Majestic Waterfalls in Hawaiian Rainforests.
The lush Hamakua Coast that spans the northeastern shore of the Big Island is known for its incredible waterfalls and dense tropical rainforests. Just north of Hilo lies ‘Akaka Falls State Park, where the 422 foot ‘Akaka Falls plunges from the mountaintop into a gorge, countless years of the water’s flow carving a path. With not one, but two marvelous waterfalls to experience, the short loop trail that traverses the park leads through a splendid rainforest with bamboo, wild orchids, and other botanical wonders to experience. Visiting ‘Akaka Falls is a family-friendly adventure and an experience that you will not soon forget.
Join on us an awe-inspiring Hawai’i Grand Circle Island Tour to experience volcanoes, waterfalls, black sand beaches, and more of the Big Island’s best sights and activities. This tour includes a stop here at ‘Akaka Falls to take in this incredible natural wonder. For a truly remarkable perspective on the waterfall and its surroundings, take to the skies on our special helicopter tour that features an aerial view of the Hamakua Coast, Hawai’i’s volcanoes, and more. You can also choose to soar above the lush rainforest on a zipline tour just outside the park over the Kolekole Stream. This exciting zipline adventure features two beautiful waterfalls, one with a 40-ft drop and the other a 200-foot drop.
Within ‘Akaka Falls State Park, there are actually two stunning waterfalls you can experience. Free-falling ‘Akaka Falls is likely the most popular waterfall on the Big Island, and is known to mystify its audience with a 422-foot plunge straight down into a deep, steam-eroded gorge. You can catch views of the falls at several points as you make your way uphill along the western shoulder of the gorge on a 0.4-mile paved footpath to the falls.
This trail loops through lush tropical rainforest past lesser-known Kahūnā Falls then on to iconic ‘Akaka Falls. The cascading waterfall of Kahūnā Falls is harder to spot as the dense vegetation can sometimes block your view. Keep your eyes peeled, after a good rain especially, for these hidden waterfalls that can be seen from an overlook about 800 feet beyond the viewpoint for ‘Akaka Falls.
Hike the 0.4-mile uphill footpath that makes a loop through incredible tropical vegetation to reach the panoramic vistas that overlook cascading Kahuna Falls and free-falling ‘Akaka Falls. Wild orchids, draping ferns, and bamboo groves are plentiful amidst this ancient forest.
The trailhead is located directly off the parking area. Follow the short paved footpath to first encounter the 100-foot Kahuna Falls, then continue around the bend to peer out over the gorge that holds the incredible 442-foot ‘Akaka Falls. This path does require a bit of physical exertion, as it is uphill and there are some steps to climb (not wheelchair accessible). Rest assured, the hike is short, kid-friendly, and takes around 30 minutes to an hour to complete.
If you’d like to make a shortcut straight to ‘Akaka Falls, choose the path to the left (south) at the first junction you encounter. It will be only a short walk down this path to the waterfall overlook.
Visitors often miss the opportunity to spot Kahūnā Falls, as they are sometimes hidden from view behind the lush vegetation and trees that proliferate in the park. This waterfall is smaller in size to ‘Akaka Falls, cascading about 100 feet down to the valley floor. To try to spot this covert beauty, head about 800 feet past the lookout over ‘Akaka Falls to another viewpoint. Look in the same direction from which you saw the other waterfall. If you’re lucky you may see the water of Kahūnā Falls pouring from the cliffside, especially after a heavy rain!
You can find ‘Akaka Falls State Park about 11 miles north of Hilo at the end of ‘Akaka Falls Road (Highway 220), about 3.6 miles southwest of Honomu.
There is a dedicated parking area, open between 8:30 AM and 6:00 PM. Walk-ins are welcome from sunrise to sunset. The entrance fee is $5 per car and $1 per pedestrian. Hawaiian residents can access the park for free.
