Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve and Garden
The Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve and Garden is a 40-acre natural garden of tropical plants and a nature lover’s paradise located in the Onomea Valley.
Visit these Breathtaking Big Island Waterfalls
Big Island Guide
Travel Guide
Go See the Hawaii Big Island Waterfalls
Home to gorgeous valleys, exotic plants, waterfalls, and the heart of ancient Hawaiian folklore, the Big Island’s Hamakua Coast is a breathtaking adventure waiting to happen. A 40 mile stretch of natural wonder that spans the distance between Hilo and Waipi’o Valley, the Hamakua Coast offers more opportunities to pull off the road and find an incredible sight than anywhere else in Hawaii, but no other spectacle can match up to the Big Island waterfalls. If you’re planning a trip to the Island of Hawaii, you shouldn’t miss these amazing waterfalls during your stay:
Hi’ilawe Falls
One of the tallest waterfalls in all of Hawaii, the falls at Hi’ilawe stretch over 1,400 feet. It’s possible to view the falls by hiking or using a four wheel drive vehicle to descend into the Waipi’o Valley, but a van or horseback riding tour of the valley will take you much closer to the falls since they are on private property. The waterfall may not be flowing if it has not rained recently, so you may want to make sure it is flowing before taking the trek into the valley unless you were planning to go anyway for the beautiful black sand beach and scenic views.
Hi’ilawe Falls in the Waipio Valley is over 1400 feet tall
‘Akaka Falls
A mesmerizing 422 foot waterfall, ‘Akaka Falls is contained within ‘Akaka Falls State Park north of Hilo. This beauty is one of the most popular Big Island waterfalls. Easy to access and an incredible photo opportunity, visitors can enter the park for $5 per vehicle if you park in the parking lot, or $1 per person if you park outside the gate. ‘Akaka Falls State Park is open from 8:30am to 6pm, but you can walk-in to see the falls from sunrise to sunset.
Stairs on the Akaka Falls Loop Trail
With just a short 20-30 minute walk on a paved trail through a section of rainforest teeming with orchids, ferns, and bamboo, you’ll be up to the falls in no time. While it is a fairly easy walk, there are several sections with stairs so it is not wheelchair accessible. If you head right on the trail, there is also a chance to see the smaller Kahuna Falls on this 0.4 mile loop trail and who can resist two for one waterfalls and a nice walk?
A short loop trail reveals the majestic Akaka Falls
Rainbow Falls
Rainbow Falls is actually located within Hilo itself, making it an easy destination after breakfast. Getting its name from the effect that occurs after a rainstorm, Rainbow Falls projects a colorful rainbow in the mists of its waters in the cove below. Viewing is best in the first half of the day due to a better angle for the light hitting the water. This falls is heavily trafficked because it is so accessible so try to go at less busy times like early morning. For the history buffs, there are a couple of interesting historical signs at the observation platform telling about the history of Rainbow Falls and the legend of the “Battle of the Wailuku River”.
Rainbow Falls is a quick sightseeing stop if you’re in Hilo Hawaii
There’s also a trail to the left of the Rainbow Falls overlook area (at the top of the stairs) that takes you through the forest and under one of the largest banyan trees in the world before setting you up above these famous Hilo waterfalls. Swimming above the falls is dangerous and we don’t recommend it. Also do not cross the river if it’s raining as it can quickly flood and become impassable, leaving you stranded or worse, washing you over the falls.
Take the Stairs to the Left of Rainbow Falls to See this Mesmerizing Giant Banyan Tree
Umauma Falls
Three waterfalls within close proximity of one another on the Umauma River make up Umauma Falls, a stretch of waterway about 16 miles north of Hilo. An incredible sight that’s even been depicted in several Hollywood films, the water below the first waterfall is actually swimmable. Unfortunately, Umauma Falls are on private property and access is restricted except for those who pay through Umauma Experience. Access to these Big Island waterfalls costs $12 per person to take the self-guided tour through the gardens and along the river walk, or can be seen during the company’s zip-line tours.
Three Cascading Big Island Waterfalls Make Up Umauma Falls
Hawaii Big Island Waterfalls Map
