honu (green sea turtle) and even dolphins! The pots are called boiling pots because, during heavy rain, the flow of water increases and the pots appear to be boiling. ), make small hikes, and admire the sweeping views and scenic coastlines and rugged valleys. Hiilawe Falls is best seen at a distance, as public access to the base of the falls is not possible. This half-day tour takes you to the three most famous Big Island waterfalls: 'Akaka Falls, Hi'ilawe Falls and Rainbow Falls. 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. The Big Island Waterfalls page is where we narrow our focus of Hawaiian Waterfalls to the Big Island of Hawaii. It takes about 60 to 90 minutes to hike to the waterfall. Wading through these pools is not recommended. When people talk about swimming at Peepee Falls, they are probably referring to the boiling pots located by the lookout point. The hike to the Rainbow Falls is immensely short, and although reaching the top of the falls may seem intimidating, its both simple and worth the effort. Read more: in our guide to visiting the Rainbow falls. Kayak & Swim in the Umauma River. The 5 Best Waterfalls on Hawaii's Big Island The best part? Peepee Falls on the Big Island. 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. Weve rounded up our top picks for some of the most beautiful spots for waterfalls on the Big Island. The Kulaniapia Falls are with a 120ft drop the tallest private waterfalls on the Big Island. 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. Be sure to do both if you have the time. The property also offers lava encounter tours and lava tube tours as well if you are interested. Not only that, but this island is still expanding! On the bright side, they did not jump off the falls as they planned to. The hike is beautiful, surrounded by bamboo groves and delicate wild orchids. 6 Favorite Waterfalls on the Big Island: Descriptions + Map Download and/or view the map of all 9 waterfalls here. Content on this site is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical, health, or safety advice. As an Amazon Associate, thistraveldream.com earns from qualifying purchases. 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! Hiilawe Falls is a magnificent waterfall located in Waipio Valley on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island. Make sure your tour includes all of the waterfalls you want to see. This remote, Makaleha Trailhead, 7290 Kahuna Rd, Kapa?a, HI 96746, USA, Makapipi Falls is visible from the Road to Hana, and is unique in that the waterfall plummets into a striking blue pool. A helicopter tour of the waterfalls along the Kohala Coast. 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. This tour takes you on a journey through Hilo, stopping by at the Rainbow Falls, tidepools, and ocean beaches. Although it is dwarfed in size by its beautiful neighbors, the Peepee Falls and the Ayaka Falls, its unique feature that inspired its namesake makes it worth a visit. If you are staying in Kona, meet up with a local driver who takes you to North Kohala. 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. While there are gorgeous waterfalls on Kauai, Oahu, and Maui, the Big Island has some of the most famous waterfalls in Hawaii. 13 Best Waterfalls In Hawaii To Swim - OnlyInYourState Lava from Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa meet near the base of Peepee Falls, about 2 miles downstream. This one has amazing views of the Kohala Coast while listening to fascinating commentary from the pilot. Access to the falls is right off the road. The Oloupena Falls is the tallest waterfall in Hawaii, located on the tiny island of Molokai, stretching an immense 2,953 feet high. Thankfully they didnt, as there appeared to be rocks under the shallow water at the bottom of the falls. Many people stop their journey at the lower waterfall. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. If you are looking for an adventure or just want to relax on your vacation, these seven waterfalls will not disappoint. You no longer need to book a tour with the Umauma Experience to get to the falls. 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. Flash flooding in this area is common, so please proceed with caution. Visit the Botanical Gardens website for updated pricing. Keep in mind that youll need to clear a full day of your itinerary for this. 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. Big Island of Hawaii Waterfalls Simply put, waterfalls on the Big Island of Hawaii are some of the world's finest. The largest waterfall in Hawaii is Oloupena Falls, located in Molokai. Photos of Kulania attached . Sign up for this discounted Majestic Waterfalls Tour. Compared to Rainbow Falls, Peepee Falls are less crowded and less known. See the northern Kohala highlights with this 8-hour adventure and visit 7 stunning private waterfalls (and swim in one! Please do not put these waterfalls on your to-do list. 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! 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. And this rainfall provides lots of opportunities to appreciate the island's falls. 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. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu. Big Island, Hawaii Rivers and Waterfalls - Umauma Experience Hi'ilawe Falls Its a way to connect with nature and experience the waterfall closer than otherwise. The size of these waterfalls and their location in the lush and tropical rainforest makes them a popular and spectacular attraction to check out. If you prefer places that are not busy, then you will love Peepee Falls. Youll start off driving up the Kona coastline pas lava flows and check out sweeping views from the old Kohala Mule Station lookout. Enjoy this 8-hour adventure as you explore Kohala, the oldest of five volcanos that make up the Big Island. Most of the waterfalls on the Big Island are fairly close to Hilo. The Top 9 Waterfalls to Visit on the Big Island of Hawaii Alternatively, you could think of going for this scenic drive to see all the waterfalls close to Hilo in half a day. 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. youll get to taste seasonal fruit and macadamia nuts, swim at private waterfalls, and enjoy local food for lunch. Read more: in our guide to visiting the Akaka falls. Access costs $12 per person (walk-in fee, no pre-bookings required), which also buys you access to their garden. 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. The water conceals long lava ridges, so its easy to be pulled in and trapped. It is a privately owned so you need to go with a tour group but well worth it! Youll need to pay an entrance fee to enter the area. Get your discounted Kohala Zip and Dip Tour. 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. The best hikes on the Big Island of Hawaii are indeed a mixed bag. Enjoy! Park your car after the bridge and walk back to the river to see the Waiale Falls: Just upstream from the Boiling Pots you can find another waterfall at the bridge over the Wailuku river in Hilo. You can access the waterfall for free and its one of the best Big Island hikes. Now they have opened up their grounds to a limited amount of daily visitors. Good to know: The river feeding Hiilawe is used for irrigation purposes. 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. 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 And while you can certainly get to some of these places on your own, a great way to see the highlights is by booking aBig Island Tourwith The Volcano Van. Located within the Hilo city limits, Wainuenue (Rainbow Falls) is very easy to visit. See below for the sign that was there when I went. Soak in soaring sea cliffs, remote valleys, and even go for a swim under one of seven waterfalls. Big Island in a Day: Volcanoes, Waterfalls, Sightseeing, History (From $226.96) Hawaii Volcano Adventure Tour from Hilo (From $195.99) Although Akaka Falls is the main event during the hike, the smaller Kahuna Falls is a must-see as well. Big Island is home to some of the tallest falls in the state. 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.