Kayak & Swim in the Umauma River. Nonetheless, its still a breathtaking sight to see. 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. I highly encourage taking a helicopter tour through the Kohala Coast if you want to see these waterfalls, unless you are a very experienced hiker looking for some adventure. A delicious catered lunch is provided in our secluded pavilion. 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. The Akaka Falls and the Rainbow Falls are hands-down the most-visited waterfalls on the Big Island. 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. This one has amazing views of the Kohala Coast while listening to fascinating commentary from the pilot. Absolutely! While theyre all worth seeing, we must warn you that most of them do not have a swimming hole or pool available. Peepee Falls on the Big Island. The lush landscape alone is enough to warrant a hike here. Looking for a car rental in Kona, Big island? Swim, kayak, stand up paddleboard or just relax and enjoy the scenery with your friends and family. The best part? You can find many waterfalls on the north and east side of the Big Island thanks to lots of rain and a large gradient in elevation (volcanoes!). They also offer ATV tours, waterfall rappelling and horseback riding tours to the falls as well. If youre staying in Hilo and enjoy learning about history, you might get a kick out of this Legends of the Waterfalls tour where youll learn why Hilo was one of the favorite places for Kamehameha the Great. We like to get up and close to any waterfall we see, and know the same is true for many of our readers. This broad waterfall in the Wailuku river is conveniently located within Hilo town. It takes about 20-30 minutes to complete the loop. Take a full-day waterfall adventure tour of the Big Islands Kohala Coast. You can see all sorts of hidden waterfalls if you go kayaking, take a boat tour, or ride in a helicopter. Akaka and Kahuna Falls are part of the Akaka Falls State Park, located north of Hilo. 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. 1. Check out the latest prices and details here! Head to Waimea Falls for the best, A short hike within the Puaa Kaa State Wayside will reward you with a relatively secluded and picturesque waterfall, cascading into the delightful pool below. 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. Photos of Kulania attached . Our popular Summary Guidesheets are now included. This is awesome for those not renting a car. HOME PRIVACY POLICY TERMS, Affiliate Disclosure: We receive compensation from companies whose products or services are used, referenced, or reviewed regardless of whether we endorse or criticize them. Another stop on Mauis Road to Hana, Puaa Kaa translates to rolling pig in Hawaiian. Not only that, but this island is still expanding! It is alleged to have a height of 1,450 feet. The private property is currently managed by the Umauma Experience. Big Island Hotels, Resorts, B&Bs, & Vacation Rentals, Big Island Tours, Excursions, & Adventures. Whether you want to soar over the falls or dive right in and swim them, we have the tour for you. Get your discounted Magical Waterfall Tour. Waimoku Falls is a 400 foot waterfall that you see pictured on the cover of many of Maui's guidebooks and is one of the tallest waterfalls on Maui. Find the best prices here. Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability. Hi'ilawe Falls in the Waipio Valley. The largest waterfall in Hawaii is Oloupena Falls, located in Molokai. The waterfall, however, is worth the effort it takes to access it. Kulaniapia Falls is a private waterfall located on the Waiau Stream, not far from Hilo. Read more: in our guide to visiting the Rainbow falls. In general, yes, but there are several risks associated with swimming under waterfalls in the state of Hawaii that you should be aware of. They are all unique in their own ways. To be exact, you can visit Hiilawe Falls by going to the Waipio Valley at the Kohala Coast in Hawaii. If you are in the Kona area, I highly recommend Paradise Helicopters. Well, you are in luck. From USD 130.62. Whether you are looking to Big Island waterfall tours or waterfalls you can swim in on the Big Island, this guide will give you everything you need to plan your next adventure. By far, Akaka Falls are my favorite waterfall to visit on the Big Island. ), make small hikes, and admire the sweeping views and scenic coastlines and rugged valleys. Rainbow Falls is one of the easiest to see and most popular waterfalls on the Big Island of Hawaii. 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. Spend a few hours relaxing luxuriating in a private area of the Umauma River. Simply put, waterfalls on the Big Island of Hawaii are some of the world's finest. The closest waterfalls in the Kohala district (about 50 miles) require a tour to visit. If you already have accommodations, water rappelling can also be booked by the general public. Youll be able to get up close and personal with this body of water and have the most memorable time in Hawaii. No experience necessary! Double your adventure with the Kohala Zip and Dip and explore the enchanting lands of North Kohala. Big Island waterfall tours Legends of the Waterfalls & Volcano Full-Day Tour At the writing of this post, the Umauma Falls are now accessible through the botanical gardens. There are so many beautiful waterfalls to check out during your visit to the Big Island. Furthermore, flash floods and strong currents are a real danger there. 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. Copyright 2023 Guide of US, LLC. Check out the latest prices and more details. It is located in the Pelekunu Preserve on the windward side of Molokai. Its a 422-foot natural waterfall. The beach! Its approximately a 19-mile out and back hike that takes around 4 hours each way. Hawaii's Big Island is home to some of the islands' most accessible waterfalls, and here are five of the most popular. The Rainbow Falls are located in Hilo and are fed by the Wailuku River the same river that also feeds the Peepee Falls. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Ultimate Guide to the Polynesian Cultural Center with Kids, Traditional Hawaiian Food: 24 Classic Dishes of Hawaiian Cuisine. The Best Hiking Shoes for Hawaii in 2021(The Ultimate buying Guide), The 5 Best Reef Safe Sunscreens for Hawaii. It is located about 1.6 miles (5-minute drive) from Rainbow Falls and is also part of the Wailuku River. And this rainfall provides lots of opportunities to appreciate the island's falls. More waterfalls can be found at the northern Hamakua coast seaside cliffs and the valleys of the Kohala coast. Looking for a car rental in Kona, Big island. By donating to our small business, you accept and acknowledge the donation terms. Its such a fun, Combine vibrant sapphire pools with some stellar spots for cliff jumping, and youve got one of Mauis local hangouts. This is for kids at least 5 years old who can comfortably stay in a kayak. Mahalo! That means, you should take extra care to make sure you leave it as you saw it! Which one was your favorite? Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden Please keep in mind that the falls are not accessible to the general public. Marvel at the beauty and adventure that makes up Hawaii. Compared to Maui, Oahu, and Kauai, The Big Island of Hawaii has some of the most popular waterfalls in all of Hawaii. While visiting the Wailuku River State Park, you can also stop by the Peepee Falls. Oahu is the lively center and most visited of all Hawaiian Islands. Lava from Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa meet near the base of Peepee Falls, about 2 miles downstream. During the tour, youll travel along the coastline. Each island has some of the best waterfall swimming holes in Hawaii, so no matter where you are, youll find something amazing! The tranquility and solitude youll feel there is truly unmatched. Along the way, youll see verdant vegetation and immense, ancient Banyan trees, overgrown by fig vines and moss. If you are staying in Kona, meet up with a local driver who takes you to North Kohala. The admission fee to view the 422 ft tall falls is $5.00 per car or $1.00 per person for pedestrians. Maunawili Falls Flash flooding in this area is common, so please proceed with caution. Swimming here is not recommended, even on days where it feels safe. Mahalo! 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. Image credit: Mark. Here is our list of the top 9 waterfalls in Hawaii that wont disappoint! However, to visit Onomea Falls, you need to go through the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden and pay an entrance fee. While you can access most of these on your own, you can also join Hawaii waterfall tours for a more personalized experience. The Majestic Waterfalls Tour is one of the best tours on this list. With all that you can do at Kulaniapia Falls, it makes this waterfall a top-rated Hawaii waterfall on the Big Island. See the northern Kohala highlights with this 8-hour adventure and visit 7 stunning private waterfalls (and swim in one! 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. Download your copy of our However, the waterfall tends to be dry in early spring, around March. The Kulaniapia Falls for example require a day pass, and others are on private property and only reachable as part of a tour. What I mean by this is that it was once one of the tallest and mightiest waterfalls in all the islands of Hawai'i with its often quoted cumulative height of 1,450ft. An aerial view of Kulaniapia Falls. What Are The Must-Visit Waterfalls On Big Island? One of the coolest ways to experience Kulaniapia Falls is by booking a spot in one of the Experience Packages available at the property. Due to its relative obscurity, especially compared to the rest of the waterfalls on this list, going to this waterfall and relaxing in the area may seem like a scene out of a movie. A full-day rainforest adventure for all ages. As you travel, youll be privy to the views of obscure but beautiful hidden waterfalls, coasts, and beaches. It is one of the most idyllic and beautiful waterfalls in the world. Nanue Falls is located on the Hamakua Coast in Hawaii. 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. However, you need to pay a fee to access the private viewing deck. The package can include waterfall rappelling, which is the best way to experience Kulaniapia. Seeing waterfalls is a great way to save money while on your vacation to Hawaii. The Oloupena Falls is the tallest waterfall in Hawaii, located on the tiny island of Molokai, stretching an immense 2,953 feet high. 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. Its an impressive 1,450-foot natural waterfall with a main drop of 1,201 feet. On Highway 19's bridge, most drivers will pass by these 2 neat waterfalls without realizing it! The Hiilawe waterfall is one of the tallest waterfalls of the state of Hawai. The government or any private party does not manage Nanua Falls. Along the way, youll be privy to various wild orchids. Just two weeks ago, the couple posted a YouTube video of the mum-to-be at 38-weeks pregnant interacting with dolphins in the sea. This website's use is your expressly conditioned acceptance of the terms, conditions, and disclaimers found within our Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability page without any modifications. Sign up for this discounted ATV Waterfall and Swim Experience. Wading through these pools is not recommended. The lush green northeastern coast- the Hilo and Hamakua Coast regions- is home to lovely tropical gardens nourished by the abundant rainfall the area receives. One of the most spectacular waterfalls in Hawaii is Onomea Falls. If you are on this side of the Big Island, for example, to see the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, a bit of planning will make sure that you can see some spectacular waterfalls. Free cancellation: up to 48 hours before tour. Big Island in a Day: Volcanoes, Waterfalls, Sightseeing, History (From $226.96) Hawaii Volcano Adventure Tour from Hilo (From $195.99) ~ Trusted by Millions of Hawaii Visitors Annually ~. Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Heather Goodman. This is part of Hawaiis state park system. Nanua Falls is a series of waterfalls on the Hamakua Coast, about 18 miles north of Hilo. It is located inside the private property and theres no other way to access it. To be exact, you can find it along the Umauma River in Hakalau. There are so many incredible waterfalls, making it hard to know where to start. Whats the Honolulu Sister Cities Program? Another great way to visit all of these falls is through a helicopter tour. Thankfully they didnt, as there appeared to be rocks under the shallow water at the bottom of the falls. Hiilawe (the barely visible waterfall in the back of the valley) is one of the tallest waterfalls on the Big Island. The gigantic waterfall stands out from the dry, rocky background of the red-walled canyon. 'Akaka Falls 'Akaka Falls is located just north of Hilo and are a gem of the Big Island's waterfalls. Peepee Falls are another great waterfall that you can visit. Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Heather Goodman. P?palaua Falls, Hawaii 96748, USA 6. The size of these waterfalls and their location in the lush and tropical rainforest makes them a popular and spectacular attraction to check out. Big Island is home to some of the tallest falls in the state. 9 Hawaii Big Island Waterfalls Rainbow Falls This Upper Waikani Falls, Hana Hwy, Haiku, HI 96708, USA 2. Sign up for a discounted Legends of the Waterfalls and Volcano Tour. 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 You can hide and show different layers, or click icons on the map to see the names of waterfalls we mention in this guide. The water can be seen while hiking down the valley, and it should be visible to the left within around 7 minutes into the hike (depending on how fast you walk). While there arent really Kona waterfalls, you see tons of waterfalls in Hilo. The content on this website may not be copied or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior written permission. You may have a luxury problem though: there are more waterfalls on the Big Island than you can reasonable visit during your stay! Good to know: to access the falls you must purchase a $49 daypass to the grounds. This waterfall is created from a small stream and is a multiple-tier waterfall located inside the Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Garden. You can follow an uphill path towards the waterfall, which is about half a mile long. I highly discourage doing this hike during the rainy season. Be sure to bring extra clothing. Several are featured in popular Hawaiian songs. However, Id always watch for signs near waterfalls and follow their instructions if they indicated not to swim. Youll never run out of things to do here. All the waterfalls listed below are spectacular in their own way, and when you visit them theyre sure to impress. Check out the latest prices and more details. Check out the latest prices and more details. One of the, Pua'a Ka'a Falls, Hana Hwy, Haiku, HI 96708, USA, This secluded swimming spot is a phenomenal reward after a hike that should not be braved unless you are an experienced hiker. Together with only a limited number of guests each day, this daypass gives you access to the waterfalls and to their 42-acre property, where you can enjoy miles of trails, incredible views of 4 waterfalls, bamboo gardens. A 20-acre rainforest greenhouse, the area is filled with beautiful plant life and wild animals. The only waterfall you can swim at on the Big Island is the Inn at Kulaniapia Falls. Other than water rappelling, the Experiences Package offers a multitude of other activities. Where are all the waterfalls in Hilo Hawaii? from $85 + taxes & fees | Child $75. Youll need to pay an entrance fee to enter the area. Located in the Waipio Valley, this waterfall is absolutely breathtaking. Check out the latest prices and more details. Sign up for this discounted Kohala Waterfalls Adventure Tour. Access to the overview for the waterfalls lies on private land which is being managed by the Umauma Experience. This picture shows the Hiilawe falls on an almost dry day. 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. Take your first right onto Akaka Falls Road and continue for 3.75 miles until you reach the parking lot. There are other adventurous activities that you can enjoy here too. Plus, youll keep an eye out for Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles and stop at Big Island Candies for the most famous Hawaiian candy on the Big Island. These are just a few of the many, many tours that can be booked to see the beautiful waterfalls on the Big Island. Location: North east side of Big Island. While there are gorgeous waterfalls on Kauai, Oahu, and Maui, the Big Island has some of the most famous waterfalls in Hawaii. Before we talk about the best waterfalls, lets discuss some FAQs you might have: Swimming is NOT allowed at Akaka Falls State Park. Id be sure to go at least a few days after heavy rain to avoid flash flooding and a swollen stream. While transporting logs over to build the base might be a nuisance, the beach offers a wealth of advantages that . 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. Regardless, they are still worth the visit if you love nature and gorgeous views. Thank you! more, 2006-2023 World Of Waterfalls, There is no swimming allowed here; you can only view the falls from a safe distance. The on-site Inn organizes this tour which is led a team of expert canyoneering guides. The waterfall got its name from the rainbow that often forms at the base.