Youll be able to see 3 of the most famous Big Island waterfalls (Akaka Falls, Hiilawe Falls, and Rainbow Falls) on a half-day tour. This article covers seven of the Big Islands most beautiful waterfalls! The Peepee Falls are located about 1.5 miles upstream the rainbow falls, at the Wailuku river on the end of Wailuku drive. This picture shows the Hiilawe falls on an almost dry day. Check out the latest prices and more details. 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. Enjoy spectacular views of Mauna Kea and the Pacific Ocean, awesome photo spots, swim in a private pond and really experience off-road Hawaii. It's a 1,450 feet tall waterfall, although most of it drops 1,201 feet, making it one of the tallest waterfalls in Hawaii. While theyre all worth seeing, we must warn you that most of them do not have a swimming hole or pool available. Photos of Kulania attached . However, the waterfall tends to be dry in early spring, around March. 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! The waterfall got its name from the rainbow that often forms at the base. As you travel, youll be privy to the views of obscure but beautiful hidden waterfalls, coasts, and beaches. What are the best hikes on the Big Island? Get your discounted Waterfalls of Kohala Tour. If youre lucky, you may be able to see honu (green sea turtle) and even dolphins! These 7 Big Island waterfalls are truly spectacular and well worth checking out during your stay here! Book any of these great Big Island waterfall tours today! I visited Rainbow Falls in September of 2021 and the trail to get to the top was closed. Most waterfalls in Hawaii have a great pool of water to swim in. The size of these waterfalls and their location in the lush and tropical rainforest makes them a popular and spectacular attraction to check out. You have to be a guest at the Inn to access the trail leading to the waterfall. Family friendly zipline tour + private waterfall swim. Click on the top left of the map to find separate layers marking the route and points of interest. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu. Read THIS first! 2. The waterfall is split into two waterfalls that fall into a pool below. 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. For example, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. 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. Check out the latest prices and more details. There are several ways people choose to see the waterfalls. Interested? Aside from waterfalls, youll also be able to see red-hot lava flows, the Kohala Mule Station lookout, and more! Address: 875 Akaka Falls Rd, Honomu, HI 96728, United States. Image credit: Mark. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Visit the Akaka Falls State Park and take the pleasant 0.4 mile paved foot path loop that takes you to viewing spots of both Akaka Falls (442 feet) and Kahuna Falls (100 feet). Hi'ilawe Falls Let us know in the comments below! Mahalo! We also receive a small commission from travel partners for some of the links found on this website. One of the most spectacular waterfalls in Hawaii is Onomea Falls. How to use this map: Above youll find a map of waterfalls on the Big Island of Hawaii. The Best Hiking Shoes for Hawaii in 2021(The Ultimate buying Guide), The 5 Best Reef Safe Sunscreens for Hawaii. This picturesque spot can be found past mile marker 16 on the Hana Highway, below the bridge that crosses Palauhulu Stream. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Directions: About 30 min north from Hilo airport, park on the mauka (mountain-side) of highway 19 just after the 16 mile marker. Looking for a car rental in Kona, Big island. 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. The Rainbow Falls are located in Hilo and are fed by the Wailuku River the same river that also feeds the Peepee Falls. Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Heather Goodman. These include stargazing and helicopter tours and is absolutely worth the time and money. Swimming here can be dangerous and has proved lethal several times in the past. Nonetheless, its still a breathtaking sight to see. Rainbow Falls are beautiful and can be viewed from a relatively close location, making them that much more enjoyable. If you do not agree with any part of these terms and conditions, you should not use this website. This would allow you to see almost all of our favorite waterfalls and is recommended for people that really love waterfalls. If ATVing is a bit too adventurous for you, try this tranquil kayaking tour that starts in Hilo town and takes you past hidden waterfalls. Check out the latest prices and more details. Youll start off driving up the Kona coastline pas lava flows and check out sweeping views from the old Kohala Mule Station lookout. If you follow the path, youll see the beautiful Kahuna Falls along the way just before you see Akaka Falls. If you already have accommodations, water rappelling can also be booked by the general public. Starting from the pickup points in Kona you are driven along the sweeping northern Kona coast past ancient lava flows up to the old Kohala Mule Station lookout with its sweeping views. There are so many beautiful waterfalls to check out during your visit to the Big Island. In fact, there is a small parking lot near the falls, as well as a short but slippery path to visit the base. Its only 80-foot-tall but its still a beautiful natural feature with gushing water all year-round and a large pool below. Some of which are so beautiful that they inspired some of Hawaiis most popular songs. Marvel at the beauty and adventure that makes up Hawaii. 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. It will take you about an hour to reach the end of the path, which is lined with lush greenery and beautiful scenery. Lava from Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa meet near the base of Peepee Falls, about 2 miles downstream. A helicopter tour of the waterfalls along the Kohala Coast. However, you need to pay a fee to access the private viewing deck. The beach! Akaka Falls on the Big Island. The hike itself can be challenging and involves multiple stream crossings. Overview . Each island has some of the best waterfall swimming holes in Hawaii, so no matter where you are, youll find something amazing! The on-site Inn organizes this tour which is led a team of expert canyoneering guides. This amazingly unique experience takes place on the beautiful landscapes near the Umauma stream, held on pristinely-kept private property. The Big Island is filled with tourist attractions! 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. 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. the State Parks website for updated pricing. This isn't one that you can swim under though. On the Hamakua coast: 'Akaka falls, Kolekole falls, Umauma falls, Onomea falls, Nanue falls, Hanapueo falls + lower Umauma falls. The tranquility and solitude youll feel there is truly unmatched. While there arent really Kona waterfalls, you see tons of waterfalls in Hilo. The waterfall is located inside Waipio Valley and is about 1,450 feet tall. After some time, the streams flow lessened and it is now safe to swim here. Due to its location, the sun hits the water at just the right angle to show off. This waterfall can only be accessed from the lookout, and swimming here is no longer allowed. 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. Upper Waikani Falls Joe Parks/Flickr Also known as Three Bears falls, Waikani is approximately 70 feet tall, and visible from the Hana Highway. Off the main street is the Mana's Aloha Fruit Stand. This is awesome for those not renting a car. Cooling lava flows created columns, which connect a series of cascading waterfalls and pools that appear to be bubbling. The falls are located in Waimanu Valley. While youre enjoying these natural attractions, be sure to take lots of pictures! Where are the best waterfalls to swim in Hawaii? There are tons of gorgeous waterfalls on the Big Island of Hawaii. It aims to take you on an unforgettable journey through the Hamakua Coast. The Kulaniapia Falls is a private 90-100 foot waterfall located at the Inn at Kulaniapia Falls. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. Each hike has its charm, and all offer beautiful views of different parts of the island. Are you traveling to the Big Island of Hawaii? The trailhead is easy to find just off the parking lot. Furthermore, flash floods and strong currents are a real danger there. The Northern beach offers the best base location for those wanting to live by the sea in Sons of the Forest. You can also walk down from the upper parking lots and viewing decks. This place is good for viewing and taking photos. 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). For those with a daring spirit, the Deleuze ATV Waterfall and Swim Experience tour is for you. 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. By donating to our small business, you accept and acknowledge the donation terms. as a very big person in the future I want to help people I want to give a gift to the. Meet with a local driver and travel to North Kona to experience multiple zip-lines that stretch over beautiful landscapes, including waterfalls. 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. However, because you descend over 900 feet in such a short distance, the hike up is immensely steep and challenging to manage. Hiilawe Falls is best seen at a distance, as public access to the base of the falls is not possible.