Last updated on January 5th, 2025
‘Akaka Falls is one of several dramatic waterfalls along the northeast coast of Hawai’i’s Big Island. It’s both lovely and easy to get to. That makes it a popular stop. . . but it’s not a great stop for everyone.
Is ‘Akaka Falls worth visiting — or is this one you can skip?
‘Akaka Falls plunges 440 feet.
For most visitors, this dramatic waterfall is a don’t miss stop while visiting Hawai’i’s Big Island. It’s often on lists of the best waterfalls on Hawai’i. However, it isn’t the best waterfall stop for everyone:
- You can only get a decent view of the waterfall by using a steep set of steps to get to a viewing platform.
- You can only observe the waterfall from a distance: There’s no option to hike to either the top of the falls or the pool at the bottom.
That means ‘Akaka Falls is a great stop if you can manage steep steps and want to see an impressive waterfall without actually getting near the water.
Sound like a place you want to visit? Not sure? Keep reading to learn more about ‘Akaka Falls and what it’s like to visit this beautiful state park near Hilo, Hawai’i.
The loop trail at ‘Akaka Falls State Park
I first visited ‘Akaka Falls State Park on a quick stop in 2008. On that visit, I hustled straight down to the waterfall overlook on the shortest route and hurried back with only a few photo stops. On my return visit last winter, I had plenty of time to explore the full loop trail. (It’s a short trail.)
Whether you are doing the full loop or heading straight to ‘Akaka Falls itself, you’ll have some very steep steps to get down to the paved walking path and back up again. There aren’t that many steps and there’s a railing, but they are steep and rather narrow. But it’s definitely the hardest part of the walk to the waterfall!
You can head straight to the falls viewing area (down the stairs and to the left) or walk the full loop (an easy 1/2 mile through the rainforest). Either way, you’ll find lush tropical vegetation, smaller waterfalls, and a few more (easy) steps.
The following is what you can expect after you head down the stairs and turn to the right to follow the entire loop trail at ‘Akaka Falls State Park.
Just want to head straight to the waterfall like I did on my first visit? Jump down to the ‘Akaka Falls overlook to see more about the falls itself and the section of trail between the waterfall and the steps to/from the parking area.
Beginning of the nature trail to Kahūnā Falls
The walking path looks a little intimidating when you start, but it soon levels out!
Starting out on the loop trail to check out the tropical vegetation.
Both ends of the loop are in an open area. However, most of the loop trail takes you through the rain forest. That means you are mostly walking through dense tropical vegetation with many small streams.
There is water everywhere.
It’s a lush tropical landscape, but few of the plants are actually native to Hawai’i. Introduced plants that have made themselves at home here include banyan trees and bamboo.
Banyan trees aren’t native to Hawai’i, but you’ll see them all over the park.
Golden bamboo is lovely, but it’s not native to Hawai’i either.
Of course, there are plants native to Hawai’i here (including various ferns), but they are often harder to recognize.
Kahūnā Falls
‘Akaka Falls isn’t the only waterfall in the park.
Kahūnā Falls is (maybe) only slightly smaller, cascading 300 feet into the valley below. (Most websites say 100 feet, but I’m going with 300 because at least one atlas says Kahūnā is 91 meters — which is basically 300 feet. And to see it from as far away as I was, it almost has to fall more than 100 feet or it would be completely invisible.) It’s identified in the park as a highlight along the loop trail. There’s eve a marked viewing area where you can look for it. . . . And you can kind of see it in the distance across the valley if you look in just the right spot.
That smudge is part of Kahūnā Falls. (This was shot with a telephoto lens, so it’s not like you really much from the trail.)
(It’s supposed to be more visible after a rainfall, but it had been hot and dry for quite awhile on my last visit.)
Kahūnā Falls to ‘Akaka Falls
The trail continues on through a fabulous banyan grove with enormous trees.
One segment of the trail has huge banyan trees.
They are so impressive that it is the one place along the trail (other than the waterfall overlook) where everyone stops to take pictures.
All that picture-taking made this section of trail rather crowded as I caught up to influencers getting all their poses just right and a couple bigger groups taking pictures of everyone alone and in various combinations. However, I (and everyone else) was in awe of these enormous spreading trees. So it was a good spot to just hang back and enjoy them until the trail cleared.
That is one big tree!
After the banyans, the view opens up as the path starts to follow right along the edge of the gorge where there are fewer trees.
Suddenly the rain forest opens up and we are in the sun!
And with more sun, there are more flowers along the path. (There are orchids in the shady areas, but they weren’t in bloom when I visited.)
I love gingers, but they aren’t native to Hawai’i either!
Once you reach this open, sunny area you start descending a little further into the gorge. And, as you continue along the trail, you’ll come to several spots where you can glimpse ‘Akaka Falls through the trees. But keep going, as the best views are at and around the viewing area.
The ‘Akaka Falls overlook
‘Akaka Falls plunges 442 feet past sheer mossy walls into a small pool.
‘Akaka Falls: A picture-perfect waterfall in 2008.
It’s a lovely waterfall that, apparently, gets its name from a legend about the warrior chief named ‘Akaka-o-ka-nī’au-oi’o-i-ka-wao. He is the main character in a sad story of a man who enjoyed a girlfriend or two on the side, but eventually felt so guilty about deceiving his loving and trusting wife that he threw himself over a cliff. From there the story varies: ‘Akaka may have thrown himself over a cliff and his tears became a waterfall, or he may have thrown himself over a cliff and become part of the waterfall, or his tearful wife (who forgave him and begged him to stay) followed him to the cliff and HER tears became the waterfall (or maybe they became Kahūnā Falls or another nearby waterfall).
The details are sketchy, but you get the idea. And a perfect tropical waterfall wouldn’t be complete without a slightly lost-in-time legend about it!
That’s a lot of tears!
‘Akaka Falls was still beautiful when I returned in 2024, but the view wasn’t as good.
It’s beautiful, but I’d really like to see the entire waterfall!
It’s still lovely. However, it would be nice to actually see water falling into the pool at the bottom. (This was shot holding the camera a bit over my head. I couldn’t really see the pool just standing there looking at it.)
Obviously the park service does cut back the vegetation. (If they didn’t, the area would soon be so over-grown that you’d only see the top of the waterfall — if that.) However, complaints online indicate the area isn’t trimmed back often enough for most visitors. That’s frustrating, but not really a surprise. I can’t think of a single state park we visited on Hawai’i that didn’t need maintenance. (‘Akaka Falls State Park was actually in a lot better condition than most we visited.) ln general, state parks on Hawai’i seemed underfunded to the point that facilities and trails were often closed. And it seems to be a statewide problem.
But it’s still a beautiful waterfall.
(Watch this video to see just how beautiful it is when seen from above!)
From ‘Akaka Falls back to the parking area
This is the only part of the walking path you’ll see if you go directly from the parking area to Akaka Falls and back again. However, this is also one of the most beautiful sections of the trail, with plenty of small waterfalls and lush tropical plants.
Thanks to the mix of sun and shade, there’s a lot of plant variety in this area.
We found colorful flowers, ferns, and more along the trail.
We also passed a few more lovely waterfalls and cascades.
This little beauty must have a name, but I don’t know what it is.
And then there is this amazing raised walkway right before you reach the steps up to the parking lot.
What a great place to linger and enjoy the view!
Once you cross the bridge you’re almost back at the steps that climb back out of the gorge.
See more photos of ‘Akaka Falls and Hawai’i at CindyCarlsson.com
If you can’t (or don’t want to) use stairs
The steps down to the walking path are pretty steep. And, despite the park’s best efforts to get people to direct people to the right to take the full loop, lots of people go straight to the falls. That leaves you dealing with two-way traffic on the steps — which makes them even more challenging. (It would be nice if they were rebuilding the steps as part of the current project to stabilize the cliff, but it doesn’t sound like that’s part of the program.)
You can, sort of, see ‘Akaka Falls from the parking area. But only the top part of it.
You can see the top of the waterfall from the parking area, but this was taken with a telephoto lens, so it’s quite far away.
If you can’t do steps, there are better places to see waterfalls on Hawaii’s Big Island.
Visit Rainbow Falls instead
One of the best alternatives is right in Hilo.
Rainbow Falls in Wailuku River State Park is one of the best options if you want to see a beautiful waterfall but have limited mobility. (Everyone will love this waterfall, but it’s a particularly good stop if you can’t do steps or use a wheelchair.)
Rainbow falls (sans rainbow) in the dry season, as seen from the parking lot.
While Rainbow Falls is much shorter than ‘Akaka Falls, it can be as much as 100 feet wide during the rainy season. So, it’s impressive in its own way. And anyone can see it, as one of the best overlooks is right along the parking lot.
If you want to see the waterfall’s namesake rainbow, get there much earlier in the morning than I did on a sunny day. The rainbow forms around the basin and cave at the bottom of the waterfall.
Plan your tip to ‘Akaka Falls
‘Akaka Falls is right along the way as you drive along the scenic northeast coast, making it a quick and easy stop.
The park is open daily from 8:30 am to 5 pm.
While the viewing area was getting overgrown when I visited early in 2024, as of July 2024, work is underway to stabilize the cliff right below the parking area where you walk down to the falls. I hope vegetation trimming is also in the plans. It would be nice to be able to see the bottom of the falls again.
Note that there is no public access to the waterfall itself or the pool below it. The overlook is as close as you get.
Before you go
Check the ‘Akaka Falls State Park website for current hours and fees, temporary closures, or other issues.
While it was very dry when I last visited, this part of Hawai’i gets a lot of rain. (Average rainfall in the park is about 60 inches a year. Which is a lot, but less than Hilo and other nearby areas.) Check the weather forecast, but be prepared for BOTH rain and sun.
Plan to arrive early, but not too early, for the best light and fewer crowds. If you’re a photographer, getting there between 9 and 11 is about the best for the light. (In 2024 I didn’t there until almost noon, which was a little late.) A rainy day can give you a gorgeous view and good pictures at almost any time of day, but expect slippery walkways.
What to bring with you
A map of the area you can use WITHOUT a cell phone connection.
No matter what the weather is when you visit, bug spray is essential. (There are usually a lot of mosquitos around.)
Bring plenty of drinking water to take with you on the trail.
Part of the route is shaded, but other areas are in full sun, so either a hat or umbrella is a good idea in any weather.
Wear good shoes, as parts of the trail do get wet and muddy (and slippery) when it’s been wet.
Do NOT bring your pet. Pets are not allowed in the park.
Getting to ‘Akaka Falls State Park
‘Akaka Falls is an easy 1/2 hour drive north of Hilo via Highway 19 (the Hawai’i Belt Road/Mamalahoa Highway), then turning on Highway 22/220 in Honomu. (Yes, every road on the island seems to have multiple names.)
Once you arrive
You’ll see people parked along the road as you approach the park entrance. That might mean the parking lot is full. Or it might mean they just didn’t want to pay the parking fee. Unless cars are backed up trying to get into the park, you might as well continue on and see if there’s space in the parking lot.
Fees
If you are not a Hawai’i resident, you will pay both an entry fee and a fee to use the parking lot. While we paid our fees on arrival, the park service recommends paying them in advance using a parking app. Cell phone service is iffy to non-existent in the park, so if you want to pay electronically, doing so in advance is a good idea.
If you haven’t paid in advance, you must pay with a credit card at the park.
Parking fee
The parking fee for non-residents was $10 in 2024.
The paid parking area is right above the walkway down to the waterfall. It’s not very big and I’m sure it fills quickly on a busy day.
Like so many sites on Hawaii, car break-ins always come up as a problem. We were concerned about this on our first visit when we were the only ones there. This time there was staff collecting fees and the park was so busy we didn’t worry about it.
Entry fee
Non-residents paid $5 each to visit the park in 2024.(I expect this fee will go up.) Children 3 and under are free.
Facilities
The upper level of the park has a few (too few!) picnic tables and well-maintained flush toilets.
The trail
I don’t know exactly how long the ‘Akaka Falls Loop Trail/Circle Route is. Information online ranges from 1/4 mile to over a 1/2 mile. Hawai’i parks says it’s just under 1/2 mile, which seems a little short, but about right. Walking straight to the waterfall and back is a little shorter than walking the whole loop, and most of the best scenery is in that shorter section. However, it doesn’t seem much shorter. But it does have less elevation change, not that there’s a lot of elevation change anywhere along the trail.
The trail itself is either a paved path or a plastic boardwalk with a few areas with easy steps. We only came to one spot that was a little wet and muddy, but it was also really dry when we visited. There is a railing along the trail. You’ll also find a few interpretive signs.
If you are short on time
If you really need to keep your visit short, just go directly to the waterfall. It’s still a little walk, but it’s not far. And the segment between the parking area to ‘Akaka Falls is the most beautiful part of the loop route. (And you have a much better view of ‘Akaka Falls as you approach from this direction.)
If you can take just a little more time, continue a short distance beyond the waterfall overlook to get to the banyan grove. From there you can turn around and head back past the waterfall again and up to your vehicle.
Other places to visit near ‘Akaka Falls
‘Akaka Falls State Park is located a little more than three miles further inland from the small town of Honomu. A former sugarcane town with a big mill, today this is a quiet place with a few historic buildings, unique shops, and Mr. Ed’s Bakery. (Mr. Ed’s is the perfect place to pick up a few baked goods to eat when you get to Akaka Falls. Or pick up some jam to bring back home — the purple sweet potato jam might be the best jam I’ve ever had. Really. It’s amazing.)
But there are a few other places you might want to visit as you travel up the Hāmākua Coast from Hilo.
Hawai’i Tropical Botanical Garden
The Hawai’i Tropical Botanical Garden should be on the must-see list of every traveler visiting this part of Hawai’i. Even if you don’t think plants are that interesting, you’re sure to find something you like here. And there is more than plants! You’ll also discover waterfalls, tropical pools, and a rugged shoreline with great views. It’s the most beautiful tropical rain forest hike you will find anywhere.
The Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden offers colorful scenery.
Here are some pictures from my 2008 visit. (2024 pictures will come eventually.)
The Onomea Scenic Drive
The main road is fine, but if you really want to take a slower, more scenic drive, you should get on the Old Mamalahoa Highway. Pick it up in Hilo and follow it past the not so scenic overlook, to the tropical botanic garden, past the waterfall on the Kawainui Stream, and to What’s Shakin’ for a quick snack before connecting with Highway 19/Hawai’i Belt Road/Mamalahoa Highway in Pepeekeo to visit Akaka Falls.
The first visitor of the day in a pool along the Onomea Scenic Drive.
Just be on your very best behavior along this route, as people live along here for the peace and solitude. They generally aren’t fond of tourists and sometimes put up “road closed” signs to keep people out. But it is a public road. Just be really polite.
Umauma Falls
If you’re looking for adventure, head over to Umauma Falls and the Umauma Experience.
The three-tiered waterfall in this adventure park looks like a beauty. And, if you are looking to zipline, ATV, rappel down a waterfall, swim, kayak, ride, etc., this is the place for you! The Umauma Experience offers all of these and a few more active options. It also has beautifully landscaped grounds and gardens.
However, when I visited early in 2024, the entry fee was way more than I was willing to pay just to see the waterfall and gardens. Now it appears they only charge $5 per person to visit the gardens and waterfall on your own. This looks like a gorgeous spot, so check the rates even if you aren’t seeking a serious adventure! (The fee might vary by season, so do check in advance.)
Hilo
Whether you’re looking for unique shops, historic architecture, beaches for relaxing or playing in the water, beautiful parks, great food, or more waterfalls; Hilo is the place to be. This is my favorite city on the island. And it really does have something for everyone!
You’ll find plenty to do in Hilo and the setting is quite impressive.
Where to stay near ‘Akaka Falls
I snagged an Airbnb right in Honomu on my second visit to ‘Akaka Falls. There are a few rentals available around both Honomu and Pepeekeo. But most lodging is in and right around Hilo. I loved my apartment overlooking a waterfall in Honomu, but next time I will spend a few nights right in Hilo too.
There really is a waterfall back there — it was a lot easier to hear than see!
Expedia (affiliate link) offer a mix of private homes, inns, and regular hotels. But check the map carefully, because some that come up in a search for lodging near ‘Akaka Falls are on the south side of Hilo. That’s not convenient. Booking.com (affiliate link) has a little better search function. You can get cash back through Rakuten on either site.
If you know you want a house, cottage, or apartment, start your search at VRBO (affiliate link). Airbnb has some of the same ones as VRBO and often has more options. However, VRBO often has lower total costs and you can get a little cash back through Expedia and Rakuten. But it’s definitely worth checking both. (And Airbnb’s search function is way better.)
See more photos of ‘Akaka Falls and Hawai’i at CindyCarlsson.com
