Most of the waterfalls on the Big Island are fairly close to Hilo. The view is spectacular and the tame and paved nature hike was enjoyable too. Guests will witness mantas up close as they grace the waters and feed on plankton. Rainbow Falls is one of the easiest to see and most popular waterfalls on the Big Island of Hawaii. One of the, As you are driving on Hana Highway from the north, the first notable attraction you will discover is these twin waterfalls, also known as Hololawa Falls. Akaka, Kahuna, Hiilawe, Rainbow, Umauma, Peepee, Kulaniapia, Onomeaand WaiilikahiFalls. You will need to stop at the visitor center to register before heading to the falls. Nonetheless, its still a breathtaking sight to see. Umauma Falls If the idea of planning a self-guided waterfall trip causes you anxiety, or if you simply want to sit back and enjoy the view, you can always book one of these tours! If you are not interested in these tours, you can pay $12 per person to visit the beautiful botanical gardens. Most waterfalls on the Hamakua coast are a 90-mile drive away. Which Hawaiian island has the best waterfall hikes? The Rainbow Falls are the easiest waterfalls to see on the Big Island! 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. It is located in the Pelekunu Preserve on the windward side of Molokai. 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. The waterfall flows from a water source called the Onomea Stream. Hiilawe Falls is one of the best Big Island waterfall hikes. Standing at 2,954 feet tall, this waterfall is spectacular. The private property is currently managed by the Umauma Experience. Each one of these is worth visiting at least once in my opinion. 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. What youll see along the route will depend on what trail you choose, but each one is worth it! Check out the latest prices and more details. If youre lucky, you may be able to see honu (green sea turtle) and even dolphins! The waterfall is named for the beautiful rainbow that forms at the waterfalls base. These 7 Big Island waterfalls are truly spectacular and well worth checking out during your stay here! 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. This picture shows the Hiilawe falls on an almost dry day. One of the, Pua'a Ka'a Falls, Hana Hwy, Haiku, HI 96708, USA, This secluded swimming spot is a phenomenal reward after a hike that should not be braved unless you are an experienced hiker. Sign up for a discounted Kohala Waterfalls Adventure Tour. Its a 100-foot waterfall that youll pass by on your way to Akaka if you follow the footpath. After some time, the streams flow lessened and it is now safe to swim here. This tour is unique in that it focuses almost entirely on the history and culture of Hawaii. A helicopter tour of the waterfalls along the Kohala Coast. Located in Hilo, Hawaii in Wailuku River State Park, Rainbow Falls might be the most famous waterfall on the island. This is awesome for those not renting a car. Sign up for this discounted Waipio Valley and Waterfalls Adventure. While visiting the Wailuku River State Park, you can also stop by the Peepee Falls. A picnic lunch and hotel transport are included for a hassle-free experience. Sign up for this discounted Legends of the Waterfalls & Volcano Tour. Bear right at the top of the hill onto the main street of Honomu town. What Are The Must-Visit Waterfalls On Big Island? For more information on waterfalls in Maui, You can check out this post on the best 15 stops on the Road to Hana. This has some of the best waterfalls on Maui. Read THIS first! Zipline high above the forest floor, picnic on the rim of Pololu Valley & swim under a private waterfall fed by a cool mountain stream. Hawaii's Big Island is home to some of the islands' most accessible waterfalls, and here are five of the most popular. Check out the latest prices and more details. 9 Hawaii Big Island Waterfalls Rainbow Falls Rainbow Falls are beautiful and can be viewed from a relatively close location, making them that much more enjoyable. Take a comfortable ride through stunning countryside up to the hiking trailhead. Zipline high above the forest floor, picnic on the rim of Pololu Valley & swim under a private waterfall fed by a cool mountain stream. 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. All Rights Reserved. So without further ado, here are the best of the Big Island Waterfalls that we've personally swam in or at least see ourselves swimming in PEEPEE FALLS (PE'EPE'E FALLS & BOILING POTS) A couple swimming in one of the pools of the Boiling Pots just downstream of Pe'epe'e Falls I highly recommend checking out Viator for some of the best tours in Hawaii. With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. Free cancellation: up to 48 hours before tour. Her next trip to Hawaii is never too far away! 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. The pots are called boiling pots because, during heavy rain, the flow of water increases and the pots appear to be boiling. You can see all sorts of hidden waterfalls if you go kayaking, take a boat tour, or ride in a helicopter. From USD 218.85 (9) Big Island Waterfall Swim & Rainforest Hiking Tour & Nature Eco-Adventure . Unfortunately, swimming is not allowed at Rainbow Falls, and there are signs warning about the danger of swimming. Drive down yourself (only with 4WD), or get down to the valley floor as part of a horseback riding tour in the valley. Download your copy of our If you plan to camp here, please make sure you obtain the proper permits, as they are required. The hike to the waterfall takes either 5 or 15 minutes, depending on which route you decide to take. The Hiilawe waterfall is one of the tallest waterfalls of the state of Hawai. Big Island is home to some of the tallest falls in the state. If you already have accommodations, water rappelling can also be booked by the general public. The total height of the falls is about 1,450 feet (442m), with a highest direct drop of 1,201 feet (366m)! Get our brand-new trip planning series delivered directly to your inbox - for FREE (more info). From USD 221.99 (9) Umauma Falls Zipline Tour & Waterfall Swim Adventure . The area beyond that is private property, so be aware of where youre going! 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. This waterfall is smaller than the rainbow falls but also far less crowded. The most important is the water-born disease leptospirosis: dont go swimming if you have any abrasions, scrapes, blisters or other skin lesions. If conditions are suitable you can use on-property SUP and kayak equipment to explore the waterfall. During the tour, youll travel along the coastline. Another, more expensive but more spectacular way to see waterfalls (and the volcano!) Star the map to save it to your own Google Maps, or open the map in a new window for a larger version. Hi'ilawe Falls is visible only within the valley or from the air, as the . Rainbow Falls is not safe for swimming. 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 Wailuku River flows along the bottom of the gorge and downstream to Rainbow Falls. Simply put, waterfalls on the Big Island of Hawaii are some of the world's finest. Akaka Falls is a spectacularly tall waterfall that hurls down an incredible 422 feet down a mountain face. Click here to see all our recommended waterfall tours on our website. The trail is surrounded by beautiful vegetation and singing birds, and the falls are absolutely worth the effort! All partners and related links comply with our Advertising Disclosures. Hanapueo and Umauma Falls. Download and/or view the map of all 9 waterfalls here. youll get to taste seasonal fruit and macadamia nuts, swim at private waterfalls, and enjoy local food for lunch. These falls are more difficult to visit and include the last of our favorites that can only be seen from a distance: the Hiilawe falls. Well, you are in luck. Plus. Our popular Summary Guidesheets are now included. Hi'ilawe Falls in the Waipio Valley. Hi'ilawe Falls is a magnificent waterfall located in Waipio Valley on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island. These falls form also the access to a popular but risky local swimming spot called the boiling pots. Here, youll zipline across the forest, have lunch in the Pololu Valley, and even swim in a Big Island waterfall. You can also book a stay at The Inn, a high-quality resort thats well worth the money. Its 93 miles across and has all sorts of terrain and natural wonders. If you decide to swim, please take extra precautions as rivers are prone to flash flooding. Swimming is not allowed here, so keep that in mind when you visit. If you are looking for a bit more of an adventure, more waterfalls can be found in the valleys of the Kohala coast, as well as on the northern Hamakua coast. Akaka and Kahuna Falls are part of the Akaka Falls State Park, located north of Hilo. They are a series of small pools fed by the Wailuku River. The cliffs were formed from the lava flow from Mauna Kea that once flowed down the mountainside. Now you know some of the best waterfalls Big Island has to offer. The lush landscape alone is enough to warrant a hike here. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. From USD 130.62. Here is our list of the top 9 waterfalls in Hawaii that wont disappoint! Its location allows the sun to hit the water at just the perfect angle. And be sure to keep your eyes out for sea turtles, which are known to hang out in this area! Wrapping Up the Best Waterfalls on the Big Island. 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. Unfortunately, the strength of the falls is often dependent on rainfall - so here's to hoping you catch it on a good day. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. There is a chance of injury or death if you decide to go swimming or wading in any waterfall. Compared to Maui, Oahu, and Kauai, The Big Island of Hawaii has some of the most popular waterfalls in all of Hawaii. While there are gorgeous waterfalls on Kauai, Oahu, and Maui, the Big Island has some of the most famous waterfalls in Hawaii. I have seen people continue to do it anyway, but this is just asking for trouble. There is no swimming allowed here; you can only view the falls from a safe distance. Sustainable Travel guide and itineraries for the Big Island of Hawaii. It aims to take you on an unforgettable journey through the Hamakua Coast. [more], 2006-2023 World Of Waterfalls, All Rights Reserved My personal favorites are Polulu Valley, The Puna Trail, and The hike to Makalawena Beach, to name a few. The only waterfall you can swim at on the Big Island is the Inn at Kulaniapia Falls. Yes, but all of them require some sort of entrance fee. The Waipio Valley lookout trailhead is a very steep but short half-mile hike. Rappel down 120 feet past Hawaiis largest privately accessible waterfall supervised by expert canyoneering guides. Shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 license. This is a great way to see some of the tallest waterfalls in Hawaii. This is also close to where most of the black sand beaches on the Big Island are located. 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. If you dont want to search out the waterfalls on your own, this might be the right tour for you. Some of which are so beautiful that they inspired some of Hawaiis most popular songs. I am not sure how people did this as signs warn against it, and its illegal and can be dangerous. Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Heather Goodman. Read more: in our guide to visiting the Rainbow falls. Another stop on Mauis Road to Hana, Puaa Kaa translates to rolling pig in Hawaiian. Check out the latest prices and more details. Cooling lava flows created columns, which connect a series of cascading waterfalls and pools that appear to be bubbling. You can start the hike to this waterfall from the Waipio Valley lookout. This is what the falls look like after a good rain upstream. 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. Upper Waikani Falls Joe Parks/Flickr Also known as Three Bears falls, Waikani is approximately 70 feet tall, and visible from the Hana Highway. While there are gorgeous waterfalls on Kauai, Oahu, and Maui, the Big Island has some of the most famous waterfalls in Hawaii. Map of Big Island Waterfalls Wrapping Up the Best Waterfalls on the Big Island The 422 ft tall Akaka falls are part of the Akaka falls state park, located just north of Hilo. This is one of the most famous waterfalls on the Big Island. You can view all three of them from an overlook that you can access via a private botanical garden. The Big Island Waterfalls page is where we narrow our focus of Hawaiian Waterfalls to the Big Island of Hawaii. If you have the time and are already visiting Rainbow Falls, add a short hike to continue your waterfall adventure. Whether you are looking to Big Island waterfall tours or waterfalls you can swim in on the Big Island, this guide will give you everything you need to plan your next adventure. 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. Other than water rappelling, the Experiences Package offers a multitude of other activities. There are different car rental companies in Kona, Hawaii that will set it up for you. Location: North east side of Big Island. 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. However, the best views come when you climb under the bridge and follow a short jungle path to the base of the waterfall. Don't miss them because once you see them, you'll never forget them! 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. 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. You can access the waterfall for free and its one of the best Big Island hikes. While Kahuna Falls are also located in this state park, you can hear them more than you can see them. Its accessible through several different methods and gorgeous no matter how you see it. While you can access most of these on your own, you can also join Hawaii waterfall tours for a more personalized experience. The dark blue/purple waterfalls are more difficult to see and smaller waterfalls. There are many tours available if you would rather visit with a guide. Swimming in tropical fresh water ( and I use the term loosely) is a product of Hollywood movies like blue Lagoon. Content on this site is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical, health, or safety advice. It is simply breathtaking. By donating to our small business, you accept and acknowledge the donation terms. The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls is one of the only waterfalls I recommend swimming at while on the Big Island. The Onomea Falls is located within the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, This s private property owned by Dan Lutkenhouse, first opened in 1984. Of course, the most popular and simple strategy is to include a visit into your itinerary as you drive by one or two waterfalls. 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. Trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. Each has its own unique beauty that will leave you in awe from start to finish! While transporting logs over to build the base might be a nuisance, the beach offers a wealth of advantages that . Akaka Falls on the Big Island. 1: Kauai Overview 2: Things to Do 3: Where to Stay 4: Popular Sights and Destinations 5: The Npali Coast 6: Kauai Itinerary 7: Kauai blog posts. Along the way, youll be privy to various wild orchids. Family friendly zipline tour + private waterfall swim. One of the risks is that rocks occasionally get washed over the falls and can land on unsuspecting swimmers. Make sure your tour includes all of the waterfalls you want to see. The Big Island is filled with tourist attractions! 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. P?palaua Falls, Hawaii 96748, USA 6. Mahalo! As you tour, youll be able to enjoy amazing photo spots and unparalleled views of the Pacific Ocean, waterfalls, and the Mauna Kea. The tour will stop at Rainbow Falls, Akaka Falls, and Richardson Beach Park. Waianuenue Falls, Big Island James Walsh/Flickr The content on this website may not be copied or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior written permission. Waipoo Falls. While theyre all worth seeing, we must warn you that most of them do not have a swimming hole or pool available. Check out the latest prices and details! Also, be sure to check out all the waterfalls in Hawaii on ourHawaii Waterfallspage. First trip to the Big Island? Zip with up to 65 miles per hour on 9 long lines, over 14 rushing waterfalls, suspension bridges, and treetops of the lush Hamakua coast rainforest. They offer a variety of tours to see the falls with ziplining being our favorite way to see the falls. To make the process easier you can look directly into Kona jeep rental deals and reserve the one that meets your needs. the State Parks website for updated pricing. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. That means, you should take extra care to make sure you leave it as you saw it! It takes less than an hour to hike leisurely and is only somewhat sloped uphill. Interested? Copyright 2023 Guide of US, LLC. The state park is located along the northeastern Hilo Coast, west of Honom. Turn inland (mauka) between mile markers 14 and 13 onto Honomu Road. A 20-acre rainforest greenhouse, the area is filled with beautiful plant life and wild animals. All the waterfalls listed below are spectacular in their own way, and when you visit them theyre sure to impress. 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. Sign up for discounted Hilo Bay Kayaking Tickets. By far, Akaka Falls are my favorite waterfall to visit on the Big Island. Hiilawe Falls is a great waterfall to visit and is one of the tallest waterfalls in Hawaii. Not really. Swim, kayak, stand up paddleboard or just relax and enjoy the scenery with your friends and family. Whats the Honolulu Sister Cities Program? Akaka Falls are extremely accessible, as the trail to the waterfall stretches only 0.4 miles long. 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. We enjoy nature, the ocean, mountains, adventure, and all things outdoors. Most of these places do not have a lifeguard on duty, making you solely responsible for your safety. Nanua Falls is a series of waterfalls on the Hamakua Coast, about 18 miles north of Hilo. As youre admiring the view of the Kohala Coast, youll also be privy to commentary about the history and culture of the area by the pilot. 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. Deluxe Big Island ATV Tour & Waterfall Swim at Umauma Falls . For example, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. To be exact, you can find it along the Umauma River in Hakalau. Kayak & Swim in the Umauma River. This is one of the best waterfalls to visit while on the Big Island, and I highly recommend staying here. 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). What are the best hikes on the Big Island? Akaka Falls. A delicious catered lunch is provided in our secluded pavilion. She was a professional hula dancer for 20 years and even wrote her college thesis on Hawaiian history. with the opportunity to enjoy a relaxing snack break at the waterfalls where you can swim and paddleboard. 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! Our most popular hotels on the Island of Hawaii Get in touch with us! Visit the State Parks website for updated pricing. Stretching 93 miles long, its nearly four times as big as Maui. You can also see these waterfalls as part of a zipline tour or an ATV and dip (swim) tour at the gardens. They are all unique in their own ways. 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. This one has amazing views of the Kohala Coast while listening to fascinating commentary from the pilot. 1. There are so many incredible waterfalls, making it hard to know where to start. The left is a shorter route to get to the Akaka waterfall, but if you are up for an adventure I recommend taking a right for a longer but beautiful hike. Big Island waterfall tours Legends of the Waterfalls & Volcano Full-Day Tour If youre considering visiting Akaka Falls, check out my full guide HERE. Kulaniapia Falls is located inside a 42-acre private property in Hilo, Hawaii. Because these incredible destinations are fed waterfalls, it is important to issue a friendly warning about the risks associated with flash flooding, and leptospirosis bacteria found in many of Hawaiis natural pools. The Peepee Falls are located about 1.5 miles upstream the rainbow falls, at the Wailuku river on the end of Wailuku drive. Another great way to see these waterfalls is to take an organized tour. Flash floods are also a risk, so stay out of the water if its raining (where you are or upstream). The day pass includes access to amazing hiking trails, tropical gardens and a total of four waterfalls - with Kulaniapia Falls being our favorite. Read more on the Umauma experience website. They are amazing natural wonders that should definitely be on your list of things to do while visiting this tropical paradise! The Kulaniapia Falls are with a 120ft drop the tallest private waterfalls 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.
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