waterfalls on the big island you can swim in

Address: 875 Akaka Falls Rd, Honomu, HI 96728, United States. One of several waterfalls you hike to on a tour with Hawaii Forest and Trail. Zip with up to 65 miles per hour on 9 long lines, over 14 rushing waterfalls, suspension bridges, and treetops of the lush Hamakua coast rainforest. Absolutely! This is part of Hawaiis state park system. Rainbow Falls, or Wainuenue, is located inside the Wailuku River State Park in Hilo, Hawaii. 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. 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. This half-day tour takes you to the three most famous Big Island waterfalls: 'Akaka Falls, Hi'ilawe Falls and Rainbow Falls. Get in touch with us! As an Amazon Associate, thistraveldream.com earns from qualifying purchases. Simply put, waterfalls on the Big Island of Hawaii are some of the world's finest. If you follow the path, youll see the beautiful Kahuna Falls along the way just before you see Akaka Falls. Most waterfalls can be found on the slopes of the Mauna Kea volcano close to Hilo and on the Hamakua coast. Swimming here can be dangerous and has proved lethal several times in the past. Furthermore, flash floods and strong currents are a real danger there. Please remember that all of these falls have different levels of water throughout the year. We are independently owned so content written by us merely reflect our own opinions. Check out the latest prices and more details. Each one of these is worth visiting at least once in my opinion. Read more: in our guide to visiting the Rainbow falls. The waterfall is located inside Waipio Valley and is about 1,450 feet tall. This, Located within Waimea Valley is this charming waterfall, perfect for a family swim. Take your first right onto Akaka Falls Road and continue for 3.75 miles until you reach the parking lot. Its one of the quietest and least touristy waterfalls on the island, so you can enjoy a chill day with your friends when you visit. Akaka Falls is located within the Akaka Falls State Park, roughly 3.6 miles south of Honomu on the Hilo Coast. Its not a difficult hike to get to the foot of the waterfall, so you wont need any special gear to visit this beautiful waterfall. 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 no lifeguards here, so please be extremely cautious. They are one of the best helicopter companies in Hawaii. Facebook Pinterest Twitter Instagram Subscribe to our Newsletter. Its a 100-foot waterfall that youll pass by on your way to Akaka if you follow the footpath. Take a full-day waterfall adventure tour of the Big Islands Kohala Coast. Youll get to hear a bit about the history of Coconut Island (it will totally surprise you) as you paddle around Hilo Bay. 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. Check out the latest prices and more details. Soak in soaring sea cliffs, remote valleys, and even go for a swim under one of seven waterfalls. Visit the State Parks website for updated pricing. click here to go to our instagram account, ATV Tours on the Big Island (BIG list of all tour operators), BIG LIST of Kona Coffee Tours on the Big Island, Stand Up Paddle (SUP) boarding: Rentals, Classes and Tours. The Umauma Falls are a spectacular 3-tiered falls and one of the best waterfalls on the Big Island. Hiilawe Falls is often considered to be the tallest waterfall in Hawaii. So no one is taking care of it and ensuring the area remains clean. 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. As you travel, youll stop at the famous Big Island Candies store, where youll be treated to some of the best candy on the Big Island! There is a chance of injury or death if you decide to go swimming or wading in any waterfall. 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. While you can access most of these on your own, you can also join Hawaii waterfall tours for a more personalized experience. It is located in the Pelekunu Preserve on the windward side of Molokai. This allows you to experience a birds-eye view of the waterfall! Flash floods are also a risk, so stay out of the water if its raining (where you are or upstream). Hi'ilawe Falls There are tons of gorgeous waterfalls on the Big Island of Hawaii. The tour will stop at Rainbow Falls, Akaka Falls, and Richardson Beach Park. Alternatively, you can zipline or rappel at the Umauma Falls. Did we list it? There is only one way to get here, and thats by hiking along the coastal trail. Step Into The World Of Narnia On This Forbidden Waterfall Hike In Hawaii, The Hike In Hawaii That Takes You To Not One, But TWO Insanely Beautiful Waterfalls, Hike Less Than A Mile To This Spectacular Waterfall Swimming Hole In Hawaii, Embark On An Epic 7.3-Mile Trail In Hawaii That Features Waterfalls And Jaw-Dropping Views, The 14 Tallest Waterfalls In Hawaii Will Drop Your Jaw, This Waterfall Swimming Hole In Hawaii Is So Hidden Youll Probably Have It All To Yourself, This Tiered Waterfall And Swimming Hole In Hawaii Must Be On Your Summer Bucket List, The Ultimate Bucket List For Anyone In Hawaii Who Loves Waterfall Hikes. The Big Island is filled with tourist attractions! Hi'ilawe Falls is visible only within the valley or from the air, as the . We also receive a small commission from travel partners for some of the links found on this website. All the waterfalls listed below are spectacular in their own way, and when you visit them theyre sure to impress. Sign up for this discounted Waipio Valley and Waterfalls Adventure. On an especially clear day, you'll be able to see Mauna Kea behind them. 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. 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. Enjoy! Please keep in mind that the historic area located by the parking lot is not safe for swimming. Get your discounted Waterfalls of Kohala Tour. It is located inside the private property and theres no other way to access it. as a very big person in the future I want to help people I want to give a gift to the. Sugar Water: Hawaiis Plantation Ditches by Carol Wilcox. If that is the case you should definitely have a look at our lists of waterfalls for the other islands: The light blue waterfalls marked on the map below represent our favorites that are described in more detail below. This is also close to where most of the black sand beaches on the Big Island are located. Which waterfall can you swim at on the Big Island? It stretches hundreds of feet tall and is surrounded by greenery. Several are featured in popular Hawaiian songs. You no longer need to book a tour with the Umauma Experience to get to the falls. A helicopter tour of the waterfalls along the Kohala Coast. Most waterfalls in Hawaii have a great pool of water to swim in. A couple of travel dreamers who fell in love with Hawaii and want to share the beauty of the Islands! However, you need to pay a fee to be able to access the viewing deck. They are all unique in their own ways. Its such a fun, Combine vibrant sapphire pools with some stellar spots for cliff jumping, and youve got one of Mauis local hangouts. I have included a downloadable map of these waterfalls at the bottom of this post to help with your planning and navigation. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Big Island waterfall tours Legends of the Waterfalls & Volcano Full-Day Tour A delicious catered lunch is provided in our secluded pavilion. Its no wonder that you might be having issues deciding where to go. Flash flooding in this area is common, so please proceed with caution. The hike to the waterfall takes either 5 or 15 minutes, depending on which route you decide to take. The best hikes on the Big Island of Hawaii are indeed a mixed bag. While visiting the Wailuku River State Park, you can also stop by the Peepee Falls. Log in, We are passionate waterfall lovers eager to share our experiences chasing waterfalls around the world! The admission fee to the park is $5.00 per car or $1 per person for pedestrians. These 7 Big Island waterfalls are truly spectacular and well worth checking out during your stay here! Read more about the Rainbow Falls on our website. You can now drive on a concrete road right to the falls and tropical garden. Please dont take the risk there are many places more suitable for swimming in Hilo (the beach!). Standing at 422ft tall, this free-falling waterfall drops to the bottom of the gorge, creating an amazing panoramic view of the area. Its 93 miles across and has all sorts of terrain and natural wonders. 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. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. Their list contains the following waterfalls: In Hilo: Rainbow falls, Pe'epe'e falls, Wai'ale falls, Kulaniapia falls. Its one of the tallest and most powerful waterfalls in Hawaii, although it gets a bit dry around March. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Rainbow Falls One of Hawaii's most stunning waterfalls, Rainbow Falls is named for the rainbows that can be seen in the mist. 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. One of the, As you are driving on Hana Highway from the north, the first notable attraction you will discover is these twin waterfalls, also known as Hololawa Falls. Most of the waterfalls on the Big Island are fairly close to Hilo. Whether you want to soar over the falls or dive right in and swim them, we have the tour for you. Hawaii's Big Island is home to some of the islands' most accessible waterfalls, and here are five of the most popular. This has some of the best waterfalls on Maui. If youre an old soul, this Hilo Bay Waterfalls by Kayak tour was made for you. more, 2006-2023 World Of Waterfalls, The waterfalls are located less than half a mile from the parking lot. 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. The famous triple-tiered Umauma Falls. Our featured listings highlight those tours that combine exceptional waterfall experiences, professional guides, and more fun than you can imagine. Marvel at the beauty and adventure that makes up Hawaii. It takes less than an hour to hike leisurely and is only somewhat sloped uphill. [more], 2006-2023 World Of Waterfalls, All Rights Reserved If you decide to swim, please remember to always swim with caution and be aware of the danger around you no matter where you are. Map of Big Island Waterfalls Wrapping Up the Best Waterfalls on the Big Island 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. Another, more expensive but more spectacular way to see waterfalls (and the volcano!) Get more stories delivered right to your email. 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). If you think you've located a Big Island waterfall we've omitted, please contact us, and we'll make sure it's added. 'Akaka Falls 'Akaka Falls is located just north of Hilo and are a gem of the Big Island's waterfalls. Its the largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago and has some of the most popular waterfalls in all of Hawaii! Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Heather Goodman. But make sure to read up on the waterfall you visit, because sometimes certain areas in the Hawaiian islands are prone to flooding, and can be dangerous to swim in after a heavy rainfall. If you have the time and are already visiting Rainbow Falls, add a short hike to continue your waterfall adventure. It stretches over 120 feet high, although the tiers make it difficult to measure accurately. Get your discounted Waterfalls of Kohala Tour. There are more than seven pools, and they arent sacred rumor has it that a local hotel owner coined the name in order to attract more visitors to his establishment. 1: Kauai Overview 2: Things to Do 3: Where to Stay 4: Popular Sights and Destinations 5: The Npali Coast 6: Kauai Itinerary 7: Kauai blog posts. The 422 ft. tall Akaka falls are a pleasant stop on your way to or from Hilo. Read THIS first! Interested? We enjoy nature, the ocean, mountains, adventure, and all things outdoors. Onomea Falls is a stunning multi-tiered waterfall set amidst a beautiful botanical garden: the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden. You will need to stop at the visitor center to register before heading to the falls. The area beyond that is private property, so be aware of where youre going! Unfortunately, swimming is not allowed at Rainbow Falls, and there are signs warning about the danger of swimming. Here you will find a delightful selection of art galleries and gift stores as well as several cafes. What is the best way to visit all these waterfalls? This multi tiered, Oheo Gulch, OheO Gulch, Hawaii 96713, USA. The falls used to only be open to those staying at the hotel located on the grounds. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. This is one of the most famous waterfalls on the Big Island. Swim, kayak, stand up paddleboard or just relax and enjoy the scenery with your friends and family. You can start the hike to this waterfall from the Waipio Valley lookout. Alternatively, you could think of going for this scenic drive to see all the waterfalls close to Hilo in half a day. It is also possible to rappel down along the Kulaniapia Falls. One of the most spectacular waterfalls in Hawaii is Onomea Falls. Peepee Falls form a rather risky, but popular local swimming hole known as boiling pots. However, swimming here has proved to be lethal and should be avoided. Check out the latest prices and details. Rappelling at the Kulaniapia Falls. I work as a factory electrician. Kayak & Swim in the Umauma River. The water conceals long lava ridges, so its easy to be pulled in and trapped. Click the button below. The package can include waterfall rappelling, which is the best way to experience Kulaniapia. The most popular way to observe the Umauma Falls is from a tranquil overlook accessible through the World Botanical Garden. Swimming here is not recommended, even on days where it feels safe. Sign up for this discounted Legends of the Waterfalls & Volcano Tour. To make the process easier you can look directly into Kona jeep rental deals and reserve the one that meets your needs. Other than water rappelling, the Experiences Package offers a multitude of other activities. The Best Hiking Shoes for Hawaii in 2021(The Ultimate buying Guide), The 5 Best Reef Safe Sunscreens for Hawaii. Their list contains the following 13 waterfalls: The location of these waterfalls is marked on the map higher up this page, and you can read more about each fall separately in the list of 13 Big Island Waterfalls published on the World of Waterfalls website. This would allow you to see almost all of our favorite waterfalls and is recommended for people that really love waterfalls. This waterfall is created from a small stream and is a multiple-tier waterfall located inside the Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Garden. Hello, my name is Abduvaliev diyorbek. 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. Seeing waterfalls is a great way to save money while on your vacation to Hawaii. 2023 Hawaii Travel Guide. This waterfall is one of the tallest waterfalls across all of the Islands, standing at its maximum height at 1,450 feet. The Big Island, however, also has breathtaking waterfalls. Furthermore, flash floods and strong currents are a real danger there. Standing at around 80 feet tall, this waterfall is a must-see year round on the Big Island. ~ Trusted by Millions of Hawaii Visitors Annually ~. As a paradise for active travelers it is rich in experiences that include nature, culinary discoveries, historic landmarks, shopping, nightlife and festivals. We like to get up and close to any waterfall we see, and know the same is true for many of our readers. Amidst the countless natural attractions on the Big Island, Ive picked seven of the top waterfalls on the Big Island to check out! Sustainable Travel guide and itineraries for the Big Island of Hawaii. If you are staying on the other side of the Big Island, be sure to plan these excursions into your vacation plans. Kulaniapia Falls is a private waterfall located on the Waiau Stream, not far from Hilo. While theyre all worth seeing, we must warn you that most of them do not have a swimming hole or pool available. Top 9 Waterfalls on The Big Island Akaka Falls and Kahuna Falls Hi'ilawe Falls Rainbow Falls Pe'epe'e Falls Umauma Falls Kulaniapia Falls Onomea Falls Wai'ilikahi Falls What is the best way to visit all these waterfalls? Hi'ilawe Falls is a magnificent waterfall located in Waipio Valley on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island. Plus. Big Island is home to some of the tallest falls in the state. If you are in the Kona area, I highly recommend Paradise Helicopters. Not only that, but this island is still expanding! Don't miss them because once you see them, you'll never forget them! This is a great family-friendly waterfall as there are no strong currents or falling rocks around. This waterfall is smaller than the rainbow falls but also far less crowded. You can visit their website at the Inn at Kulaniapia Falls for additional details. It is simply breathtaking. Turn inland (mauka) between mile markers 14 and 13 onto Honomu Road. 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 state park is located along the northeastern Hilo Coast, west of Honom. Due to its location, the sun hits the water at just the right angle to show off. Check out the latest prices and more details. Whats the Honolulu Sister Cities Program? 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. You can access this trail from the Waipio Valley lookout. Get prepared to go off the beaten road (literally) and be stained with mud as you go off-road in a Honda ATV or a Side x Side ATV! You can get access to the falls either by purchasing a day pass (limited availability of 10 guests / day), or by joining their Rappel down the 120ft Kulaniapia Falls experience. However, they have started opening the grounds to the public for a $49 day pass. This is the perfect pre or post-hike pit stop for pineapples and fresh coconuts that you can't miss. The Peepee Falls are located about 1.5 miles upstream the rainbow falls, at the Wailuku river on the end of Wailuku drive. 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). This is why we list the tallest, most popular, and most easily accessible waterfalls on the Big Island: to make sure you spend your waterfall-time as efficient as possible. You may have a luxury problem though: there are more waterfalls on the Big Island than you can reasonable visit during your stay! Visitors will have to pay an entrance fee for the botanical garden, but once inside, the paved stroll to the waterfall is quick, and features a changing room, available life jackets and lifeguards on duty. 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. Where are the best waterfalls to swim in Hawaii? At the writing of this post, the Umauma Falls are now accessible through the botanical gardens. 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. Peepee Falls are another great waterfall that you can visit. In fact, there is a small parking lot near the falls, as well as a short but slippery path to visit the base. However, the best views come when you climb under the bridge and follow a short jungle path to the base of the waterfall. However, to visit Onomea Falls, you need to go through the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden and pay an entrance fee. The Kulaniapia Falls is a private 90-100 foot waterfall located at the Inn at Kulaniapia Falls. Nonetheless, its still a breathtaking sight to see. And these are just the most popular waterfalls on Big Island. Well, you are in luck. The Experiences Package allows you to water rappel. Akaka Falls on the Big Island. This gorgeous waterfall stretches 442 feet high and descends into a beautiful gorge eroded over time by water, which now lays dozens of feet below ground level. Akaka Falls. Looking for a car rental in Kona, Big island? However, you need to pay a fee to access the private viewing deck. Located in the Cummins Falls State Park in Jackson County, Tennessee, the Cummins Falls is 75 feet high and is the eighth largest waterfall in Tennessee by volume. We grouped this one group of Hawaii Big Island waterfalls together as they both are located in Akaka Falls State Park. Check out the latest prices and more details. Maunawili Falls A 20-acre rainforest greenhouse, the area is filled with beautiful plant life and wild animals. Rainbow Falls, located along the length of the Waikuku River and well-known for its beauty and accessibility, is one of the most popular waterfalls on the Big Island. Which Hawaiian island has the best waterfall hikes? Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability. The beach! We decided to take a scenic drive while staying on the Hilo side to see some of these waterfalls. Find the best prices here. The on-site Inn organizes this tour which is led a team of expert canyoneering guides. Umauma Falls Hanapueo and Umauma Falls. It depends on which one you choose! 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. This place is good for viewing and taking photos. During the tour, youll travel along the coastline. While there are gorgeous waterfalls on Kauai, Oahu, and Maui, the Big Island has some of the most famous waterfalls in Hawaii.