However, because you descend over 900 feet in such a short distance, the hike up is immensely steep and challenging to manage. The only waterfall you can swim at on the Big Island is the Inn at Kulaniapia Falls. I am not sure how people did this as signs warn against it, and its illegal and can be dangerous. Stunning Big Island Hawaii Waterfalls Worth a Stop, planning a trip to the Big Island of Hawaii, Courtyard by Marriotts King Kamehameha Beach Hotel, Check out the latest prices and more details, discounted Kohala Waterfalls Adventure Tour, Legends of the Waterfalls and Volcano Tour, budget-friendly things to do on the Big Island. Akaka Falls. Youll never run out of things to do here. Big Island is home to some of the tallest falls in the state. 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. Id be sure to go at least a few days after heavy rain to avoid flash flooding and a swollen stream. This Upper Waikani Falls, Hana Hwy, Haiku, HI 96708, USA 2. from the air is as part of a helicopter tour. The visit is well worth your time, even just to enjoy the tranquility of this Hawaiian rainforest. If you plan to camp here, please make sure you obtain the proper permits, as they are required. Along the way, youll be privy to various wild orchids. The hike is beautiful, surrounded by bamboo groves and delicate wild orchids. Download and/or view the map of all 9 waterfalls here. Get your discounted Kohala Tour from Kona Tour. The lush landscape alone is enough to warrant a hike here. Get in touch with us! Visit the Botanical Gardens website for updated pricing. 5 out of 6 of our favorites are close to Hilo, and these falls are very easy to visit. This multi tiered, Oheo Gulch, OheO Gulch, Hawaii 96713, USA. Our popular Summary Guidesheets are now included. The waterfalls themselves might be short, but the picturesque pools are well worth the short hike. A picnic lunch and hotel transport are included for a hassle-free experience. 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. While there arent really Kona waterfalls, you see tons of waterfalls in Hilo. Approximately 16 miles north of Hilo, on the Umauma River, lies one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Hawaii: Umauma Falls. It is one of the most idyllic and beautiful waterfalls in the world. 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. I highly discourage doing this hike during the rainy season. Aside from waterfalls, youll also be able to see red-hot lava flows, the Kohala Mule Station lookout, and more! Weve rounded up our top picks for some of the most beautiful spots for waterfalls on the Big Island. The content on this website may not be copied or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior written permission. If you are staying in Kona, meet up with a local driver who takes you to North Kohala. 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. Along the way, youll see verdant vegetation and immense, ancient Banyan trees, overgrown by fig vines and moss. Its a 100-foot waterfall that youll pass by on your way to Akaka if you follow the footpath. This is what the falls look like after a good rain upstream. Zipline high above the forest floor, picnic on the rim of Pololu Valley & swim under a private waterfall fed by a cool mountain stream. There are much safer spots to swim - a.k.a. If you are in the Kona area, I highly recommend Paradise Helicopters. This adds ~1 hour/waterfall to your itinerary will be the best option for the large majority of visitors. It depends on which one you choose! Let us know in the comments below! It is a privately owned so you need to go with a tour group but well worth it! The Umauma Falls are a spectacular 3-tiered falls and one of the best waterfalls on the Big Island. Find the best prices here. Not really. These are just a few of the many, many tours that can be booked to see the beautiful waterfalls on the Big Island. with the opportunity to enjoy a relaxing snack break at the waterfalls where you can swim and paddleboard. I have seen other people recommend Peepee Falls as another great option. Youll be able to get up close and personal with this body of water and have the most memorable time in Hawaii. Which one was your favorite? Top 9 Waterfalls on The Big Island Akaka Falls and Kahuna Falls Hi'ilawe Falls Rainbow Falls Pe'epe'e Falls Umauma Falls Kulaniapia Falls Onomea Falls Wai'ilikahi Falls What is the best way to visit all these waterfalls? Get your discounted Magical Waterfall Tour. Hawaii Waterfall Swim Adventure, Waipio Valley Lookout & Botanical Garden . Rainbow Falls is not safe for swimming. 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. Located within the Hilo city limits, Wainuenue (Rainbow Falls) is very easy to visit. Double your adventure with the Kohala Zip and Dip and explore the enchanting lands of North Kohala. While you can access most of these on your own, you can also join Hawaii waterfall tours for a more personalized experience. Read more about waterfall safety. Youll start off driving up the Kona coastline pas lava flows and check out sweeping views from the old Kohala Mule Station lookout. A couple of travel dreamers who fell in love with Hawaii and want to share the beauty of the Islands! Its easily accessible and it will only take you about half an hour to get here. Thats not to say that the Big Island has the best waterfalls I think all the islands have something great to offer when it comes to these fascinating feats of nature. The property also offers lava encounter tours and lava tube tours as well if you are interested. There are more than seven pools, and they arent sacred rumor has it that a local hotel owner coined the name in order to attract more visitors to his establishment. 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 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. The Akaka Falls and the Rainbow Falls are hands-down the most-visited waterfalls on the Big Island. While theyre all worth seeing, we must warn you that most of them do not have a swimming hole or pool available. While there are gorgeous waterfalls on Kauai, Oahu, and Maui, the Big Island has some of the most famous waterfalls in Hawaii. Check out the latest prices and details! One other thing to note is that there are 13 streams you will have to cross before getting to the water. This isn't one that you can swim under though. Umauma Falls You can also book a stay at The Inn, a high-quality resort thats well worth the money. First, youll head to the Kohala Mountains where youll fly the coastline of Waipio Valley and Waimanu Valley. The area beyond that is private property, so be aware of where youre going! Another great way to see these waterfalls is to take an organized tour. Umauma Falls is located on the Big Island in Hawaii. 2. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. You can contact the State Division of Forestry and Wildlife at 808-974-4221. 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. 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. 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. The hike down is very easy and can take as little as 20 minutes. Kulaniapia Falls is located inside a 42-acre private property in Hilo, Hawaii. However, Id always watch for signs near waterfalls and follow their instructions if they indicated not to swim. There are many tours available if you would rather visit with a guide. Its an impressive 1,450-foot natural waterfall with a main drop of 1,201 feet. Farmers Markets. Their list contains the following waterfalls: In Hilo: Rainbow falls, Pe'epe'e falls, Wai'ale falls, Kulaniapia falls. Sign up for this discounted ATV Waterfall and Swim Experience. The 422 ft. tall Akaka falls are a pleasant stop on your way to or from Hilo. Kulaniapia Falls is once again located on private property, this time belonging to The Inn and usually reserved exclusively for residents there. Waterfalls of Kohala A helicopter tour of the waterfalls along the Kohala Coast. Deluxe Big Island ATV Tour & Waterfall Swim at Umauma Falls . There are so many incredible waterfalls, making it hard to know where to start. The tour will stop at Rainbow Falls, Akaka Falls, and Richardson Beach Park. If youre an old soul, this Hilo Bay Waterfalls by Kayak tour was made for you. Here are a few top picks that are worth checking out! The best time to visit the rainbow falls is in the early morning because this is when you have the most chance to see rainbows in the spray of the waterfall. It stretches hundreds of feet tall and is surrounded by greenery. Both falls are located on a family-friendly hiking loop (.4 miles) that takes about 30-45 minutes to see both waterfalls. Love Hawaii? They also offer ATV tours, waterfall rappelling and horseback riding tours to the falls as well. 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. Most of these places do not have a lifeguard on duty, making you solely responsible for your safety. This is a great family-friendly waterfall as there are no strong currents or falling rocks around. If youre lucky, you may be able to see honu (green sea turtle) and even dolphins! Located in the Waipio Valley, this waterfall is absolutely breathtaking. Also, be sure to check out all the waterfalls in Hawaii on ourHawaii Waterfallspage. While Kahuna Falls are also located in this state park, you can hear them more than you can see them. Turn inland (mauka) between mile markers 14 and 13 onto Honomu Road. All the waterfalls listed below are spectacular in their own way, and when you visit them theyre sure to impress. Youll see places on the Big Island only accessible by air. The path to Onomea Falls is stunning in itself. Good to know: to access the falls you must purchase a $49 daypass to the grounds. The Kulaniapia Falls for example require a day pass, and others are on private property and only reachable as part of a tour. Here you will find a delightful selection of art galleries and gift stores as well as several cafes. We enjoy nature, the ocean, mountains, adventure, and all things outdoors. Hi'ilawe Falls The waterfalls are located less than half a mile from the parking lot. The Big Island, however, also has breathtaking waterfalls. as a very big person in the future I want to help people I want to give a gift to the. This is a full-day trip from Kona. From USD 130.62. Where are the best waterfalls to swim in Hawaii? I also included a table of contents, so feel free to skip to the sections you are most interested in. Not only that, but this island is still expanding! The most popular way to observe the Umauma Falls is from a tranquil overlook accessible through the World Botanical Garden. You can access this trail from the Waipio Valley lookout. The Northern beach offers the best base location for those wanting to live by the sea in Sons of the Forest. There is a chance of injury or death if you decide to go swimming or wading in any waterfall. 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. I have included a downloadable map of these waterfalls at the bottom of this post to help with your planning and navigation. Your use of this website constitutes your acceptance of all the terms, conditions, and disclaimers posted herein. Plan to hike on slippery rocks, uphill slogs, tree roots, mud, and unmaintained trails. We grouped this one group of Hawaii Big Island waterfalls together as they both are located in Akaka Falls State Park. Sign up for a discounted Kohala Waterfalls Adventure Tour. Although smaller, the Kahuna Falls is similarly beautiful. You dont want any surprises that could ruin your trip. Also, if you are visiting Oahu and want to know where the best waterfall hikes are on Oahu, Ive got you covered. While there are gorgeous waterfalls on Kauai, Oahu, and Maui, the Big Island has some of the most famous waterfalls in Hawaii. For more information on waterfalls in Maui, You can check out this post on the best 15 stops on the Road to Hana. Swimming here can be dangerous and has proved lethal several times in the past. However, you need to pay a fee to be able to access the viewing deck. This is a 120ft waterfall on the Waiau Stream situated on the lower slopes of Mauna Kea not far from Hilo. Many people stop their journey at the lower waterfall. The state park is located along the northeastern Hilo Coast, west of Honom. 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. Swimming here is not recommended, even on days where it feels safe. 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. Read more: in our guide to visiting the Akaka falls. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. Rappelling at the Kulaniapia Falls. Its 93 miles across and has all sorts of terrain and natural wonders. This is the perfect pre or post-hike pit stop for pineapples and fresh coconuts that you can't miss. Mahalo! Its location allows the sun to hit the water at just the perfect angle. Hi'ilawe Falls As you travel, youll stop at the famous Big Island Candies store, where youll be treated to some of the best candy on the Big Island! One of the coolest ways to experience Kulaniapia Falls is by booking a spot in one of the Experience Packages available at the property. 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. They are amazing natural wonders that should definitely be on your list of things to do while visiting this tropical paradise! They are very safe and you will have amazing views. My personal favorites are Polulu Valley, The Puna Trail, and The hike to Makalawena Beach, to name a few. This, Located within Waimea Valley is this charming waterfall, perfect for a family swim. To be exact, you can visit Hiilawe Falls by going to the Waipio Valley at the Kohala Coast in Hawaii. Its a way to connect with nature and experience the waterfall closer than otherwise. 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. To make the process easier you can look directly into Kona jeep rental deals and reserve the one that meets your needs. What youll see along the route will depend on what trail you choose, but each one is worth it! Nanua Falls is a series of waterfalls on the Hamakua Coast, about 18 miles north of Hilo. These falls are not reachable without trespassing and access to them is restricted. The waterfall is named for the beautiful rainbow that forms at the waterfalls base. The falls are located in the rainforest. 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. 1. However, they have started opening the grounds to the public for a $49 day pass. Check out the latest prices and more details. It takes about 20-30 minutes to complete the loop. While youre enjoying these natural attractions, be sure to take lots of pictures! The website World of waterfalls is an excellent resource to find out more about the smaller waterfalls on the island. Oloupena Falls is an impressive 2,953-foot Hawaiian waterfall. Although Akaka Falls is the main event during the hike, the smaller Kahuna Falls is a must-see as well. On the paved uphill Akaka Falls Loop Trail, you'll venture past these two beautiful waterfalls . The Hilton and Sheraton both have really neat waterfalls and its clean clear water. Make sure your tour includes all of the waterfalls you want to see. 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. Check out the latest prices and more details. Come join the Big Island's only horseback ride that offers swimming at a waterfall! Yes, but all of them require some sort of entrance fee. 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. 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. The Falls has recently been named in the top ten best swimming holes in America by the magazine Travel + Leisure. 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. 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. youll get to taste seasonal fruit and macadamia nuts, swim at private waterfalls, and enjoy local food for lunch. 'Akaka Falls 'Akaka Falls is located just north of Hilo and are a gem of the Big Island's waterfalls. Its not a difficult hike to get to the foot of the waterfall, so you wont need any special gear to visit this beautiful waterfall. It is located in the Pelekunu Preserve on the windward side of Molokai. As you tour, youll be able to enjoy amazing photo spots and unparalleled views of the Pacific Ocean, waterfalls, and the Mauna Kea. Alternatively, you can zipline or rappel at the Umauma Falls. 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. If you decide to swim, please remember to always swim with caution and be aware of the danger around you no matter where you are. Please do not be tempted to hike up if there are signs that say hiking is not allowed and its blocked off. If you are looking for an adventure or just want to relax on your vacation, these seven waterfalls will not disappoint. Even when the falls are dry, the lush landscape is incredible. Be sure to bring extra clothing. Hiilawe Falls is one of the best Big Island waterfall hikes. What Are The Must-Visit Waterfalls On Big Island? If you only have time to see one of the waterfalls, we suggest seeing the incredible Akaka Falls. Kulania Falls is nearby and just as beautiful. For a beautiful view and unforgettable experience, sign up for a discounted Magical Waterfall Tour. Check out the latest prices and more details. Access to the falls is right off the road. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. At the bottom of the valley, take a left and walk for roughly 5-10 minutes to see the falls. The day pass includes access to amazing hiking trails, tropical gardens and a total of four waterfalls - with Kulaniapia Falls being our favorite. Sustainable Travel guide and itineraries for the Big Island of Hawaii. Commonly, especially if you visit in the early morning, the positioning of the Rainbow Falls sends a rainbow arching from its base into the water. 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. The most spectacular waterfalls on the Big Island of Hawaii Rainbow Falls Pe'epe'e Falls Wai'ale Falls 'Akaka Falls Onomea Falls Umauma Falls Kulaniapia Falls Hi'ilawe Falls Map of the Big Island waterfalls How to decide which Big Island waterfall to visit? Looking for a car rental in Kona, Big island? Then, you have to complete the 45-minute hike through the muddy jungle to reach the falls. 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. You can hide and show different layers, or click icons on the map to see the names of waterfalls we mention in this guide. Stretching 93 miles long, its nearly four times as big as Maui. There are plenty of these tours you can take while on the Big Island. Furthermore, flash floods and strong currents are a real danger there. This broad waterfall in the Wailuku river is conveniently located within Hilo town. Location: North east side of Big Island. Confirming what your tour includes will ensure that you wont miss out on any of the waterfalls. See the northern Kohala highlights with this 8-hour adventure and visit 7 stunning private waterfalls (and swim in one! The enormous waterfall cascades down a steep lava rock wall into a boulder-strewn pool. This has some of the best waterfalls on Maui. Subscribe to receive 5 emails in 5 days: Call us for advice! One of the most spectacular waterfalls in Hawaii is Onomea Falls. Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Heather Goodman. Big Island travel tips & recommendations , Explore Big Island Hotels & Resorts Search Now. Be sure not the trespass onto the private land that surrounds the waterfall. Youll need to pay an entrance fee to enter the area. The hike takes you past 7 waterfalls with as grand finale a cooling dip in the final one! 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. 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. Do you like waterfalls a LOT and are you also visiting another island in the Hawaiian island chain? A helicopter tour of the waterfalls along the Kohala Coast. One of the greatest, Makapipi Falls, Hana Hwy, Haiku, HI 96708, USA, Located off Pali Highway is this extraordinary waterfall hike complete with a trek through a bamboo forest, views of a stunning field and reservoir, the beauty of the Hawaiian jungle, and of course the jaw-dropping, 50-foot Lulumahu Falls. It aims to take you on an unforgettable journey through the Hamakua Coast. All Rights Reserved. These are gorgeous Hawaii Big Island waterfalls worth checking out. Unfortunately, the strength of the falls is often dependent on rainfall - so here's to hoping you catch it on a good day. 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. 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. This ziplining tour is the option for those who love a thrill. 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. For those with a daring spirit, the Deleuze ATV Waterfall and Swim Experience tour is 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. Also known as Three Bears falls, Waikani is approximately 70 feet tall, and visible from the Hana Highway. 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. Hiilawe Falls is located on the Big Island. By donating to our small business, you accept and acknowledge the donation terms. 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. 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. The Kulaniapia Falls are with a 120ft drop the tallest private waterfalls on the Big Island. The admission fee to view the 422 ft tall falls is $5.00 per car or $1.00 per person for pedestrians. Hello, my name is Abduvaliev diyorbek. If you're looking for the best Big Island waterfall adventures, then look no further. . No experience necessary! Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Heather Goodman. Standing at around 80 feet tall, this waterfall is a must-see year round on the Big Island. Hawaii's Big Island is home to some of the islands' most accessible waterfalls, and here are five of the most popular. Of this list, youre not allowed to swim in both Rainbow Falls and Akaka Falls, as it is both dangerous and illegal. Akaka Falls on the Big Island. Check out the latest prices and details! Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Big Island Itinerary complete with daily schedules, kid-friendly activities, and travel hacks? Now you know some of the best waterfalls Big Island has to offer. The Big Island of Hawaii offers so much for visitors with its lush rainforests and volcanic landscapes. If youre staying in Hilo and enjoy learning about history, you might get a kick out of this Legends of the Waterfalls tour where youll learn why Hilo was one of the favorite places for Kamehameha the Great. Whether you are looking to Big Island waterfall tours or waterfalls you can swim in on the Big Island, this guide will give you everything you need to plan your next adventure. Here, youll zipline across the forest, have lunch in the Pololu Valley, and even swim in a Big Island waterfall. The gigantic waterfall stands out from the dry, rocky background of the red-walled canyon. 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). It is located inside the private property and theres no other way to access it. Hiilawe Falls is visible only within the valley or from the air, as the Waipio Valley is very steep. Seeing waterfalls is a great way to save money while on your vacation to 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. This is a great way to see some of the tallest waterfalls in Hawaii. Kulaniapia Falls is a private waterfall located on the Waiau Stream, not far from Hilo. . 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. With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. 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. This is awesome for those not renting a car. Sign up for this discounted Kohala Waterfalls Adventure Tour. This waterfall is one of the tallest waterfalls across all of the Islands, standing at its maximum height at 1,450 feet. Another, more expensive but more spectacular way to see waterfalls (and the volcano!) Umauma Falls is a three-tiered waterfall surrounded by lush vegetation. Unfortunately, swimming is not allowed at Rainbow Falls, and there are signs warning about the danger of swimming. For the adventurous, go off-roading on the Big Islands Hamakua Coast in a Honda ATV or a Side x Side UTV. Are you as obsessed with Hawaiian waterfalls as we are? There are different car rental companies in Kona, Hawaii that will set it up for you. Read more on the Umauma experience website. This can cause the falls to be (almost) dry even during the wet season. Get your discounted Waterfalls of Kohala Tour. Whats the Honolulu Sister Cities Program? Most of the waterfalls are found near Hilo and northeastern, or Hamakua, coast. Akaka Falls are extremely accessible, as the trail to the waterfall stretches only 0.4 miles long. Big Island Hotels, Resorts, B&Bs, & Vacation Rentals, Big Island Tours, Excursions, & Adventures. Head to Waimea Falls for the best, A short hike within the Puaa Kaa State Wayside will reward you with a relatively secluded and picturesque waterfall, cascading into the delightful pool below.