One of the coolest ways to experience Kulaniapia Falls is by booking a spot in one of the Experience Packages available at the property. Its a 100-foot waterfall that youll pass by on your way to Akaka if you follow the footpath. The waterfall, however, is worth the effort it takes to access it. Plan to hike on slippery rocks, uphill slogs, tree roots, mud, and unmaintained trails. Alternatively, you can zipline or rappel at the Umauma Falls. I have seen other people recommend Peepee Falls as another great option. Sustainable Travel guide and itineraries for the Big Island of Hawaii. Read more about ourHawaii adventureshere. If you plan to camp here, please make sure you obtain the proper permits, as they are required. The Magical Waterfall Tour is an airborne tour that takes you on a visit to the coastline of Waipio Valley and Waimanu Valley. There are different car rental companies in Kona, Hawaii that will set it up for you. 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. As a paradise for active travelers it is rich in experiences that include nature, culinary discoveries, historic landmarks, shopping, nightlife and festivals. I highly discourage doing this hike during the rainy season. Interested? Aside from waterfalls, youll also be able to see red-hot lava flows, the Kohala Mule Station lookout, and more! The most notable waterfalls on the Big Island that are free to visit are the Peepee Falls and the Rainbow falls. from the air is as part of a helicopter tour. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW. Plus it has numerous attractions, from volcanic rock formations to beautiful waterfalls. You will need to pay an admission fee to see these falls. Big Island travel tips & recommendations , Explore Big Island Hotels & Resorts Search Now. There are so many beautiful waterfalls to check out during your visit to the Big Island. While youre enjoying these natural attractions, be sure to take lots of pictures! Which Cities Have Nonstop Flights to Hawaii. I have included a downloadable map of these waterfalls at the bottom of this post to help with your planning and navigation. What takes a waterfall from "beautiful" to "spectacular" is height- and Hawaii's falls undoubtedly have it! 6 Favorite waterfalls Akaka falls (inside state park, small entrance fee required) Rainbow falls (free to visit) Umauma falls (on private grounds, entrance fee required) Kulaniapia Falls (on private grounds, entrance fee required) Peepee Falls (+ 1 extra, free to visit) Hiilawe falls (viewable from public road) 7 other waterfalls Now you know some of the best waterfalls Big Island has to offer. Along the way, youll see verdant vegetation and immense, ancient Banyan trees, overgrown by fig vines and moss. Sign up for this discounted Waipio Valley and Waterfalls Adventure. It stretches over 120 feet high, although the tiers make it difficult to measure accurately. 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 Rainbow Falls are the easiest waterfalls to see on the Big Island! There are so many incredible waterfalls, making it hard to know where to start. You can also see these waterfalls as part of a zipline tour or an ATV and dip (swim) tour at the gardens. Access costs $12 per person (walk-in fee, no pre-bookings required), which also buys you access to their garden. Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Heather Goodman. Hiilawe Falls is best seen at a distance, as public access to the base of the falls is not possible. If conditions are suitable you can use on-property SUP and kayak equipment to explore the waterfall. 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. One of several waterfalls you hike to on a tour with Hawaii Forest and Trail. If waterfalls are your thing you most likely wont be happy to see only the biggest six. Her next trip to Hawaii is never too far away! Located within the Hilo city limits, Wainuenue (Rainbow Falls) is very easy to visit. But dont worry, this is a very easy hike to do and the trail is paved and well maintained. What Are The Must-Visit Waterfalls On Big Island? Another stop on Mauis Road to Hana, Puaa Kaa translates to rolling pig in Hawaiian. It is located in the Pelekunu Preserve on the windward side of Molokai. Hi'ilawe Falls is visible only within the valley or from the air, as the . If youre thinking of driving a 44 vehicle down, Id be careful and ensure that it has enough horsepower and gas to make it back up. Here are a few top picks that are worth checking out! If you think you've located a Big Island waterfall we've omitted, please contact us, and we'll make sure it's added. You dont want any surprises that could ruin your trip. more, 2006-2023 World Of Waterfalls, The Northern beach is one of the potential crash sites in Sons of the Forest, and it's also one of the best base locations. Hi'ilawe Falls in the Waipio Valley. I visited Rainbow Falls in September of 2021 and the trail to get to the top was closed. The Big Island Waterfalls page is where we narrow our focus of Hawaiian Waterfalls to the Big Island of Hawaii. Your use of this website constitutes your acceptance of all the terms, conditions, and disclaimers posted herein. Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Heather Goodman. Night Swim with Manta Rays. This gorgeous waterfall stretches 442 feet high and descends into a beautiful gorge eroded over time by water, which now lays dozens of feet below ground level. Both waterfalls are beautiful Big Island attractions. Youll be able to get up close and personal with this body of water and have the most memorable time in Hawaii. This ziplining tour is the option for those who love a thrill. Hiilawe Falls is one of the top Big Island waterfall hikes to do. Book any of these great Big Island waterfall tours today! The famous triple-tiered Umauma Falls. 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. On the bright side, they did not jump off the falls as they planned to. From USD 130.62. The tour will stop at Rainbow Falls, Akaka Falls, and Richardson Beach Park. Hi'ilawe Falls Stunning Big Island Hawaii Waterfalls Worth a Stop, planning a trip to the Big Island of Hawaii, Courtyard by Marriotts King Kamehameha Beach Hotel, Check out the latest prices and more details, discounted Kohala Waterfalls Adventure Tour, Legends of the Waterfalls and Volcano Tour, budget-friendly things to do on the Big Island. Location: North east side of Big Island. The area beyond that is private property, so be aware of where youre going! Its secluded and quiet, and staying here really forces you to slow down and enjoy many of the natural beauties that Hawaii has to offer. Hiilawe Falls is one of the best Big Island waterfall hikes. Umauma Falls Overview . Family friendly zipline tour + private waterfall swim. 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. When people talk about swimming at Peepee Falls, they are probably referring to the boiling pots located by the lookout point. Trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. Read more about the Rainbow Falls on our website. Oahu is the lively center and most visited of all Hawaiian Islands. Here you will find a delightful selection of art galleries and gift stores as well as several cafes. And if youre heading to Akaka Falls with kids, check out my guide HERE. We are independently owned so content written by us merely reflect our own opinions. Although the Hawaiian archipelago has a multitude of famous waterfalls, especially on Oahu, Maui, and Kauai. These are just a few of the many, many tours that can be booked to see the beautiful waterfalls on the Big Island. So, if youd rather sit back and enjoy a guided tour past some of our best waterfalls you could consider one of the following tours: This is a small-group adventure tour that lets you explore the beautiful and historic north Kohala forests and waterfalls. However, it is important to note that Umauma Falls is a private waterfall that can only be accessed through small group tours. Its 93 miles across and has all sorts of terrain and natural wonders. Now they have opened up their grounds to a limited amount of daily visitors. You can now drive on a concrete road right to the falls and tropical garden. Head to Waimea Falls for the best, A short hike within the Puaa Kaa State Wayside will reward you with a relatively secluded and picturesque waterfall, cascading into the delightful pool below. Love Hawaii? Check out the latest prices and more details. Hiking to the waterfall is not possible as the trail crosses private property, but you can see the Hiilawe falls from many places within Waipio valley. On Highway 19's bridge, most drivers will pass by these 2 neat waterfalls without realizing it! Map of Big Island Waterfalls Wrapping Up the Best Waterfalls on the Big Island as a very big person in the future I want to help people I want to give a gift to the. This place is good for viewing and taking photos. Flash flooding in this area is common, so please proceed with caution. You no longer need to book a tour with the Umauma Experience to get to the falls. Rainbow Falls is one of the easiest to see and most popular waterfalls on the Big Island of Hawaii. Before we talk about the best waterfalls, lets discuss some FAQs you might have: Swimming is NOT allowed at Akaka Falls State Park. And, youll pass it on the way to Akaka Falls. Also, if you are visiting Oahu and want to know where the best waterfall hikes are on Oahu, Ive got you covered. 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. One of the greatest, Makapipi Falls, Hana Hwy, Haiku, HI 96708, USA, Located off Pali Highway is this extraordinary waterfall hike complete with a trek through a bamboo forest, views of a stunning field and reservoir, the beauty of the Hawaiian jungle, and of course the jaw-dropping, 50-foot Lulumahu Falls. Looking for a car rental in Kona, Big island. The Northern beach offers the best base location for those wanting to live by the sea in Sons of the Forest. Zipline high above the forest floor, picnic on the rim of Pololu Valley & swim under a private waterfall fed by a cool mountain stream. Image credit: Mark. Keep in mind that youll need to clear a full day of your itinerary for this. It takes about 60 to 90 minutes to hike to the waterfall. Their list contains the following waterfalls: In Hilo: Rainbow falls, Pe'epe'e falls, Wai'ale falls, Kulaniapia falls. If you are staying on the other side of the Big Island, be sure to plan these excursions into your vacation plans. Marvel at the beauty and adventure that makes up Hawaii. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Nanua Falls is a series of waterfalls on the Hamakua Coast, about 18 miles north of Hilo. 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. The Kulaniapia Falls for example require a day pass, and others are on private property and only reachable as part of a tour. Big Island of Hawaii Waterfalls Simply put, waterfalls on the Big Island of Hawaii are some of the world's finest. 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. Photos of Kulania attached . Umauma Falls is a three-tiered waterfall surrounded by lush vegetation. Waterfalls of Kohala A helicopter tour of the waterfalls along the Kohala Coast. Swimming is not allowed here, so keep that in mind when you visit. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. With a 440-foot summit, this waterfall is wildly popular due to the easy 0.4-mile paved loop, which takes you to the viewing spots of both Akaka Falls and Kahuna Falls. This Upper Waikani Falls, Hana Hwy, Haiku, HI 96708, USA 2. Located only 1.5 miles upstream from Rainbow Falls, Peepee Falls is another beautiful spot. The Majestic Waterfalls Tour is one of the best tours on this list. Access to the falls is right off the road. Description: Considered one of the best family waterfall hikes on the island, the 800-foot Waipoo Falls can be approached via the Waipoo Falls Trail at Waimea Canyon. Drive along the cliffs and over rugged landscape Free cancellation Recommended by 97% of travelers from $225.13 per adult Reserve Travelers talk about " plants and animals " Click on the top left of the map to find separate layers marking the route and points of interest. Hiilawe Falls is a magnificent waterfall located in Waipio Valley on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island. 5 out of 6 of our favorites are close to Hilo, and these falls are very easy to visit. We enjoy nature, the ocean, mountains, adventure, and all things outdoors. Visiting the Big Island of Hawaii is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and weve done all the work for you to help plan your trip. Rappel down 120 feet past Hawaiis largest privately accessible waterfall supervised by expert canyoneering guides. This can cause the falls to be (almost) dry even during the wet season. It depends on which one you choose! What youll see along the route will depend on what trail you choose, but each one is worth it! Peepee Falls on the Big Island. There are many tours available if you would rather visit with a guide. This waterfall is one of the tallest waterfalls across all of the Islands, standing at its maximum height at 1,450 feet. The trail is surrounded by beautiful vegetation and singing birds, and the falls are absolutely worth the effort! Akaka and Kahuna Falls are part of the Akaka Falls State Park, located north of Hilo. The Big Island is filled with tourist attractions! Akaka, Kahuna, Hiilawe, Rainbow, Umauma, Peepee, Kulaniapia, Onomeaand WaiilikahiFalls. Access to the overview for the waterfalls lies on private land which is being managed by the Umauma Experience. Weve rounded up our top picks for some of the most beautiful spots for waterfalls on the Big Island. For those with a daring spirit, the Deleuze ATV Waterfall and Swim Experience tour is for you. Its only 80-foot-tall but its still a beautiful natural feature with gushing water all year-round and a large pool below. Turn inland (mauka) between mile markers 14 and 13 onto Honomu Road. Guests will witness mantas up close as they grace the waters and feed on plankton. Peepee Falls form a rather risky, but popular local swimming hole known as boiling pots. However, swimming here has proved to be lethal and should be avoided. Here at Only In Hawaii, weve talked about waterfalls, and weve talked about swimming holes, but now were combining the two and giving you our exclusive list of 13 of the best waterfalls in Hawaii to swim in across all of the islands from spots found only from hiking through the deep jungle of Oahus windward coast, to various scenic spots visible from Mauis breathtaking Hana Highway. On the paved uphill Akaka Falls Loop Trail, you'll venture past these two beautiful waterfalls . Enjoy! Check out the latest prices and more details. Are there a lot of waterfall swimming holes in Hawaii? Some of which are so beautiful that they inspired some of Hawaiis most popular songs. 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. Kohala Waterfalls Small Group Adventure Tour 183 By Hawaii Forest and Trail Adventure Tours 6+ hours See the highlights of Kohala in a day on this small-group adventure tour. Check out the latest prices and more details. Do you like waterfalls a LOT and are you also visiting another island in the Hawaiian island chain? Be sure to pay at least a few of them a visit and create some unforgettable memories that youll treasure forever! Located up the Wailua River, you will need to either rent kayaks or book a guided tour to reach the trailhead. Copyright 2019-2023 Hawaii Travel With Kids/Marcie In Mommyland, Top 7 Big Island Hawaii Waterfalls You Should Visit, Privacy Policy for Hawaii Travel with Kids, Courtyard by Marriotts King Kamehameha Beach Hotel. All the waterfalls listed below are spectacular in their own way, and when you visit them theyre sure to impress. Check out the latest prices and more details. This is a full-day trip from Kona. A 20-acre rainforest greenhouse, the area is filled with beautiful plant life and wild animals. Youll get to hear a bit about the history of Coconut Island (it will totally surprise you) as you paddle around Hilo Bay. Find the best prices here. Click here to see all our recommended waterfall tours on our website. 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). A couple of travel dreamers who fell in love with Hawaii and want to share the beauty of the Islands! Rainbow Falls, or Wainuenue, is located inside the Wailuku River State Park in Hilo, Hawaii. Each hike has its charm, and all offer beautiful views of different parts of the island. Located in the Waipio Valley, this waterfall is absolutely breathtaking. The waterfall is split into two waterfalls that fall into a pool below. 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. Plus, youll keep an eye out for Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles and stop at Big Island Candies for the most famous Hawaiian candy on the Big Island. The falls are located in Waimanu Valley. Have you gone to any of the best waterfalls in Hawaii to swim? Mahalo! She was a professional hula dancer for 20 years and even wrote her college thesis on Hawaiian history. To be exact, you can find it along the Umauma River in Hakalau. This is a 120ft waterfall on the Waiau Stream situated on the lower slopes of Mauna Kea not far from Hilo. Big Island Hotels, Resorts, B&Bs, & Vacation Rentals, Big Island Tours, Excursions, & Adventures. 9 Hawaii Big Island Waterfalls Rainbow Falls Another great way to visit all of these falls is through a helicopter tour. Be sure to do both if you have the time. They are amazing natural wonders that should definitely be on your list of things to do while visiting this tropical paradise! This one has amazing views of the Kohala Coast while listening to fascinating commentary from the pilot. A picnic lunch and hotel transport are included for a hassle-free experience. Of this list, youre not allowed to swim in both Rainbow Falls and Akaka Falls, as it is both dangerous and illegal. The path to Onomea Falls is stunning in itself. Take a comfortable ride through stunning countryside up to the hiking trailhead. 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. Wrapping Up the Best Waterfalls on the Big Island. the State Parks website for updated pricing. The Akaka Falls and the Rainbow Falls are hands-down the most-visited waterfalls on the Big Island. The waterfalls themselves might be short, but the picturesque pools are well worth the short hike. This is part of Hawaiis state park system. Deluxe Big Island ATV Tour & Waterfall Swim at Umauma Falls . Located in Hilo, Hawaii in Wailuku River State Park, Rainbow Falls might be the most famous waterfall on the island. These include stargazing and helicopter tours and is absolutely worth the time and money. The waterfalls are located less than half a mile from the parking lot. 'Akaka Falls 'Akaka Falls is located just north of Hilo and are a gem of the Big Island's waterfalls. Be sure to bring extra clothing. 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. They can be difficult to spot, so it may be worthwhile bringing a pair of binoculars if you really want to get a good look. Youre planning a trip to the Big Island of Hawaii, and you want to visit some of the many beautiful waterfalls on this volcanic island. Its location allows the sun to hit the water at just the perfect angle. Although Akaka Falls is the main event during the hike, the smaller Kahuna Falls is a must-see as well. There have been instances where people lost their lives here. The best hikes on the Big Island of Hawaii are indeed a mixed bag. You can read the full story here. Free cancellation: up to 24 hours before tour. The falls used to only be open to those staying at the hotel located on the grounds. If youre an old soul, this Hilo Bay Waterfalls by Kayak tour was made for you. Majestic Waterfalls Tour A tour across the Hamakua Coast that stops at 'Akaka Falls State Park, Rainbow Falls and Richardson Beach Park. Even when the falls are dry, the lush landscape is incredible. Other than water rappelling, the Experiences Package offers a multitude of other activities. During the tour, youll travel along the coastline. The state park entry fees are $5/car or $1/pedestrian. 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! As you tour, youll be able to enjoy amazing photo spots and unparalleled views of the Pacific Ocean, waterfalls, and the Mauna Kea. The 422 ft tall Akaka falls are part of the Akaka falls state park, located just north of Hilo. 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? Check out the latest prices and more details. Kulania Falls is nearby and just as beautiful. Most waterfalls on the Hamakua coast are a 90-mile drive away. Due to its location, the sun hits the water at just the right angle to show off. However, because you descend over 900 feet in such a short distance, the hike up is immensely steep and challenging to manage. The majority of waterfalls on the Big Island can be seen on your own. Enjoy spectacular views of Mauna Kea and the Pacific Ocean, awesome photo spots, swim in a private pond and really experience off-road Hawaii. Just make sure to leave this waterfall in Hawaii as clean as you found it. Youll need to pay an entrance fee to enter the area. The Umauma falls are three waterfalls in close proximity to the Umauma River, 16 miles north of Hilo on the Hamakua coast. They also offer ATV tours, waterfall rappelling and horseback riding tours to the falls as well. Check out the latest prices and details! And it is surrounded by immense boulders and greenery. Standing at around 80 feet tall, this waterfall is a must-see year round on the Big Island. My personal favorites are Polulu Valley, The Puna Trail, and The hike to Makalawena Beach, to name a few. It aims to take you on an unforgettable journey through the Hamakua Coast. 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. This waterfall used to have a high volume of water in the stream, making swimming here dangerous. Sign up for this discounted Kohala Waterfalls Adventure Tour. Rappelling at the Kulaniapia Falls. If you are on this side of the Big Island, for example, to see the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, a bit of planning will make sure that you can see some spectacular waterfalls. Sign up for this discounted ATV Waterfall and Swim Experience. This is a great family-friendly waterfall as there are no strong currents or falling rocks around. You can contact the State Division of Forestry and Wildlife at 808-974-4221. Visit the Botanical Gardens website for updated pricing. Furthermore, flash floods and strong currents are a real danger there. So no one is taking care of it and ensuring the area remains clean. Unfortunately, the strength of the falls is often dependent on rainfall - so here's to hoping you catch it on a good day. The waterfall got its name from the rainbow that often forms at the base. Youll get to play in the ocean, explore a tidepool, and see Rainbow Falls. This, Located within Waimea Valley is this charming waterfall, perfect for a family swim. with the opportunity to enjoy a relaxing snack break at the waterfalls where you can swim and paddleboard. Its approximately a 19-mile out and back hike that takes around 4 hours each way. Each one of these is worth visiting at least once in my opinion. Most of these places do not have a lifeguard on duty, making you solely responsible for your safety. Big Island in a Day: Volcanoes, Waterfalls, Sightseeing, History (From $226.96) Hawaii Volcano Adventure Tour from Hilo (From $195.99) This might cost more, but its well worth it. Compared to Oahu or Maui, the Big Island of Hawaii is massive! Get your discounted Hilo Bay Kayaking Tickets. Ultimate Guide to the Polynesian Cultural Center with Kids, Traditional Hawaiian Food: 24 Classic Dishes of Hawaiian Cuisine. They are all unique in their own ways. There may be no better way to experience Hawaiian waterfalls than with a helicopter tour.