See below for the sign that was there when I went. Get our brand-new trip planning series delivered directly to your inbox - for FREE (more info). The on-site Inn organizes this tour which is led a team of expert canyoneering guides. Check out the latest prices and details. ), make small hikes, and admire the sweeping views and scenic coastlines and rugged valleys. The tropical gardens have a wonderful overlook that allows you to get a great view of Umauma Falls. 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. Approximately 16 miles north of Hilo, on the Umauma River, lies one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Hawaii: Umauma Falls. Visiting the Big Island of Hawaii is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and weve done all the work for you to help plan your trip. Akaka Falls are extremely accessible, as the trail to the waterfall stretches only 0.4 miles long. 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. In a 30-minute call we help you set up the trip of your dreams. To be able to visit the waterfall, you can book a guest room at The Inn or book one of the Experience Packages available at the property. 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. Love Hawaii? Big Island Hotels, Resorts, B&Bs, & Vacation Rentals, Big Island Tours, Excursions, & Adventures. Umauma Falls is located on the Big Island in Hawaii. The best hikes on the Big Island of Hawaii are indeed a mixed bag. Compared to many other Hawaiian Islands, the Big Island is huge. Please keep in mind that the falls are not accessible to the general public. This has some of the best waterfalls on Maui. Not really. Umauma Falls The hike down is very easy and can take as little as 20 minutes. You can follow an uphill path towards the waterfall, which is about half a mile long. Hi'ilawe Falls in the Waipio Valley. There is a chance of injury or death if you decide to go swimming or wading in any waterfall. Access costs $12 per person (walk-in fee, no pre-bookings required), which also buys you access to their garden. 10 Amazing Kauai Waterfalls + Map (for swimming, hiking, families) Note: There is an admission fee to the state park, $5.00 per car or $1 per person if you are walking. Photos of Kulania attached . There are much safer spots to swim - a.k.a. Narnia is the name given to a set of waterfalls in the Hilo Forest Reserve. Address: 875 Akaka Falls Rd, Honomu, HI 96728, United States. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. Sign up for this discounted Kohala Waterfalls Adventure Tour. Hawaii Horseback Riding Tour with Waterfall Swim at Umauma Falls This is one of the most famous waterfalls on the Big Island. Please do not be tempted to hike up if there are signs that say hiking is not allowed and its blocked off. Here you will find a delightful selection of art galleries and gift stores as well as several cafes. And it is surrounded by immense boulders and greenery. Kohala Waterfalls Adventure (Kailua-Kona) - All You Need - Tripadvisor Even when the falls are dry, the lush landscape is incredible. This state park is home to two amazing waterfalls, one of which plunges 422 feet into a stream-eroded gorge below. However, the waterfall tends to be dry in early spring, around March. Top 5 Big Island Waterfalls in Hilo, Hawaii Kulaniapia Falls 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). In general, yes, but there are several risks associated with swimming under waterfalls in the state of Hawaii that you should be aware of. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW. Alternatively, you could think of going for this scenic drive to see all the waterfalls close to Hilo in half a day. The lush landscape alone is enough to warrant a hike here. Deluxe Big Island ATV Tour & Waterfall Swim at Umauma Falls . The dark blue/purple waterfalls are more difficult to see and smaller waterfalls. 8x Waterfalls on the Big Island of Hawaii for 2023 - Travel Come join the Big Island's only horseback ride that offers swimming at a waterfall! This half-day tour takes you to the three most famous Big Island waterfalls: 'Akaka Falls, Hi'ilawe Falls and Rainbow Falls. Most waterfalls in Hawaii have a great pool of water to swim in. 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. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. 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. 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. This is a great family-friendly waterfall as there are no strong currents or falling rocks around. Big Island waterfall tours Legends of the Waterfalls & Volcano Full-Day Tour This would allow you to see almost all of our favorite waterfalls and is recommended for people that really love waterfalls. 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 Yes, but all of them require some sort of entrance fee. If you prefer places that are not busy, then you will love Peepee Falls. Youll get to hear a bit about the history of Coconut Island (it will totally surprise you) as you paddle around Hilo Bay. Nonetheless, its still a breathtaking sight to see. Swimming in tropical fresh water ( and I use the term loosely) is a product of Hollywood movies like blue Lagoon. #1. Its such a fun, Combine vibrant sapphire pools with some stellar spots for cliff jumping, and youve got one of Mauis local hangouts. Our featured listings highlight those tours that combine exceptional waterfall experiences, professional guides, and more fun than you can imagine. This can cause the falls to be (almost) dry even during the wet season. This allows you to experience a birds-eye view of the waterfall! 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 lush green northeastern coast- the Hilo and Hamakua Coast regions- is home to lovely tropical gardens nourished by the abundant rainfall the area receives. Absolutely! Check out the latest prices and details! It is located about 1.6 miles (5-minute drive) from Rainbow Falls and is also part of the Wailuku River. Due to its location, the sun hits the water at just the right angle to show off. Did we list it? Plan to hike on slippery rocks, uphill slogs, tree roots, mud, and unmaintained trails. Standing at around 80 feet tall, this waterfall is a must-see year round on the Big Island. 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. Beautiful Big Island Waterfall Hikes - Hawaii Travel with Kids Rainbow Falls One of Hawaii's most stunning waterfalls, Rainbow Falls is named for the rainbows that can be seen in the mist. Big Island in a Day: Volcanoes, Waterfalls, Sightseeing, History (From $226.96) Hawaii Volcano Adventure Tour from Hilo (From $195.99) You can also book a stay at The Inn, a high-quality resort thats well worth the money. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. 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. Which waterfall can you swim at on the Big Island? The admission fee to the park is $5.00 per car or $1 per person for pedestrians. Subscribe to receive 5 emails in 5 days: Call us for advice! Star the map to save it to your own Google Maps, or open the map in a new window for a larger version. Book any of these great Big Island waterfall tours today! 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. Location: North east side of Big Island. Cooling lava flows created columns, which connect a series of cascading waterfalls and pools that appear to be bubbling. The area beyond that is private property, so be aware of where youre going! The Hiilawe waterfall is one of the tallest waterfalls of the state of Hawai. There are many tours available if you would rather visit with a guide. Enjoy! Its 93 miles across and has all sorts of terrain and natural wonders. Copyright 2019-2023 Hawaii Travel With Kids/Marcie In Mommyland, Top 7 Big Island Hawaii Waterfalls You Should Visit, Privacy Policy for Hawaii Travel with Kids, Courtyard by Marriotts King Kamehameha Beach Hotel. Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Big Island Itinerary complete with daily schedules, kid-friendly activities, and travel hacks? Where to Find the Best Waterfalls on the Big Island, Hawaii Flash flooding in this area is common, so please proceed with caution. I also included a table of contents, so feel free to skip to the sections you are most interested in. 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. 2. What youll see along the route will depend on what trail you choose, but each one is worth it! If ATVing is a bit too adventurous for you, try this tranquil kayaking tour that starts in Hilo town and takes you past hidden waterfalls. The Onomea Falls is located within the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, This s private property owned by Dan Lutkenhouse, first opened in 1984. This waterfall is created from a small stream and is a multiple-tier waterfall located inside the Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Garden. Check out the latest prices and more details. This is a full-day trip from Kona. I have included a downloadable map of these waterfalls at the bottom of this post to help with your planning and navigation. 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. During the tour, youll travel along the coastline. Big Island of Hawaii Waterfalls and How To Visit Them Kulaniapia Falls is located inside a 42-acre private property in Hilo, Hawaii. Its approximately a 19-mile out and back hike that takes around 4 hours each way. 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. Get your discounted Kohala Tour from Kona Tour. Island Experiences | Hilton Waikoloa Village Hawaii Resort One other thing to note is that there are 13 streams you will have to cross before getting to the water. This tour is unique in that it focuses almost entirely on the history and culture of Hawaii. The Northern beach offers the best base location for those wanting to live by the sea in Sons of the Forest. The cliffs were formed from the lava flow from Mauna Kea that once flowed down the mountainside. 1. 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. Akaka Falls and Kahuna Falls. Please do not put these waterfalls on your to-do list. Most waterfalls on the Hamakua coast are a 90-mile drive away. Of course, the most popular and simple strategy is to include a visit into your itinerary as you drive by one or two waterfalls. swimming in waterfalls - Island of Hawaii Forum - Tripadvisor The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls is one of the only waterfalls I recommend swimming at while on the Big Island. The Rainbow Falls are the easiest waterfalls to see on the Big Island! The Experiences Package allows you to water rappel. Facebook Pinterest Twitter Instagram Subscribe to our Newsletter. Vrouw wil bevallen in oceaan met dolfijnen als vroedvrouw, ondanks Be sure not the trespass onto the private land that surrounds the waterfall. youll get to taste seasonal fruit and macadamia nuts, swim at private waterfalls, and enjoy local food for lunch. One of the coolest ways to experience Kulaniapia Falls is by booking a spot in one of the Experience Packages available at the property. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. 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. Big Island of Hawaii Waterfalls Simply put, waterfalls on the Big Island of Hawaii are some of the world's finest. Both falls are located on a family-friendly hiking loop (.4 miles) that takes about 30-45 minutes to see both waterfalls. Drive down yourself (only with 4WD), or get down to the valley floor as part of a horseback riding tour in the valley. I have seen other people recommend Peepee Falls as another great option. 4 Easy Big Island Waterfalls For Those Who Are Tired - Aloha With Love Akaka, Kahuna, Hiilawe, Rainbow, Umauma, Peepee, Kulaniapia, Onomeaand WaiilikahiFalls. The waterfalls themselves might be short, but the picturesque pools are well worth the short hike. When people talk about swimming at Peepee Falls, they are probably referring to the boiling pots located by the lookout point. Standing at 2,954 feet tall, this waterfall is spectacular. Hiilawe (the barely visible waterfall in the back of the valley) is one of the tallest waterfalls on the Big Island. This tour takes you on a journey through Hilo, stopping by at the Rainbow Falls, tidepools, and ocean beaches. Also, if you are visiting Oahu and want to know where the best waterfall hikes are on Oahu, Ive got you covered. You can hide and show different layers, or click icons on the map to see the names of waterfalls we mention in this guide. I highly recommend checking out Viator for some of the best tours in Hawaii. Free cancellation: up to 24 hours before tour. If you are in the Kona area, I highly recommend Paradise Helicopters. Rappelling at the Kulaniapia Falls. The famous triple-tiered Umauma Falls. Most of the waterfalls on the Big Island are fairly close to Hilo. Amidst the countless natural attractions on the Big Island, Ive picked seven of the top waterfalls on the Big Island to check out! Along the way, youll be privy to various wild orchids. There are no lifeguards here, so please be extremely cautious. 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. 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. Hiilawe Falls is a great waterfall to visit and is one of the tallest waterfalls in Hawaii. The Wailuku River flows along the bottom of the gorge and downstream to Rainbow Falls. Here, youll zipline across the forest, have lunch in the Pololu Valley, and even swim in a Big Island waterfall. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Having traveled to Hawaii MORE THAN 40 TIMES, Marcie is a self-proclaimed Hawaii travel expert! This remote, Makaleha Trailhead, 7290 Kahuna Rd, Kapa?a, HI 96746, USA, Makapipi Falls is visible from the Road to Hana, and is unique in that the waterfall plummets into a striking blue pool. Youll experience 7 incredible Kohala waterfalls plus a picnic lunch. 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 The Complete Guide to Big Island Waterfalls - bigisland.org 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. Now they have opened up their grounds to a limited amount of daily visitors. Get your discounted Magical Waterfall Tour. The only waterfall you can swim at on the Big Island is the Inn at Kulaniapia Falls. Get your discounted Hilo Bay Kayaking Tickets. The water conceals long lava ridges, so its easy to be pulled in and trapped. 'Akaka Falls 'Akaka Falls is located just north of Hilo and are a gem of the Big Island's waterfalls. Upper Waikani Falls Joe Parks/Flickr Also known as Three Bears falls, Waikani is approximately 70 feet tall, and visible from the Hana Highway. Swimming here is not recommended, even on days where it feels safe. Farmers Markets. We like to get up and close to any waterfall we see, and know the same is true for many of our readers. Peepee Falls are another great waterfall that you can visit. Check out the latest prices and more details. Do you like waterfalls a LOT and are you also visiting another island in the Hawaiian island chain? Hiilawe Falls is one of the top Big Island waterfall hikes to do. Youll be treated to an entirely new and equally beautiful view of the waterfalls. There is only one way to get here, and thats by hiking along the coastal trail. Please dont take the risk there are many places more suitable for swimming in Hilo (the beach!). 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. This is also close to where most of the black sand beaches on the Big Island are located. The trail is surrounded by beautiful vegetation and singing birds, and the falls are absolutely worth the effort! Hiking to the waterfall is not possible as the trail crosses private property, but you can see the Hiilawe falls from many places within Waipio valley. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. Spend a few hours relaxing luxuriating in a private area of the Umauma River. from $85 + taxes & fees | Child $75. However, the best views come when you climb under the bridge and follow a short jungle path to the base of the waterfall. 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. These are just a few of the many, many tours that can be booked to see the beautiful waterfalls on the Big Island. Always a classic, this, Located just a mile upstream of Rainbow Falls on the Wailua River, Peepee Falls feeds a series of several pools known as the boiling pots. However, they have started opening the grounds to the public for a $49 day pass. Kohala Waterfalls Hike & Swim Eco Tour - HawaiiActivities.com The most notable waterfalls on the Big Island that are free to visit are the Peepee Falls and the Rainbow falls. Alternatively, you can zipline or rappel at the Umauma Falls. 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. Hours: Daily, 8:30AM - 6:00PM. Located only 1.5 miles upstream from Rainbow Falls, Peepee Falls is another beautiful spot. This might cost more, but its well worth it. Description: Considered one of the best family waterfall hikes on the island, the 800-foot Waipoo Falls can be approached via the Waipoo Falls Trail at Waimea Canyon.