Farmers Markets. Get your discounted ATV Waterfall and Swim Experience. Sign up for this discounted Legends of the Waterfalls & Volcano Tour. Youll start off driving up the Kona coastline pas lava flows and check out sweeping views from the old Kohala Mule Station lookout. Why not go on one of our perfectly planned waterfall road trips with itineraries for both Oahu and Maui. Umauma Falls is a three-tiered waterfall surrounded by lush vegetation. The trail is surrounded by beautiful vegetation and singing birds, and the falls are absolutely worth the effort! 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. Hawaii Waterfall Swim Adventure, Waipio Valley Lookout & Botanical Garden . The falls used to only be open to those staying at the hotel located on the grounds. The Big Island Waterfalls page is where we narrow our focus of Hawaiian Waterfalls to the Big Island of Hawaii. We enjoy nature, the ocean, mountains, adventure, and all things outdoors. The farmers markets are a little-known gem allowing visitors to meet locals, shop for arts and crafts and enjoy edible treasures. As we all know, a trip to Hawaii can be expensive and doing free or cheap activities is how most of us can afford to travel. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. Kulania Falls is nearby and just as beautiful. All Rights Reserved. Have you gone to any of the best waterfalls in Hawaii to swim? Check out the latest prices and details! 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. We like to get up and close to any waterfall we see, and know the same is true for many of our readers. However, it is not totally uncommon to see that the waterfall is dry, which is a result of the Hamakua Ditch that diverts the flow of water. click here to go to our instagram account, ATV Tours on the Big Island (BIG list of all tour operators), BIG LIST of Kona Coffee Tours on the Big Island, Stand Up Paddle (SUP) boarding: Rentals, Classes and Tours. Download and/or view the map of all 9 waterfalls here. They are one of the best helicopter companies in Hawaii. 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 can also see these waterfalls as part of a zipline tour or an ATV and dip (swim) tour at the gardens. Absolutely! Marvel at the beauty and adventure that makes up Hawaii. Get your discounted Waterfalls of Kohala Tour. 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. Big Island Hotels, Resorts, B&Bs, & Vacation Rentals, Big Island Tours, Excursions, & Adventures. 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. Rainbow Falls is not safe for swimming. Compared to Maui, Oahu, and Kauai, The Big Island of Hawaii has some of the most popular waterfalls in all of Hawaii. Here is our list of the top 9 waterfalls in Hawaii that wont disappoint! Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Big Island Itinerary complete with daily schedules, kid-friendly activities, and travel hacks? Sign up for this discounted ATV Waterfall and Swim Experience. 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. The dark blue/purple waterfalls are more difficult to see and smaller waterfalls. Hiilawe Falls is located on the Big Island. 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. 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). Our most popular hotels on the Island of Hawaii Oahu is the lively center and most visited of all Hawaiian Islands. There may be no better way to experience Hawaiian waterfalls than with a helicopter tour. The Rainbow Falls are the easiest waterfalls to see on the Big Island! The hike is beautiful, surrounded by bamboo groves and delicate wild orchids. The height and sheer beauty of its surroundings make Akaka Falls one of the most visited waterfalls on Big Island, but it will take a bit of effort to see them. The admission fee to the park is $5.00 per car or $1 per person for pedestrians. This Upper Waikani Falls, Hana Hwy, Haiku, HI 96708, USA 2. Here, youll zipline across the forest, have lunch in the Pololu Valley, and even swim in a Big Island waterfall. 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. I am not sure how people did this as signs warn against it, and its illegal and can be dangerous. 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. A full-day rainforest adventure for all ages. Id be sure to go at least a few days after heavy rain to avoid flash flooding and a swollen stream. The visit is well worth your time, even just to enjoy the tranquility of this Hawaiian rainforest. Akaka Falls. Its easily accessible and it will only take you about half an hour to get here. Keep scrolling for the best waterfalls on the Big Island and discover why people love coming back again and again to this magical island destination. Swimming in tropical fresh water ( and I use the term loosely) is a product of Hollywood movies like blue Lagoon. Check out the latest prices and more details. Bear right at the top of the hill onto the main street of Honomu town. 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. Rainbow Falls are beautiful and can be viewed from a relatively close location, making them that much more enjoyable. The total height of the falls is about 1,450 feet (442m), with a highest direct drop of 1,201 feet (366m)! While theyre all worth seeing, we must warn you that most of them do not have a swimming hole or pool available. It is alleged to have a height of 1,450 feet. The tour will stop at Rainbow Falls, Akaka Falls, and Richardson Beach Park. There are no lifeguards here, so please be extremely cautious. Here you will find a delightful selection of art galleries and gift stores as well as several cafes. These falls are not reachable without trespassing and access to them is restricted. Content on this site is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical, health, or safety advice. Make sure your tour includes all of the waterfalls you want to see. Its a 1,450 feet tall waterfall, although most of it drops 1,201 feet, making it one of the tallest waterfalls in Hawaii. more, 2006-2023 World Of Waterfalls, Zipline high above the forest floor, picnic on the rim of Pololu Valley & swim under a private waterfall fed by a cool mountain stream. Oloupena Falls is an impressive 2,953-foot Hawaiian waterfall. Sign up for a discounted Kohala Waterfalls Adventure Tour. As you travel, youll be privy to the views of obscure but beautiful hidden waterfalls, coasts, and beaches. Located in Hilo, Hawaii in Wailuku River State Park, Rainbow Falls might be the most famous waterfall on the island. The view is spectacular and the tame and paved nature hike was enjoyable too. However, they have started opening the grounds to the public for a $49 day pass. You may have a luxury problem though: there are more waterfalls on the Big Island than you can reasonable visit during your stay! Hiilawe Falls is a great waterfall to visit and is one of the tallest waterfalls in Hawaii. If you dont want to search out the waterfalls on your own, this might be the right tour for you. It is located inside the private property and theres no other way to access it. 5 out of 6 of our favorites are close to Hilo, and these falls are very easy to visit. Big Island travel tips & recommendations , Explore Big Island Hotels & Resorts Search Now. Below we've included links to several of the best waterfalls on the Big Island, most of which you can see without ahelicopter(all falls visible from the air only are noted). On the Hamakua coast: 'Akaka falls, Kolekole falls, Umauma falls, Onomea falls, Nanue falls, Hanapueo falls + lower Umauma falls. The Kulaniapia Falls is a private 90-100 foot waterfall located at the Inn at Kulaniapia Falls. Located up the Wailua River, you will need to either rent kayaks or book a guided tour to reach the trailhead. If you already have accommodations, water rappelling can also be booked by the general public. This might cost more, but its well worth it. Click here to see all our recommended waterfall tours on our website. Shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 license. Each hike has its charm, and all offer beautiful views of different parts of the island. Double your adventure with the Kohala Zip and Dip and explore the enchanting lands of North Kohala. 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. This air tour hits up the 7 Kohala waterfalls from the Kona airport. There are different car rental companies in Kona, Hawaii that will set it up for you. The lush green northeastern coast- the Hilo and Hamakua Coast regions- is home to lovely tropical gardens nourished by the abundant rainfall the area receives. 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. Akaka Falls is located inside the Akaka Falls State Park in Hawaii. Each island has some of the best waterfall swimming holes in Hawaii, so no matter where you are, youll find something amazing! They are amazing natural wonders that should definitely be on your list of things to do while visiting this tropical paradise! There are much safer spots to swim - a.k.a. Rainbow Falls is one of the easiest to see and most popular waterfalls on the Big Island of Hawaii. Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Heather Goodman. Peepee Falls on the Big Island. ~ Trusted by Millions of Hawaii Visitors Annually ~. Waiilikahi Falls are yet another gem on the Big Island, but it takes a lot to hike to the falls. However, Id always watch for signs near waterfalls and follow their instructions if they indicated not to swim. What Are The Must-Visit Waterfalls On Big Island? Wrapping Up the Best Waterfalls on the Big Island. You no longer need to book a tour with the Umauma Experience to get to the falls. See the northern Kohala highlights with this 8-hour adventure and visit 7 stunning private waterfalls (and swim in one! The famous triple-tiered Umauma Falls. These falls form also the access to a popular but risky local swimming spot called the boiling pots. As a paradise for active travelers it is rich in experiences that include nature, culinary discoveries, historic landmarks, shopping, nightlife and festivals. Here are some tours you can check out: This half-day tour takes you to the three most famous Big Island waterfalls: Akaka Falls, Hiilawe Falls and Rainbow Falls. I also included a table of contents, so feel free to skip to the sections you are most interested in. Akaka Falls and Kahuna Falls. This is a full-day trip from Kona. To be exact, you can visit Hiilawe Falls by going to the Waipio Valley at the Kohala Coast in Hawaii. Narnia is the name given to a set of waterfalls in the Hilo Forest Reserve. Thankfully they didnt, as there appeared to be rocks under the shallow water at the bottom of the falls. Night Swim with Manta Rays. HOME PRIVACY POLICY TERMS. The state park is located along the northeastern Hilo Coast, west of Honom. There is only one way to get here, and thats by hiking along the coastal trail. From USD 221.99 (9) Umauma Falls Zipline Tour & Waterfall Swim Adventure . 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. A helicopter tour of the waterfalls along the Kohala Coast. Akaka Falls is a spectacularly tall waterfall that hurls down an incredible 422 feet down a mountain face. On the paved uphill Akaka Falls Loop Trail, you'll venture past these two beautiful waterfalls . No, swimming at Akaka Falls is no longer allowed. You will need to pay an admission fee to see these falls. Nonetheless, its still a breathtaking sight to see. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. Park your car after the bridge and walk back to the river to see the Waiale Falls: Just upstream from the Boiling Pots you can find another waterfall at the bridge over the Wailuku river in Hilo. Big Island of Hawaii Waterfalls Simply put, waterfalls on the Big Island of Hawaii are some of the world's finest. Photos of Kulania attached . As an Amazon Associate, thistraveldream.com earns from qualifying purchases. You can contact the State Division of Forestry and Wildlife at 808-974-4221. Most of the waterfalls are found near Hilo and northeastern, or Hamakua, coast. Our popular Summary Guidesheets are now included. This full-day tour will also introduce you to delicious Hawaiian cuisine in the Pololu Valley and even allow you to swim in a waterfall! Hiilawe Falls is a magnificent waterfall located in Waipio Valley on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island. 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. Wading through these pools is not recommended. Also, be sure to check out all the waterfalls in Hawaii on ourHawaii Waterfallspage. It is located about 1.6 miles (5-minute drive) from Rainbow Falls and is also part of the Wailuku River. A tour across the Hamakua Coast that stops at Akaka Falls State Park, Rainbow Falls and Richardson Beach Park. Off the main street is the Mana's Aloha Fruit Stand. Rainbow Falls One of Hawaii's most stunning waterfalls, Rainbow Falls is named for the rainbows that can be seen in the mist. The Kulaniapia Falls are with a 120ft drop the tallest private waterfalls on the Big Island. Get your discounted Waterfalls of Kohala Tour. However, the best views come when you climb under the bridge and follow a short jungle path to the base of the waterfall. Click on the top left of the map to find separate layers marking the route and points of interest. Please do not put these waterfalls on your to-do list. Log in, We are passionate waterfall lovers eager to share our experiences chasing waterfalls around the world! Sign up for this discounted Kohala Waterfalls Adventure Tour. Several are featured in popular Hawaiian songs. [more], 2006-2023 World Of Waterfalls, 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 This broad waterfall in the Wailuku river is conveniently located within Hilo town. Star the map to save it to your own Google Maps, or open the map in a new window for a larger version. The Majestic Waterfalls Tour is one of the best tours on this list. This is one of the most famous waterfalls on the Big Island. 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. If youre considering visiting Akaka Falls, check out my full guide HERE. The on-site Inn organizes this tour which is led a team of expert canyoneering guides. 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! This is a very difficult hike to complete in one day and is not recommended for beginners. This tour takes you on a journey through Hilo, stopping by at the Rainbow Falls, tidepools, and ocean beaches. This is for kids at least 5 years old who can comfortably stay in a kayak. 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 waterfall got its name from the rainbow that often forms at the base. Table of Contents hide 1 Rainbow Falls 2 Akaka Falls 3 Umauma Falls 4 Wai'ale Falls 5 PeePee Falls 6 Hi'ilawe Falls 7 Private Waterfalls 8 Why Are There So Many Waterfalls in Hawaii? All Rights Reserved This waterfall used to have a high volume of water in the stream, making swimming here dangerous. It is one of the most idyllic and beautiful waterfalls in the world. For a beautiful view and unforgettable experience, sign up for a discounted Magical Waterfall Tour. The day pass includes access to amazing hiking trails, tropical gardens and a total of four waterfalls - with Kulaniapia Falls being our favorite. 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. It is a privately owned so you need to go with a tour group but well worth it! I hope that these waterfalls and tours will give you an idea of what you can add to your itinerary for your trip to the Big Island! Hiilawe Falls is often considered to be the tallest waterfall in Hawaii. The waterfalls themselves might be short, but the picturesque pools are well worth the short hike. 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. Many people stop their journey at the lower waterfall. The pots are called boiling pots because, during heavy rain, the flow of water increases and the pots appear to be boiling. This has some of the best waterfalls on Maui. This tour is unique in that it focuses almost entirely on the history and culture of Hawaii. I have included a downloadable map of these waterfalls at the bottom of this post to help with your planning and navigation. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. The largest waterfall in Hawaii is Oloupena Falls, located in Molokai. Address: 875 Akaka Falls Rd, Honomu, HI 96728, United States. Click the button below. Please keep in mind that the historic area located by the parking lot is not safe for swimming. However, because you descend over 900 feet in such a short distance, the hike up is immensely steep and challenging to manage. Hi'ilawe Falls is a magnificent waterfall located in Waipio Valley on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island. Here at Only In Hawaii, weve talked about waterfalls, and weve talked about swimming holes, but now were combining the two and giving you our exclusive list of 13 of the best waterfalls in Hawaii to swim in across all of the islands from spots found only from hiking through the deep jungle of Oahus windward coast, to various scenic spots visible from Mauis breathtaking Hana Highway. Where is the Blue Pool waterfall in Hawaii? Umauma Falls Check out the latest prices and more details. With all that you can do at Kulaniapia Falls, it makes this waterfall a top-rated Hawaii waterfall on the Big Island. You can hide and show different layers, or click icons on the map to see the names of waterfalls we mention in this guide. With a population of less than 75,000, Kauai is truly a small-town island, littered with open space, protected preserves, and old plantation history. Also known as Three Bears falls, Waikani is approximately 70 feet tall, and visible from the Hana Highway. Located within the Hilo city limits, Wainuenue (Rainbow Falls) is very easy to visit. If youre looking for a little piece of paradise on the Big Island, just keep your eyes peeled and head to one of these gorgeous 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. Note: There is an admission fee to the state park, $5.00 per car or $1 per person if you are walking. Both waterfalls are beautiful Big Island attractions. There are so many incredible waterfalls, making it hard to know where to start. While there arent really Kona waterfalls, you see tons of waterfalls in Hilo. The waterfall, however, is worth the effort it takes to access it. Each has its own unique beauty that will leave you in awe from start to finish! Located only 1.5 miles upstream from Rainbow Falls, Peepee Falls is another beautiful spot. Let us know in the comments below! Check out the latest prices and more details. Standing at 2,954 feet tall, this waterfall is spectacular. The most popular way to observe the Umauma Falls is from a tranquil overlook accessible through the World Botanical Garden. The water can be seen while hiking down the valley, and it should be visible to the left within around 7 minutes into the hike (depending on how fast you walk). Weve rounded up our top picks for some of the most beautiful spots for waterfalls on the Big Island. Big Island is home to some of the tallest falls in the state. And this rainfall provides lots of opportunities to appreciate the island's falls. Lava from Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa meet near the base of Peepee Falls, about 2 miles downstream. Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability. What are the best hikes on the Big Island? You might hear that people go swimming here, but dont do it! The government or any private party does not manage Nanua Falls. Its one of the tallest and most powerful waterfalls in Hawaii, although it gets a bit dry around March. It will take you about an hour to reach the end of the path, which is lined with lush greenery and beautiful scenery. Get your discounted Kohala Tour from Kona Tour. Entry Fees:For Akaka Falls, entry is free for children under ten years old and $5 per adult. Big Island waterfall tours Legends of the Waterfalls & Volcano Full-Day Tour Unfortunately, the strength of the falls is often dependent on rainfall - so here's to hoping you catch it on a good day. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. These include stargazing and helicopter tours and is absolutely worth the time and money. Take a full-day waterfall adventure tour of the Big Islands Kohala Coast. Read more about ourHawaii adventureshere. Kulaniapia Falls is located inside a 42-acre private property in Hilo, Hawaii. The tropical gardens have a wonderful overlook that allows you to get a great view of Umauma Falls. The state park entry fees are $5/car or $1/pedestrian. There are many tours available if you would rather visit with a guide. Do you like waterfalls a LOT and are you also visiting another island in the Hawaiian island chain? Due to its location, the sun hits the water at just the right angle to show off. 2. The hike itself can be challenging and involves multiple stream crossings. Plus it has numerous attractions, from volcanic rock formations to beautiful waterfalls. Hiilawe Falls is one of the top Big Island waterfall hikes to do. First, youll head to the Kohala Mountains where youll fly the coastline of Waipio Valley and Waimanu Valley. Compared to many other Hawaiian Islands, the Big Island is huge. More waterfalls can be found at the northern Hamakua coast seaside cliffs and the valleys of the Kohala coast. The Oloupena Falls is the tallest waterfall in Hawaii, located on the tiny island of Molokai, stretching an immense 2,953 feet high. 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. 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. Rappel down 120 feet past Hawaiis largest privately accessible waterfall supervised by expert canyoneering guides. I would plan 10 hours out of your day if you are thinking about doing the hike. Its no wonder that you might be having issues deciding where to go. But dont worry, this is a very easy hike to do and the trail is paved and well maintained. In general, yes, but there are several risks associated with swimming under waterfalls in the state of Hawaii that you should be aware of. Before we talk about the best waterfalls, lets discuss some FAQs you might have: Swimming is NOT allowed at Akaka Falls State Park. Download and/or view the map of all 9 waterfalls here. This state park is home to two amazing waterfalls, one of which plunges 422 feet into a stream-eroded gorge below. Big Island in a Day: Volcanoes, Waterfalls, Sightseeing, History (From $226.96) Hawaii Volcano Adventure Tour from Hilo (From $195.99) There are different, The private property is currently managed by the. Please dont take the risk there are many places more suitable for swimming in Hilo (the beach!). Of this list, youre not allowed to swim in both Rainbow Falls and Akaka Falls, as it is both dangerous and illegal. How to use this map: Above youll find a map of waterfalls on the Big Island of Hawaii. Don't miss them because once you see them, you'll never forget them! Which Cities Have Nonstop Flights to Hawaii. Are you planning to travel to the Big Island of Hawaii?
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