‘Akaka Falls

Experience a 422 Foot Waterfall Deep in the Hilo Rainforest

Inside ‘Akaka Falls State Park Tours of ‘Akaka Falls State Park Hiking the ‘Akaka Falls Loop Trail Legend of ‘Akaka Spot Hidden Kahūnā Falls Directions

The lush Hamakua Coast that traverses 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 422 foot ‘Akaka Falls plunges from the mountaintop into a gorge that it has carved out in its 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.

The lush Hilo side of the Big Island is were you'll find Akaka Waterfall

Inside ‘Akaka Falls State Park

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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.

TOURS OF ‘AKAKA FALLS STATE PARK

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. 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.

Hiking the ‘Akaka Falls Loop Trail

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.

LEGEND OF ‘AKAKA

Tied to this waterfall is an ancient Hawaiian legend that tells the tragic story of the warrior chief ‘Akaka, that ruled the nearby village of Honomu. Famed throughout the land for his strength and good looks, it is said that he had frequented the huts of two women, Maile at the north side of the gulch and Lehua at the south side. His loving wife had been visiting family in nearby Hilo and came home unexpectedly, catching him in the act.

Ridden with guilt, ‘Akaka ran to the cliffside, with his faithful dog at his heels, and threw himself from the cliff becoming the waterfall that you see today. It is said that his dog hesitated and turned into a jagged stone at the place from which he fell. His wife, overcome with grief at the loss of her husband, became a large rock located at the top of the waterfall. Maile and Lehua, his lovers, wept for his death and became waterfalls further down the gulch on either side. Legend has it that on a particularly still and moonless night, you can hear his wife still calling out for ‘Akaka from behind the muffling roar of the falls.

THE HIDDEN VIEW OF KAHUNA FALLS

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!

DIRECTIONS

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.

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