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. There are no lifeguards here, so please be extremely cautious. Directions: About 30 min north from Hilo airport, park on the mauka (mountain-side) of highway 19 just after the 16 mile marker. This full-day tour will also introduce you to delicious Hawaiian cuisine in the Pololu Valley and even allow you to swim in a waterfall! At the writing of this post, the Umauma Falls are now accessible through the botanical gardens. with the opportunity to enjoy a relaxing snack break at the waterfalls where you can swim and paddleboard. Table of Contents hide 1 Rainbow Falls 2 Akaka Falls 3 Umauma Falls 4 Wai'ale Falls 5 PeePee Falls 6 Hi'ilawe Falls 7 Private Waterfalls 8 Why Are There So Many Waterfalls in Hawaii? From USD 218.85 (9) Big Island Waterfall Swim & Rainforest Hiking Tour & Nature Eco-Adventure . These 7 Big Island waterfalls are truly spectacular and well worth checking out during your stay here! It is one of the most idyllic and beautiful waterfalls in the world. Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability. Thats not to say that the Big Island has the best waterfalls I think all the islands have something great to offer when it comes to these fascinating feats of nature. Wading through these pools is not recommended. Check out the latest prices and more details. The Umauma Falls are a spectacular 3-tiered falls and one of the best waterfalls on the Big Island. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. There are tons of gorgeous waterfalls on the Big Island of Hawaii. Upper Waikani Falls Joe Parks/Flickr Also known as Three Bears falls, Waikani is approximately 70 feet tall, and visible from the Hana Highway. The hike is beautiful, surrounded by bamboo groves and delicate wild orchids. [more], 2006-2023 World Of Waterfalls, All Rights Reserved Now you know some of the best waterfalls Big Island has to offer. There are plenty of these tours you can take while on the Big Island. Swimming Holes on the Big Island of Hawaii. To get to the waterfalls you need to make a pleasant and short 0.4-mile hike through the lush rainforest filled with wild orchids, bamboo groves and draping ferns. I have seen other people recommend Peepee Falls as another great option. The farmers markets are a little-known gem allowing visitors to meet locals, shop for arts and crafts and enjoy edible treasures. Big Island travel tips & recommendations , Explore Big Island Hotels & Resorts Search Now. Enjoy! Most waterfalls on the Hamakua coast are a 90-mile drive away. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. It will take you about an hour to reach the end of the path, which is lined with lush greenery and beautiful scenery. While you can access most of these on your own, you can also join Hawaii waterfall tours for a more personalized experience. Log in, We are passionate waterfall lovers eager to share our experiences chasing waterfalls around the world! Even though swimming is no longer allowed here, its worth the drive as the view is amazing and can be seen from the parking lot. HOME PRIVACY POLICY TERMS, Affiliate Disclosure: We receive compensation from companies whose products or services are used, referenced, or reviewed regardless of whether we endorse or criticize them. Due to its location, the sun hits the water at just the right angle to show off. Dont miss them because once you see them, youll never forget them! We grouped this one group of Hawaii Big Island waterfalls together as they both are located in Akaka Falls State Park. If you plan to camp here, please make sure you obtain the proper permits, as they are required. A full-day rainforest adventure for all ages. Please keep in mind that the falls are not accessible to the general public. You can access this trail from the Waipio Valley lookout. Of this list, youre not allowed to swim in both Rainbow Falls and Akaka Falls, as it is both dangerous and illegal. Which waterfall can you swim at on the Big Island? The only waterfall you can swim at on the Big Island is the Inn at Kulaniapia Falls. 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. Not really. Guests will witness mantas up close as they grace the waters and feed on plankton. If youre debating on visiting Oahu or Maui, you can check out my other article on Oahu Vs Maui to learn more. It is comprised of three short waterfalls that are located close to each otherthe water actually cascades down this series of waterfalls from the river. If youre considering visiting Akaka Falls, check out my full guide HERE. Its one of the tallest and most powerful waterfalls in Hawaii, although it gets a bit dry around March. So keep an eye out for honu (green sea turtles) and admire the coast! This has some of the best waterfalls on Maui. Check out the latest prices and details! In a 30-minute call we help you set up the trip of your dreams. Our featured listings highlight those tours that combine exceptional waterfall experiences, professional guides, and more fun than you can imagine. Image credit: Mark. If you do not agree with any part of these terms and conditions, you should not use this website. You can visit their website at the Inn at Kulaniapia Falls for additional details. The Kulaniapia Falls are with a 120ft drop the tallest private waterfalls on the Big Island. Stretching 93 miles long, its nearly four times as big as Maui. Rappelling at the Kulaniapia Falls. More waterfalls can be found at the northern Hamakua coast seaside cliffs and the valleys of the Kohala coast. This is also close to where most of the black sand beaches on the Big Island are located. However, the best views come when you climb under the bridge and follow a short jungle path to the base of the waterfall. This is a great way to see some of the tallest waterfalls in Hawaii. Compared to Maui, Oahu, and Kauai, The Big Island of Hawaii has some of the most popular waterfalls in all of Hawaii. The beach! You can see all sorts of hidden waterfalls if you go kayaking, take a boat tour, or ride in a helicopter. Keep scrolling for the best waterfalls on the Big Island and discover why people love coming back again and again to this magical island destination. We are independently owned so content written by us merely reflect our own opinions. I work as a factory electrician. Hiilawe Falls is one of the best Big Island waterfall hikes. The Hiilawe waterfall is one of the tallest waterfalls of the state of Hawai. They are a series of small pools fed by the Wailuku River. For the adventurous, go off-roading on the Big Islands Hamakua Coast in a Honda ATV or a Side x Side UTV. Another, more expensive but more spectacular way to see waterfalls (and the volcano!) Not only that, but this island is still expanding! All partners and related links comply with our Advertising Disclosures. Check out the latest prices and more details. Enjoy! Did we list it? Use tab to navigate through the menu items. I visited Rainbow Falls in September of 2021 and the trail to get to the top was closed. Please do not be tempted to hike up if there are signs that say hiking is not allowed and its blocked off. The Akaka Falls and the Rainbow Falls are hands-down the most-visited waterfalls on the Big Island. You can find many waterfalls on the north and east side of the Big Island thanks to lots of rain and a large gradient in elevation (volcanoes!). The content on this website may not be copied or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior written permission. If you decide to swim, please remember to always swim with caution and be aware of the danger around you no matter where you are. 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. HOME PRIVACY POLICY TERMS. It takes about 20-30 minutes to complete the loop. Are you as obsessed with Hawaiian waterfalls as we are? This waterfall can only be accessed from the lookout, and swimming here is no longer allowed. Furthermore, flash floods and strong currents are a real danger there. You will need to pay an admission fee to see these falls. Hiilawe Falls (or Hi'ilawe Falls) was one of those waterfalls where it seemed it had a reputation that it can no longer live up to. Double your adventure with the Kohala Zip and Dip and explore the enchanting lands of North Kohala. Soak in soaring sea cliffs, remote valleys, and even go for a swim under one of seven waterfalls. The gigantic waterfall stands out from the dry, rocky background of the red-walled canyon. Entry to the state park will cost $5 . There have been instances where people lost their lives here. Maunawili Falls 2023 Hawaii Travel Guide. Copyright 2023 Guide of US, LLC. Sign up for our free monthly updates (more info) about everything that is new and happening in Hawaii. Located only 1.5 miles upstream from Rainbow Falls, Peepee Falls is another beautiful spot. Be sure to do both if you have the time. The Majestic Waterfalls Tour is one of the best tours on this list. You can hide and show different layers, or click icons on the map to see the names of waterfalls we mention in this guide. 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. Hanapueo and Umauma Falls. And if youre heading to Akaka Falls with kids, check out my guide HERE. In general, yes, but there are several risks associated with swimming under waterfalls in the state of Hawaii that you should be aware of. Youll be able to get up close and personal with this body of water and have the most memorable time in Hawaii. Take your first right onto Akaka Falls Road and continue for 3.75 miles until you reach the parking lot. The hike down is very easy and can take as little as 20 minutes. Rainbow Falls is not safe for swimming. With all that you can do at Kulaniapia Falls, it makes this waterfall a top-rated Hawaii waterfall 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. 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 can view all three of them from an overlook that you can access via a private botanical garden. Plus. from $85 + taxes & fees | Child $75. If you visit when the sky is clear and the sun is out, youll be able to see a beautiful rainbow at the foot of the waterfall. The waterfall is located inside Waipio Valley and is about 1,450 feet tall. This waterfall is smaller than the rainbow falls but also far less crowded. What is the best way to visit all these waterfalls? This is a full-day trip from Kona. If youre lucky, you may be able to see honu (green sea turtle) and even dolphins! Both waterfalls are beautiful Big Island attractions. The best part? The Falls has recently been named in the top ten best swimming holes in America by the magazine Travel + Leisure. 1: Maui Overview 2: Things to Do 3: Where to Stay 4: Popular Sights and Destinations 5: Road to Hana (Maui) 6: Maui Itinerary 7: Maui blog posts, The second-biggest island in the chain, much of Mauis appeal comes from its natural landscape and biodiversity, including its two massive volcanoes, whale watching and marine ecosystems, 1: Oahu Overview 2: Things to Do 3: Where to Stay 4: Popular Sights and Destinations 5: Oahu Beaches 6: Oahu Itinerary 7: Oahu blog posts. Download and/or view the map of all 9 waterfalls here. 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 " Access to the overview for the waterfalls lies on private land which is being managed by the Umauma Experience. Off the main street is the Mana's Aloha Fruit Stand. On Highway 19's bridge, most drivers will pass by these 2 neat waterfalls without realizing it! Sign up for a discounted Legends of the Waterfalls and Volcano Tour. Its a 100-foot waterfall that youll pass by on your way to Akaka if you follow the footpath. First trip to the Big Island? The falls are located in Waimanu Valley. Lava from Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa meet near the base of Peepee Falls, about 2 miles downstream. I highly discourage doing this hike during the rainy season. 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. Youll be treated to an entirely new and equally beautiful view of the waterfalls. Sustainable Travel guide and itineraries for the Big Island of Hawaii. This might cost more, but its well worth it. The most important is the water-born disease leptospirosis: dont go swimming if you have any abrasions, scrapes, blisters or other skin lesions. Absolutely! Content on this site is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical, health, or safety advice. The 422 ft. tall Akaka falls are a pleasant stop on your way to or from Hilo. Waiilikahi Falls are yet another gem on the Big Island, but it takes a lot to hike to the falls. The trail is surrounded by beautiful vegetation and singing birds, and the falls are absolutely worth the effort! The path to Onomea Falls is stunning in itself. Peepee Falls are another great waterfall that you can visit. 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. Take a comfortable ride through stunning countryside up to the hiking trailhead. 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? They also offer ATV tours, waterfall rappelling and horseback riding tours to the falls as well. On the list of Big Island of Hawaii waterfalls below, we've included the height of the falls, a ranking, have noted if it's a seasonal waterfall, and have added any additionalinformation as necessary. Here you will find a delightful selection of art galleries and gift stores as well as several cafes. You might hear that people go swimming here, but dont do it! Map of Big Island Waterfalls Wrapping Up the Best Waterfalls on the Big Island The website World of waterfalls is an excellent resource to find out more about the smaller waterfalls on the island. Zipline high above the forest floor, picnic on the rim of Pololu Valley & swim under a private waterfall fed by a cool mountain stream. You may have a luxury problem though: there are more waterfalls on the Big Island than you can reasonable visit during your stay! Youll get to play in the ocean, explore a tidepool, and see Rainbow Falls. On the paved uphill Akaka Falls Loop Trail, you'll venture past these two beautiful waterfalls . Youll experience 7 incredible Kohala waterfalls plus a picnic lunch. Big Island Hotels, Resorts, B&Bs, & Vacation Rentals, Big Island Tours, Excursions, & Adventures. Approximately 16 miles north of Hilo, on the Umauma River, lies one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Hawaii: Umauma Falls. Shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 license. All the waterfalls listed below are spectacular in their own way, and when you visit them theyre sure to impress. 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 If you dont want to search out the waterfalls on your own, this might be the right tour for you. One of the risks is that rocks occasionally get washed over the falls and can land on unsuspecting swimmers. These falls form also the access to a popular but risky local swimming spot called the boiling pots. Seeing waterfalls is a great way to save money while on your vacation to Hawaii. Looking for a car rental in Kona, Big island? 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. They are amazing natural wonders that should definitely be on your list of things to do while visiting this tropical paradise! Note: There is an admission fee to the state park, $5.00 per car or $1 per person if you are walking. You can also walk down from the upper parking lots and viewing decks. Be sure not the trespass onto the private land that surrounds the waterfall. Big Island of Hawaii Waterfalls Simply put, waterfalls on the Big Island of Hawaii are some of the world's finest. One other thing to note is that there are 13 streams you will have to cross before getting to the water. During the tour, youll travel along the coastline. Akaka Falls is located inside the Akaka Falls State Park in Hawaii. The majority of waterfalls on the Big Island can be seen on your own. There is no swimming allowed here; you can only view the falls from a safe distance. The falls are located in the rainforest. 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. Interested? 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. See the northern Kohala highlights with this 8-hour adventure and visit 7 stunning private waterfalls (and swim in one! A couple of the best waterfalls near Hilo can be seen in Akaka Falls State Park, including Akaka Falls (422 feet) and Kahuna Falls (100 feet). And these are just the most popular waterfalls on Big Island. Along the way, youll be privy to various wild orchids. This picturesque spot can be found past mile marker 16 on the Hana Highway, below the bridge that crosses Palauhulu Stream. The Hilton and Sheraton both have really neat waterfalls and its clean clear water. Family friendly zipline tour + private waterfall swim. This tour is unique in that it focuses almost entirely on the history and culture of Hawaii. Location: North east side of Big Island. Download your copy of our Swimming here is not recommended, even on days where it feels safe. Overview . Hi'ilawe Falls is visible only within the valley or from the air, as the . Please remember that all of these falls have different levels of water throughout the year. Standing at 422ft tall, this free-falling waterfall drops to the bottom of the gorge, creating an amazing panoramic view of the area. Read more on the Umauma experience website. 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). Plus it has numerous attractions, from volcanic rock formations to beautiful waterfalls. Subscribe to receive 5 emails in 5 days: Call us for advice! If you're visiting the Big Island of Hawaii soon, be sure to download your copy of one of our updated 2023 Big Island Visitor Guides. Its accessible through several different methods and gorgeous no matter how you see it. 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! There are other adventurous activities that you can enjoy here too. 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. Check out the latest prices and more details. 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. You have to be a guest at the Inn to access the trail leading to the waterfall. We like to get up and close to any waterfall we see, and know the same is true for many of our readers. Nanua Falls is a series of waterfalls on the Hamakua Coast, about 18 miles north of Hilo. The Oloupena Falls is the tallest waterfall in Hawaii, located on the tiny island of Molokai, stretching an immense 2,953 feet high. Later you transfer to an off-road vehicle to get off the beaten path and take a small hike along the tunnels and aqueducts of an over 100 year old sugar plantation. One of several waterfalls you hike to on a tour with Hawaii Forest and Trail. Both falls are located on a family-friendly hiking loop (.4 miles) that takes about 30-45 minutes to see both waterfalls. This multi tiered, Oheo Gulch, OheO Gulch, Hawaii 96713, USA. Free cancellation: up to 24 hours before tour. 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. Hi'ilawe Falls is a magnificent waterfall located in Waipio Valley on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island. Its a 422-foot natural waterfall. This one has amazing views of the Kohala Coast while listening to fascinating commentary from the pilot. Visit the Botanical Gardens website for updated pricing. You can read the full story here. You can access the waterfall for free and its one of the best Big Island hikes. There are so many incredible waterfalls, making it hard to know where to start. This is the perfect pre or post-hike pit stop for pineapples and fresh coconuts that you can't miss. 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 The Magical Waterfall Tour is an airborne tour that takes you on a visit to the coastline of Waipio Valley and Waimanu Valley. If you're looking for the best Big Island waterfall adventures, then look no further. Akaka Falls are extremely accessible, as the trail to the waterfall stretches only 0.4 miles long. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! The Umauma falls are three waterfalls in close proximity to the Umauma River, 16 miles north of Hilo on the Hamakua coast. Kulaniapia Falls is a private waterfall located on the Waiau Stream, not far from Hilo. Their list contains the following waterfalls: In Hilo: Rainbow falls, Pe'epe'e falls, Wai'ale falls, Kulaniapia falls. Its one of the quietest and least touristy waterfalls on the island, so you can enjoy a chill day with your friends when you visit. To make the process easier you can look directly into Kona jeep rental deals and reserve the one that meets your needs. If you already have accommodations, water rappelling can also be booked by the general public. 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. Trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. Where are all the waterfalls in Hilo Hawaii? While visiting the Wailuku River State Park, you can also stop by the Peepee Falls. Get our brand-new trip planning series delivered directly to your inbox - for FREE (more info). The hike to the waterfall takes either 5 or 15 minutes, depending on which route you decide to take. What takes a waterfall from "beautiful" to "spectacular" is height- and Hawaii's falls undoubtedly have it! Why not go on one of our perfectly planned waterfall road trips with itineraries for both Oahu and Maui. 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. 2. This 8-hour tour takes you from Kona to the oldest volcano on the Big Island for an inspiring and exhilarating day. Unfortunately, the strength of the falls is often dependent on rainfall - so here's to hoping you catch it on a good day. Top 9 Waterfalls on The Big Island Akaka Falls and Kahuna Falls Hi'ilawe Falls Rainbow Falls Pe'epe'e Falls Umauma Falls Kulaniapia Falls Onomea Falls Wai'ilikahi Falls What is the best way to visit all these waterfalls? 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. We also receive a small commission from travel partners for some of the links found on this website. 1. Hi'ilawe Falls To be exact, you can find it along the Umauma River in Hakalau. Get your discounted Waterfalls of Kohala Tour. These links do not cost you anything and help provide the necessary funding to maintain this website. This waterfall is one of the tallest waterfalls across all of the Islands, standing at its maximum height at 1,450 feet. While theyre all worth seeing, we must warn you that most of them do not have a swimming hole or pool available. The Best Hiking Shoes for Hawaii in 2021(The Ultimate buying Guide), The 5 Best Reef Safe Sunscreens for Hawaii. Together with only a limited number of guests each day, this daypass gives you access to the waterfalls and to their 42-acre property, where you can enjoy miles of trails, incredible views of 4 waterfalls, bamboo gardens. The Rainbow Falls are located in Hilo and are fed by the Wailuku River the same river that also feeds the Peepee Falls. A tour across the Hamakua Coast that stops at Akaka Falls State Park, Rainbow Falls and Richardson Beach Park. This is part of Hawaiis state park system. The hike is suitable for the whole family and takes half an hour if you take your time. Papalaua Falls in Molokai is an unbelievably impressive waterfall, and unsurprising that's it on Molokai as this island is home to some of the tallest waterfalls in the entire world.