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waterfalls on the Big Island

Where to Find the Best Waterfalls on the Big Island, Hawaii

Home » DESTINATIONS » Pacific Islands » The Big Island » Where to Find the Best Waterfalls on the Big Island, Hawaii

Last Modified: July 3, 2023 //  by Anda //  21 Comments

There are few more exciting things to do on the Big Island than a hike to one of the stunning waterfalls. The experience is deeply fulfilling: the lushness of the rainforest, the earth-damp path, the plumeria-scented air, and finally, the moment of revelation when you spot the torrent of water cascading over rocks into a deep pool.

waterfalls on the Big Island
Big Island waterfall

Where to Find Waterfalls on the Big Island

Most visitors to the Big island settle primarily in Kona town, or along the Kohala coastline where they can enjoy more stable weather and beautiful beaches. But this side of the island is a desert of dry volcanic rock. Unlike the northeastern part – the Hamakua Coast – which is green and wet.

The stretch of coastline between Hilo and Hamakua is the Big Island’s most beautiful expanses of scenery: hidden valleys, tropical gardens, black sand beaches, and roaring waterfalls.

Beautiful waterfalls on Hawaii's Big Island
Beautiful waterfalls on Hawaii’s Big Island

In this area you’ll many opportunities to pull off the road and discover incredible sights, much like the ones on the Road to Hana, in Maui. But unlike the Road to Hana which is narrow and poorly maintained, the drive along the Hamakua Coast is wider, better maintained, and travels through a much more open landscape.

7 Best Waterfalls to Visit on the Big Island

Hawaii is full of amazing waterfalls, but most of them require some serious hiking or climbing. There are however some easy-access falls as well, but they are usually crowded. And they have all kinds of restrictions: you can’t swim, you can’t go too close to the water, you can’t get outside the marked path, you can’t use a drone. Nonetheless, visitors prefer easy access falls, even if they have restrictions.

So if you are heading to the Big Island and want to see some beautiful waterfalls, here are some that you can easily visit on your own. I have also included a couple that require a guided tour.

‘Akaka Falls

The ‘Akaka Falls State Park has actually two big waterfalls: ‘Akaka and Kahuna. The path is paved all the way and has a nice covered rest area at the ‘Akaka Falls. You’ll find some steps and some inclines along the way, but the hike is not difficult.

View of the Akaka Falls
Akaka Falls

There are two routes that you can take: a longer, or a shorter one. The longer route includes both falls. The shorter route goes directly to ‘Akaka, the main waterfall. But since you are here, why not hike the full loop and see both falls?

Paved path leading to the Akaka Falls
Paved path leading to the ‘Akaka Falls

The loop trail is a little over half a mile long with 115 feet of elevation change. It takes approximately a 30-45 minute hike to see both falls.

‘Akaka Fals is about 24 minutes (15.0 mi) from Hilo via HI-19/Hawaiʻi Belt Rd and State and Hwy 220. Entrance to the falls costs $10/vehicle and $5 per person.


Rainbow Falls

Rainbow Falls is located on the Wailuku River, very close to Hilo town. Because of its beauty and easy access, this is one of the most photographed waterfalls on the Big Island. Despite being so close to the city, the falls are in a very secluded area, surrounded by large trees and dense vegetation.

Lush vegetation surrounding a waterfall
Dense vegetation around the Rainbow Falls

This is a good place to visit early in the morning, when you have the biggest chance to see rainbows around the waterfall. The rainbows are caused by the reflection and the refraction of the sun light in water droplets in the early hours of the morning.

View of the Rainbow Waterfalls on the  Big Island
Rainbow Falls in the morning light

The waterfall itself is only 25 meters high, which is not that high when compared to ‘Akaka Falls. Although swimming here is prohibited, you can get very close to the water. Unlike other waterfalls on the Big Island, which you can only see from the distance.

Hidden below the waterfall lies a small lava cave. When the light is at the right angle, you can see the rock formations inside.

view of the rainbow falls cave
Rainbow Falls Cave

According to the Hawaiian legends, the cave is home to the ancient goddess Hina, the graceful and beautiful goddess of the moon.

To reach the Rainbow Falls from Hilo, drive up Wainuenue Avenue, turn to the right on Rainbow Drive and park in the parking lot on your right hand side. Parking is free and access to waterfalls is very easy.


Pe’epe’e Falls & Boiling Pots

Just a little further up the road from Rainbow Falls you’ll find the Pe’epe’e Falls. They have their own unique beauty and are not near as crowded as Rainbow Falls. The falls can be seen from the lookout point, which is farther away.

For an up-close view, or if you want to swim here, take the short trail on the right side that will lead you there. However, hiking down when the stream flow is heavy is dangerous because you could swept away, so use caution!

View of the Pe'epe'e Falls on the Big Island of Hawaii
Pe’epe’e Falls

From the lookout point you can also see the Boiling Pots, a series of small pools and cascades that can be quite turbulent after heavy rains. The water appears to be boiling due to underground lava tubes, hence the name Boiling Pots.

view of the Boiling pots pools
Boiling Pots

To get to the Pe’epe’e Falls and Boiling Pots, continue past Rainbow Falls for approximately one mile (1.6 km) and turn right from Waiānuenue Avenue onto Peʻepeʻe Falls Road.


Onomea Falls

Onomea Falls is located inside the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, so if you want to see the falls you’ll need to pay an entrance fee to enter the garden. However, the botanical garden itself is gorgeous and it sits in an unbelievably serene location, so it’s totally worth visiting.

Onomea Waterfalls on the Big Island
Onomea Falls

Besides the beautiful flora and fauna species that are native to Hawaii, you’ll be able to see some of the most exotic plants and rare species of orchids.

The waterfall is on the Scenic Loop. On the way to the waterfalls you’ll pass by Boulder Creek, which is a gorgeous sight to see. The view of the ocean at the bottom is spectacular as well. The path is slightly downhill toward the ocean, then slightly uphill back to the entrance, but most people should be able to handle it.

View of flowers from the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden
Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden

To get here from Hilo, turn towards the ocean between mile marker 7 and 8 on Hwy 19, in the direction of Onomea Bay. Continue for 1.75 miles to reach the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Gardens.

Admission fee is $15 for adults, $5 for children up to age 16, and free for children under age 6.


Umauma Falls

Approximately 16 miles north of Hilo, on the Umauma River, lies one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Hawaii: Umauma Falls. The three-tier fall has a combined height of 300 feet, but it doesn’t seem very high when you look at it from the viewing bridge. Access to the falls is right off the road.

View of the Umauma waterfalls in Hawaii's Big Island
Umauma Falls

The last time we were on the Big Island, Umauma Falls resided in the World Botanical Gardens, so access to the waterfall was included in the admission price for the garden.

view of a private water pool on the grounds of Umauma Experience
Private pool on the grounds of Umauma Experience

However, in 2008 the land around the waterfall was sold to Umauma Experience, a company that also operates a zip-line. As a result, the waterfall now accessible only through the Umauma Experience and the cost to visit the waterfall is $6.

The Umauma Falls are about 30 minutes away from Hilo, on Highway 19, towards Hamakua. After mile marker 16, turn left on Leopolino Road. Stay on this road for about 1/3 mile then turn right on Old Mamalahoa Highway. After 1/3 of a mile you’ll see the signs for the Umauma Experience visitors center.


Wai’ale Falls

Also a little farther down from Rainbow Falls, on the Wailuku River, is is another beautiful waterfall: Wai’ale Falls. If you want a nice pool to swim in and don’t like crowds, this spot is for you. There’s no real parking lot, but there is a spot to pull off and view the falls from the road.

View of the Waiale falls and the green vegetation in the background
Waiale Falls

To get beneath the falls you only need to hike about 25 yards. Access to the river is easy. There is a large rocky island in the middle of the river, and if you do a quick swim to the island, you can take the short trail that takes you directly to the falls.

Wai’ale Falles is about 4 miles away from Hilo Town, via Waianuenue Ave.


Hi’ilawe Falls

Hi’ilawe is the Big Island tallest waterfall: 1600 feet tall!. Since it’s on private land, you can only visit it on with a horseback excursion, or an organized tour.

Wai'ilawe Falls and pool seen from the path
Hi’ilawe Falls seen from the path

The best view of the falls is however from above, through a helicopter tour. The water flow of these falls is not as heavy as it once used to be due to the fact that part of Lalakea Stream above the falls was dammed for irrigation.

view of Waiilawe Falls
Hi’ilawe Falls (photograph by Martin Zinger)

it talks about a challenging but doable 2 mile hike (from the valley floor) to Hi’ilawe falls which must be going thru private lands (as per some threads i read).

Are There Any Other Waterfalls on the Big Island?

After seeing some of these beautiful falls on the northeastern coast I asked myself the same question: are there any other ones hidden in these lush green valleys? Unfortunately, most of the waterfalls on the Big Island are either located on very dangerous terrain, or are not publicly accessible because they sit on private land.

However, if you want to further explore the falls and cataracts on this island, there are some local companies that offer guided tours.

To get to the waterfalls, drive north on Hwy 19 from Hilo, for 43 miles (60 minutes) to Hwy 240. Turn right onto Hwy 240 and drive for another 9 miles. At the end of the road you’ll see the Waipi’o Valley Lookout car park. This is usually the meeting point for the waterfall tour.

Best Time to Visit the Waterfalls

Like all the Hawaiian Islands, the Big Island has only two seasons, both of them warm. There’s a wet season that occurs from October through April, and a dry season that happens between May through September.

Soaked in rain on the big island of hawaii
Soaked in rain on the Big Island

However, these two seasons are merely guidelines based on statistical data and some anecdotal observations. In reality, the weather on the Big Island can vary quite a bit depending on where you are on the island. The windward (northeast) side is generally wetter and cooler, while the leeward (southwest) side is drier and hotter.

As a result, there is not a better or a worse time to visit the waterfalls on the Big Island. Having sunshine on this side of the island is ultimately a matter of luck. But the falls are beautiful just the same.

Where to Stay When Visiting the Waterfalls on Hawaii’s Big Island

There are definitely advantages and disadvantages to staying on different parts of the island. This is especially the case when you consider the size of the Big Island and the long driving distances between the different points. For instance, it takes over 3 hours to drive between Kona and Hilo. That’s why where you are staying is ultimately a decision that you’ll have to make based on what you want to do when you are here.

If you wish spend a lot of time on the beach, you’ll want to stay on the drier side of the island, in Kailua-Kona. Or if you prefer more exclusive resorts, you may consider Waikoloa, further to the north. On the other hand, if you want to explore the waterfalls and the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, you’ll be better off saying in Hilo.

Big Island road
Big Island road

We love both sides of the Big Island, so we kept driving between the beaches, the volcanoes and the waterfalls. However, the last time we were there we decided to rent a hotel room in Hilo for a couple of nights. This gave us more time to explore the beautiful northeastern coast and didn’t have to drive the winding road at night on our way back to Kona.

Big Island Waterfalls
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Category: DESTINATIONS, Pacific Islands, The Big IslandTag: Destination Guides, Hiking trips, Unique Places Around the World

About Anda

Anda is an award winning travel writer, avid globetrotter and passionate photographer. She is the voice behind "Travel Notes & Beyond," a collection of stories and travel impressions from her wanderings around the world. When she is not busy writing, traveling, or editing photographs, you can find her hiking in the foothills behind her house together with her husband and their dog.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sheikh Suleman

    August 20, 2024 at 1:06 pm

    Hi, I’m looking to visit black sand beach with my wife. What’ll be the best time to visit?

    Reply
    • Anda

      August 20, 2024 at 2:47 pm

      Any time of the day.

      Reply
  2. Sheikh Faisal

    November 25, 2023 at 3:45 am

    Ah glad to know you have a huge experience travelling hawaii. I went there when I was just a kid. Anyways, I’m happy I can find almost everything here as I’ll be visiting at the end of this year.

    Thank you.

    Reply
  3. Bhushavali

    February 25, 2022 at 12:33 am

    I love taking a good dip in the waterfalls and the less crowded ones, esp. the ones where you can stand underneath the waterfalls are the ones I love the most. The stretch of coastline between Hilo and Hamakua sounds so delightful. Rainbow falls is just magical. I wouldn’t miss it for sure. Wai’ale Falls sounds the best, to hike through the river and under the falls.

    Reply
    • Anda

      February 25, 2022 at 10:20 am

      Unfortunately, the easy-access waterfalls are always crowded and swimming in them is forbidden.

      Reply
  4. Clarice

    February 24, 2022 at 10:42 am

    I have always been fascinated with waterfalls and this is just amazing. Didn’t realize that there are many waterfalls in Hawaii. Looking forward to visit the Rainbow Falls and the Umauma Falls.

    Reply
  5. Umiko

    February 22, 2022 at 8:20 am

    I like chasing waterfalls on our trips. For the Big Island, I personally like the Akaka Falls and Hi’ilawe Falls. They look like in the movies. Tall and surrounded by rainforest. So beautiful!

    Reply
  6. Maria Veloso

    February 22, 2022 at 1:25 am

    I can almost hear the waterfalls and smell nature from the photos. In this list, my two favorites are Rainbow falls and Hi’ilawe falls. They’re all awesome wonders of nature!

    Reply
  7. Jan

    February 21, 2022 at 5:49 am

    Wow! Those waterfalls look awesome! You are right that the excitement of hiking and hearing the waterfall from a distance is as good as finally reaching there and viewing that beauty. The Rainbow waterfall and Umauma Falls look totally stunning! I have not been to Hawaii yet, but when I do, I am sure to look up your post for tips. 🙂

    Reply
  8. Renee

    February 20, 2022 at 1:39 pm

    How do you choose a favourite? Each one is beautiful. I can only imagine how incredible it would be to see in person and hear the roaring sound of the water. What a great find, these are some inspiring sites to visit when in Hawaii.

    Reply
    • Anda

      February 21, 2022 at 11:19 pm

      I agree that it’s hard to choose. My favorite is Rainbow Falls though.

      Reply
  9. Natascha

    February 19, 2022 at 4:10 am

    I have to admit that I often find waterfalls a bit underwhelming in many countries. But I absolutely love the green and lush nature around the waterfalls in Hawaii (and I guess everywhere in Hawaii?). So yes, I would love to hike to some of these waterfalls. The three-tier Umauma falls and the high Mi’ ilawa Falls would be high on the list. Would love to visit Hawaii sometimes soon, as I am very interested in the Japanese-Hawaiian culture too.

    Reply
    • Anda

      February 21, 2022 at 11:22 pm

      I guess there are some Japanese aspects of culture in Hawaii, Natascha, but not that many. However, if you start digging, you may discover more.

      Reply
  10. Subhashish Roy

    February 18, 2022 at 12:11 am

    Waterfalls are so refreshing and I love the idea of spending hours watching and clicking. Very recently visited a waterfall in India after long and the trek to that place was just awesome. Good to see that the ones you have featured here are easy to get to. Big Island looks a great place to visit. Thanks for the write-up.

    Reply
  11. Alex

    February 17, 2022 at 8:12 am

    Great article! I’d love to visit the Big Island, it looks stunning.
    The only Hawaiian island I’ve been to is Kauai. If you’re ever there, the hike to Hanakapiai falls is amazing. I’d really recommend it and the falls themselves are stunning.
    Take care and best wishes,
    Alex

    Reply
    • Anda

      February 17, 2022 at 11:12 am

      Thanks for dropping by, Alex. I’ve been to Kauai many times and absolutely love that island. I even wrote about the hike to the Hanakapiai Falls. The last part is rather difficult, but well worth it.

      Reply
      • Tami

        February 17, 2022 at 6:15 pm

        Oh I love waterfalls! I have been known to go to great lengths to get to one. I love that you’ve included the easy ones to get to — that’s really nice. I’m definitely adding them to my list when I visit the Big Island!

        Reply
  12. Debbra Dunning Brouillette

    February 5, 2022 at 6:32 pm

    You have had a lot of experience traveling in Hawaii! I have only been to Kauai but would like to visit the other islands someday. It looks like there are some beautiful ones on the Big Island. I also love waterfalls. Most recently I hiked to two in Olympic National Park in Washington state. There is a waterfall trail there where you can see around 20 waterfalls.

    Reply
    • Anda

      February 6, 2022 at 10:32 am

      Wow, 20 waterfalls on one hike! I’d love to see them. In Hawaii you can’t see more than 2-3 falls on a single hike.

      Reply
    • Rob + Ann @TravelLatte

      March 7, 2022 at 8:06 am

      Our next Hawaiian trip will be to the Big Island and you can bet we are bringing this article with us! A friend of ours recently recommended both Umauma and a visit to the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden also. You’ve managed to make us even more eager to get back to Hawaii!

      Reply
      • Anda

        March 7, 2022 at 6:44 pm

        Glad you found this information useful, Rob! Hope you’ll make it to Hawaii soon.

        Reply

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