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. You can see all sorts of hidden waterfalls if you go kayaking, take a boat tour, or ride in a helicopter. 10 Amazing Kauai Waterfalls + Map (for swimming, hiking, families) Rainbow Falls One of Hawaii's most stunning waterfalls, Rainbow Falls is named for the rainbows that can be seen in the mist. For the adventurous, go off-roading on the Big Islands Hamakua Coast in a Honda ATV or a Side x Side UTV. Stretching 93 miles long, its nearly four times as big as Maui. And if youre heading to Akaka Falls with kids, check out my guide HERE. 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. Interested? Check out the latest prices and details! 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. We also receive a small commission from travel partners for some of the links found on this website. 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. The Onomea Falls is located within the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, This s private property owned by Dan Lutkenhouse, first opened in 1984. Copyright 2019-2023 Hawaii Travel With Kids/Marcie In Mommyland, Top 7 Big Island Hawaii Waterfalls You Should Visit, Privacy Policy for Hawaii Travel with Kids, Courtyard by Marriotts King Kamehameha Beach Hotel. The Top 9 Waterfalls to Visit on the Big Island of Hawaii Hours: Daily, 8:30AM - 6:00PM. The Kulaniapia Falls for example require a day pass, and others are on private property and only reachable as part of a tour. If you already have accommodations, water rappelling can also be booked by the general public. 4 Easy Big Island Waterfalls For Those Who Are Tired - Aloha With Love Hiilawe Falls is one of the best Big Island waterfall hikes. The hike is beautiful, surrounded by bamboo groves and delicate wild orchids. Upper Waikani Falls Joe Parks/Flickr Also known as Three Bears falls, Waikani is approximately 70 feet tall, and visible from the Hana Highway. I also included a table of contents, so feel free to skip to the sections you are most interested in. Here, youll zipline across the forest, have lunch in the Pololu Valley, and even swim in a Big Island waterfall. 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 have the time and are already visiting Rainbow Falls, add a short hike to continue your waterfall adventure. Kulaniapia Falls is located inside a 42-acre private property in Hilo, Hawaii. Rappel down 120 feet past Hawaiis largest privately accessible waterfall supervised by expert canyoneering guides. as a very big person in the future I want to help people I want to give a gift to the. Both waterfalls are beautiful Big Island attractions. Its such a fun, Combine vibrant sapphire pools with some stellar spots for cliff jumping, and youve got one of Mauis local hangouts. On Highway 19's bridge, most drivers will pass by these 2 neat waterfalls without realizing it! However, Id always watch for signs near waterfalls and follow their instructions if they indicated not to swim. For a beautiful view and unforgettable experience, sign up for a discounted Magical Waterfall Tour. These 7 Big Island waterfalls are truly spectacular and well worth checking out during your stay here! 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). Can you swim in any waterfalls on the Big Island? There is a chance of injury or death if you decide to go swimming or wading in any waterfall. Sign up for this discounted Waipio Valley and Waterfalls Adventure. Located along the Umauma River in Hakalau, Umauma Falls is a series of three, short cascading waterfalls. Beautiful Big Island Waterfall Hikes - Hawaii Travel with Kids This allows you to experience a birds-eye view of the waterfall! 6 Captivating Hawaii Big Island Waterfalls | Insider Families And, youll pass it on the way to Akaka Falls. One of several waterfalls you hike to on a tour with Hawaii Forest and Trail. 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. Dont miss them because once you see them, youll never forget them! The waterfall flows from a water source called the Onomea Stream. The waterfall is named for the beautiful rainbow that forms at the waterfalls base. Vrouw wil bevallen in oceaan met dolfijnen als vroedvrouw, ondanks Hiilawe Falls - Legendary Waterfall with Temporary Flow Address: 875 Akaka Falls Rd, Honomu, HI 96728, United States. If you are not interested in these tours, you can pay $12 per person to visit the beautiful botanical gardens. Check out the latest prices and details here! Mahalo! Lava from Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa meet near the base of Peepee Falls, about 2 miles downstream. Love Hawaii? It is a privately owned so you need to go with a tour group but well worth it! Compared to Oahu or Maui, the Big Island of Hawaii is massive! 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). The hike to the waterfall takes either 5 or 15 minutes, depending on which route you decide to take. 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. Please remember that all of these falls have different levels of water throughout the year. Umauma Falls Onomea Falls is a stunning multi-tiered waterfall set amidst a beautiful botanical garden: the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden. All partners and related links comply with our Advertising Disclosures. 12 Most Beautiful Big Island Waterfalls (+ How to Visit!) - Next is Hawaii Another stop on Mauis Road to Hana, Puaa Kaa translates to rolling pig in Hawaiian. In a 30-minute call we help you set up the trip of your dreams. The visit is well worth your time, even just to enjoy the tranquility of this Hawaiian rainforest. The Rainbow Falls are located in Hilo and are fed by the Wailuku River the same river that also feeds the Peepee Falls. In fact, some still consider it a secret or hidden spot on the island even though it has been featured in several magazines and TV shows. Although smaller, the Kahuna Falls is similarly beautiful. With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. Compared to many other Hawaiian Islands, the Big Island is huge. Of course, the most popular and simple strategy is to include a visit into your itinerary as you drive by one or two waterfalls. However, you need to pay a fee to access the private viewing deck. A helicopter tour of the waterfalls along the Kohala Coast. 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. You can also book one of their events to have access to their waterfall. Kulania Falls is nearby and just as beautiful. Do you like waterfalls a LOT and are you also visiting another island in the Hawaiian island chain? Sign up for our free monthly updates (more info) about everything that is new and happening in Hawaii. You can visit their website at the Inn at Kulaniapia Falls for additional details. Access to the falls is right off the road. If the idea of planning a self-guided waterfall trip causes you anxiety, or if you simply want to sit back and enjoy the view, you can always book one of these tours! This tour is unique in that it focuses almost entirely on the history and culture of Hawaii. 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. Peepee Falls on the Big Island. This is a great way to see some of the tallest waterfalls in Hawaii. The tour will stop at Rainbow Falls, Akaka Falls, and Richardson Beach Park. The Experiences Package allows you to water rappel. As you travel, youll be privy to the views of obscure but beautiful hidden waterfalls, coasts, and beaches. If youre an old soul, this Hilo Bay Waterfalls by Kayak tour was made for you. 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. Plan to hike on slippery rocks, uphill slogs, tree roots, mud, and unmaintained trails. Hiilawe Falls is visible only within the valley or from the air, as the Waipio Valley is very steep. The most popular way to observe the Umauma Falls is from a tranquil overlook accessible through the World Botanical Garden. Just make sure to leave this waterfall in Hawaii as clean as you found it. Check out the latest prices and more details. Akaka Falls are extremely accessible, as the trail to the waterfall stretches only 0.4 miles long. This broad waterfall in the Wailuku river is conveniently located within Hilo town. Nanue Falls is located on the Hamakua Coast in Hawaii. Onomea Falls is located along the Hamakua Coast in Hawaii. The government or any private party does not manage Nanua Falls. From USD 130.62. The Kulaniapia Falls are with a 120ft drop the tallest private waterfalls on the Big Island. Visiting the Big Island of Hawaii is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and weve done all the work for you to help plan your trip. Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Heather Goodman. Get your discounted Kohala Zip and Dip Tour. This is also close to where most of the black sand beaches on the Big Island are located. Get prepared to go off the beaten road (literally) and be stained with mud as you go off-road in a Honda ATV or a Side x Side ATV! Its only 80-foot-tall but its still a beautiful natural feature with gushing water all year-round and a large pool below. Please do not put these waterfalls on your to-do list. The Magical Waterfall Tour is an airborne tour that takes you on a visit to the coastline of Waipio Valley and Waimanu Valley. Meet with a local driver and travel to North Kona to experience multiple zip-lines that stretch over beautiful landscapes, including waterfalls. Flash flooding in this area is common, so please proceed with caution. That means, you should take extra care to make sure you leave it as you saw it! Visit the State Parks website for updated pricing. Hiilawe Falls (or Hi'ilawe Falls) was one of those waterfalls where it seemed it had a reputation that it can no longer live up to. Good to know: to access the falls you must purchase a $49 daypass to the grounds. It stretches hundreds of feet tall and is surrounded by greenery. A couple of the best waterfalls near Hilo can be seen in Akaka Falls State Park, including Akaka Falls (422 feet) and Kahuna Falls (100 feet). Looking for a car rental in Kona, Big island? Most waterfalls in Hawaii have a great pool of water to swim in. Check out the latest prices and more details. 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. 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. What I mean by this is that it was once one of the tallest and mightiest waterfalls in all the islands of Hawai'i with its often quoted cumulative height of 1,450ft. Enjoy this 8-hour adventure as you explore Kohala, the oldest of five volcanos that make up the Big Island. If you dont want to search out the waterfalls on your own, this might be the right tour for you. Akaka Falls on the Big Island. If you are staying in Kona, meet up with a local driver who takes you to North Kohala. When river safety conditions permit, you can also go swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding under the Kulaniapia Falls using on-site equipment. 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. First, youll head to the Kohala Mountains where youll fly the coastline of Waipio Valley and Waimanu Valley. While transporting logs over to build the base might be a nuisance, the beach offers a wealth of advantages that . 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. So keep an eye out for honu (green sea turtles) and admire the coast! If you think you've located a Big Island waterfall we've omitted, please contact us, and we'll make sure it's added. The pots are called boiling pots because, during heavy rain, the flow of water increases and the pots appear to be boiling. Most waterfalls can be found on the slopes of the Mauna Kea volcano close to Hilo and on the Hamakua coast. The Hiilawe waterfall is one of the tallest waterfalls of the state of Hawai. Youll be able to get up close and personal with this body of water and have the most memorable time in Hawaii. Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Heather Goodman. The beach! While some are hidden behind long and strenuous hikes, many waterfalls on the big island and other islands are visible from the road or after an easy hike. Top 5 Big Island Waterfalls in Hilo, Hawaii Kulaniapia Falls Sign up for a discounted Kohala Waterfalls Adventure Tour. While theyre all worth seeing, we must warn you that most of them do not have a swimming hole or pool available. Find the best prices here. Have you gone to any of the best waterfalls in Hawaii to swim? All Rights Reserved The path to Onomea Falls is stunning in itself. Get your discounted Waterfalls of Kohala Tour. While there are gorgeous waterfalls on Kauai, Oahu, and Maui, the Big Island has some of the most famous waterfalls in Hawaii. Waiilikahi Falls are yet another gem on the Big Island, but it takes a lot to hike to the falls. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! These falls form also the access to a popular but risky local swimming spot called the boiling pots. Click the button below. Hiilawe Falls is one of the top Big Island waterfall hikes to do. Zipline high above the forest floor, picnic on the rim of Pololu Valley & swim under a private waterfall fed by a cool mountain stream. Big Island of Hawaii Waterfalls Simply put, waterfalls on the Big Island of Hawaii are some of the world's finest. A Guide To The Best Waterfalls In The Big Island Of Hawaii You dont want any surprises that could ruin your trip. There is only one way to get here, and thats by hiking along the coastal trail. There are however several safety tips to keep in mind while doing so on the Big Island: We share our favorite tips and images on Instagram, click here to go to our instagram account. So no one is taking care of it and ensuring the area remains clean. ~ Trusted by Millions of Hawaii Visitors Annually ~. Read more on the Umauma experience website. However, you need to pay a fee to be able to access the viewing deck. Enjoy! The hike takes you past 7 waterfalls with as grand finale a cooling dip in the final one! There are plenty of these tours you can take while on the Big Island. Big Island Hotels, Resorts, B&Bs, & Vacation Rentals, Big Island Tours, Excursions, & Adventures. Hawaii: Big Island, Big Fun | VAX VacationAccess Check out the latest prices and more details. And be sure to keep your eyes out for sea turtles, which are known to hang out in this area! My personal favorites are Polulu Valley, The Puna Trail, and The hike to Makalawena Beach, to name a few. The largest waterfall in Hawaii is Oloupena Falls, located in Molokai. 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.