from $85 + taxes & fees | Child $75. Waiilikahi Falls are yet another gem on the Big Island, but it takes a lot to hike to the falls. They are very safe and you will have amazing views. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. If you already have accommodations, water rappelling can also be booked by the general public. From USD 221.99 (9) Umauma Falls Zipline Tour & Waterfall Swim Adventure . 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. Each has its own unique beauty that will leave you in awe from start to finish! Its hard not to love this, Lulumahu Falls, 4459 HI-61, Honolulu, HI 96817, USA, Wailua Falls flows from Honolewa Stream, and is visible from the highway. Natural swimming pool with crystal clear water on the island Hi'ilawe Falls in the Waipio Valley. This is also close to where most of the black sand beaches on the Big Island are located. The most important is the water-born disease leptospirosis: dont go swimming if you have any abrasions, scrapes, blisters or other skin lesions. 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. Nanua Falls is a series of waterfalls on the Hamakua Coast, about 18 miles north of Hilo. The volume of the rainbow falls (or Waianuenue) changes on a daily basis. 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. Are there a lot of waterfall swimming holes in Hawaii? Youll see places on the Big Island only accessible by air. Swimming & Kayak Tours in Hawaii's Umauma River Compared to many other Hawaiian Islands, the Big Island is huge. Read more on the Umauma experience website. 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. Are you as obsessed with Hawaiian waterfalls as we are? Mahalo! If you are staying in Kona, meet up with a local driver who takes you to North Kohala. If you are staying on the other side of the Big Island, be sure to plan these excursions into your vacation plans. 6 Favorite Waterfalls on the Big Island: Descriptions + Map First, youll head to the Kohala Mountains where youll fly the coastline of Waipio Valley and Waimanu Valley. In addition, if weather and conditions permit, you may be able to swim, kayak or paddleboard under the waterfalls. The waterfall flows from a water source called the Onomea Stream. Although smaller, the Kahuna Falls is similarly beautiful. Youll be able to see 3 of the most famous Big Island waterfalls (Akaka Falls, Hiilawe Falls, and Rainbow Falls) on a half-day tour. Of course, the most popular and simple strategy is to include a visit into your itinerary as you drive by one or two waterfalls. The famous triple-tiered Umauma Falls. Maunawili Falls Rainbow Falls is not safe for swimming. Check out the latest prices and more details. You can also see these waterfalls as part of a zipline tour or an ATV and dip (swim) tour at the gardens. youll get to taste seasonal fruit and macadamia nuts, swim at private waterfalls, and enjoy local food for lunch. We decided to take a scenic drive while staying on the Hilo side to see some of these waterfalls. You can view all three of them from an overlook that you can access via a private botanical garden. The 5 Best Waterfalls on Hawaii's Big Island Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability. Rainbow Falls One of Hawaii's most stunning waterfalls, Rainbow Falls is named for the rainbows that can be seen in the mist. While visiting the Wailuku River State Park, you can also stop by the Peepee Falls. The waterfalls themselves might be short, but the picturesque pools are well worth the short hike. As a paradise for active travelers it is rich in experiences that include nature, culinary discoveries, historic landmarks, shopping, nightlife and festivals. Along the way, youll see verdant vegetation and immense, ancient Banyan trees, overgrown by fig vines and moss. The Majestic Waterfalls Tour is one of the best tours on this list. [more], 2006-2023 World Of Waterfalls, All Rights Reserved Get your discounted Kohala Zip and Dip Tour. The waterfall is named for the beautiful rainbow that forms at the waterfalls base. . Entry to the state park will cost $5 . the State Parks website for updated pricing. Sign up for a discounted Legends of the Waterfalls and Volcano Tour. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. Most of the waterfalls are found near Hilo and northeastern, or Hamakua, coast. However, it is not totally uncommon to see that the waterfall is dry, which is a result of the Hamakua Ditch that diverts the flow of water. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW. Access to the falls is right off the road. Here is our list of the top 9 waterfalls in Hawaii that wont disappoint! Well, you are in luck. Be sure not the trespass onto the private land that surrounds the waterfall. Great for first-time visitors. Sustainable Travel guide and itineraries for the Big Island of Hawaii. Access costs $12 per person (walk-in fee, no pre-bookings required), which also buys you access to their garden. You can now drive on a concrete road right to the falls and tropical garden. Subscribe to receive 5 emails in 5 days: Call us for advice! Umauma Falls is a three-tiered waterfall surrounded by lush vegetation. The Waipio Valley lookout trailhead is a very steep but short half-mile hike. 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. Where are all the waterfalls in Hilo Hawaii? Hi'ilawe Falls OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. These include stargazing and helicopter tours and is absolutely worth the time and money. Check out the latest prices and more details. swimming in waterfalls - Island of Hawaii Forum - Tripadvisor Youll get to hear a bit about the history of Coconut Island (it will totally surprise you) as you paddle around Hilo Bay. Check out the latest prices and more details. There are other adventurous activities that you can enjoy here too. In fact, there is a small parking lot near the falls, as well as a short but slippery path to visit the base. Hiilawe Falls is one of the top Big Island waterfall hikes to do. Big Island is home to some of the tallest falls in the state. Note: There is an admission fee to the state park, $5.00 per car or $1 per person if you are walking. 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. However, the best views come when you climb under the bridge and follow a short jungle path to the base of the waterfall. Its a 422-foot natural waterfall. See below for the sign that was there when I went. Where to Find the Best Waterfalls on the Big Island, Hawaii What youll see along the route will depend on what trail you choose, but each one is worth it! Furthermore, flash floods and strong currents are a real danger there. On an especially clear day, you'll be able to see Mauna Kea behind them. From USD 218.85 (9) Big Island Waterfall Swim & Rainforest Hiking Tour & Nature Eco-Adventure . If you plan to camp here, please make sure you obtain the proper permits, as they are required. There are different, The private property is currently managed by the. The lush landscape alone is enough to warrant a hike here. You can contact the State Division of Forestry and Wildlife at 808-974-4221. Kulaniapia Falls is once again located on private property, this time belonging to The Inn and usually reserved exclusively for residents there. Entry Fees:For Akaka Falls, entry is free for children under ten years old and $5 per adult. To be exact, you can visit Hiilawe Falls by going to the Waipio Valley at the Kohala Coast in Hawaii. If waterfalls are your thing you most likely wont be happy to see only the biggest six. The tranquility and solitude youll feel there is truly unmatched. What Are The Must-Visit Waterfalls On Big Island? I visited Rainbow Falls in September of 2021 and the trail to get to the top was closed. Many people stop their journey at the lower waterfall. However, the best views come when you climb under the bridge and follow a short jungle path to the base of the waterfall. Top 5 Big Island Waterfalls in Hilo, Hawaii Kulaniapia Falls I would plan 10 hours out of your day if you are thinking about doing the hike. Onomea Falls is located along the Hamakua Coast in Hawaii. This is a 120ft waterfall on the Waiau Stream situated on the lower slopes of Mauna Kea not far from Hilo. 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. Swimming Holes on the Big Island of Hawaii. 2. If youre lucky, you may be able to see honu (green sea turtle) and even dolphins! So without further ado, here are the best of the Big Island Waterfalls that we've personally swam in or at least see ourselves swimming in PEEPEE FALLS (PE'EPE'E FALLS & BOILING POTS) A couple swimming in one of the pools of the Boiling Pots just downstream of Pe'epe'e Falls ~ Trusted by Millions of Hawaii Visitors Annually ~. The Rainbow Falls are the easiest waterfalls to see on the Big Island! 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). You will need to stop at the visitor center to register before heading to the falls. Guide To The Best Waterfalls You Can Swim In The Big Island Use tab to navigate through the menu items. 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! I highly discourage doing this hike during the rainy season. This picture shows the Hiilawe falls on an almost dry day. Image credit: Mark. The website World of waterfalls is an excellent resource to find out more about the smaller waterfalls on the island. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The Onomea Falls is located within the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, This s private property owned by Dan Lutkenhouse, first opened in 1984. While youre enjoying these natural attractions, be sure to take lots of pictures! 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. Although the Hawaiian archipelago has a multitude of famous waterfalls, especially on Oahu, Maui, and Kauai. Park your car after the bridge and walk back to the river to see the Waiale Falls: Just upstream from the Boiling Pots you can find another waterfall at the bridge over the Wailuku river in Hilo. The hike is suitable for the whole family and takes half an hour if you take your time. Check out the latest prices and more details. 8x Waterfalls on the Big Island of Hawaii for 2023 - Travel If you are looking for a bit more of an adventure, more waterfalls can be found in the valleys of the Kohala coast, as well as on the northern Hamakua coast. Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Heather Goodman. Looking for a car rental in Kona, Big island. The Akaka Falls and the Rainbow Falls are hands-down the most-visited waterfalls on the Big Island. Although it is dwarfed in size by its beautiful neighbors, the Peepee Falls and the Ayaka Falls, its unique feature that inspired its namesake makes it worth a visit. Its easily accessible and it will only take you about half an hour to get here. These 7 Big Island waterfalls are truly spectacular and well worth checking out during your stay here!