We decided to take a scenic drive while staying on the Hilo side to see some of these waterfalls. One of the most spectacular waterfalls in Hawaii is Onomea Falls. Looking for a car rental in Kona, Big island? 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). This is also close to where most of the black sand beaches on the Big Island are located. Get our brand-new trip planning series delivered directly to your inbox - for FREE (more info). This is one of the best waterfalls to visit while on the Big Island, and I highly recommend staying here. One of the most unique tours on this list, the Waterfalls of Kohala tour takes you on a helicopter journey that allows you a unique birds-eye view of some of the prettiest waterfalls on the Big Island. Kulaniapia Falls is once again located on private property, this time belonging to The Inn and usually reserved exclusively for residents there. If you do not agree with any part of these terms and conditions, you should not use this website. Mahalo! Check out the latest prices and details! These falls form also the access to a popular but risky local swimming spot called the boiling pots. You can also see these waterfalls as part of a zipline tour or an ATV and dip (swim) tour at the gardens. It takes about 60 to 90 minutes to hike to the waterfall. The waterfall is located inside Waipio Valley and is about 1,450 feet tall. First trip to the Big Island? As you tour, youll be able to enjoy amazing photo spots and unparalleled views of the Pacific Ocean, waterfalls, and the Mauna Kea. This full-day tour will also introduce you to delicious Hawaiian cuisine in the Pololu Valley and even allow you to swim in a waterfall! The Kulaniapia Falls for example require a day pass, and others are on private property and only reachable as part of a tour. The property offers helicopter, lava tube exploration, stargazing, and lava encounter tours as well. On Highway 19's bridge, most drivers will pass by these 2 neat waterfalls without realizing it! Looking for a car rental in Kona, Big island. If you are in the Kona area, I highly recommend Paradise Helicopters. This broad waterfall in the Wailuku river is conveniently located within Hilo town. Flash floods are also a risk, so stay out of the water if its raining (where you are or upstream). 2. Kulaniapia Falls is located inside a 42-acre private property in Hilo, Hawaii. If you decide to swim, please take extra precautions as rivers are prone to flash flooding. Youll find the largest waterfall in Hawaii on the secluded island of Molokai. Soak in soaring sea cliffs, remote valleys, and even go for a swim under one of seven waterfalls. Entry to the state park will cost $5 . Its easily accessible and it will only take you about half an hour to get here. For a beautiful view and unforgettable experience, sign up for a discounted Magical Waterfall Tour. I have seen people continue to do it anyway, but this is just asking for trouble. Note: There is an admission fee to the state park, $5.00 per car or $1 per person if you are walking. 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. Weve rounded up our top picks for some of the most beautiful spots for waterfalls on the Big Island. 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. Waipoo Falls. Our most popular hotels on the Island of Hawaii Lava from Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa meet near the base of Peepee Falls, about 2 miles downstream. 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. Book any of these great Big Island waterfall tours today! You can also book a stay at The Inn, a high-quality resort thats well worth the money. You have to be a guest at the Inn to access the trail leading to the waterfall. The Umauma falls are three waterfalls in close proximity to the Umauma River, 16 miles north of Hilo on the Hamakua coast. 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. The tranquility and solitude youll feel there is truly unmatched. Read more about the Rainbow Falls on our website. 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. I highly recommend checking out Viator for some of the best tours in Hawaii. They are a series of small pools fed by the Wailuku River. Table of Contents hide 1 Rainbow Falls 2 Akaka Falls 3 Umauma Falls 4 Wai'ale Falls 5 PeePee Falls 6 Hi'ilawe Falls 7 Private Waterfalls 8 Why Are There So Many Waterfalls in Hawaii? These links do not cost you anything and help provide the necessary funding to maintain this website. Here you will find a delightful selection of art galleries and gift stores as well as several cafes. HOME PRIVACY POLICY TERMS. 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. Check out the latest prices and more details. Download and/or view the map of all 9 waterfalls here. The Magical Waterfall Tour is an airborne tour that takes you on a visit to the coastline of Waipio Valley and Waimanu Valley. 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. 5 out of 6 of our favorites are close to Hilo, and these falls are very easy to visit. 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. Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Heather Goodman. Good to know: to access the falls you must purchase a $49 daypass to the grounds. 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. Hawaii's Big Island is home to some of the islands' most accessible waterfalls, and here are five of the most popular. Kayak & Swim in the Umauma River. The Big Island, however, also has breathtaking waterfalls. Youll get to hear a bit about the history of Coconut Island (it will totally surprise you) as you paddle around Hilo Bay. The view is spectacular and the tame and paved nature hike was enjoyable too. Enjoy! With a 440-foot summit, this waterfall is wildly popular due to the easy 0.4-mile paved loop, which takes you to the viewing spots of both Akaka Falls and Kahuna Falls. Click the button below. Get your discounted Kohala Tour from Kona Tour. This ziplining tour is the option for those who love a thrill. Where are the best waterfalls to swim in Hawaii? The water conceals long lava ridges, so its easy to be pulled in and trapped. A couple of travel dreamers who fell in love with Hawaii and want to share the beauty of the Islands! 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? 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. Access costs $12 per person (walk-in fee, no pre-bookings required), which also buys you access to their garden. Waianuenue Falls, Big Island James Walsh/Flickr A full-day rainforest adventure for all ages. This is a great way to see some of the tallest waterfalls in Hawaii. This tour takes you on a journey through Hilo, stopping by at the Rainbow Falls, tidepools, and ocean beaches. Although smaller, the Kahuna Falls is similarly beautiful. One of the coolest ways to experience Kulaniapia Falls is by booking a spot in one of the Experience Packages available at the property. Hi'ilawe Falls is a magnificent waterfall located in Waipio Valley on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island. Each hike has its charm, and all offer beautiful views of different parts of the island. 2023 Hawaii Travel Guide. Read THIS first! Its 93 miles across and has all sorts of terrain and natural wonders. 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. Be sure to do both if you have the time. Off the main street is the Mana's Aloha Fruit Stand. At the bottom of the valley, take a left and walk for roughly 5-10 minutes to see the falls. No, swimming at Akaka Falls is no longer allowed. Umauma Falls is a three-tiered waterfall surrounded by lush vegetation. The couple run a healing retreat on Hawaii's Big Island - and Dorina has been swimming with dolphins throughout her pregnancy. Farmers Markets. The content on this website may not be copied or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior written permission. Their list contains the following waterfalls: In Hilo: Rainbow falls, Pe'epe'e falls, Wai'ale falls, Kulaniapia falls. Another great way to see these waterfalls is to take an organized tour. Below we've included links to several of the best waterfalls on the Big Island, most of which you can see without ahelicopter(all falls visible from the air only are noted). You dont want any surprises that could ruin your trip. With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. Umauma Falls is located on the Big Island in Hawaii. I hope that these waterfalls and tours will give you an idea of what you can add to your itinerary for your trip to the Big Island! It is also possible to rappel down along the Kulaniapia Falls. Spend a few hours relaxing luxuriating in a private area of the Umauma River. I have included a downloadable map of these waterfalls at the bottom of this post to help with your planning and navigation. Please keep in mind that the historic area located by the parking lot is not safe for swimming. Get your discounted Kohala Zip and Dip Tour. Our popular Summary Guidesheets are now included. What is the best way to visit all these waterfalls? You can also book one of their events to have access to their waterfall. Shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 license. I would plan 10 hours out of your day if you are thinking about doing the hike. Although the Hawaiian archipelago has a multitude of famous waterfalls, especially on Oahu, Maui, and Kauai. The best hikes on the Big Island of Hawaii are indeed a mixed bag. 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. 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. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. Hi'ilawe Falls Please do not put these waterfalls on your to-do list. All Rights Reserved I have seen other people recommend Peepee Falls as another great option. Where are all the waterfalls in Hilo Hawaii? Subscribe to receive 5 emails in 5 days: Call us for advice! This is part of Hawaiis state park system. 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. Swimming Holes on the Big Island of Hawaii. It will take you about two hours to hike to Nanue Falls, but the path isnt too hard to walk on so youll be fine. Approximately 16 miles north of Hilo, on the Umauma River, lies one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Hawaii: Umauma Falls. True to its name, this island is so big that it's said to be able to fit all the rest of the Hawaiian Islands. Most of these places do not have a lifeguard on duty, making you solely responsible for your safety. 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! Map of Big Island Waterfalls Wrapping Up the Best Waterfalls on the Big Island The falls used to only be open to those staying at the hotel located on the grounds. The tour will stop at Rainbow Falls, Akaka Falls, and Richardson Beach Park. Big Island travel tips & recommendations , Explore Big Island Hotels & Resorts Search Now. Hours: Daily, 8:30AM - 6:00PM. This amazingly unique experience takes place on the beautiful landscapes near the Umauma stream, held on pristinely-kept private property. Nanua Falls is a series of waterfalls on the Hamakua Coast, about 18 miles north of Hilo. The cliffs were formed from the lava flow from Mauna Kea that once flowed down the mountainside. If you already have accommodations, water rappelling can also be booked by the general public. Sustainable Travel guide and itineraries for the Big Island of Hawaii. Check out the latest prices and details! The hike itself can be challenging and involves multiple stream crossings. Yes, but all of them require some sort of entrance fee. Then, there are waterfalls where the access is rather ambiguous (to my knowledge), and these include Hi'ilawe Falls, Nanue Falls, and the so-called Narnia Waterfalls (which are actually a convergence of three named waterfalls). Akaka Falls is a spectacularly tall waterfall that hurls down an incredible 422 feet down a mountain face. 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. Hi'ilawe Falls is visible only within the valley or from the air, as the . There are much safer spots to swim - a.k.a. Rainbow Falls, or Wainuenue, is located inside the Wailuku River State Park in Hilo, Hawaii. The Kulaniapia Falls are with a 120ft drop the tallest private waterfalls on the Big Island. The Hamakua Coast is beautiful and this half-day waterfall tour will stop at Akaka Falls State Park, Rainbow Falls, and Richardson Beach Park. The gigantic waterfall stands out from the dry, rocky background of the red-walled canyon. You can read the full story here. The trailhead is easy to find just off the parking lot. 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. Hiilawe Falls is often considered to be the tallest waterfall in Hawaii. Several are featured in popular Hawaiian songs. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Check out the latest prices and more details. There are no lifeguards here, so please be extremely cautious. Its only 80-foot-tall but its still a beautiful natural feature with gushing water all year-round and a large pool below. The waterfall is named for the beautiful rainbow that forms at the waterfalls base. Rainbow Falls One of Hawaii's most stunning waterfalls, Rainbow Falls is named for the rainbows that can be seen in the mist. It is comprised of three short waterfalls that are located close to each otherthe water actually cascades down this series of waterfalls from the river. This Upper Waikani Falls, Hana Hwy, Haiku, HI 96708, USA 2. Whats the Honolulu Sister Cities Program? Read more on the Umauma experience website. The website World of waterfalls is an excellent resource to find out more about the smaller waterfalls on the island. Its a way to connect with nature and experience the waterfall closer than otherwise. Please do not put these waterfalls on your to-do list. It is one of the most idyllic and beautiful waterfalls in the world. The Big Island is filled with tourist attractions! You'll receive your first newsletter soon! 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. Hi'ilawe Falls in the Waipio Valley. Sign up for our free monthly updates (more info) about everything that is new and happening in Hawaii. Where is the Blue Pool waterfall in Hawaii? Swimming is not allowed here, so keep that in mind when you visit. Hi'ilawe Falls This allows you to experience a birds-eye view of the waterfall! Flash flooding in this area is common, so please proceed with caution. The only waterfall you can swim at on the Big Island is the Inn at Kulaniapia Falls. You can either go left or right after you go down the stairs from the parking lot. 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? Narnia is the name given to a set of waterfalls in the Hilo Forest Reserve. Simply put, waterfalls on the Big Island of Hawaii are some of the world's finest. And this rainfall provides lots of opportunities to appreciate the island's falls. The Big Island Waterfalls page is where we narrow our focus of Hawaiian Waterfalls to the Big Island of Hawaii. youll get to taste seasonal fruit and macadamia nuts, swim at private waterfalls, and enjoy local food for lunch. There are so many incredible waterfalls, making it hard to know where to start. The hike takes you past 7 waterfalls with as grand finale a cooling dip in the final one! You can swim in this one! Many people stop their journey at the lower waterfall. However, they have started opening the grounds to the public for a $49 day pass. Majestic Waterfalls Tour A tour across the Hamakua Coast that stops at 'Akaka Falls State Park, Rainbow Falls and Richardson Beach Park. There are tons of gorgeous waterfalls on the Big Island of Hawaii. Good to know: The river feeding Hiilawe is used for irrigation purposes. Although this tour doesnt take you to any of the immensely popular waterfalls on the Big Island, youll be treated to a view of seven obscure and uncrowded Kohala waterfalls, where youll be allowed to swim and picnic. Alternatively, you can zipline or rappel at the Umauma Falls. Be sure to bring extra clothing. Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Heather Goodman. Before you get to Akaka Falls, you can also visit Kahuna Falls inside the state park. We like to get up and close to any waterfall we see, and know the same is true for many of our readers. Hiilawe Falls is one of the top Big Island waterfall hikes to do. Get your discounted ATV Waterfall and Swim Experience. Are there a lot of waterfall swimming holes in Hawaii? Furthermore, flash floods and strong currents are a real danger there. Now they have opened up their grounds to a limited amount of daily visitors. This waterfall is smaller than the rainbow falls but also far less crowded. Before we talk about the best waterfalls, lets discuss some FAQs you might have: Swimming is NOT allowed at Akaka Falls State Park. Compared to Rainbow Falls, Peepee Falls are less crowded and less known. If waterfalls are your thing you most likely wont be happy to see only the biggest six. [more], 2006-2023 World Of Waterfalls, All Rights Reserved Another great way to visit all of these falls is through a helicopter tour. When people talk about swimming at Peepee Falls, they are probably referring to the boiling pots located by the lookout point. 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. Its location allows the sun to hit the water at just the perfect angle. And be sure to keep your eyes out for sea turtles, which are known to hang out in this area! If you follow the path, youll see the beautiful Kahuna Falls along the way just before you see Akaka Falls. The Falls has recently been named in the top ten best swimming holes in America by the magazine Travel + Leisure. They offer a variety of tours to see the falls with ziplining being our favorite way to see the falls. The Rainbow Falls are the easiest waterfalls to see on the Big Island! A helicopter tour of the waterfalls along the Kohala Coast. While Kahuna Falls are also located in this state park, you can hear them more than you can see them. with the opportunity to enjoy a relaxing snack break at the waterfalls where you can swim and paddleboard. You can access the waterfall for free and its one of the best Big Island hikes. Photos of Kulania attached . While transporting logs over to build the base might be a nuisance, the beach offers a wealth of advantages that . 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. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. Her next trip to Hawaii is never too far away! 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. The property also offers lava encounter tours and lava tube tours as well if you are interested. Along the way, youll be privy to various wild orchids. Most waterfalls in Hawaii have a great pool of water to swim in. Check out the latest prices and more details. It is a privately owned so you need to go with a tour group but well worth it! More waterfalls can be found at the northern Hamakua coast seaside cliffs and the valleys of the Kohala coast. The Experiences Package allows you to water rappel. The waterfalls themselves might be short, but the picturesque pools are well worth the short hike. The hike to the Rainbow Falls is immensely short, and although reaching the top of the falls may seem intimidating, its both simple and worth the effort. Akaka Falls and Kahuna Falls. Waterfalls of Kohala A helicopter tour of the waterfalls along the Kohala Coast. As an Amazon Associate, thistraveldream.com earns from qualifying purchases. Here at Only In Hawaii, weve talked about waterfalls, and weve talked about swimming holes, but now were combining the two and giving you our exclusive list of 13 of the best waterfalls in Hawaii to swim in across all of the islands from spots found only from hiking through the deep jungle of Oahus windward coast, to various scenic spots visible from Mauis breathtaking Hana Highway. 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). Starting in Hilo town, this tour takes you on a slow-paced kayaking trip through the waters of Hilo Bay, where youll learn about some of the culture and history of the area. As you travel, youll be privy to the views of obscure but beautiful hidden waterfalls, coasts, and beaches. Not only that, but this island is still expanding! 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. How to use this map: Above youll find a map of waterfalls on the Big Island of Hawaii. This one has amazing views of the Kohala Coast while listening to fascinating commentary from the pilot. Some of which are so beautiful that they inspired some of Hawaiis most popular songs. I also included a table of contents, so feel free to skip to the sections you are most interested in. This is an activity in which you descend the rocks surrounding the waterfall with a harness and equipment ensuring your safety. 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. Each island has some of the best waterfall swimming holes in Hawaii, so no matter where you are, youll find something amazing! Amidst the countless natural attractions on the Big Island, Ive picked seven of the top waterfalls on the Big Island to check out! While I was there I witnessed two people hike to the top, even though it clearly said not to do so. Check out the latest prices and more details. While visiting the Wailuku River State Park, you can also stop by the Peepee Falls. There is no swimming allowed here; you can only view the falls from a safe distance. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu. Each one of these is worth visiting at least once in my opinion. 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. 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. This 80-ft. waterfall on the Wailuku river is the site of a Hawaiian legend that involves the demigod Maui, his mother the Goddess Hina, the Volcano Goddess Pele, and a giant Mo'o or lizard monster up to no good. You can see all sorts of hidden waterfalls if you go kayaking, take a boat tour, or ride in a helicopter. Copyright 2023 Guide of US, LLC. This is the perfect pre or post-hike pit stop for pineapples and fresh coconuts that you can't miss. Please do not be tempted to hike up if there are signs that say hiking is not allowed and its blocked off. Let us know in the comments below! The Onomea Falls is located within the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, This s private property owned by Dan Lutkenhouse, first opened in 1984. 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. Its the largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago and has some of the most popular waterfalls in all of Hawaii! 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. 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. 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. This state park is home to two amazing waterfalls, one of which plunges 422 feet into a stream-eroded gorge below. They are amazing natural wonders that should definitely be on your list of things to do while visiting this tropical paradise! Onomea Falls is a stunning multi-tiered waterfall set amidst a beautiful botanical garden: the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden.
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