I highly recommend checking out Viator for some of the best tours in Hawaii. What Are The Must-Visit Waterfalls On Big Island? Flash flooding in this area is common, so please proceed with caution. Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Heather Goodman. Star the map to save it to your own Google Maps, or open the map in a new window for a larger version. Swimming in tropical fresh water ( and I use the term loosely) is a product of Hollywood movies like blue Lagoon. 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 waterfall is split into two waterfalls that fall into a pool below. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Rappel down 120 feet past Hawaiis largest privately accessible waterfall supervised by expert canyoneering guides. Standing at 422ft tall, this free-falling waterfall drops to the bottom of the gorge, creating an amazing panoramic view of the area. What is the best way to visit all these waterfalls? Log in, We are passionate waterfall lovers eager to share our experiences chasing waterfalls around the world! 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. as a very big person in the future I want to help people I want to give a gift to the. 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. Get our brand-new trip planning series delivered directly to your inbox - for FREE (more info). See the northern Kohala highlights with this 8-hour adventure and visit 7 stunning private waterfalls (and swim in one! Furthermore, flash floods and strong currents are a real danger there. We decided to take a scenic drive while staying on the Hilo side to see some of these waterfalls. You can access the waterfall for free and its one of the best Big Island hikes. 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. But dont worry, this is a very easy hike to do and the trail is paved and well maintained. The Big Island is filled with tourist attractions! Hi'ilawe Falls is a magnificent waterfall located in Waipio Valley on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island. While transporting logs over to build the base might be a nuisance, the beach offers a wealth of advantages that . Youll be able to get up close and personal with this body of water and have the most memorable time in Hawaii. 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. If youre staying in Hilo and enjoy learning about history, you might get a kick out of this Legends of the Waterfalls tour where youll learn why Hilo was one of the favorite places for Kamehameha the Great. A delicious catered lunch is provided in our secluded pavilion. 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. Each has its own unique beauty that will leave you in awe from start to finish! You may have a luxury problem though: there are more waterfalls on the Big Island than you can reasonable visit during your stay! Along the way, youll see verdant vegetation and immense, ancient Banyan trees, overgrown by fig vines and moss. There is only one way to get here, and thats by hiking along the coastal trail. Here are a few top picks that are worth checking out! What youll see along the route will depend on what trail you choose, but each one is worth it! Onomea Falls is a stunning multi-tiered waterfall set amidst a beautiful botanical garden: the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden. After some time, the streams flow lessened and it is now safe to swim here. 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. Swimming is not allowed here, so keep that in mind when you visit. While youre enjoying these natural attractions, be sure to take lots of pictures! The Majestic Waterfalls Tour is one of the best tours on this list. The beach! The waterfall got its name from the rainbow that often forms at the base. A picnic lunch and hotel transport are included for a hassle-free experience. If you are staying in Kona, meet up with a local driver who takes you to North Kohala. Hiilawe Falls is best seen at a distance, as public access to the base of the falls is not possible. Get your discounted Waterfalls of Kohala Tour. There are no lifeguards here, so please be extremely cautious. Then, there are waterfalls where the access is rather ambiguous (to my knowledge), and these include Hi'ilawe Falls, Nanue Falls, and the so-called Narnia Waterfalls (which are actually a convergence of three named waterfalls). Are there a lot of waterfall swimming holes in Hawaii? Due to its relative obscurity, especially compared to the rest of the waterfalls on this list, going to this waterfall and relaxing in the area may seem like a scene out of a movie. 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 ziplining tour is the option for those who love a thrill. This amazingly unique experience takes place on the beautiful landscapes near the Umauma stream, held on pristinely-kept private property. When river safety conditions permit, you can also go swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding under the Kulaniapia Falls using on-site equipment. Read THIS first! 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. Love Hawaii? 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. Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden Map of Big Island Waterfalls Wrapping Up the Best Waterfalls on the Big Island While there arent really Kona waterfalls, you see tons of waterfalls in Hilo. There are different, The private property is currently managed by the. 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 visible only within the valley or from the air, as the . Most of these places do not have a lifeguard on duty, making you solely responsible for your safety. Download and/or view the map of all 9 waterfalls here. Visitors will have to pay an entrance fee for the botanical garden, but once inside, the paved stroll to the waterfall is quick, and features a changing room, available life jackets and lifeguards on duty. Check out the latest prices and details. To be exact, you can find it along the Umauma River in Hakalau. A tour across the Hamakua Coast that stops at Akaka Falls State Park, Rainbow Falls and Richardson Beach Park. Plus it has numerous attractions, from volcanic rock formations to beautiful waterfalls. You no longer need to book a tour with the Umauma Experience to get to the falls. 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. 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. There are many tours available if you would rather visit with a guide. Unfortunately, swimming is not allowed at Rainbow Falls, and there are signs warning about the danger of swimming. Photos of Kulania attached . . You can now drive on a concrete road right to the falls and tropical garden. First trip to the Big Island? Its one of the tallest and most powerful waterfalls in Hawaii, although it gets a bit dry around March. There are several ways people choose to see the waterfalls. The total height of the falls is about 1,450 feet (442m), with a highest direct drop of 1,201 feet (366m)! 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. 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. Free cancellation: up to 48 hours before tour. This article covers seven of the Big Islands most beautiful waterfalls! Nanua Falls is a series of waterfalls on the Hamakua Coast, about 18 miles north of Hilo. Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Big Island Itinerary complete with daily schedules, kid-friendly activities, and travel hacks? It takes about 60 to 90 minutes to hike to the waterfall. The view is spectacular and the tame and paved nature hike was enjoyable too. Even when the falls are dry, the lush landscape is incredible. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The government or any private party does not manage Nanua Falls. These are just a few of the many, many tours that can be booked to see the beautiful waterfalls on the Big Island. Thank you! You can start the hike to this waterfall from the Waipio Valley lookout. Read more about waterfall safety. Standing at around 80 feet tall, this waterfall is a must-see year round on the Big Island. Where are the best waterfalls to swim in Hawaii? Akaka Falls are extremely accessible, as the trail to the waterfall stretches only 0.4 miles long. Check out the latest prices and more details. It is simply breathtaking. This tour takes you on a journey through Hilo, stopping by at the Rainbow Falls, tidepools, and ocean beaches. This is a full-day trip from Kona. If you follow the path, youll see the beautiful Kahuna Falls along the way just before you see Akaka 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. Swimming Holes on the Big Island of Hawaii. It stretches hundreds of feet tall and is surrounded by greenery. I would plan 10 hours out of your day if you are thinking about doing the hike. While there are gorgeous waterfalls on Kauai, Oahu, and Maui, the Big Island has some of the most famous waterfalls in Hawaii. The waterfall, however, is worth the effort it takes to access it. Although Akaka Falls is the main event during the hike, the smaller Kahuna Falls is a must-see as well. Don't miss them because once you see them, you'll never forget them! Take a comfortable ride through stunning countryside up to the hiking trailhead. You can also book a stay at The Inn, a high-quality resort thats well worth the money. Get your discounted Magical Waterfall Tour. This multi tiered, Oheo Gulch, OheO Gulch, Hawaii 96713, USA. On the paved uphill Akaka Falls Loop Trail, you'll venture past these two beautiful waterfalls . This is what the falls look like after a good rain upstream. This remote, Makaleha Trailhead, 7290 Kahuna Rd, Kapa?a, HI 96746, USA, Makapipi Falls is visible from the Road to Hana, and is unique in that the waterfall plummets into a striking blue pool. The admission fee to the park is $5.00 per car or $1 per person for pedestrians. While visiting the Wailuku River State Park, you can also stop by the Peepee Falls. Big Island of Hawaii Waterfalls Simply put, waterfalls on the Big Island of Hawaii are some of the world's finest. If you are looking for an adventure or just want to relax on your vacation, these seven waterfalls will not disappoint. Another great way to visit all of these falls is through a helicopter tour. The falls are located in Waimanu Valley. Swim, kayak, stand up paddleboard or just relax and enjoy the scenery with your friends and family. Stretching 93 miles long, its nearly four times as big as Maui. This is the perfect pre or post-hike pit stop for pineapples and fresh coconuts that you can't miss. Youll never run out of things to do here. Now you know some of the best waterfalls Big Island has to offer. Double your adventure with the Kohala Zip and Dip and explore the enchanting lands of North Kohala. Why not go on one of our perfectly planned waterfall road trips with itineraries for both Oahu and Maui. No experience necessary! Meet with a local driver and travel to North Kona to experience multiple zip-lines that stretch over beautiful landscapes, including waterfalls. Enjoy this 8-hour adventure as you explore Kohala, the oldest of five volcanos that make up the Big Island. Hawaii's Big Island is home to some of the islands' most accessible waterfalls, and here are five of the most popular. Hiilawe Falls is located on the Big Island. Get more stories delivered right to your email. These 7 Big Island waterfalls are truly spectacular and well worth checking out during your stay here! 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. 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. Check out the latest prices and more details. Mahalo! Before you get to Akaka Falls, you can also visit Kahuna Falls inside the state park. 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. Waipoo Falls. The Wailuku River flows along the bottom of the gorge and downstream to Rainbow Falls. To be able to visit the waterfall, you can book a guest room at The Inn or book one of the Experience Packages available at the property. From USD 130.62. Both waterfalls are beautiful Big Island attractions. Rainbow Falls is one of the easiest to see and most popular waterfalls on the Big Island of Hawaii. Also, be sure to check out all the waterfalls in Hawaii on ourHawaii Waterfallspage. 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. 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. 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. Soak in soaring sea cliffs, remote valleys, and even go for a swim under one of seven waterfalls. 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. 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). Turn inland (mauka) between mile markers 14 and 13 onto Honomu Road. This is a great way to see some of the tallest waterfalls in Hawaii. Dont miss them because once you see them, youll never forget them! Its a 100-foot waterfall that youll pass by on your way to Akaka if you follow the footpath. Check out the latest prices and more details. Sustainable Travel guide and itineraries for the Big Island of Hawaii. Drive down yourself (only with 4WD), or get down to the valley floor as part of a horseback riding tour in the valley. The content on this website may not be copied or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior written permission. 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. Standing at 2,954 feet tall, this waterfall is spectacular. A full-day rainforest adventure for all ages. 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. Join this tour to see waterfalls and the stunning Hilo scenery and learn about King Kamehameha the Great and his preference for the area. It will take you about an hour to reach the end of the path, which is lined with lush greenery and beautiful scenery. The best part? Where are all the waterfalls in Hilo Hawaii? Akaka Falls are about 422 feet tall, but are only viewable from the viewing platform. Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability. If you are not interested in these tours, you can pay $12 per person to visit the beautiful botanical gardens. On an especially clear day, you'll be able to see Mauna Kea behind them. 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 And these are just the most popular waterfalls on Big Island. However, you need to pay a fee to be able to access the viewing deck. It stretches over 120 feet high, although the tiers make it difficult to measure accurately. 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. The lush landscape alone is enough to warrant a hike here. 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. It aims to take you on an unforgettable journey through the Hamakua Coast. The Umauma falls are three waterfalls in close proximity to the Umauma River, 16 miles north of Hilo on the Hamakua coast. Umauma Falls is a three-tiered waterfall surrounded by lush vegetation. Its accessible through several different methods and gorgeous no matter how you see it. If you have the time and are already visiting Rainbow Falls, add a short hike to continue your waterfall adventure. Sugar Water: Hawaiis Plantation Ditches by Carol Wilcox. Its such a fun, Combine vibrant sapphire pools with some stellar spots for cliff jumping, and youve got one of Mauis local hangouts. This waterfall is one of the tallest waterfalls across all of the Islands, standing at its maximum height at 1,450 feet. It is a privately owned so you need to go with a tour group but well worth it! The 422 ft. tall Akaka falls are a pleasant stop on your way to or from Hilo. 'Akaka Falls 'Akaka Falls is located just north of Hilo and are a gem of the Big Island's waterfalls. Interested? The Experiences Package allows you to water rappel. 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. The waterfall is named for the beautiful rainbow that forms at the waterfalls base. These links do not cost you anything and help provide the necessary funding to maintain this website. Thankfully they didnt, as there appeared to be rocks under the shallow water at the bottom of the falls. Rainbow Falls, or Wainuenue, is located inside the Wailuku River State Park in Hilo, Hawaii. Regardless, they are still worth the visit if you love nature and gorgeous views. Do you like waterfalls a LOT and are you also visiting another island in the Hawaiian island chain? The Onomea Falls is located within the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, This s private property owned by Dan Lutkenhouse, first opened in 1984. Enjoy! Alternatively, you can zipline or rappel at the Umauma Falls. If you dont want to search out the waterfalls on your own, this might be the right tour for you. 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. Hello, my name is Abduvaliev diyorbek. Farmers Markets. more, 2006-2023 World Of Waterfalls, Other than water rappelling, the Experiences Package offers a multitude of other activities. 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. In general, yes, but there are several risks associated with swimming under waterfalls in the state of Hawaii that you should be aware of. Click the button below. 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. It is alleged to have a height of 1,450 feet. Kulaniapia Falls is once again located on private property, this time belonging to The Inn and usually reserved exclusively for residents there. Be sure to pay at least a few of them a visit and create some unforgettable memories that youll treasure forever! Free cancellation: up to 24 hours before tour. Are you planning to travel to the Big Island of Hawaii? Each one of these is worth visiting at least once in my opinion. Please do not put these waterfalls on your to-do list. If you're looking for the best Big Island waterfall adventures, then look no further. These falls form also the access to a popular but risky local swimming spot called the boiling pots. For a beautiful view and unforgettable experience, sign up for a discounted Magical Waterfall Tour. They are amazing natural wonders that should definitely be on your list of things to do while visiting this tropical paradise! Trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. See below for the sign that was there when I went. Hours: Daily, 8:30AM - 6:00PM. Oloupena Falls is an impressive 2,953-foot Hawaiian waterfall. The famous triple-tiered Umauma Falls. from the air is as part of a helicopter tour. First, youll head to the Kohala Mountains where youll fly the coastline of Waipio Valley and Waimanu Valley. Bear right at the top of the hill onto the main street of Honomu town. Its an impressive 1,450-foot natural waterfall with a main drop of 1,201 feet. Hiilawe Falls is a great waterfall to visit and is one of the tallest waterfalls in Hawaii. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. The hike takes you past 7 waterfalls with as grand finale a cooling dip in the final one! This waterfall is smaller than Rainbow falls, but also way less crowded. This one has amazing views of the Kohala Coast while listening to fascinating commentary from the pilot. Another stop on Mauis Road to Hana, Puaa Kaa translates to rolling pig in Hawaiian. Our most popular hotels on the Island of Hawaii Akaka Falls is located inside the Akaka Falls State Park in Hawaii. Come join the Big Island's only horseback ride that offers swimming at a waterfall! There have been instances where people lost their lives here. The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls is one of the only waterfalls I recommend swimming at while on the Big Island. For the adventurous, go off-roading on the Big Islands Hamakua Coast in a Honda ATV or a Side x Side UTV. And, youll pass it on the way to Akaka Falls. While some are hidden behind long and strenuous hikes, many waterfalls on the big island and other islands are visible from the road or after an easy hike. The trailhead is easy to find just off the parking lot. The only waterfall you can swim at on the Big Island is the Inn at Kulaniapia Falls. 2. The Kulaniapia Falls is a private 90-100 foot waterfall located at the Inn at Kulaniapia Falls. Now they have opened up their grounds to a limited amount of daily visitors. Aside from waterfalls, youll also be able to see red-hot lava flows, the Kohala Mule Station lookout, and more! As an Amazon Associate, thistraveldream.com earns from qualifying purchases. This 8-hour tour takes you from Kona to the oldest volcano on the Big Island for an inspiring and exhilarating day. Most of the waterfalls on the Big Island are fairly close to Hilo. Unfortunately, the strength of the falls is often dependent on rainfall - so here's to hoping you catch it on a good day. It is also possible to rappel down along the Kulaniapia Falls. Several are featured in popular Hawaiian songs. Located in the Waipio Valley, this waterfall is absolutely breathtaking. 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. The Hiilawe waterfall is one of the tallest waterfalls of the state of Hawai. This tour is unique in that it focuses almost entirely on the history and culture of Hawaii. You can see all sorts of hidden waterfalls if you go kayaking, take a boat tour, or ride in a helicopter. There is no swimming allowed here; you can only view the falls from a safe distance. Located within the Hilo city limits, Wainuenue (Rainbow Falls) is very easy to visit. Photo credit: Island of Hawaii Visitors Bureau (IHVB) / Tyler Schmitt. By donating to our small business, you accept and acknowledge the donation terms. The falls are located in the rainforest. Spend a few hours relaxing luxuriating in a private area of the Umauma River. During the tour, youll travel along the coastline. This might cost more, but its well worth it. When people talk about swimming at Peepee Falls, they are probably referring to the boiling pots located by the lookout point. Akaka and Kahuna Falls are part of the Akaka Falls State Park, located north of Hilo. If you do not agree with any part of these terms and conditions, you should not use this website. The Falls has recently been named in the top ten best swimming holes in America by the magazine Travel + Leisure. The most important is the water-born disease leptospirosis: dont go swimming if you have any abrasions, scrapes, blisters or other skin lesions. Although smaller, the Kahuna Falls is similarly beautiful. You will need to pay an admission fee to see these falls. While Kahuna Falls are also located in this state park, you can hear them more than you can see them. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 license. Furthermore, flash floods and strong currents are a real danger there. Majestic Waterfalls Tour A tour across the Hamakua Coast that stops at 'Akaka Falls State Park, Rainbow Falls and Richardson Beach Park. 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. The most popular way to observe the Umauma Falls is from a tranquil overlook accessible through the World Botanical Garden. Peepee Falls are another great waterfall that you can visit. With all that you can do at Kulaniapia Falls, it makes this waterfall a top-rated Hawaii waterfall on the Big Island. From USD 218.85 (9) Big Island Waterfall Swim & Rainforest Hiking Tour & Nature Eco-Adventure . You can access this trail from the Waipio Valley lookout. Hanapueo and Umauma Falls. Most waterfalls can be found on the slopes of the Mauna Kea volcano close to Hilo and on the Hamakua coast. Subscribe to receive 5 emails in 5 days: Call us for advice! The waterfalls of Hawaii on the Big Island are absolutely stunning. My personal favorites are Polulu Valley, The Puna Trail, and The hike to Makalawena Beach, to name a few. 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!