While theyre all worth seeing, we must warn you that most of them do not have a swimming hole or pool available. 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). This broad waterfall in the Wailuku river is conveniently located within Hilo town. Its a 1,450 feet tall waterfall, although most of it drops 1,201 feet, making it one of the tallest waterfalls in Hawaii. If you plan to camp here, please make sure you obtain the proper permits, as they are required. Youll see places on the Big Island only accessible by air. The cliffs were formed from the lava flow from Mauna Kea that once flowed down the mountainside. Youll be treated to an entirely new and equally beautiful view of the waterfalls. Sign up for a discounted Legends of the Waterfalls and Volcano Tour. One of the most spectacular waterfalls in Hawaii is Onomea Falls. Make sure your tour includes all of the waterfalls you want to see. Hi'ilawe Falls in the Waipio Valley. Weve rounded up our top picks for some of the most beautiful spots for waterfalls on the Big Island. Located only 1.5 miles upstream from Rainbow Falls, Peepee Falls is another beautiful spot. Hawaii: Big Island, Big Fun | VAX VacationAccess The Rainbow Falls are the easiest waterfalls to see on the Big Island! Marvel at the beauty and adventure that makes up Hawaii. You no longer need to book a tour with the Umauma Experience to get to the falls. There may be no better way to experience Hawaiian waterfalls than with a helicopter tour. Along the way, youll be privy to various wild orchids. Before we talk about the best waterfalls, lets discuss some FAQs you might have: Swimming is NOT allowed at Akaka Falls State Park. . All the waterfalls listed below are spectacular in their own way, and when you visit them theyre sure to impress. However, if you continue hiking along the trail in the area and do some stream scrambling, youll be able to see more of natures beauty. This waterfall is smaller than Rainbow falls, but also way less crowded. Trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. If you do not agree with any part of these terms and conditions, you should not use this website. Seeing waterfalls is a great way to save money while on your vacation to Hawaii. Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Heather Goodman. This, Located within Waimea Valley is this charming waterfall, perfect for a family swim. Sign up for this discounted ATV Waterfall and Swim Experience. If youre an old soul, this Hilo Bay Waterfalls by Kayak tour was made for you. You will need to stop at the visitor center to register before heading to the falls. Kohala Waterfalls Hike & Swim Eco Tour - HawaiiActivities.com Visit the State Parks website for updated pricing. Although the Hawaiian archipelago has a multitude of famous waterfalls, especially on Oahu, Maui, and Kauai. 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. However, to visit Onomea Falls, you need to go through the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden and pay an entrance fee. Check out the latest prices and more details. 6 Must-Visit Waterfalls On Big Island Top Picks From Locals Vrouw wil bevallen in oceaan met dolfijnen als vroedvrouw, ondanks Drive along the cliffs and over rugged landscape Free cancellation Recommended by 97% of travelers from $225.13 per adult Reserve Travelers talk about " plants and animals " Note: There is an admission fee to the state park, $5.00 per car or $1 per person if you are walking. For a beautiful view and unforgettable experience, sign up for a discounted Magical Waterfall Tour. There is no swimming allowed here; you can only view the falls from a safe distance. 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. There are so many incredible waterfalls, making it hard to know where to start. On an especially clear day, you'll be able to see Mauna Kea behind them. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! 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. If you think you've located a Big Island waterfall we've omitted, please contact us, and we'll make sure it's added. Bear right at the top of the hill onto the main street of Honomu town. If you follow the path, youll see the beautiful Kahuna Falls along the way just before you see Akaka Falls. Always a classic, this, Located just a mile upstream of Rainbow Falls on the Wailua River, Peepee Falls feeds a series of several pools known as the boiling pots. Just make sure to leave this waterfall in Hawaii as clean as you found it. There are other adventurous activities that you can enjoy here too. Nanua Falls is a series of waterfalls on the Hamakua Coast, about 18 miles north of Hilo. These are just a few of the many, many tours that can be booked to see the beautiful waterfalls on the Big Island. User-submitted Waterfall Write-up of the Month, and the latest news and updates both within the website as well as around the wonderful world of waterfalls. Star the map to save it to your own Google Maps, or open the map in a new window for a larger version. You can read the full story here. The 422 ft. tall Akaka falls are a pleasant stop on your way to or from Hilo. This, Upper Waikani Falls, Hana Hwy, Haiku, HI 96708, USA, Perhaps one of Oahus most stunning hidden waterfalls, this trek through the mud is never uphill for too long and offers the opportunity to jump in a beautiful waterfall at the end. The Umauma falls are three waterfalls in close proximity to the Umauma River, 16 miles north of Hilo on the Hamakua coast. One other thing to note is that there are 13 streams you will have to cross before getting to the water. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. The Northern beach offers the best base location for those wanting to live by the sea in Sons of the Forest. Image credit: Mark. You can also see these waterfalls as part of a zipline tour or an ATV and dip (swim) tour at the gardens. A couple of travel dreamers who fell in love with Hawaii and want to share the beauty of the Islands! 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. 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. The water conceals long lava ridges, so its easy to be pulled in and trapped. The Majestic Waterfalls Tour is one of the best tours on this list. Located along the Umauma River in Hakalau, Umauma Falls is a series of three, short cascading waterfalls. Kohala Waterfalls & Hiking Adventure | Big Island Tours & Activities The package can include waterfall rappelling, which is the best way to experience Kulaniapia. Download and/or view the map of all 9 waterfalls here. They are all unique in their own ways. Sign up for this discounted Waipio Valley and Waterfalls Adventure. 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. No, swimming at Akaka Falls is no longer allowed. Can you swim in any waterfalls 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. This adds ~1 hour/waterfall to your itinerary will be the best option for the large majority of visitors. Free cancellation: up to 24 hours before tour. The beach! 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. Peepee Falls form a rather risky, but popular local swimming hole known as boiling pots. However, swimming here has proved to be lethal and should be avoided. Rappelling at the Kulaniapia Falls. How to use this map: Above youll find a map of waterfalls on the Big Island of Hawaii. This picture shows the Hiilawe falls on an almost dry day. All partners and related links comply with our Advertising Disclosures. 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. To be exact, you can visit Hiilawe Falls by going to the Waipio Valley at the Kohala Coast in Hawaii. Check out the latest prices and more details. Good to know: to access the falls you must purchase a $49 daypass to the grounds. Please do not put these waterfalls on your to-do list. You can access the waterfall for free and its one of the best Big Island hikes. This is a 120ft waterfall on the Waiau Stream situated on the lower slopes of Mauna Kea not far from Hilo. Absolutely! 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. Get your discounted Hilo Bay Kayaking Tickets. The government or any private party does not manage Nanua Falls. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Her next trip to Hawaii is never too far away! Approximately 16 miles north of Hilo, on the Umauma River, lies one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Hawaii: Umauma Falls. Overview . This has some of the best waterfalls on Maui. Guide To The Best Waterfalls You Can Swim In The Big Island Click here to see all our recommended waterfall tours on our website. Akaka Falls. Not only that, but this island is still expanding! Natural swimming pool with crystal clear water on the island The Big Island Waterfalls page is where we narrow our focus of Hawaiian Waterfalls to the Big Island of Hawaii. You have to be a guest at the Inn to access the trail leading to the waterfall. Waipoo Falls. Please remember that all of these falls have different levels of water throughout the year. The waterfall is located inside Waipio Valley and is about 1,450 feet tall. That means, you should take extra care to make sure you leave it as you saw it! Have you gone to any of the best waterfalls in Hawaii to swim? They are very safe and you will have amazing views. Visiting the Big Island of Hawaii is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and weve done all the work for you to help plan your trip. Kulania Falls is nearby and just as beautiful. You can either go left or right after you go down the stairs from the parking lot. The 422 ft tall Akaka falls are part of the Akaka falls state park, located just north of Hilo. 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 Maunawili Falls The website World of waterfalls is an excellent resource to find out more about the smaller waterfalls on the island. Zipline high above the forest floor, picnic on the rim of Pololu Valley & swim under a private waterfall fed by a cool mountain stream. By donating to our small business, you accept and acknowledge the donation terms. Besides the abundant disease there are a lot of rock chunks that get eroded and transported by the stream So there are chunks in the waterfall normaly However, the waterfall tends to be dry in early spring, around March. I have seen people continue to do it anyway, but this is just asking for trouble. This 8-hour tour takes you from Kona to the oldest volcano on the Big Island for an inspiring and exhilarating day. You can start the hike to this waterfall from the Waipio Valley lookout. 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. Check out the latest prices and details! The closest waterfalls in the Kohala district (about 50 miles) require a tour to visit. Several are featured in popular Hawaiian songs. 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. Are there a lot of waterfall swimming holes in Hawaii? Flash flooding in this area is common, so please proceed with caution. You can view all three of them from an overlook that you can access via a private botanical garden. Dont miss them because once you see them, youll never forget them! 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. There is a chance of injury or death if you decide to go swimming or wading in any waterfall. Akaka Falls on the Big Island. Regardless, they are still worth the visit if you love nature and gorgeous views. The Big Island is filled with tourist attractions! Kohala Waterfalls Adventure (Kailua-Kona) - All You Need - Tripadvisor . The waterfall got its name from the rainbow that often forms at the base. Kayak & Swim in the Umauma River. The Big Island, however, also has breathtaking waterfalls. P?palaua Falls, Hawaii 96748, USA 6. Akaka Falls and Kahuna Falls. This is a great family-friendly waterfall as there are no strong currents or falling rocks around. Akaka Falls is a spectacularly tall waterfall that hurls down an incredible 422 feet down a mountain face. 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. Big Island of Hawaii Waterfalls and How To Visit Them Hiilawe (the barely visible waterfall in the back of the valley) is one of the tallest waterfalls on the Big Island. Umauma Falls is a three-tiered waterfall surrounded by lush vegetation. Although smaller, the Kahuna Falls is similarly beautiful. Your use of this website constitutes your acceptance of all the terms, conditions, and disclaimers posted herein. When river safety conditions permit, you can also go swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding under the Kulaniapia Falls using on-site equipment. You can see all sorts of hidden waterfalls if you go kayaking, take a boat tour, or ride in a helicopter. Also, be sure to check out all the waterfalls in Hawaii on ourHawaii Waterfallspage. Cooling lava flows created columns, which connect a series of cascading waterfalls and pools that appear to be bubbling. On the Hamakua coast: 'Akaka falls, Kolekole falls, Umauma falls, Onomea falls, Nanue falls, Hanapueo falls + lower Umauma falls. Both waterfalls are beautiful Big Island attractions. If you are staying in Kona, meet up with a local driver who takes you to North Kohala. The Best Hiking Shoes for Hawaii in 2021(The Ultimate buying Guide), The 5 Best Reef Safe Sunscreens for Hawaii. There are however several safety tips to keep in mind while doing so on the Big Island: We share our favorite tips and images on Instagram, click here to go to our instagram account. Compared to many other Hawaiian Islands, the Big Island is huge. If youd like to dabble in something slightly more adventurous, you can go ziplining or rappelling over the area. 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. 20 Waterfalls in the US that you can swim in - Money Inc 4 Easy Big Island Waterfalls For Those Who Are Tired - Aloha With Love It is one of the most idyllic and beautiful waterfalls in the world. The most important is the water-born disease leptospirosis: dont go swimming if you have any abrasions, scrapes, blisters or other skin lesions. The Kulaniapia waterfall is located on the grounds of the Inn at Kulaniapia and up until recently access to their waterfalls was restricted uniquely to their overnight guests. I would plan 10 hours out of your day if you are thinking about doing the hike. Hiilawe Falls is best seen at a distance, as public access to the base of the falls is not possible. Hi'ilawe Falls If you are visiting the rainbow falls and have the time and interest to see another set of waterfalls you should check out these falls. This is a great way to see some of the tallest waterfalls in Hawaii. Sign up for this discounted Majestic Waterfalls Tour. Great for first-time visitors. Each hike has its charm, and all offer beautiful views of different parts of the 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. 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. The Hiilawe waterfall is one of the tallest waterfalls of the state of Hawai. Where are the best waterfalls to swim in Hawaii? 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. You can access this trail from the Waipio Valley lookout. The on-site Inn organizes this tour which is led a team of expert canyoneering guides. Hiilawe Falls is visible only within the valley or from the air, as the Waipio Valley is very steep. Youll get to hear a bit about the history of Coconut Island (it will totally surprise you) as you paddle around Hilo Bay. Get your discounted Kohala Tour from Kona Tour. This picturesque spot can be found past mile marker 16 on the Hana Highway, below the bridge that crosses Palauhulu Stream. The Falls has recently been named in the top ten best swimming holes in America by the magazine Travel + Leisure. So keep an eye out for honu (green sea turtles) and admire the coast! Check out the latest prices and more details. First trip to the Big Island? This remote, Makaleha Trailhead, 7290 Kahuna Rd, Kapa?a, HI 96746, USA, Makapipi Falls is visible from the Road to Hana, and is unique in that the waterfall plummets into a striking blue pool. 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. Enjoy! Big Island of Hawaii Waterfalls Simply put, waterfalls on the Big Island of Hawaii are some of the world's finest. These falls form also the access to a popular but risky local swimming spot called the boiling pots. These 7 Big Island waterfalls are truly spectacular and well worth checking out during your stay here! 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. Big Island, Hawaii Rivers and Waterfalls - Umauma Experience You can contact the State Division of Forestry and Wildlife at 808-974-4221. An aerial view of Kulaniapia Falls. Here, youll zipline across the forest, have lunch in the Pololu Valley, and even swim in a Big Island waterfall. A couple of the best waterfalls near Hilo can be seen in Akaka Falls State Park, including Akaka Falls (422 feet) and Kahuna Falls (100 feet). Wrapping Up the Best Waterfalls on the Big Island. Waiilikahi Falls are yet another gem on the Big Island, but it takes a lot to hike to the falls. What Are The Must-Visit Waterfalls On Big Island? This allows you to experience a birds-eye view of the waterfall! Please keep in mind that the historic area located by the parking lot is not safe for swimming. We like to get up and close to any waterfall we see, and know the same is true for many of our readers. These 7 Big Island waterfalls are truly spectacular and well worth checking out during your stay here! Its hard not to love this, Lulumahu Falls, 4459 HI-61, Honolulu, HI 96817, USA, Wailua Falls flows from Honolewa Stream, and is visible from the highway. The waterfalls are located less than half a mile from the parking lot. Thank you! While Kahuna Falls are also located in this state park, you can hear them more than you can see them. The Big Island of Hawaii offers so much for visitors with its lush rainforests and volcanic landscapes. Copyright 2019-2023 Hawaii Travel With Kids/Marcie In Mommyland, Top 7 Big Island Hawaii Waterfalls You Should Visit, Privacy Policy for Hawaii Travel with Kids, Courtyard by Marriotts King Kamehameha Beach Hotel.