



Also located near Hilo is Akaka Falls, though this towering waterfall is a little more of a journey, and requires about a 1-mile hike in each direction. Finding this waterfall is a piece of cake, and when the falls are flowing, the power of the falls is incredible. Waterfalls like Rainbow Falls on the Big Island are found just off of the main road, in this case from Hilo, just a short drive from town. Created by heavy rains that create the rainforest and tropical environment, waterfalls are the result of hundreds of years of erosion and weathering, forcing a path over rocks and down long drops, sometimes hundreds of feet from the end of the stream to the freshwater pool below. Roaring waterfalls add to the picturesque beauty of the islands, giving the island just one more feature to fall in love with, and giving visitors just one more reason to explore the islands. One of the most amazing sites on Oahu is driving on the H3 from Kaneohe to Honolulu after a heavy rain, when dozens of waterfalls in the Ko’olau Mountains become active, providing a site unlike any other. Many waterfalls are found just a short hike from neighborhoods and towns on each island, and some can be spotted from the road while driving. I personally took a tour down into Waipio Valley and had the opportunity to see the falls then.As closely associated with Hawaii as picture perfect beaches and rainbows that stretch across the sky are hidden waterfalls that are found deep within the lush rainforests that make up the islands. It’s one of the most well-known waterfalls on the Big Island, despite the lessening of the water flow. Best chance of seeing both falls is in the winter months (rainy months).Īlternatively, you can hire a tour to horseback ride or 4-wheel drive down the steep 25% incline. The river feeding into the falls was dammed a few years ago making the stream much smaller and less impressive. However, you can also see this waterfall up close by hiking down to the Waipio Valley! The hike is very steep, and strenuous on the way back up.ĭo be warned – this hike may not be worth it as the falls have lessened over time.
Big waterfall hikes oahu free#
Read More: FREE Things To Do On The Big IslandĪ post shared by 🍍 Hawaii 🍍 – this 1,200ft waterfall is the tallest waterfall on any island in Hawaii and is often the focal point of many helicopters rides over the island. You can opt to climb the stairs to the top of the falls for a different view if you’d like! The best time to visit Rainbow Falls is early in the morning – it’s your best chance of seeing a rainbow due to the spray reflection from the falls. This waterfall is located within the city limits of Hilo and is just off the parking lot – no hike or walk required. Rainbow Falls is an impressive waterfall that is by far the easiest waterfall to see on the Big Island. It is 100ft tall and still a beautiful site to see surrounded by the lush rainforest. It takes you through the lush rainforest before the trees open up and showcase the stunning waterfall view.īonus – there is actually a second waterfall located along the trail called “Kahuna Falls”. The hike is paved but does have some stairs. To see the falls, a short 0.4 mile “hike” is necessary. Kohala Coast: Hiʻilawe falls, Waiulili fallsĪkaka Falls will take your breath away! This 422-ft tall waterfall is just north of Hilo and a must-see! There is a small admission fee to park here & enter, but it’s well worth it. Hamakua Coast: Akaka falls, Kolekole falls, Umauma falls, Onomea falls, Nanue falls, Hanapueo falls Hilo: Rainbow falls, Peʻepeʻe falls (Boiling Pots), Waiʻale falls, Kulaniapia falls A list of ALL of the waterfalls are provided below for your reference as well! Most accessible waterfalls are located between Hilo (eastern side of the island) or near Waipio Valley (northern side of the island). I’ve personally visited the Big Island of Hawaii over 20 times and never get tired of these gorgeous sites! Sharing the BEST Waterfalls on the Big Island below that you really shouldn’t miss! The Big Island of Hawaii is home to a variety of stunning waterfalls that you won’t want to miss! Some are easily accessible, while others require a hike to reach the final destination.
