There are different, The private property is currently managed by the. We grouped this one group of Hawaii Big Island waterfalls together as they both are located in Akaka Falls State Park. HOME PRIVACY POLICY TERMS. This is for kids at least 5 years old who can comfortably stay in a kayak. Now you know some of the best waterfalls Big Island has to offer. Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Heather Goodman. Its one of the tallest and most powerful waterfalls in Hawaii, although it gets a bit dry around March. Copyright 2023 Guide of US, LLC. The Rainbow Falls are located in Hilo and are fed by the Wailuku River the same river that also feeds the Peepee Falls. The Onomea Falls is located within the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, This s private property owned by Dan Lutkenhouse, first opened in 1984. Rainbow Falls, located along the length of the Waikuku River and well-known for its beauty and accessibility, is one of the most popular waterfalls on the Big Island. Read more about waterfall safety. This tour takes you on a journey through Hilo, stopping by at the Rainbow Falls, tidepools, and ocean beaches. The beach! Big Island travel tips & recommendations , Explore Big Island Hotels & Resorts Search Now. You have to be a guest at the Inn to access the trail leading to the waterfall. Alternatively, you can zipline or rappel at the Umauma Falls. Although smaller, the Kahuna Falls is similarly beautiful. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. There are so many beautiful waterfalls to check out during your visit to the Big Island. Its a way to connect with nature and experience the waterfall closer than otherwise. When people talk about swimming at Peepee Falls, they are probably referring to the boiling pots located by the lookout point. Visit the State Parks website for updated pricing. Be sure not the trespass onto the private land that surrounds the waterfall. 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. The Kulaniapia Falls is a private 90-100 foot waterfall located at the Inn at Kulaniapia Falls. 'Akaka Falls 'Akaka Falls is located just north of Hilo and are a gem of the Big Island's waterfalls. You can get access to the falls either by purchasing a day pass (limited availability of 10 guests / day), or by joining their Rappel down the 120ft Kulaniapia Falls experience. This might cost more, but its well worth it. There are so many incredible waterfalls, making it hard to know where to start. Download and/or view the map of all 9 waterfalls here. Waiilikahi Falls are yet another gem on the Big Island, but it takes a lot to hike to the falls. Umauma Falls is a three-tiered waterfall surrounded by lush vegetation. Akaka Falls. The waterfall flows from a water source called the Onomea Stream. Off the main street is the Mana's Aloha Fruit Stand. I highly recommend checking out Viator for some of the best tours in Hawaii. If you are looking for an adventure or just want to relax on your vacation, these seven waterfalls will not disappoint. If you are staying in Kona, meet up with a local driver who takes you to North Kohala. You no longer need to book a tour with the Umauma Experience to get to the falls. Akaka and Kahuna Falls are part of the Akaka Falls State Park, located north of Hilo. This waterfall used to have a high volume of water in the stream, making swimming here dangerous. While transporting logs over to build the base might be a nuisance, the beach offers a wealth of advantages that . The Umauma Falls are a spectacular 3-tiered falls and one of the best waterfalls on the Big Island. Lava from Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa meet near the base of Peepee Falls, about 2 miles downstream. However, you need to pay a fee to access the private viewing deck. from $85 + taxes & fees | Child $75. The tranquility and solitude youll feel there is truly unmatched. If you dont want to search out the waterfalls on your own, this might be the right tour for you. The best time to visit the rainbow falls is in the early morning because this is when you have the most chance to see rainbows in the spray of the waterfall. You dont want any surprises that could ruin your trip. This would allow you to see almost all of our favorite waterfalls and is recommended for people that really love waterfalls. Helicopter tours are often one of the trip-highlights that people remember for a long time and worth considering if you are willing to spend the money. 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. Double your adventure with the Kohala Zip and Dip and explore the enchanting lands of North Kohala. The waterfall is named for the beautiful rainbow that forms at the waterfalls base. The property also offers lava encounter tours and lava tube tours as well if you are interested. The content on this website may not be copied or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior written permission. There are many tours available if you would rather visit with a guide. What youll see along the route will depend on what trail you choose, but each one is worth it! The height and sheer beauty of its surroundings make Akaka Falls one of the most visited waterfalls on Big Island, but it will take a bit of effort to see them. 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. You can access the waterfall for free and its one of the best Big Island hikes. The hike takes you past 7 waterfalls with as grand finale a cooling dip in the final one! 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. Night Swim with Manta Rays. Please do not put these waterfalls on your to-do list. Big Island, Hawaii Rivers and Waterfalls - Umauma Experience The Kulaniapia Falls are with a 120ft drop the tallest private waterfalls on the Big Island. Swimming here can be dangerous and has proved lethal several times in the past. Check out the latest prices and more details. My personal favorites are Polulu Valley, The Puna Trail, and The hike to Makalawena Beach, to name a few. I am not sure how people did this as signs warn against it, and its illegal and can be dangerous. If you are visiting the rainbow falls and have the time and interest to see another set of waterfalls you should check out these falls. Most of these places do not have a lifeguard on duty, making you solely responsible for your safety. The package can include waterfall rappelling, which is the best way to experience Kulaniapia. Are there a lot of waterfall swimming holes in Hawaii? You will need to stop at the visitor center to register before heading to the falls. You can see all sorts of hidden waterfalls if you go kayaking, take a boat tour, or ride in a helicopter. Ultimate Guide to the Polynesian Cultural Center with Kids, Traditional Hawaiian Food: 24 Classic Dishes of Hawaiian Cuisine. This waterfall can only be accessed from the lookout, and swimming here is no longer allowed. Subscribe to receive 5 emails in 5 days: Call us for advice! For those with a daring spirit, the Deleuze ATV Waterfall and Swim Experience tour is for you. 10 Amazing Kauai Waterfalls + Map (for swimming, hiking, families) The waterfall is located inside Waipio Valley and is about 1,450 feet tall. Always a classic, this, Located just a mile upstream of Rainbow Falls on the Wailua River, Peepee Falls feeds a series of several pools known as the boiling pots. From USD 221.99 (9) Umauma Falls Zipline Tour & Waterfall Swim Adventure . There are several ways people choose to see the waterfalls. 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. Love Hawaii? Their list contains the following waterfalls: In Hilo: Rainbow falls, Pe'epe'e falls, Wai'ale falls, Kulaniapia falls. You can also book one of their events to have access to their waterfall. Of course, the most popular and simple strategy is to include a visit into your itinerary as you drive by one or two waterfalls. The waterfalls of Hawaii on the Big Island are absolutely stunning. Hiilawe Falls is visible only within the valley or from the air, as the Waipio Valley is very steep. Please do not put these waterfalls on your to-do list. But dont worry, this is a very easy hike to do and the trail is paved and well maintained. Which Hawaiian island has the best waterfall hikes? Must-See Hawaii Big Island Waterfalls - Going Awesome Places Plus it has numerous attractions, from volcanic rock formations to beautiful waterfalls. Please keep in mind that the historic area located by the parking lot is not safe for swimming. However, the best views come when you climb under the bridge and follow a short jungle path to the base of the waterfall. 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. Furthermore, flash floods and strong currents are a real danger there. They are a series of small pools fed by the Wailuku River. Turn inland (mauka) between mile markers 14 and 13 onto Honomu Road. The private property is currently managed by the Umauma Experience. No, swimming at Akaka Falls is no longer allowed. The total height of the falls is about 1,450 feet (442m), with a highest direct drop of 1,201 feet (366m)! The largest waterfall in Hawaii is Oloupena Falls, located in Molokai. A 20-acre rainforest greenhouse, the area is filled with beautiful plant life and wild animals. Get in touch with us! We've updated both travel guides with a lot of new great information for potential visitors (and those who've been a time or two as well). Sign up for this discounted Majestic Waterfalls Tour. Youll be treated to an entirely new and equally beautiful view of the waterfalls. Take your first right onto Akaka Falls Road and continue for 3.75 miles until you reach the parking lot. Good to know: The river feeding Hiilawe is used for irrigation purposes. On Highway 19's bridge, most drivers will pass by these 2 neat waterfalls without realizing it! Rappel down 120 feet past Hawaiis largest privately accessible waterfall supervised by expert canyoneering guides. Rappelling at the Kulaniapia Falls. Did we list it? 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. The on-site Inn organizes this tour which is led a team of expert canyoneering guides. Compared to many other Hawaiian Islands, the Big Island is huge. The content on this website may not be copied or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior written permission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 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. While I was there I witnessed two people hike to the top, even though it clearly said not to do so. 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. The waterfall got its name from the rainbow that often forms at the base. Enjoy this 8-hour adventure as you explore Kohala, the oldest of five volcanos that make up the Big Island. Access to the overview for the waterfalls lies on private land which is being managed by the Umauma Experience. Along the way, youll be privy to various wild orchids. Check out the latest prices and more details. They offer a variety of tours to see the falls with ziplining being our favorite way to see the falls. The enormous waterfall cascades down a steep lava rock wall into a boulder-strewn pool. These falls are not reachable without trespassing and access to them is restricted. Of this list, youre not allowed to swim in both Rainbow Falls and Akaka Falls, as it is both dangerous and illegal. Both waterfalls are beautiful Big Island attractions. 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. Its approximately a 19-mile out and back hike that takes around 4 hours each way. Whether youd like to hike or bike along tranquil trails, visit scenic overlooks, snorkel, or just relax on the shore of a sunny beach, the Big Island wont disappoint. Another, more expensive but more spectacular way to see waterfalls (and the volcano!) Kulaniapia Falls is once again located on private property, this time belonging to The Inn and usually reserved exclusively for residents there. Kulania Falls is nearby and just as beautiful. The tour will stop at Rainbow Falls, Akaka Falls, and Richardson Beach Park. The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls is one of the only waterfalls I recommend swimming at while on the Big Island. Take a full-day waterfall adventure tour of the Big Islands Kohala Coast. We like to get up and close to any waterfall we see, and know the same is true for many of our readers. Nanue Falls is located on the Hamakua Coast in Hawaii. Click the button below. You can follow an uphill path towards the waterfall, which is about half a mile long. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. And this rainfall provides lots of opportunities to appreciate the island's falls. Free cancellation: up to 48 hours before tour. Mahalo! What are the best hikes on the Big Island? Also, be sure to check out all the waterfalls in Hawaii on ourHawaii Waterfallspage. youll get to taste seasonal fruit and macadamia nuts, swim at private waterfalls, and enjoy local food for lunch. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW. I highly discourage doing this hike during the rainy season. 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. Click here to see all our recommended waterfall tours on our website. Sign up for this discounted Majestic Waterfalls Tour. Also, if you are visiting Oahu and want to know where the best waterfall hikes are on Oahu, Ive got you covered. Are you traveling to the Big Island of Hawaii? Which waterfall can you swim at on the Big Island? We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. 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. Akaka Falls is a spectacularly tall waterfall that hurls down an incredible 422 feet down a mountain face. These links do not cost you anything and help provide the necessary funding to maintain this website. Get your discounted Hilo Bay Kayaking Tickets. The volume of the rainbow falls (or Waianuenue) changes on a daily basis. P?palaua Falls, Hawaii 96748, USA 6. There is only one way to get here, and thats by hiking along the coastal trail. If you are short on time, we recommend that you limit yourself to the more spectacular Akaka and Rainbow waterfalls. Youll never run out of things to do here. Sign up for this discounted Legends of the Waterfalls & Volcano Tour. The day pass includes access to amazing hiking trails, tropical gardens and a total of four waterfalls - with Kulaniapia Falls being our favorite. And be sure to keep your eyes out for sea turtles, which are known to hang out in this area! The Peepee Falls are located about 1.5 miles upstream the rainbow falls, at the Wailuku river on the end of Wailuku drive. Along the way, youll see verdant vegetation and immense, ancient Banyan trees, overgrown by fig vines and moss. Visit the Botanical Gardens website for updated pricing. Click on the top left of the map to find separate layers marking the route and points of interest. So without further ado, here are the best of the Big Island Waterfalls that we've personally swam in or at least see ourselves swimming in PEEPEE FALLS (PE'EPE'E FALLS & BOILING POTS) A couple swimming in one of the pools of the Boiling Pots just downstream of Pe'epe'e Falls It is one of the most idyllic and beautiful waterfalls in the world. One of several waterfalls you hike to on a tour with Hawaii Forest and Trail. Hawaii: Big Island, Big Fun | VAX VacationAccess This multi tiered, Oheo Gulch, OheO Gulch, Hawaii 96713, USA. 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. Enjoy spectacular views of Mauna Kea and the Pacific Ocean, awesome photo spots, swim in a private pond and really experience off-road Hawaii. This state park is home to two amazing waterfalls, one of which plunges 422 feet into a stream-eroded gorge below. One of the most spectacular waterfalls in Hawaii is Onomea Falls. 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 now drive on a concrete road right to the falls and tropical garden. The Akaka Falls and the Rainbow Falls are hands-down the most-visited waterfalls on the Big Island. 12 Most Beautiful Big Island Waterfalls (+ How to Visit!) - Next is 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. All Rights Reserved Deluxe Big Island ATV Tour & Waterfall Swim at Umauma Falls . I highly encourage taking a helicopter tour through the Kohala Coast if you want to see these waterfalls, unless you are a very experienced hiker looking for some adventure. Simply put, waterfalls on the Big Island of Hawaii are some of the world's finest. To be exact, you can visit Hiilawe Falls by going to the Waipio Valley at the Kohala Coast in Hawaii. Here you will find a delightful selection of art galleries and gift stores as well as several cafes. The Majestic Waterfalls Tour is one of the best tours on this list. Meet with a local driver and travel to North Kona to experience multiple zip-lines that stretch over beautiful landscapes, including waterfalls. Hiilawe Falls is one of the top Big Island waterfall hikes to do. This is what the falls look like after a good rain upstream. The Hilton and Sheraton both have really neat waterfalls and its clean clear water. We are independently owned so content written by us merely reflect our own opinions. Are you as obsessed with Hawaiian waterfalls as we are? But make sure to read up on the waterfall you visit, because sometimes certain areas in the Hawaiian islands are prone to flooding, and can be dangerous to swim in after a heavy rainfall. No experience necessary! She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu. Aside from waterfalls, youll also be able to see red-hot lava flows, the Kohala Mule Station lookout, and more! Their list contains the following 13 waterfalls: The location of these waterfalls is marked on the map higher up this page, and you can read more about each fall separately in the list of 13 Big Island Waterfalls published on the World of Waterfalls website. Another great way to see these waterfalls is to take an organized tour. Access costs $12 per person (walk-in fee, no pre-bookings required), which also buys you access to their garden. The area beyond that is private property, so be aware of where youre going! Map of Big Island Waterfalls Wrapping Up the Best Waterfalls on the Big Island A Guide To The Best Waterfalls In The Big Island Of Hawaii 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! Before we talk about the best waterfalls, lets discuss some FAQs you might have: Swimming is NOT allowed at Akaka Falls State Park. Alternatively, you could think of going for this scenic drive to see all the waterfalls close to Hilo in half a day. All partners and related links comply with our Advertising Disclosures. Standing at 2,954 feet tall, this waterfall is spectacular. Hours: Daily, 8:30AM - 6:00PM. with the opportunity to enjoy a relaxing snack break at the waterfalls where you can swim and paddleboard. Book any of these great Big Island waterfall tours today! We enjoy nature, the ocean, mountains, adventure, and all things outdoors. Which one was your favorite? Please do not be tempted to hike up if there are signs that say hiking is not allowed and its blocked off. The most notable waterfalls on the Big Island that are free to visit are the Peepee Falls and the Rainbow falls. Rainbow Falls One of Hawaii's most stunning waterfalls, Rainbow Falls is named for the rainbows that can be seen in the mist. 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. While there are gorgeous waterfalls on Kauai, Oahu, and Maui, the Big Island has some of the most famous waterfalls in 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. ~ Trusted by Millions of Hawaii Visitors Annually ~. Akaka Falls are about 422 feet tall, but are only viewable from the viewing platform. 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. This is a great way to see some of the tallest waterfalls in Hawaii. Sign up for discounted Hilo Bay Kayaking Tickets. In fact, there is a small parking lot near the falls, as well as a short but slippery path to visit the base. pro tip for another close-by waterfall: if you continue up Wailuku drive a few minutes longer you get to a bridge crossing the Wailuku river. Compared to Maui, Oahu, and Kauai, The Big Island of Hawaii has some of the most popular waterfalls in all of Hawaii. It will take you about an hour to reach the end of the path, which is lined with lush greenery and beautiful scenery. The majority of waterfalls on the Big Island can be seen on your own. Do you like waterfalls a LOT and are you also visiting another island in the Hawaiian island chain? If you do not agree with any part of these terms and conditions, you should not use this website. Good to know: to access the falls you must purchase a $49 daypass to the grounds. 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. 7 Best Big Island Hawaii Waterfalls (2023) - Hawaii Travel with Kids If you are in the Kona area, I highly recommend Paradise Helicopters. It is simply breathtaking. 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 By far, Akaka Falls are my favorite waterfall to visit on the Big Island. Plan to hike on slippery rocks, uphill slogs, tree roots, mud, and unmaintained trails. You can also book a stay at The Inn, a high-quality resort thats well worth the money. 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. Here is our list of the top 9 waterfalls in Hawaii that wont disappoint! If youd like to dabble in something slightly more adventurous, you can go ziplining or rappelling over the area. 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. Credit: John McCollum. The waterfall is split into two waterfalls that fall into a pool below. 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. 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. 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. You can access this trail from the Waipio Valley lookout. Its the largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago and has some of the most popular waterfalls in all of Hawaii! We also receive a small commission from travel partners for some of the links found on this website. Oloupena Falls is an impressive 2,953-foot Hawaiian waterfall. Akaka Falls and Kahuna Falls. The path to Onomea Falls is stunning in itself. However, to visit Onomea Falls, you need to go through the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden and pay an entrance fee. From USD 218.85 (9) Big Island Waterfall Swim & Rainforest Hiking Tour & Nature Eco-Adventure . * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. As an Amazon Associate, thistraveldream.com earns from qualifying purchases. This is why we list the tallest, most popular, and most easily accessible waterfalls on the Big Island: to make sure you spend your waterfall-time as efficient as possible. Marvel at the beauty and adventure that makes up Hawaii. Oahu is the lively center and most visited of all Hawaiian Islands. We love this easy, Twin Falls Maui Waterfall, 6300 Hana Hwy, Haiku, HI 96708, USA, Located within Haleakala National Park near the Pipiwai Trailhead, these beautiful stream-fed pools are also known as the seven sacred pools. It is a privately owned so you need to go with a tour group but well worth it! As you tour, youll be able to enjoy amazing photo spots and unparalleled views of the Pacific Ocean, waterfalls, and the Mauna Kea.