Plus. However, the best views come when you climb under the bridge and follow a short jungle path to the base of the waterfall. 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. Download and/or view the map of all 9 waterfalls here. They are very safe and you will have amazing views. The gigantic waterfall stands out from the dry, rocky background of the red-walled canyon. You can read the full story here. Even though swimming is no longer allowed here, its worth the drive as the view is amazing and can be seen from the parking lot. There are different, The private property is currently managed by the. Swimming is not allowed here, so keep that in mind when you visit. Hiilawe Falls is often considered to be the tallest waterfall in Hawaii. Join this tour to see waterfalls and the stunning Hilo scenery and learn about King Kamehameha the Great and his preference for the area. The three-tier fall has a combined height of 300 feet, but it doesn't seem very high when you look at it from the viewing bridge. 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). In general, yes, but there are several risks associated with swimming under waterfalls in the state of Hawaii that you should be aware of. Big Island Hotels, Resorts, B&Bs, & Vacation Rentals, Big Island Tours, Excursions, & Adventures. Its a 100-foot waterfall that youll pass by on your way to Akaka if you follow the footpath. This can cause the falls to be (almost) dry even during the wet season. This broad waterfall in the Wailuku river is conveniently located within Hilo town. Whats the Honolulu Sister Cities Program? The Magical Waterfall Tour is an airborne tour that takes you on a visit to the coastline of Waipio Valley and Waimanu Valley. The Falls has recently been named in the top ten best swimming holes in America by the magazine Travel + Leisure. This waterfall can only be accessed from the lookout, and swimming here is no longer allowed. If waterfalls are your thing you most likely wont be happy to see only the biggest six. Sign up for a discounted Kohala Waterfalls Adventure Tour. The Rainbow Falls are located in Hilo and are fed by the Wailuku River the same river that also feeds the Peepee Falls. Kulaniapia Falls is located inside a 42-acre private property in Hilo, Hawaii. You no longer need to book a tour with the Umauma Experience to get to the falls. Located in Hilo, Hawaii in Wailuku River State Park, Rainbow Falls might be the most famous waterfall on the island. There is only one way to get here, and thats by hiking along the coastal trail. While visiting the Wailuku River State Park, you can also stop by the Peepee Falls. Where are the best waterfalls to swim in Hawaii? If you have the time and are already visiting Rainbow Falls, add a short hike to continue your waterfall adventure. In fact, there is a small parking lot near the falls, as well as a short but slippery path to visit the base. This is for kids at least 5 years old who can comfortably stay in a kayak. Find the best prices here. After some time, the streams flow lessened and it is now safe to swim here. Please do not put these waterfalls on your to-do list. Each one of these is worth visiting at least once in my opinion. I also included a table of contents, so feel free to skip to the sections you are most interested in. 2. Visit the Akaka Falls State Park and take the pleasant 0.4 mile paved foot path loop that takes you to viewing spots of both Akaka Falls (442 feet) and Kahuna Falls (100 feet). ~ Trusted by Millions of Hawaii Visitors Annually ~. from the air is as part of a helicopter tour. You can also book one of their events to have access to their waterfall. So no one is taking care of it and ensuring the area remains clean. Weve rounded up our top picks for some of the most beautiful spots for waterfalls on the Big Island. Most of the waterfalls are found near Hilo and northeastern, or Hamakua, coast. 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. And these are just the most popular waterfalls on Big Island. Hanapueo and Umauma Falls. It takes about 60 to 90 minutes to hike to the waterfall. The trail is surrounded by beautiful vegetation and singing birds, and the falls are absolutely worth the effort! If you only have time to see one of the waterfalls, we suggest seeing the incredible Akaka Falls. The waterfall is split into two waterfalls that fall into a pool below. However, to visit Onomea Falls, you need to go through the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden and pay an entrance fee. It will take you about an hour to reach the end of the path, which is lined with lush greenery and beautiful scenery. Rainbow Falls are beautiful and can be viewed from a relatively close location, making them that much more enjoyable. I have seen other people recommend Peepee Falls as another great option. Kulaniapia Falls is once again located on private property, this time belonging to The Inn and usually reserved exclusively for residents there. Helicopter tours are often one of the trip-highlights that people remember for a long time and worth considering if you are willing to spend the money. You can either go left or right after you go down the stairs from the parking lot. Its location allows the sun to hit the water at just the perfect angle. It stretches hundreds of feet tall and is surrounded by greenery. Read more about waterfall safety. Sign up for this discounted ATV Waterfall and Swim Experience. Get your discounted Waterfalls of Kohala Tour. However, Id always watch for signs near waterfalls and follow their instructions if they indicated not to swim. Because these incredible destinations are fed waterfalls, it is important to issue a friendly warning about the risks associated with flash flooding, and leptospirosis bacteria found in many of Hawaiis natural pools. They are one of the best helicopter companies in Hawaii. Flash floods are also a risk, so stay out of the water if its raining (where you are or upstream). Youll get to play in the ocean, explore a tidepool, and see Rainbow Falls. This picture shows the Hiilawe falls on an almost dry day. Hiilawe (the barely visible waterfall in the back of the valley) is one of the tallest waterfalls on the Big Island. Another great way to see these waterfalls is to take an organized tour. In a 30-minute call we help you set up the trip of your dreams. 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. 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. The enormous waterfall cascades down a steep lava rock wall into a boulder-strewn pool. Several are featured in popular Hawaiian songs. These falls are not reachable without trespassing and access to them is restricted. Ultimate Guide to the Polynesian Cultural Center with Kids, Traditional Hawaiian Food: 24 Classic Dishes of Hawaiian Cuisine. Its no wonder that you might be having issues deciding where to go. Its one of the tallest and most powerful waterfalls in Hawaii, although it gets a bit dry around March. These are gorgeous Hawaii Big Island waterfalls worth checking out. This tour takes you on a journey through Hilo, stopping by at the Rainbow Falls, tidepools, and ocean beaches. Rainbow Falls is one of the easiest to see and most popular waterfalls on the Big Island of Hawaii. Its secluded and quiet, and staying here really forces you to slow down and enjoy many of the natural beauties that Hawaii has to offer. There are other adventurous activities that you can enjoy here too. Many people stop their journey at the lower waterfall. What takes a waterfall from "beautiful" to "spectacular" is height- and Hawaii's falls undoubtedly have it! Swimming here can be dangerous and has proved lethal several times in the past. Trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. 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. Of course, the most popular and simple strategy is to include a visit into your itinerary as you drive by one or two waterfalls. On the paved uphill Akaka Falls Loop Trail, you'll venture past these two beautiful waterfalls . 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. The tropical gardens have a wonderful overlook that allows you to get a great view of Umauma Falls. You can view all three of them from an overlook that you can access via a private botanical garden. Check out the latest prices and more details. Rappelling at the Kulaniapia Falls. All the waterfalls listed below are spectacular in their own way, and when you visit them theyre sure to impress. With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. Take a full-day waterfall adventure tour of the Big Islands Kohala Coast. Kohala Waterfalls Small Group Adventure Tour 183 By Hawaii Forest and Trail Adventure Tours 6+ hours See the highlights of Kohala in a day on this small-group adventure tour. It is located inside the private property and theres no other way to access it. What youll see along the route will depend on what trail you choose, but each one is worth it! 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). The hike itself can be challenging and involves multiple stream crossings. Have you gone to any of the best waterfalls in Hawaii to swim? Not really. youll get to taste seasonal fruit and macadamia nuts, swim at private waterfalls, and enjoy local food for lunch. Love Hawaii? Another, more expensive but more spectacular way to see waterfalls (and the volcano!) 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. Furthermore, flash floods and strong currents are a real danger there. We also receive a small commission from travel partners for some of the links found on this website. 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. The day pass includes access to amazing hiking trails, tropical gardens and a total of four waterfalls - with Kulaniapia Falls being our favorite. Besides the abundant disease there are a lot of rock chunks that get eroded and transported by the stream So there are chunks in the waterfall normaly On the bright side, they did not jump off the falls as they planned to. 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. During the tour, youll travel along the coastline. The hike is suitable for the whole family and takes half an hour if you take your time. You can now drive on a concrete road right to the falls and tropical garden. Along the way, youll be privy to various wild orchids. You can access this trail from the Waipio Valley lookout. Nanue Falls is located on the Hamakua Coast in Hawaii. While youre enjoying these natural attractions, be sure to take lots of pictures! The couple run a healing retreat on Hawaii's Big Island - and Dorina has been swimming with dolphins throughout her pregnancy. Click here to see all our recommended waterfall tours on our website. 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 air tour hits up the 7 Kohala waterfalls from the Kona airport. This is the perfect pre or post-hike pit stop for pineapples and fresh coconuts that you can't miss. However, because you descend over 900 feet in such a short distance, the hike up is immensely steep and challenging to manage. Swimming Holes on the Big Island of Hawaii. The Big Island, however, also has breathtaking waterfalls. So, if youd rather sit back and enjoy a guided tour past some of our best waterfalls you could consider one of the following tours: This is a small-group adventure tour that lets you explore the beautiful and historic north Kohala forests and waterfalls. Do you like waterfalls a LOT and are you also visiting another island in the Hawaiian island chain? 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. While Kahuna Falls are also located in this state park, you can hear them more than you can see them. It is one of the most idyllic and beautiful waterfalls in the world. Youll find the largest waterfall in Hawaii on the secluded island of Molokai. Plan to hike on slippery rocks, uphill slogs, tree roots, mud, and unmaintained trails. Great for first-time visitors. Get your discounted Kohala Zip and Dip Tour. One of several waterfalls you hike to on a tour with Hawaii Forest and Trail. There are so many incredible waterfalls, making it hard to know where to start. 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. Akaka, Kahuna, Hiilawe, Rainbow, Umauma, Peepee, Kulaniapia, Onomeaand WaiilikahiFalls. 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!
