It is located in the Pelekunu Preserve on the windward side of Molokai. Kulania Falls is nearby and just as beautiful. This is what the falls look like after a good rain upstream. Each hike has its charm, and all offer beautiful views of different parts of the island. The tropical gardens have a wonderful overlook that allows you to get a great view of Umauma Falls. You can hide and show different layers, or click icons on the map to see the names of waterfalls we mention in this guide. Onomea Falls is located along the Hamakua Coast in Hawaii. The view is spectacular and the tame and paved nature hike was enjoyable too. Its approximately a 19-mile out and back hike that takes around 4 hours each way. I have included a downloadable map of these waterfalls at the bottom of this post to help with your planning and navigation. The trailhead is easy to find just off the parking lot. The couple run a healing retreat on Hawaii's Big Island - and Dorina has been swimming with dolphins throughout her pregnancy. This waterfall is one of the tallest waterfalls across all of the Islands, standing at its maximum height at 1,450 feet. 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. Just two weeks ago, the couple posted a YouTube video of the mum-to-be at 38-weeks pregnant interacting with dolphins in the sea. Hi'ilawe Falls is visible only within the valley or from the air, as the . 13 Best Waterfalls In Hawaii To Swim - OnlyInYourState I highly encourage taking a helicopter tour through the Kohala Coast if you want to see these waterfalls, unless you are a very experienced hiker looking for some adventure. What youll see along the route will depend on what trail you choose, but each one is worth it! Youll need to pay an entrance fee to enter the area. We enjoy nature, the ocean, mountains, adventure, and all things outdoors. Located along the Umauma River in Hakalau, Umauma Falls is a series of three, short cascading waterfalls. To be exact, you can find it along the Umauma River in Hakalau. Big Island, Hawaii Rivers and Waterfalls - Umauma Experience Youll find the largest waterfall in Hawaii on the secluded island of Molokai. 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. Check out the latest prices and more details. Which waterfall can you swim at on the Big Island? The waterfalls are located less than half a mile from the parking lot. You can either go left or right after you go down the stairs from the parking lot. The admission fee to view the 422 ft tall falls is $5.00 per car or $1.00 per person for pedestrians. You can find many waterfalls on the north and east side of the Big Island thanks to lots of rain and a large gradient in elevation (volcanoes!). OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Island Experiences | Hilton Waikoloa Village Hawaii Resort A 20-acre rainforest greenhouse, the area is filled with beautiful plant life and wild animals. 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. It is a privately owned so you need to go with a tour group but well worth it! from $85 + taxes & fees | Child $75. The tour will stop at Rainbow Falls, Akaka Falls, and Richardson Beach Park. Akaka and Kahuna Falls are part of the Akaka Falls State Park, located north of Hilo. Even when the falls are dry, the lush landscape is incredible. Where is the Blue Pool waterfall in Hawaii? Akaka, Kahuna, Hiilawe, Rainbow, Umauma, Peepee, Kulaniapia, Onomeaand WaiilikahiFalls. Hiilawe Falls is visible only within the valley or from the air, as the Waipio Valley is very steep. 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. This would allow you to see almost all of our favorite waterfalls and is recommended for people that really love waterfalls. Overview . The hike is suitable for the whole family and takes half an hour if you take your time. Read more: in our guide to visiting the Akaka falls. The Kulaniapia Falls is a private 90-100 foot waterfall located at the Inn at Kulaniapia Falls. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Its easily accessible and it will only take you about half an hour to get here. Enjoy spectacular views of Mauna Kea and the Pacific Ocean, awesome photo spots, swim in a private pond and really experience off-road Hawaii. You can see all sorts of hidden waterfalls if you go kayaking, take a boat tour, or ride in a helicopter. I visited Rainbow Falls in September of 2021 and the trail to get to the top was closed. And if youre heading to Akaka Falls with kids, check out my guide HERE. 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. This one has amazing views of the Kohala Coast while listening to fascinating commentary from the pilot. When people talk about swimming at Peepee Falls, they are probably referring to the boiling pots located by the lookout point. Guests will witness mantas up close as they grace the waters and feed on plankton. 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. Plus, youll keep an eye out for Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles and stop at Big Island Candies for the most famous Hawaiian candy on the Big Island. Rainbow Falls is one of the easiest to see and most popular waterfalls on the Big Island of Hawaii. Peepee Falls are another great waterfall that you can visit. Each has its own unique beauty that will leave you in awe from start to finish! I would plan 10 hours out of your day if you are thinking about doing the hike. The total height of the falls is about 1,450 feet (442m), with a highest direct drop of 1,201 feet (366m)! This waterfall is smaller than Rainbow falls, but also way less crowded. Its a 100-foot waterfall that youll pass by on your way to Akaka if you follow the footpath. Which one was your favorite? 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. They are very safe and you will have amazing views. 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. During the tour, youll travel along the coastline. First trip to the Big Island? You can follow an uphill path towards the waterfall, which is about half a mile long. 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. Take your first right onto Akaka Falls Road and continue for 3.75 miles until you reach the parking lot. 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). Thank you! Your use of this website constitutes your acceptance of all the terms, conditions, and disclaimers posted herein. 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. pro tip for another close-by waterfall: if you continue up Wailuku drive a few minutes longer you get to a bridge crossing the Wailuku river. Whats the Honolulu Sister Cities Program? You can now drive on a concrete road right to the falls and tropical garden. The Waipio Valley lookout trailhead is a very steep but short half-mile hike. If you're looking for the best Big Island waterfall adventures, then look no further. Looking for a car rental in Kona, Big island? The hike to the waterfall takes either 5 or 15 minutes, depending on which route you decide to take. To be exact, you can visit Hiilawe Falls by going to the Waipio Valley at the Kohala Coast in Hawaii. 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. Before we talk about the best waterfalls, lets discuss some FAQs you might have: Swimming is NOT allowed at Akaka Falls State Park. It will take you about an hour to reach the end of the path, which is lined with lush greenery and beautiful scenery. Dont miss them because once you see them, youll never forget them! Sugar Water: Hawaiis Plantation Ditches by Carol Wilcox. You might hear that people go swimming here, but dont do it! The good news is, while youre inside the botanical garden, youll be able to see the beautiful flora and fauna species that are native to Hawaii. If you do not agree with any part of these terms and conditions, you should not use this website. Umauma Falls is a three-tiered waterfall surrounded by lush vegetation. This waterfall can only be accessed from the lookout, and swimming here is no longer allowed. If conditions are suitable you can use on-property SUP and kayak equipment to explore the waterfall. Hiilawe Falls - Legendary Waterfall with Temporary Flow 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). more, 2006-2023 World Of Waterfalls, If you think you've located a Big Island waterfall we've omitted, please contact us, and we'll make sure it's added. 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. Hiilawe Falls is located on the Big Island. Entry to the state park will cost $5 . 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. There may be no better way to experience Hawaiian waterfalls than with a helicopter tour. 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. The hike takes you past 7 waterfalls with as grand finale a cooling dip in the final one! One of the coolest ways to experience Kulaniapia Falls is by booking a spot in one of the Experience Packages available at the property. If you already have accommodations, water rappelling can also be booked by the general public. Get your discounted Kohala Tour from Kona Tour. Big Island of Hawaii Waterfalls and How To Visit Them Sign up for this discounted ATV Waterfall and Swim Experience. Kohala Waterfalls Small Group Adventure Tour 183 By Hawaii Forest and Trail Adventure Tours 6+ hours See the highlights of Kohala in a day on this small-group adventure tour. Most of these waterfalls are located very close to each other, and it makes sense to see them in one day as it only takes a few minutes to get from one to the other. And, youll pass it on the way to Akaka Falls. You can access the waterfall for free and its one of the best Big Island hikes. This multi tiered, Oheo Gulch, OheO Gulch, Hawaii 96713, USA. The content on this website may not be copied or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior written permission. I highly discourage doing this hike during the rainy season. Meet with a local driver and travel to North Kona to experience multiple zip-lines that stretch over beautiful landscapes, including waterfalls. The enormous waterfall cascades down a steep lava rock wall into a boulder-strewn pool. 1: Kauai Overview 2: Things to Do 3: Where to Stay 4: Popular Sights and Destinations 5: The Npali Coast 6: Kauai Itinerary 7: Kauai blog posts. * 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. But make sure to read up on the waterfall you visit, because sometimes certain areas in the Hawaiian islands are prone to flooding, and can be dangerous to swim in after a heavy rainfall. 1. This is a great family-friendly waterfall as there are no strong currents or falling rocks around. This Upper Waikani Falls, Hana Hwy, Haiku, HI 96708, USA 2. The waterfall flows from a water source called the Onomea Stream. The pots are called boiling pots because, during heavy rain, the flow of water increases and the pots appear to be boiling. Located within the Hilo city limits, Wainuenue (Rainbow Falls) is very easy to visit. 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. The Onomea Falls is located within the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, This s private property owned by Dan Lutkenhouse, first opened in 1984. 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. Take a full-day waterfall adventure tour of the Big Islands Kohala Coast. Be sure to bring extra clothing. 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. 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. Narnia is the name given to a set of waterfalls in the Hilo Forest Reserve. Where are the best waterfalls to swim in Hawaii? P?palaua Falls, Hawaii 96748, USA 6. The Akaka Falls and the Rainbow Falls are hands-down the most-visited waterfalls on the Big Island. Kohala Waterfalls Hike & Swim Eco Tour - HawaiiActivities.com Access costs $12 per person (walk-in fee, no pre-bookings required), which also buys you access to their garden. All Rights Reserved We grouped this one group of Hawaii Big Island waterfalls together as they both are located in Akaka Falls State Park. Plus. Get your discounted Magical Waterfall Tour. One of the risks is that rocks occasionally get washed over the falls and can land on unsuspecting swimmers. The 422 ft. tall Akaka falls are a pleasant stop on your way to or from Hilo. Did we list it? Copyright 2023 Guide of US, LLC. This is part of Hawaiis state park system. What is the best way to visit all these waterfalls? The famous triple-tiered Umauma Falls. Rainbow Falls, or Wainuenue, is located inside the Wailuku River State Park in Hilo, Hawaii. So no one is taking care of it and ensuring the area remains clean. Hiilawe Falls is often considered to be the tallest waterfall in Hawaii. Sons of the Forest best base locations | Rock Paper Shotgun Youll experience 7 incredible Kohala waterfalls plus a picnic lunch. It is advised that you check weather reports and ocean conditions before heading out for the day, never swim in these pools when you have open wounds and to always watch your step. This has some of the best waterfalls on Maui. Get your discounted Waterfalls of Kohala Tour. If youre thinking of driving a 44 vehicle down, Id be careful and ensure that it has enough horsepower and gas to make it back up.