The Big Island of Hawaii offers some of the most accessible and scenic waterfalls in the state. From short walks to roadside viewpoints, these natural features draw visitors year-round.
The best waterfalls on the Big Island combine lush surroundings, flowing cascades, and convenient access. They make ideal stops during any trip.
Some falls, like Rainbow Falls, sit just minutes from Hilo. Others, such as Akaka Falls, require a short, well-marked trail through tropical forest.
On the Hamakua Coast, tall drops meet ocean views. In Kohala, streams tumble through valleys filled with history and greenery.
The island’s waterfalls offer a range of experiences, from quick photo stops to half-day adventures. Visitors can explore by region or discover hidden spots.
Some locations even allow swimming. Each area has its own character, from dramatic heights to gentle multi-tiered flows.
Must-See Waterfalls on the Big Island
The Hilo and Hamakua Coast regions feature some of the island’s tallest and most accessible waterfalls. Lush rainforest surrounds many, while others sit on private land with guided access.
Visitors can enjoy short walks, scenic overlooks, or swimming in designated areas.
Akaka Falls and Kahuna Falls
Akaka Falls State Park contains two waterfalls reached by a paved loop trail about 0.4 miles long. The path passes through bamboo groves and flowering plants.
Akaka Falls drops 442 feet into a gorge. A viewing platform gives a clear look at the falls.
This spot is one of the island’s most photographed locations. A short distance along the same trail, Kahuna Falls flows 100 feet down a green cliffside.
Trees partially frame the view of Kahuna Falls. The sound of rushing water is clear from the trail.
The park provides restrooms, parking, and charges a small entry fee. It opens daily, and mornings often have the best light for photos.
Find more details in this guide to Akaka Falls and Kahuna Falls.
Rainbow Falls
Rainbow Falls sits just a few minutes from downtown Hilo. The waterfall is about 80 feet tall and flows over a lava cave tied to local legends of the goddess Hina.
The viewing area sits next to the parking lot, making it easy for everyone to visit. On sunny mornings, mist often creates a rainbow in front of the falls.
A short trail leads to a higher viewpoint for a different angle of the Wailuku River. The site has no entry fee and is open during daylight hours.
More information is available in this overview of Rainbow Falls.
Umauma Falls
Umauma Falls features three tiers along the Umauma River. The combined drop is about 300 feet, and a landscaped viewing area shows all tiers.
The falls are part of the Umauma Experience, a private attraction with an admission fee. The site also offers ziplining, ATV rides, and gardens, but visitors can choose just to see the falls.
A paved path leads to the overlook. The location sits about 16 miles north of Hilo along the Hamakua Coast.
Find details on access in this list of Big Island waterfalls.
Kulaniapia Falls
Kulaniapia Falls is a 120-foot waterfall on private land near Hilo. The waterfall is the highlight of the Inn at Kulaniapia Falls, a small eco-friendly lodge.
Guests at the inn can swim, kayak, or paddleboard in the pool below the falls. Non-guests can buy day passes, but reservations are required.
The area includes hiking trails, bamboo gardens, and picnic spots. Access is limited to keep the setting quiet and uncrowded.
Learn more in this Kulaniapia Falls visitor guide.
Hi’ilawe Falls
Hi’ilawe Falls is one of Hawaii’s tallest waterfalls, dropping about 1,450 feet in Waipi’o Valley. The waterfall flows year-round, but its volume changes with rainfall.
You can best view the falls from within the valley, which you reach by descending a steep road. Many visitors hike or join guided tours to reach the viewpoint.
Taro fields, steep cliffs, and black sand beaches fill the surrounding valley. Check local guidelines before visiting, as access rules can change.
Read more in this Big Island waterfall guide.
Exploring Waterfalls by Region
The Big Island’s waterfalls form in varied landscapes, from lush rainforests to rugged valleys. Many sit near scenic drives or short trails.
Some require guided access through private land or steep terrain.
Hilo Area Waterfalls
Hilo’s high rainfall creates several easy-to-reach waterfalls. Rainbow Falls sits right off Waianuenue Avenue and drops 80 feet into the Wailuku River.
Morning visits often reveal a rainbow in the mist. Upstream in Wailuku River State Park, visitors see Boiling Pots, a series of pools linked by short cascades.
A quick walk leads to Pe’epe’e Falls, which flows into the same river system. Some smaller falls, like Wai’ale Falls, require short hikes along unpaved paths.
These spots offer quieter views than the busier roadside locations.
Hamakua Coast Highlights
The Hamakua Coast north of Hilo features tall waterfalls surrounded by rainforest. ‘Akaka Falls is the most famous, dropping 442 feet and reachable by a paved loop trail.
The nearby Kahuna Falls can be seen from the same path. Onomea Falls sits inside the Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Garden, while Nanue Falls requires more effort to reach.
Nanue Falls is a series of drops along Nanue Stream, best seen after steady rainfall. The drive along this coast offers many scenic pullouts.
You can easily combine waterfall stops with ocean views.
Waipi’o Valley and Surroundings
Waipi’o Valley holds some of the island’s tallest waterfalls, but most are not directly accessible without a guided tour. Hi’ilawe Falls, over 1,400 feet high, is the most notable.
You can view it from the valley floor, though you must navigate steep roads or take a shuttle. Hikers along remote trails may encounter Waiulili Falls, which flows into the ocean, and Wai’ilikahi Falls, deep in the Waimanu Valley.
These routes are challenging and best for prepared hikers. The black sand beach at Waipi’o gives a dramatic backdrop for the valley’s streams and smaller coastal cascades.
Kohala Coast and Pololu Valley
The Kohala Coast is drier, but its valleys hide waterfalls that flow strongest after rain. Pololu Valley, at the road’s end, offers a short but steep trail to the beach.
There, streams meet the ocean. Some smaller seasonal falls appear along the valley walls.
While not as tall as those in Waipi’o, they add to the area’s rugged scenery. Nearby gulches and ridges may hold hidden cascades, but these are often on private land.
You need permission or a guided excursion to visit these safely.
For more details on top sites like Akaka Falls and Rainbow Falls, check this Big Island waterfall guide.
Waterfall Adventures and Experiences
Visitors to the Big Island can do more than just look at waterfalls. They can swim under them, hike to them, or rappel down cliffs beside them.
Guided tours make these places easier to reach. Many of these experiences are set in lush valleys or near landmarks like Mauna Kea and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Best Spots for Swimming and Rappelling
Some waterfalls allow safe swimming at their base, especially during calm weather. Kulaniapia Falls, on private property near Hilo, is one of the most popular.
Guests at the Inn at Kulaniapia Falls can swim in the pool or join a guided waterfall rappel for a controlled descent down the rock face. Rainbow Falls in Hilo is easy to access, but swimming is not recommended due to strong currents.
Visitors looking for a swim-friendly spot often head to smaller, less crowded falls along the Hamakua Coast. For rappelling, operators provide helmets, harnesses, and safety gear.
This activity suits those comfortable with heights and moderate physical activity. Beginners can start with shorter drops before trying taller sections.
Scenic Trails and Photo Opportunities
Many Big Island waterfalls sit along trails with beautiful scenery. Akaka Falls State Park offers a short loop trail through bamboo groves and tropical plants.
The paved path makes it easy for most visitors to enjoy. In Waipiʻo Valley, hikers can follow steep roads and trails to see Hiʻilawe Falls, one of the tallest in Hawaii.
The journey gives views of taro fields, sea cliffs, and the valley floor. Photographers often visit in the morning for softer light and fewer shadows.
A tripod helps capture long-exposure shots of moving water. Some trails also provide views of Mauna Loa or Mauna Kea in the distance, adding depth to the scene.
Guided Tours and Accessibility
Guided waterfall tours help visitors reach sites that are hard to access. Some tours combine waterfall visits with stops at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Other tours include scenic drives along the Hamakua Coast. Tour operators arrange transportation, permits, and safety briefings.
This helps visitors reach places like Waipiʻo Valley, where steep access roads need four-wheel drive. Some tours share cultural history, point out native plants, and explain traditional uses for the land.
Adventure-focused tours offer activities like ziplining over streams or combining a hike with a swim.
For easy access, visitors can reach Rainbow Falls and Peʻepeʻe Falls near Hilo by car. These falls have designated lookouts that do not require strenuous walking.
More remote falls may require hiking, off-road travel, or joining a licensed guide.
