11 BEST Big Island Waterfalls You Need to See at Least Once
- Hawaii's Big Island offers a variety of breathtaking waterfalls, each showcasing unique natural beauty and scenic hiking experiences.
- Akaka Falls, at 442 feet, is highly recommended for its stunning plunge into a lush gorge and accessible paved trails.
- Rainbow Falls is one of the most accessible waterfalls, located near Hilo, offering beautiful rainbow views in the mist during sunny mornings.
- Kaluahine Falls features a dramatic coastal drop into the Pacific Ocean, best experienced via helicopter or boat tours due to restricted land access.
- For a tranquil experience, Kulaniapia Falls allows limited public access, ensuring a serene environment for visitors to enjoy the natural scenery.
11 BEST Big Island Waterfalls You Need to See at Least Once
Get ready to experience the ultimate tropical adventure by exploring the most breathtaking natural wonders the Aloha State has to offer. Pack your camera and your sense of wonder because these cascading beauties completely transformed my island vacation.
| Waterfall Name | Height (ft) | Location / Area | Access Type | Fee Required? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Akaka Falls | 442 ft | Hamakua Coast | Paved Loop | Yes (State Park) |
| Rainbow Falls | 80 ft | Hilo | Easy Overlook | Free |
| Umauma Falls | 3 Tiers | Hamakua Coast | Paved / Decks | Yes (Private) |
| Kaluahine Falls | Coastal Plunge | Waipi'o Valley Coast | Boat / Helicopter | Varies (Tour) |
| Onomea Falls | Multi-Tier | Onomea Bay | Boardwalk | Yes (Garden) |
| Pe'epe'e Falls | 60 ft | Hilo | Overlook | Free |
| Kahuna Falls | 400 ft | Hamakua Coast | Paved Loop | Yes (State Park) |
| Kulaniapia Falls | 120 ft | Hilo Suburbs | Private Trails | Yes (Day Pass) |
| Kamae'e Falls | 100 ft | Hakalau | Garden Walk | Yes (Private) |
| Wai'ale Falls | 2 Tiers | Hilo | Bridge View | Free |
| Kolekole Gulch Park Waterfall | Stream Cascade | Hamakua Coast | Park Stroll | Free |
11 BEST Big Island Waterfalls You Need to See!
When I was planning my recent trip, I spent weeks searching for the absolute best things to do in Hawaii. I wanted a healthy mix of outdoor adventure, scenic drives and memorable dining, including stopping at the best restaurants that Big Island has near places like Sea Mountain resort in Pahala and Sea Village resort in Kailua-Kona. But as much as I loved the local food scene, nothing prepared me for the sheer grandeur of the island's cascades. Let me walk you through my personal guide to the 11 best Big Island waterfalls you need to see at least once in your lifetime.
The windward side of the island, particularly around Hilo and along the Hamakua Coast, receives abundant tropical rainfall. That water channels through deep, ancient valleys and drops over sheer volcanic cliffs, creating awe-inspiring displays of raw natural power.
1| Akaka Falls | If you only have time to visit one waterfall during your trip, I strongly suggest putting Akaka Falls at the very top of your list. Located in Akaka Falls State Park along the northeastern Hamakua Coast, this breathtaking cascade plunges 442 feet into a stream-eroded gorge. I remember stepping up to the overlook for the first time and being completely mesmerized by the sheer scale of the drop. The water free-falls gracefully down a lush, moss-covered cliff face surrounded by dense jungle.
The walk to the viewing platform is just as enchanting as the waterfall itself. I strolled along a paved 0.4-mile loop trail that winds through a pristine rainforest. The path is well-maintained and features manageable elevation changes with a few stairs. As I walked, I found myself surrounded by towering bamboo groves that clacked together in the soft wind, giant ferns and vibrant tropical flowers. Halfway through my walk, a sudden five-minute tropical shower soaked my shirt, but the canopy above kept most of the rain at bay, and the sun came right back out.
WHERE: 875 Akaka Falls Rd, Honomu, HI 96728 | WHO: (808) 961-09540
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2 | Rainbow Falls (Waiānuenue) | Located just minutes from downtown Hilo in Wailuku River State Park, Rainbow Falls is easily the most accessible waterfall I visited. You do not need to embark on a long hike to enjoy it. In fact, you can view the stunning 80-foot drop just a few steps from your car in the main parking lot. The waterfall cascades over a natural lava cave, which holds a special place in Hawaiian mythology as the home of Hina, the goddess of the moon.
The waterfall gets its name from the vibrant rainbows that appear in the mist on sunny mornings. To catch this colorful display, I grabbed a cup of local Kona coffee in Hilo and arrived at the overlook around 8:30 a.m. Sure enough, as the sun rose above the trees, a brilliant rainbow formed right at the base of the cascade. I was so busy trying to capture a macro shot of the surrounding flora that I actually dropped my camera lens cap into the bushes, though luckily I managed to retrieve it without incident.
WHERE: 2-198 Rainbow Dr, Hilo, HI 96720 | WHO: (808) 961-9540
3 | Umauma Falls | For a multi-tiered spectacle, you have to head over to Umauma Falls. Located on private property at The Umauma Experience along the Hamakua Coast, this natural wonder features three distinct tiers of cascading water. I stood on the viewing deck and watched the pristine river flow down step-like rock formations into crystal-clear pools below. The manicured grounds highlight the natural beauty of the surrounding botanical garden.
Because Umauma Falls is situated on private land, you will need to pay an admission fee to access the grounds. However, the experience is well worth the price. The paved paths and elevated platforms are fully wheelchair and stroller accessible, making it a stress-free option for travelers of all ages. I took a slow walk through the garden, stopping to read the educational signs about native Hawaiian plants.
WHERE: 31-313 Old Mamalahoa Hwy, Hakalau, HI 96710 | WHO: N/A
4 | Kaluahine Falls | When I wanted to witness a cascade tumbling directly into the Pacific Ocean, I made sure Kaluahine Falls was right at the top of my list. Perched along the majestic coastal cliffs of Waipi'o Valley on the Big Island's windward shore, this stunning waterfall plunges off a sheer volcanic precipice right onto the rocky shoreline below. Framed by emerald valley walls and crashing ocean surf, watching fresh mountain water mix directly with the sea was easily one of the most dramatic landscapes I found anywhere on the island.
Because land access into Waipi'o Valley remains restricted to protect local infrastructure, I found that the absolute best way to experience Kaluahine Falls is from the water or the air. I ended up taking a scenic helicopter flight out of Hilo (though booking an exhilarating boat tour along the Kohala coast is another fantastic option) for an unobstructed, front-row view of the waterfall spilling over the sea cliffs. Trust me, watching the mist from Kaluahine rise above the breaking waves as I glided past Waipi'o's dramatic coastline was an unforgettable highlight of my trip.
WHERE: 48-5546 Waipio Valley Rd, Waimea, HI 96743 | WHO: N/A
5 | Onomea Falls | Tucked away inside the Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve and Garden, Onomea Falls is a multi-tiered gem hidden within a lush coastal canyon. Located just north of Hilo along the scenic four-mile Onomea Bay drive, this protected sanctuary houses thousands of rare and exotic plant species from around the globe.
After paying the garden admission fee, I began my descent down the winding boardwalk into the valley. The path took me through a dense palm jungle, past a noisy macaw sanctuary and through a vibrant orchid garden. The sheer volume of the cascading waters are incredible to witness up close as you approach the lower section of the trail.
WHERE: 27-547 Mamalahoa Hwy, Papaikou, HI 96781 | WHO: N/A
6 | Pe'epe'e Falls | Just 1.5 miles upstream from Rainbow Falls in Wailuku River State Park lies the rugged Pe'epe'e Falls. Pronounced "peh-eh-peh-eh," this waterfall feeds directly into a geological feature known as the Boiling Pots. The river flows over ancient, terraced basalt lava columns, creating swirling pools that look like water boiling in giant stone cauldrons.
The viewing area sits high above the river, offering a clear view across the gorge to where the water drops roughly 60 feet. During my visit after a rainstorm, the river was moving with incredible velocity, turning the calm pools into a dramatic churn of foam and mist. Local residents told me that during dry spells, the flow drops significantly, revealing more of the underlying lava structures.
WHERE: 1766 Wailuku Dr, Hilo, HI 96720 | WHO: N/A
7 | Kahuna Falls | Kahuna Falls is often overlooked because it shares a park with the famous Akaka Falls. Both waterfalls are accessible from the same 0.4-mile paved loop trail inside Akaka Falls State Park. While most visitors rush past to reach Akaka, I made a point to spend time at the Kahuna Falls viewpoint during my walk.
This waterfall drops approximately 400 feet down the cliffside, making it a giant in its own right. However, because it is tucked deep within a side canyon, the view is partially framed by thick rainforest vegetation and giant tree ferns. You do not get a completely open view, but the glimpse of white water cutting through the dark green canopy is striking.
WHERE: State Hwy 220, Honomu, HI 96728 | WHO: N/A
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8 | Kulaniapia Falls | If you prefer a quiet, crowd-free waterfall experience, Kulaniapia Falls is an outstanding destination. Situated on 42 acres of private land just outside Hilo, this 120-foot waterfall drops into a broad plunge pool. It serves as the focal point for The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls, an eco-friendly retreat powered by hydroelectricity generated right on the property.
You do not need to be an overnight guest to visit, as the property sells day passes to the public. To maintain a peaceful environment, management caps the number of day passes sold each day. When I arrived, there were only a handful of other visitors on the property, allowing me to enjoy the viewing decks and bamboo paths without any rush.
WHERE: 100 Kulaniapia Dr, Hilo, HI 96720 | WHO: N/A
9 | Kamae'e Stream Falls | Located within Botanical World Adventures in Hakalau, Kamae'e Falls is a stream-fed waterfall surrounded by pristine jungle. The water drops nearly 100 feet down a sheer basalt face covered in ferns and mosses. Unlike many rain-dependent cascades on the island, Kamae'e is fed by a natural spring, ensuring a reliable flow throughout the year.
Accessing the viewing deck requires a pleasant stroll through the property's expansive botanical gardens. I walked along wide, well-kept paths while admiring rare palms and colorful tropical flora. The viewing platform sits directly opposite the falls, offering an unobstructed line of sight for photography.
WHERE: 31-240 Old Mamalahoa Hwy, Hakalau, HI 96710 | WHO: N/A
10 | Wai'ale Falls | Wai'ale Falls is a lesser-known, two-tiered waterfall located upstream from Pe'epe'e Falls on the Wailuku River. Because it is not heavily promoted in standard tourist brochures, it sees far fewer visitors than its downstream neighbors.
You can view Wai'ale Falls right from a road bridge along Waianuenue Avenue. Pulling into a small parking cutout near the bridge, I walked onto the pedestrian walkway to look upstream. The upper tier drops into a wide pool before spilling over a secondary rock ledge, creating a layered waterfall effect framed by dense foliage.
WHERE: 2132 Waianuenue Ave, Hilo, HI 96720 | WHO: N/A
11 | Kolekole Gulch Park Waterfall | During my drive along the Hamakua Coast, I decided to take a quick turn off the main highway down into Kolekole Gulch Park to check out its lesser-known waterfall. As I drove down the winding access road under the massive highway bridge overhead, I was immediately struck by the sight of Kolekole Stream rushing down the gulch. Right near the mouth of the stream, a picturesque waterfall cascades down a mossy rock cliff directly into a freshwater pool before flowing toward the ocean shore.
I spent a peaceful hour strolling through the grassy park area near the water's edge, taking in the soothing sounds of crashing ocean waves mixing with rushing freshwater. Standing directly beneath the shadow of the giant bridge while watching the waterfall spill through the verdant valley felt like discovering a dramatic, secret corner of the island that most travelers drive right over without ever realizing it's down there.
WHERE: 28-1908 Mamalahoa Hwy, Honomu, HI 96728 | WHO: (808) 961-8311
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Start Planning Your Big Island Adventure Today
Standing before a roaring Hawaiian waterfall surrounded by lush rainforest is an experience that stays with you long after your vacation ends. From the towering drop of Akaka Falls to the accessible charm of Rainbow Falls, the Big Island offers an incredible collection of natural wonders waiting to be explored.
As you build your Hawaiian itinerary, pairing outdoor adventures with comfortable accommodations will ensure a memorable trip. Booking a stay with Westgate Resorts in Big Island, Hawaii provides you with a relaxing home base complete with top-tier amenities to unwind after a day of chasing waterfalls. Pack your camera, lace up your hiking shoes and get ready to discover the wild beauty of Hawaii for yourself.
Looking for more travel inspiration, insider tips and destination guides for Hawaii? Visit the Westgate Resorts Travel Blog for more guides to Big Island activities and more!
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* Westgate Resorts is in no way affiliated with the attractions featured in this article. Items or places listed are current as of the publishing date of this article. Please call or visit the respective website for the most up-to-date offerings and details.
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