Its only 80-foot-tall but its still a beautiful natural feature with gushing water all year-round and a large pool below. 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. 2. Read more about waterfall safety. The content on this website may not be copied or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior written permission. These are just a few of the many, many tours that can be booked to see the beautiful waterfalls on the Big Island. Rainbow Falls, located along the length of the Waikuku River and well-known for its beauty and accessibility, is one of the most popular waterfalls on the Big Island. Akaka Falls and Kahuna Falls. This 8-hour tour takes you from Kona to the oldest volcano on the Big Island for an inspiring and exhilarating day. Keep scrolling for the best waterfalls on the Big Island and discover why people love coming back again and again to this magical island destination. 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. To be exact, you can find it along the Umauma River in Hakalau. Not really. Farmers Markets. Hawaii's Big Island is home to some of the islands' most accessible waterfalls, and here are five of the most popular. Youll be able to get up close and personal with this body of water and have the most memorable time in Hawaii. This is also close to where most of the black sand beaches on the Big Island are located. Visit the Botanical Gardens website for updated pricing. While there are gorgeous waterfalls on Kauai, Oahu, and Maui, the Big Island has some of the most famous waterfalls in Hawaii. This is an activity in which you descend the rocks surrounding the waterfall with a harness and equipment ensuring your safety. While youre enjoying these natural attractions, be sure to take lots of pictures! Check out the latest prices and more details. This would allow you to see almost all of our favorite waterfalls and is recommended for people that really love waterfalls. Although the Hawaiian archipelago has a multitude of famous waterfalls, especially on Oahu, Maui, and Kauai. The property also offers lava encounter tours and lava tube tours as well if you are interested. I would plan 10 hours out of your day if you are thinking about doing the hike. 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. Get your discounted ATV Waterfall and Swim Experience. However, the best views come when you climb under the bridge and follow a short jungle path to the base of the 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. Kulania Falls is nearby and just as beautiful. 5 out of 6 of our favorites are close to Hilo, and these falls are very easy to visit. How to use this map: Above youll find a map of waterfalls on the Big Island of Hawaii. My personal favorites are Polulu Valley, The Puna Trail, and The hike to Makalawena Beach, to name a few. Youll be treated to an entirely new and equally beautiful view of the waterfalls. Some of which are so beautiful that they inspired some of Hawaiis most popular songs. The Akaka Falls and the Rainbow Falls are hands-down the most-visited waterfalls on the Big Island. 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. The famous triple-tiered Umauma Falls. Here is our list of the top 9 waterfalls in Hawaii that wont disappoint! The most notable waterfalls on the Big Island that are free to visit are the Peepee Falls and the Rainbow falls. Copyright 2023 Guide of US, LLC. Do you like waterfalls a LOT and are you also visiting another island in the Hawaiian island chain? Whether you want to soar over the falls or dive right in and swim them, we have the tour for you. Big Island travel tips & recommendations , Explore Big Island Hotels & Resorts Search Now. Unfortunately, the strength of the falls is often dependent on rainfall - so here's to hoping you catch it on a good day. 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. One of several waterfalls you hike to on a tour with Hawaii Forest and Trail. Along the way, youll see verdant vegetation and immense, ancient Banyan trees, overgrown by fig vines and moss. If you only have time to see one of the waterfalls, we suggest seeing the incredible Akaka Falls. If you have the time and are already visiting Rainbow Falls, add a short hike to continue your waterfall adventure. Where are the best waterfalls to swim in Hawaii? This waterfall is one of the tallest waterfalls across all of the Islands, standing at its maximum height at 1,450 feet. Big Island Hotels, Resorts, B&Bs, & Vacation Rentals, Big Island Tours, Excursions, & Adventures. This might cost more, but its well worth it. Hiilawe Falls is best seen at a distance, as public access to the base of the falls is not possible. This air tour hits up the 7 Kohala waterfalls from the Kona airport. Map of Big Island Waterfalls Wrapping Up the Best Waterfalls on the Big Island Upper Waikani Falls Joe Parks/Flickr Also known as Three Bears falls, Waikani is approximately 70 feet tall, and visible from the Hana Highway. Rainbow Falls is not safe for swimming. 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. The Big Island, however, also has breathtaking waterfalls. The water conceals long lava ridges, so its easy to be pulled in and trapped. This state park is home to two amazing waterfalls, one of which plunges 422 feet into a stream-eroded gorge below. Youll find the largest waterfall in Hawaii on the secluded island of Molokai. 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? Take your first right onto Akaka Falls Road and continue for 3.75 miles until you reach the parking lot. Read more about ourHawaii adventureshere. Peepee Falls on the Big Island. 6 Favorite waterfalls Akaka falls (inside state park, small entrance fee required) Rainbow falls (free to visit) Umauma falls (on private grounds, entrance fee required) Kulaniapia Falls (on private grounds, entrance fee required) Peepee Falls (+ 1 extra, free to visit) Hiilawe falls (viewable from public road) 7 other waterfalls And this rainfall provides lots of opportunities to appreciate the island's falls. And if youre heading to Akaka Falls with kids, check out my guide HERE. This waterfall can only be accessed from the lookout, and swimming here is no longer allowed. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Having traveled to Hawaii MORE THAN 40 TIMES, Marcie is a self-proclaimed Hawaii travel expert! 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. Peepee Falls are another great waterfall that you can visit. Get your discounted Hilo Bay Kayaking Tickets. 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? Along the way, youll be privy to various wild orchids. One of the most spectacular waterfalls in Hawaii is Onomea Falls. However, the best views come when you climb under the bridge and follow a short jungle path to the base of the waterfall. Are you as obsessed with Hawaiian waterfalls as we are? Are you planning to travel to the Big Island of Hawaii? The volume of the rainbow falls (or Waianuenue) changes on a daily basis. If you already have accommodations, water rappelling can also be booked by the general public. If you visit when the sky is clear and the sun is out, youll be able to see a beautiful rainbow at the foot of the waterfall. The website World of waterfalls is an excellent resource to find out more about the smaller waterfalls on the island. 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. I am not sure how people did this as signs warn against it, and its illegal and can be dangerous. Be sure to do both if you have the time. A helicopter tour of the waterfalls along the Kohala Coast. In fact, there is a small parking lot near the falls, as well as a short but slippery path to visit the base. 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. 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. 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. Please keep in mind that the falls are not accessible to the general public. Description: Considered one of the best family waterfall hikes on the island, the 800-foot Waipoo Falls can be approached via the Waipoo Falls Trail at Waimea Canyon. from the air is as part of a helicopter tour. Sign up for our free monthly updates (more info) about everything that is new and happening in Hawaii. Take a comfortable ride through stunning countryside up to the hiking trailhead. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. Papalaua Falls in Molokai is an unbelievably impressive waterfall, and unsurprising that's it on Molokai as this island is home to some of the tallest waterfalls in the entire world. You can swim in this one! Located up the Wailua River, you will need to either rent kayaks or book a guided tour to reach the trailhead. Read more: in our guide to visiting the Akaka falls. You no longer need to book a tour with the Umauma Experience to get to the falls. So no one is taking care of it and ensuring the area remains clean. The trailhead is easy to find just off the parking lot. 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. Its a 100-foot waterfall that youll pass by on your way to Akaka if you follow the footpath. Download your copy of our After some time, the streams flow lessened and it is now safe to swim here. 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. The falls used to only be open to those staying at the hotel located on the grounds. Each island has some of the best waterfall swimming holes in Hawaii, so no matter where you are, youll find something amazing! The tropical gardens have a wonderful overlook that allows you to get a great view of Umauma Falls. 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. Shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 license. Located only 1.5 miles upstream from Rainbow Falls, Peepee Falls is another beautiful spot. Access costs $12 per person (walk-in fee, no pre-bookings required), which also buys you access to their garden. Plan to hike on slippery rocks, uphill slogs, tree roots, mud, and unmaintained trails. Oloupena Falls is an impressive 2,953-foot Hawaiian waterfall. 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. Rainbow Falls is one of the easiest to see and most popular waterfalls on the Big Island of Hawaii. Oahu is the lively center and most visited of all Hawaiian Islands. This isn't one that you can swim under though. It takes about 60 to 90 minutes to hike to the waterfall. It takes less than an hour to hike leisurely and is only somewhat sloped uphill. As you tour, youll be able to enjoy amazing photo spots and unparalleled views of the Pacific Ocean, waterfalls, and the Mauna Kea. Off the main street is the Mana's Aloha Fruit Stand. The Magical Waterfall Tour is an airborne tour that takes you on a visit to the coastline of Waipio Valley and Waimanu Valley. 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. Dont miss them because once you see them, youll never forget them! Starting from the pickup points in Kona you are driven along the sweeping northern Kona coast past ancient lava flows up to the old Kohala Mule Station lookout with its sweeping views. Here you will find a delightful selection of art galleries and gift stores as well as several cafes. The falls are located in Waimanu Valley. Free cancellation: up to 24 hours before tour. All Rights Reserved 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. Each one of these is worth visiting at least once in my opinion. 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. Most of the waterfalls are found near Hilo and northeastern, or Hamakua, coast. Get your discounted Kohala Zip and Dip Tour. Hi'ilawe Falls is visible only within the valley or from the air, as the . It is located in the Pelekunu Preserve on the windward side of Molokai. This waterfall used to have a high volume of water in the stream, making swimming here dangerous. This can cause the falls to be (almost) dry even during the wet season. You can now drive on a concrete road right to the falls and tropical garden. 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. No, swimming at Akaka Falls is no longer allowed. With all that you can do at Kulaniapia Falls, it makes this waterfall a top-rated Hawaii waterfall on the Big Island. This allows you to experience a birds-eye view of the waterfall! There are much safer spots to swim - a.k.a. 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. 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. as a very big person in the future I want to help people I want to give a gift to the. Waipoo Falls. Are there a lot of waterfall swimming holes in Hawaii? You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Marvel at the beauty and adventure that makes up Hawaii. Youre planning a trip to the Big Island of Hawaii, and you want to visit some of the many beautiful waterfalls on this volcanic island. Kulaniapia Falls is once again located on private property, this time belonging to The Inn and usually reserved exclusively for residents there. On Highway 19's bridge, most drivers will pass by these 2 neat waterfalls without realizing it! Alternatively, you can zipline or rappel at the Umauma Falls. This half-day tour takes you to the three most famous Big Island waterfalls: 'Akaka Falls, Hi'ilawe Falls and Rainbow Falls. Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Big Island Itinerary complete with daily schedules, kid-friendly activities, and travel hacks? Sign up for this discounted Kohala Waterfalls Adventure Tour. Deluxe Big Island ATV Tour & Waterfall Swim at Umauma Falls . The most popular way to observe the Umauma Falls is from a tranquil overlook accessible through the World Botanical Garden. Hiilawe Falls is located on the Big Island. Hiilawe Falls is a magnificent waterfall located in Waipio Valley on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island. Whats the Honolulu Sister Cities Program? Facebook Pinterest Twitter Instagram Subscribe to our Newsletter. Youll experience 7 incredible Kohala waterfalls plus a picnic lunch. Check out the latest prices and more details. Sustainable Travel guide and itineraries for the Big Island of Hawaii. Akaka Falls are extremely accessible, as the trail to the waterfall stretches only 0.4 miles long. Big Island waterfall tours Legends of the Waterfalls & Volcano Full-Day Tour Take a full-day waterfall adventure tour of the Big Islands Kohala Coast. 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. Located in Hilo, Hawaii in Wailuku River State Park, Rainbow Falls might be the most famous waterfall on the island. Its an impressive 1,450-foot natural waterfall with a main drop of 1,201 feet. The Big Island is filled with tourist attractions! 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. This is a very difficult hike to complete in one day and is not recommended for beginners. Sign up for this discounted ATV Waterfall and Swim Experience. This has some of the best waterfalls on Maui. 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. Night Swim with Manta Rays. Click on the top left of the map to find separate layers marking the route and points of interest. Have you gone to any of the best waterfalls in Hawaii to swim? It will take you about an hour to reach the end of the path, which is lined with lush greenery and beautiful scenery. Her next trip to Hawaii is never too far away! For the adventurous, go off-roading on the Big Islands Hamakua Coast in a Honda ATV or a Side x Side UTV. We grouped this one group of Hawaii Big Island waterfalls together as they both are located in Akaka Falls State Park. The tour will stop at Rainbow Falls, Akaka Falls, and Richardson Beach Park. Both falls are located on a family-friendly hiking loop (.4 miles) that takes about 30-45 minutes to see both waterfalls. Check out the latest prices and details. 1: Maui Overview 2: Things to Do 3: Where to Stay 4: Popular Sights and Destinations 5: Road to Hana (Maui) 6: Maui Itinerary 7: Maui blog posts, The second-biggest island in the chain, much of Mauis appeal comes from its natural landscape and biodiversity, including its two massive volcanoes, whale watching and marine ecosystems, 1: Oahu Overview 2: Things to Do 3: Where to Stay 4: Popular Sights and Destinations 5: Oahu Beaches 6: Oahu Itinerary 7: Oahu blog posts. Click the button below. Download and/or view the map of all 9 waterfalls here. Mahalo! I work as a factory electrician. However, it is important to note that Umauma Falls is a private waterfall that can only be accessed through small group tours. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. Which Cities Have Nonstop Flights to Hawaii. The package can include waterfall rappelling, which is the best way to experience Kulaniapia. Click here to see all our recommended waterfall tours on our website. Each hike has its charm, and all offer beautiful views of different parts of the island. Youll get to hear a bit about the history of Coconut Island (it will totally surprise you) as you paddle around Hilo Bay. Visit the State Parks website for updated pricing. There is only one way to get here, and thats by hiking along the coastal trail. The couple run a healing retreat on Hawaii's Big Island - and Dorina has been swimming with dolphins throughout her pregnancy. Keep in mind that youll need to clear a full day of your itinerary for this. Rainbow Falls One of Hawaii's most stunning waterfalls, Rainbow Falls is named for the rainbows that can be seen in the mist. More waterfalls can be found at the northern Hamakua coast seaside cliffs and the valleys of the Kohala coast.