Now you know some of the best waterfalls Big Island has to offer. It takes about 20-30 minutes to complete the loop. 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. For more information on waterfalls in Maui, You can check out this post on the best 15 stops on the Road to Hana. At the bottom of the valley, take a left and walk for roughly 5-10 minutes to see the falls. This would allow you to see almost all of our favorite waterfalls and is recommended for people that really love waterfalls. Swimming is not allowed here, so keep that in mind when you visit. Here, youll zipline across the forest, have lunch in the Pololu Valley, and even swim in a Big Island waterfall. The waterfalls are located less than half a mile from the parking lot. If youre debating on visiting Oahu or Maui, you can check out my other article on Oahu Vs Maui to learn more. Interested? 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. Its a 100-foot waterfall that youll pass by on your way to Akaka if you follow the footpath. Swimming in tropical fresh water ( and I use the term loosely) is a product of Hollywood movies like blue Lagoon. However, you need to pay a fee to access the private viewing deck. Free cancellation: up to 24 hours before tour. The content on this website may not be copied or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior written permission. Subscribe to receive 5 emails in 5 days: Call us for advice! The beach! Akaka Falls is located within the Akaka Falls State Park, roughly 3.6 miles south of Honomu on the Hilo Coast. This picturesque spot can be found past mile marker 16 on the Hana Highway, below the bridge that crosses Palauhulu Stream. All Rights Reserved. In fact, some still consider it a secret or hidden spot on the island even though it has been featured in several magazines and TV shows. Hi'ilawe Falls is a magnificent waterfall located in Waipio Valley on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island. We like to get up and close to any waterfall we see, and know the same is true for many of our readers. Wrapping Up the Best Waterfalls on the Big Island. The Best Hiking Shoes for Hawaii in 2021(The Ultimate buying Guide), The 5 Best Reef Safe Sunscreens for Hawaii. Its 93 miles across and has all sorts of terrain and natural wonders. Visit the Botanical Gardens website for updated pricing. One of the most spectacular waterfalls in Hawaii is Onomea Falls. 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. 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. Commonly, especially if you visit in the early morning, the positioning of the Rainbow Falls sends a rainbow arching from its base into the water. [more], 2006-2023 World Of Waterfalls, All Rights Reserved WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW. The path to Onomea Falls is stunning in itself. Its the largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago and has some of the most popular waterfalls in all of Hawaii! 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. Unfortunately, swimming is not allowed at Rainbow Falls, and there are signs warning about the danger of swimming. Hi'ilawe Falls in the Waipio Valley. Located in the Waipio Valley, this waterfall is absolutely breathtaking. Youll see places on the Big Island only accessible by air. Sign up for this discounted Legends of the Waterfalls & Volcano Tour. This is a great family-friendly waterfall as there are no strong currents or falling rocks around. The Kulaniapia Falls is a private 90-100 foot waterfall located at the Inn at Kulaniapia Falls. Even when the falls are dry, the lush landscape is incredible. In addition, if weather and conditions permit, you may be able to swim, kayak or paddleboard under the waterfalls. Confirming what your tour includes will ensure that you wont miss out on any of the waterfalls. Read more: in our guide to visiting the Akaka falls. 9 Hawaii Big Island Waterfalls Rainbow Falls Get your discounted Kohala Tour from Kona Tour. However, you need to pay a fee to be able to access the viewing deck. 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. 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. Nanue Falls is located on the Hamakua Coast in Hawaii. It will take you about two hours to hike to Nanue Falls, but the path isnt too hard to walk on so youll be fine. Plus it has numerous attractions, from volcanic rock formations to beautiful waterfalls. If waterfalls are your thing you most likely wont be happy to see only the biggest six. Most waterfalls can be found on the slopes of the Mauna Kea volcano close to Hilo and on the Hamakua coast. 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. The Onomea Falls is located within the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, This s private property owned by Dan Lutkenhouse, first opened in 1984. Cooling lava flows created columns, which connect a series of cascading waterfalls and pools that appear to be bubbling. 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. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. On Highway 19's bridge, most drivers will pass by these 2 neat waterfalls without realizing it! from the air is as part of a helicopter tour. Youll start off driving up the Kona coastline pas lava flows and check out sweeping views from the old Kohala Mule Station lookout. The dark blue/purple waterfalls are more difficult to see and smaller waterfalls. Are you as obsessed with Hawaiian waterfalls as we are? So no one is taking care of it and ensuring the area remains clean. True to its name, this island is so big that it's said to be able to fit all the rest of the Hawaiian Islands. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! You can read the full story here. Youll be able to get up close and personal with this body of water and have the most memorable time in Hawaii. I highly recommend checking out Viator for some of the best tours in Hawaii. Keep in mind that youll need to clear a full day of your itinerary for this. 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. Ultimate Guide to the Polynesian Cultural Center with Kids, Traditional Hawaiian Food: 24 Classic Dishes of Hawaiian Cuisine. During the tour, youll travel along the coastline. The waterfall is named for the beautiful rainbow that forms at the waterfalls base. If you dont want to search out the waterfalls on your own, this might be the right tour for you. Big Island travel tips & recommendations , Explore Big Island Hotels & Resorts Search Now. This might cost more, but its well worth it. Each island has some of the best waterfall swimming holes in Hawaii, so no matter where you are, youll find something amazing! A couple of travel dreamers who fell in love with Hawaii and want to share the beauty of the Islands! Umauma Falls is located on the Big Island 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. 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. Its only 80-foot-tall but its still a beautiful natural feature with gushing water all year-round and a large pool below. Before we talk about the best waterfalls, lets discuss some FAQs you might have: Swimming is NOT allowed at Akaka Falls State Park. A 20-acre rainforest greenhouse, the area is filled with beautiful plant life and wild animals. You have to be a guest at the Inn to access the trail leading to the waterfall. Be sure to do both if you have the time. Youll never run out of things to do here. The Waipio Valley lookout trailhead is a very steep but short half-mile hike. If you have the time and are already visiting Rainbow Falls, add a short hike to continue your waterfall adventure. Youll also pass by Boulder Creek on your way to the falls, which is a gorgeous sight to see. Sign up for this discounted ATV Waterfall and Swim Experience. Youll get to play in the ocean, explore a tidepool, and see Rainbow Falls. This waterfall used to have a high volume of water in the stream, making swimming here dangerous. It is simply breathtaking. Enjoy this 8-hour adventure as you explore Kohala, the oldest of five volcanos that make up the Big Island. They also offer ATV tours, waterfall rappelling and horseback riding tours to the falls as well. Its easily accessible and it will only take you about half an hour to get here. This is a full-day trip from Kona. Some of which are so beautiful that they inspired some of Hawaiis most popular songs. You can view all three of them from an overlook that you can access via a private botanical garden. Alternatively, you could think of going for this scenic drive to see all the waterfalls close to Hilo in half a day. Id be sure to go at least a few days after heavy rain to avoid flash flooding and a swollen stream. 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. Read more on the Umauma experience website. Akaka Falls. Swimming Holes on the Big Island of Hawaii. Her next trip to Hawaii is never too far away! The best hikes on the Big Island of Hawaii are indeed a mixed bag. This website's use is your expressly conditioned acceptance of the terms, conditions, and disclaimers found within our Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability page without any modifications. This, Upper Waikani Falls, Hana Hwy, Haiku, HI 96708, USA, Perhaps one of Oahus most stunning hidden waterfalls, this trek through the mud is never uphill for too long and offers the opportunity to jump in a beautiful waterfall at the end. Located in the Cummins Falls State Park in Jackson County, Tennessee, the Cummins Falls is 75 feet high and is the eighth largest waterfall in Tennessee by volume. The volume of the rainbow falls (or Waianuenue) changes on a daily basis. There are no lifeguards here, so please be extremely cautious. Compared to Rainbow Falls, Peepee Falls are less crowded and less known. 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. The farmers markets are a little-known gem allowing visitors to meet locals, shop for arts and crafts and enjoy edible treasures. Several are featured in popular Hawaiian songs. Hiilawe (the barely visible waterfall in the back of the valley) is one of the tallest waterfalls on the Big Island. Akaka, Kahuna, Hiilawe, Rainbow, Umauma, Peepee, Kulaniapia, Onomeaand WaiilikahiFalls. These 7 Big Island waterfalls are truly spectacular and well worth checking out during your stay here! HOME PRIVACY POLICY TERMS. She was a professional hula dancer for 20 years and even wrote her college thesis on Hawaiian history. Although this tour doesnt take you to any of the immensely popular waterfalls on the Big Island, youll be treated to a view of seven obscure and uncrowded Kohala waterfalls, where youll be allowed to swim and picnic. Our featured listings highlight those tours that combine exceptional waterfall experiences, professional guides, and more fun than you can imagine. My personal favorites are Polulu Valley, The Puna Trail, and The hike to Makalawena Beach, to name a few. 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 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 state park is home to two amazing waterfalls, one of which plunges 422 feet into a stream-eroded gorge below. Its a 422-foot natural waterfall. Enjoy spectacular views of Mauna Kea and the Pacific Ocean, awesome photo spots, swim in a private pond and really experience off-road Hawaii. Akaka Falls is located inside the Akaka Falls State Park in Hawaii. A delicious catered lunch is provided in our secluded pavilion. Visit the State Parks website for updated pricing. The majority of waterfalls on the Big Island can be seen on your own. 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. By donating to our small business, you accept and acknowledge the donation terms. If you are in the Kona area, I highly recommend Paradise Helicopters. 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. Get in touch with us! They are amazing natural wonders that should definitely be on your list of things to do while visiting this tropical paradise! From USD 218.85 (9) Big Island Waterfall Swim & Rainforest Hiking Tour & Nature Eco-Adventure . Its accessible through several different methods and gorgeous no matter how you see it. It stretches over 120 feet high, although the tiers make it difficult to measure accurately. Umauma Falls I work as a factory electrician. Akaka Falls and Kahuna Falls. If youd like to dabble in something slightly more adventurous, you can go ziplining or rappelling over the area. There are different, The private property is currently managed by the. See the northern Kohala highlights with this 8-hour adventure and visit 7 stunning private waterfalls (and swim in one! There are plenty of these tours you can take while on the Big Island. The waterfall flows from a water source called the Onomea Stream. The Majestic Waterfalls Tour is one of the best tours on this list. 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. 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. Waianuenue Falls, Big Island James Walsh/Flickr Free cancellation: up to 48 hours before tour. The most popular way to observe the Umauma Falls is from a tranquil overlook accessible through the World Botanical Garden. Access costs $12 per person (walk-in fee, no pre-bookings required), which also buys you access to their garden. It takes less than an hour to hike leisurely and is only somewhat sloped uphill. I highly discourage doing this hike during the rainy season. For a beautiful view and unforgettable experience, sign up for a discounted Magical Waterfall Tour. Waimoku Falls is a 400 foot waterfall that you see pictured on the cover of many of Maui's guidebooks and is one of the tallest waterfalls on Maui. In a 30-minute call we help you set up the trip of your dreams. This waterfall is smaller than the rainbow falls but also far less crowded. Rainbow Falls is not safe for swimming. Lava from Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa meet near the base of Peepee Falls, about 2 miles downstream. This is also close to where most of the black sand beaches on the Big Island are located. While theyre all worth seeing, we must warn you that most of them do not have a swimming hole or pool available. Make sure your tour includes all of the waterfalls you want to see. To be exact, you can find it along the Umauma River in Hakalau. Are you planning to travel to the Big Island of Hawaii? Please do not put these waterfalls on your to-do list. Note: There is an admission fee to the state park, $5.00 per car or $1 per person if you are walking. Whether you want to soar over the falls or dive right in and swim them, we have the tour for you. There are more than seven pools, and they arent sacred rumor has it that a local hotel owner coined the name in order to attract more visitors to his establishment. 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. The admission fee to the park is $5.00 per car or $1 per person for pedestrians. Trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. The admission fee to view the 422 ft tall falls is $5.00 per car or $1.00 per person for pedestrians. You might hear that people go swimming here, but dont do it! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The area beyond that is private property, so be aware of where youre going! There have been instances where people lost their lives here. This can cause the falls to be (almost) dry even during the wet season. One of the, Often referred to as Secret Falls, this beautiful waterfall will require substantial work to reach but we think its totally worth it. I am not sure how people did this as signs warn against it, and its illegal and can be dangerous. I have seen people continue to do it anyway, but this is just asking for trouble. Whats the Honolulu Sister Cities Program? This allows you to experience a birds-eye view of the waterfall! You can see all sorts of hidden waterfalls if you go kayaking, take a boat tour, or ride in a helicopter. A full-day rainforest adventure for all ages. All partners and related links comply with our Advertising Disclosures. They are a series of small pools fed by the Wailuku River. Sign up for our free monthly updates (more info) about everything that is new and happening in Hawaii. And these are just the most popular waterfalls on Big Island. A picnic lunch and hotel transport are included for a hassle-free experience. If you are looking for an adventure or just want to relax on your vacation, these seven waterfalls will not disappoint. Log in, We are passionate waterfall lovers eager to share our experiences chasing waterfalls around the world!