Waimoku Falls is a 400 foot waterfall that you see pictured on the cover of many of Maui's guidebooks and is one of the tallest waterfalls on Maui. While you can access most of these on your own, you can also join Hawaii waterfall tours for a more personalized experience. Compared to Maui, Oahu, and Kauai, The Big Island of Hawaii has some of the most popular waterfalls in all of Hawaii. Akaka, Kahuna, Hiilawe, Rainbow, Umauma, Peepee, Kulaniapia, Onomeaand WaiilikahiFalls. Due to its location, the sun hits the water at just the right angle to show off. The most important is the water-born disease leptospirosis: dont go swimming if you have any abrasions, scrapes, blisters or other skin lesions. 1. This place is good for viewing and taking photos. This air tour hits up the 7 Kohala waterfalls from the Kona airport. If you plan to camp here, please make sure you obtain the proper permits, as they are required. Check out the latest prices and details! They are amazing natural wonders that should definitely be on your list of things to do while visiting this tropical paradise! Please remember that all of these falls have different levels of water throughout the year. Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability. Wading through these pools is not recommended. Hi'ilawe Falls Umauma Falls is located on the Big Island in Hawaii. Another stop on Mauis Road to Hana, Puaa Kaa translates to rolling pig in Hawaiian. The Rainbow Falls are the easiest waterfalls to see on the Big Island! 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. The Hilton and Sheraton both have really neat waterfalls and its clean clear water. 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 Check out the latest prices and more details. Interested? Big Island of Hawaii Waterfalls Simply put, waterfalls on the Big Island of Hawaii are some of the world's finest. Youll need to pay an entrance fee to enter the area. Swimming is not allowed here, so keep that in mind when you visit. We also receive a small commission from travel partners for some of the links found on this website. Be sure to pay at least a few of them a visit and create some unforgettable memories that youll treasure forever! For those with a daring spirit, the Deleuze ATV Waterfall and Swim Experience tour is for you. Aside from waterfalls, youll also be able to see red-hot lava flows, the Kohala Mule Station lookout, and more! Night Swim with Manta Rays. If you're looking for the best Big Island waterfall adventures, then look no further. Kulania Falls is nearby and just as beautiful. It will take you about two hours to hike to Nanue Falls, but the path isnt too hard to walk on so youll be fine. Compared to many other Hawaiian Islands, the Big Island is huge. Its accessible through several different methods and gorgeous no matter how you see it. 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! Its the largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago and has some of the most popular waterfalls in all of Hawaii! All Rights Reserved. Of course, the most popular and simple strategy is to include a visit into your itinerary as you drive by one or two waterfalls. Well, you are in luck. And be sure to keep your eyes out for sea turtles, which are known to hang out in this area! Take your first right onto Akaka Falls Road and continue for 3.75 miles until you reach the parking lot. Facebook Pinterest Twitter Instagram Subscribe to our Newsletter. It is located inside the private property and theres no other way to access it. Make sure your tour includes all of the waterfalls you want to see. Our featured listings highlight those tours that combine exceptional waterfall experiences, professional guides, and more fun than you can imagine. 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. Furthermore, flash floods and strong currents are a real danger there. As an Amazon Associate, thistraveldream.com earns from qualifying purchases. 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. Credit: John McCollum. We decided to take a scenic drive while staying on the Hilo side to see some of these waterfalls. The private property is currently managed by the Umauma Experience. 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? The admission fee to view the 422 ft tall falls is $5.00 per car or $1.00 per person for pedestrians. The total height of the falls is about 1,450 feet (442m), with a highest direct drop of 1,201 feet (366m)! The waterfall, however, is worth the effort it takes to access it. However, you need to pay a fee to be able to access the viewing deck. Standing at 422ft tall, this free-falling waterfall drops to the bottom of the gorge, creating an amazing panoramic view of the area. The Big Island, however, also has breathtaking waterfalls. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 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. This is an 8-hour zipline + waterfall swim tour that takes you to Kohala, the oldest volcano on the island, for an inspiring and exhilarating day. This 8-hour tour takes you from Kona to the oldest volcano on the Big Island for an inspiring and exhilarating day. This allows you to experience a birds-eye view of the waterfall! Check out the latest prices and more details. You dont want any surprises that could ruin your trip. The Northern beach is one of the potential crash sites in Sons of the Forest, and it's also one of the best base locations. 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. Sign up for this discounted Majestic Waterfalls Tour. How to use this map: Above youll find a map of waterfalls on the Big Island of Hawaii. Hiilawe Falls is a great waterfall to visit and is one of the tallest waterfalls in Hawaii. more, 2006-2023 World Of Waterfalls, This is part of Hawaiis state park system. Our most popular hotels on the Island of Hawaii By donating to our small business, you accept and acknowledge the donation terms. They also offer ATV tours, waterfall rappelling and horseback riding tours to the falls as well. If you think you've located a Big Island waterfall we've omitted, please contact us, and we'll make sure it's added. The hike to the Rainbow Falls is immensely short, and although reaching the top of the falls may seem intimidating, its both simple and worth the effort. From USD 218.85 (9) Big Island Waterfall Swim & Rainforest Hiking Tour & Nature Eco-Adventure . Take a comfortable ride through stunning countryside up to the hiking trailhead. This is a great way to see some of the tallest waterfalls in Hawaii. However, because you descend over 900 feet in such a short distance, the hike up is immensely steep and challenging to manage. Get your discounted Waterfalls of Kohala Tour. Hello, my name is Abduvaliev diyorbek. I visited Rainbow Falls in September of 2021 and the trail to get to the top was closed. Flash flooding in this area is common, so please proceed with caution. While Kahuna Falls are also located in this state park, you can hear them more than you can see them. The view is spectacular and the tame and paved nature hike was enjoyable too. Majestic Waterfalls Tour A tour across the Hamakua Coast that stops at 'Akaka Falls State Park, Rainbow Falls and Richardson Beach Park. This broad waterfall in the Wailuku river is conveniently located within Hilo town. Several are featured in popular Hawaiian songs. from $85 + taxes & fees | Child $75. To make the process easier you can look directly into Kona jeep rental deals and reserve the one that meets your needs. Each has its own unique beauty that will leave you in awe from start to finish! By far, Akaka Falls are my favorite waterfall to visit on the Big Island. You can swim in this one! Be sure to bring extra clothing. Check out the latest prices and details! 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. My personal favorites are Polulu Valley, The Puna Trail, and The hike to Makalawena Beach, to name a few. Get your discounted Kohala Zip and Dip Tour. Although it is dwarfed in size by its beautiful neighbors, the Peepee Falls and the Ayaka Falls, its unique feature that inspired its namesake makes it worth a visit. There are so many incredible waterfalls, making it hard to know where to start. There is no swimming allowed here; you can only view the falls from a safe distance. What Are The Must-Visit Waterfalls On Big Island? The waterfall flows from a water source called the Onomea Stream. 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. Youll find the largest waterfall in Hawaii on the secluded island of Molokai. Hours: Daily, 8:30AM - 6:00PM. I highly discourage doing this hike during the rainy season. With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. You can visit their website at the Inn at Kulaniapia Falls for additional details. Rainbow Falls are beautiful and can be viewed from a relatively close location, making them that much more enjoyable. Stretching 93 miles long, its nearly four times as big as Maui. A tour across the Hamakua Coast that stops at Akaka Falls State Park, Rainbow Falls and Richardson Beach Park. Standing at 2,954 feet tall, this waterfall is spectacular. Drive down yourself (only with 4WD), or get down to the valley floor as part of a horseback riding tour in the valley. Thankfully they didnt, as there appeared to be rocks under the shallow water at the bottom of the falls. The size of these waterfalls and their location in the lush and tropical rainforest makes them a popular and spectacular attraction to check out. They are all unique in their own ways. From USD 130.62. Photo credit: Island of Hawaii Visitors Bureau (IHVB) / Tyler Schmitt. Compared to Oahu or Maui, the Big Island of Hawaii is massive! ), make small hikes, and admire the sweeping views and scenic coastlines and rugged valleys. And while you can certainly get to some of these places on your own, a great way to see the highlights is by booking aBig Island Tourwith The Volcano Van. This waterfall is created from a small stream and is a multiple-tier waterfall located inside the Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Garden. 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. This Upper Waikani Falls, Hana Hwy, Haiku, HI 96708, USA 2. Rainbow Falls is not safe for swimming. 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. Whether youd like to hike or bike along tranquil trails, visit scenic overlooks, snorkel, or just relax on the shore of a sunny beach, the Big Island wont disappoint. The property also offers lava encounter tours and lava tube tours as well if you are interested. Sign up for this discounted Kohala Waterfalls Adventure Tour. It is comprised of three short waterfalls that are located close to each otherthe water actually cascades down this series of waterfalls from the river. 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. Are you as obsessed with Hawaiian waterfalls as we are? Zipline high above the forest floor, picnic on the rim of Pololu Valley & swim under a private waterfall fed by a cool mountain stream. Check out the latest prices and more details. Its only 80-foot-tall but its still a beautiful natural feature with gushing water all year-round and a large pool below. An aerial view of Kulaniapia Falls. Peepee Falls on the Big Island. Kulaniapia Falls is located inside a 42-acre private property in Hilo, Hawaii. If you are on this side of the Big Island, for example, to see the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, a bit of planning will make sure that you can see some spectacular waterfalls. They are one of the best helicopter companies in Hawaii. P?palaua Falls, Hawaii 96748, USA 6. However, to visit Onomea Falls, you need to go through the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden and pay an entrance fee. The Big Island of Hawaii offers so much for visitors with its lush rainforests and volcanic landscapes. If you are in the Kona area, I highly recommend Paradise Helicopters. Oloupena Falls is an impressive 2,953-foot Hawaiian waterfall. She was a professional hula dancer for 20 years and even wrote her college thesis on Hawaiian history. Star the map to save it to your own Google Maps, or open the map in a new window for a larger version. Enjoy this 8-hour adventure as you explore Kohala, the oldest of five volcanos that make up the Big Island. If you are staying on the other side of the Big Island, be sure to plan these excursions into your vacation plans. from the air is as part of a helicopter tour. Its a 422-foot natural waterfall. While there are gorgeous waterfalls on Kauai, Oahu, and Maui, the Big Island has some of the most famous waterfalls in Hawaii. Click on the top left of the map to find separate layers marking the route and points of interest. We love this easy, Twin Falls Maui Waterfall, 6300 Hana Hwy, Haiku, HI 96708, USA, Located within Haleakala National Park near the Pipiwai Trailhead, these beautiful stream-fed pools are also known as the seven sacred pools. Hi'ilawe Falls is visible only within the valley or from the air, as the . Trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. . 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. 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. Each one of these is worth visiting at least once in my opinion. Its location allows the sun to hit the water at just the perfect angle. 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. Before we talk about the best waterfalls, lets discuss some FAQs you might have: Swimming is NOT allowed at Akaka Falls State Park. In any case, as you can see from the map above and the list below that . Do you like waterfalls a LOT and are you also visiting another island in the Hawaiian island chain? Its one of the tallest and most powerful waterfalls in Hawaii, although it gets a bit dry around March. What youll see along the route will depend on what trail you choose, but each one is worth it! And these are just the most popular waterfalls on Big Island. And if youre heading to Akaka Falls with kids, check out my guide HERE. These falls are not reachable without trespassing and access to them is restricted. Step Into The World Of Narnia On This Forbidden Waterfall Hike In Hawaii, The Hike In Hawaii That Takes You To Not One, But TWO Insanely Beautiful Waterfalls, Hike Less Than A Mile To This Spectacular Waterfall Swimming Hole In Hawaii, Embark On An Epic 7.3-Mile Trail In Hawaii That Features Waterfalls And Jaw-Dropping Views, The 14 Tallest Waterfalls In Hawaii Will Drop Your Jaw, This Waterfall Swimming Hole In Hawaii Is So Hidden Youll Probably Have It All To Yourself, This Tiered Waterfall And Swimming Hole In Hawaii Must Be On Your Summer Bucket List, The Ultimate Bucket List For Anyone In Hawaii Who Loves Waterfall Hikes. 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. Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Heather Goodman. Hiilawe Falls is best seen at a distance, as public access to the base of the falls is not possible. There are so many beautiful waterfalls to check out during your visit to the Big Island. Sign up for this discounted Majestic Waterfalls Tour. If you are looking for an adventure or just want to relax on your vacation, these seven waterfalls will not disappoint. You will need to pay an admission fee to see these falls. Simply put, waterfalls on the Big Island of Hawaii are some of the world's finest. Good to know: The river feeding Hiilawe is used for irrigation purposes. The Umauma Falls are a spectacular 3-tiered falls and one of the best waterfalls on the Big Island. During the tour, youll travel along the coastline. Each hike has its charm, and all offer beautiful views of different parts of the island. Hiilawe Falls (or Hi'ilawe Falls) was one of those waterfalls where it seemed it had a reputation that it can no longer live up to. If you dont want to search out the waterfalls on your own, this might be the right tour for you. On the bright side, they did not jump off the falls as they planned to. A delicious catered lunch is provided in our secluded pavilion. Nonetheless, its still a breathtaking sight to see. The state park is located along the northeastern Hilo Coast, west of Honom. Zipline high above the forest floor, picnic on the rim of Pololu Valley & swim under a private waterfall fed by a cool mountain stream. This is a great family-friendly waterfall as there are no strong currents or falling rocks around. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. Alternatively, you could think of going for this scenic drive to see all the waterfalls close to Hilo in half a day. 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. The waterfalls of Hawaii on the Big Island are absolutely stunning. The day pass includes access to amazing hiking trails, tropical gardens and a total of four waterfalls - with Kulaniapia Falls being our favorite. Swimming here can be dangerous and has proved lethal several times in the past. Akaka Falls on the Big Island. I am not sure how people did this as signs warn against it, and its illegal and can be dangerous. 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. After some time, the streams flow lessened and it is now safe to swim here. This tour takes you on a journey through Hilo, stopping by at the Rainbow Falls, tidepools, and ocean beaches. Most of the waterfalls on the Big Island are fairly close to Hilo. There are many tours available if you would rather visit with a guide. Our popular Summary Guidesheets are now included. No experience necessary! Are you planning to travel to the Big Island of Hawaii? * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. With all that you can do at Kulaniapia Falls, it makes this waterfall a top-rated Hawaii waterfall on the Big Island. Hi'ilawe Falls in the Waipio Valley. Umauma Falls is a three-tiered waterfall surrounded by lush vegetation. Now you know some of the best waterfalls Big Island has to offer.