Akaka Falls

‘Akaka Falls is one of the most beautiful and famous waterfalls in Hawai‘i — a spectacular sheer plunge of 442 feet, where Kolekole Stream drops over a cliff into a deep, lush gorge on the rainforest coast north of Hilo on the Big Island. Surrounded by dense tropical jungle, the tall, slender cascade is a classic image of Hawai‘i’s green windward beauty.

Protected within ‘Akaka Falls State Park, the falls are reached by an easy, paved loop trail (less than half a mile) that winds through a tropical wonderland of giant ferns, bamboo, wild orchids and towering trees to overlooks of ‘Akaka Falls and the smaller KahÅ«nā Falls. Cool, green and dramatic, it is one of the most accessible great waterfalls in the islands. A jewel of the lush Hāmākua Coast, ‘Akaka Falls is a treasured natural icon of Hawai‘i.

‘Akaka Falls is enjoyed via the easy, paved loop trail (less than half a mile) through lush tropical rainforest to the overlook of the towering 442-foot falls (and a view of Kahūnā Falls along the way), a short and rewarding nature walk amid giant ferns, bamboo and orchids. It pairs well with the other attractions of the Hilo and Hāmākua Coast area. Walking the jungle loop to view and photograph the spectacular tall falls is the signature draw. The combination of a dramatic, accessible waterfall and a lush tropical trail makes ‘Akaka Falls a beloved stop.

‘Akaka Falls flows year-round on the wet windward coast, and is beautiful in any season — the falls are fullest after rain (which is frequent here), and mornings are often clearer before clouds and showers build. The rainforest is lush and green throughout the year. Year-round, with mornings often best and the falls fullest after rain, is the way to plan — come anytime for the reliable falls, expect (and embrace) the frequent windward showers, and bring rain protection for the lush, wet setting.

The Hāmākua Coast and the ‘Akaka Falls area are rich in Native Hawaiian history and tradition (the falls and stream figure in local legend). The area, once part of the sugar-plantation coast, became ‘Akaka Falls State Park, preserving the falls and the surrounding rainforest. The easy trail has long made it one of the most popular and accessible waterfalls in the islands. ‘Akaka Falls preserves this spectacular tall waterfall and its lush tropical gorge, a treasured icon of Hawai‘i’s Big Island.

‘Akaka Falls plunges 442 feet where Kolekole Stream pours over a sheer cliff into a deep gorge cut into the volcanic rock of the Big Island’s windward slope. The cliff likely marks a hard lava layer or a fault, over which the stream drops in a single, dramatic free-fall. The abundant rains of the windward coast keep the stream and falls flowing, and the lush vegetation thrives in the warm, wet climate. The volcanic rock, the resistant cliff and the rain-fed stream created this tall, sheer waterfall and its jungle gorge.

The lush rainforest around ‘Akaka Falls hosts birds (native and many introduced species), insects and the rich plant life of a Hawaiian tropical gorge, with the stream supporting native aquatic life (including ‘o‘opu, climbing gobies that can ascend waterfalls). The dense jungle of ferns, bamboo and flowering plants is itself the main spectacle. While visited mainly for the falls, the rainforest setting offers glimpses of the birds and plant life of the windward Big Island in a cool, green gorge.

‘Akaka Falls State Park protects a lush windward rainforest gorge — with giant ferns, bamboo, wild orchids, ginger and towering trees thriving in the warm, wet climate, and the Kolekole Stream supporting native aquatic species — on the rainy Hāmākua Coast. Much of the lush vegetation includes introduced species, and protecting native plants and stream life is a concern. The rainforest and stream are sensitive to disturbance. Protecting the stream, the gorge and the surrounding rainforest sustains both the ecology and the lush beauty of ‘Akaka Falls.

‘Akaka Falls holds a treasured place among the icons of Hawai‘i — one of the most famous and photographed waterfalls in the islands, a spectacular 442-foot plunge into a lush tropical gorge on the Big Island, rich in Native Hawaiian tradition and beloved for its easy, beautiful jungle trail. Its tall, slender cascade amid the rainforest embodies the green windward beauty of Hawai‘i. ‘Akaka Falls is a cherished natural icon of Hawai‘i.

‘Akaka Falls State Park is on the Big Island of Hawai‘i, on the Hāmākua Coast near the town of HonomÅ«, about 15 miles (20–30 minutes) north of Hilo, reached via Highway 19 and the road up to HonomÅ«. A parking and entry fee applies for non-residents. The park has the paved loop trail to the falls overlooks and restrooms. It is a short, easy visit. The area is rainy — expect showers. Check Hawai‘i State Parks for fees, hours and conditions before visiting.

Hawai‘i State Parks protects ‘Akaka Falls and its rainforest gorge. Visitors help by staying on the paved trail and behind railings (protecting the lush vegetation and the steep gorge), not littering (pack out everything), not disturbing plants or the stream, and following all rules in this popular park. The rainforest, the stream and the steep gorge are sensitive. Protecting the stream, the gorge and the surrounding rainforest sustains both the ecology and the lush beauty of ‘Akaka Falls.

Stay on the paved loop trail and behind the railings — the gorge is steep and the overlooks have drop-offs, and the wet trail and surfaces can be slippery, so wear suitable shoes and watch footing (and children). It rains frequently here; surfaces are often wet. Do not climb over barriers or attempt to reach the falls’ base or the stream. Respect the railings, the slippery wet trail, the steep gorge and the drop-offs at the overlooks.

A parking and entry fee applies for non-residents. Stay on the paved trail and behind railings; do not climb over barriers or leave the trail. Do not disturb plants or the stream. Pets may be restricted — check rules. Drones are restricted. Do not litter; pack out trash. Follow all park rules and hours. Check Hawai‘i State Parks for fees, hours and current rules before visiting.

The town of HonomÅ« (with its shops near the park), the city of Hilo (with its bay, gardens and Rainbow Falls) to the south, the lush Hāmākua Coast with its valleys and waterfalls, and the Big Island’s windward attractions lie near ‘Akaka Falls. The Hāmākua Coast and Hilo define the region. ‘Akaka Falls is a jewel of the lush Hāmākua Coast, a centerpiece of a windward Big Island visit, easily combined with Hilo, Rainbow Falls, the Hāmākua Coast and Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.

Walk the easy, paved loop trail (under half a mile) through the lush tropical rainforest to the overlook of the spectacular 442-foot ‘Akaka Falls — come in the morning for clearer skies (and the falls are fullest after rain), and bring rain protection (the windward coast is frequently showery). Wear shoes with grip for the sometimes-wet path, stay on the trail and behind the railings at the steep overlooks, pay the parking fee, and combine your visit with Hilo, Rainbow Falls and the Hāmākua Coast.