6 Breathtaking Waterfalls On the Big Island Of Hawaii
The Big Island of Hawaii is home to a variety of stunning waterfalls that you won’t want to miss! Some are easily accessible, while others require a hike to reach the final destination. I’ve personally visited the Big Island of Hawaii over 20 times and never get tired of these gorgeous sites! Sharing the BEST Waterfalls on the Big Island below that you really shouldn’t miss!
Most accessible waterfalls are located between Hilo (eastern side of the island) or near Waipio Valley (northern side of the island). A list of ALL of the waterfalls are provided below for your reference as well!
Hilo: Rainbow falls, Peʻepeʻe falls (Boiling Pots), Waiʻale falls, Kulaniapia falls
Hamakua Coast: Akaka falls, Kolekole falls, Umauma falls, Onomea falls, Nanue falls, Hanapueo falls
Kohala Coast: Hiʻilawe falls, Waiulili falls
Akaka Falls
Hamakua Coast // $5+ per person
875 Akaka Falls Rd, Honomu, HI 96728
Akaka Falls will take your breath away! This 422-ft tall waterfall is just north of Hilo and a must-see! There is a small admission fee to park here & enter, but it’s well worth it.
To see the falls, a short 0.4 mile “hike” is necessary. The hike is paved but does have some stairs. It takes you through the lush rainforest before the trees open up and showcase the stunning waterfall view.
Bonus – there is actually a second waterfall located along the trail called “Kahuna Falls”. It is 100ft tall and still a beautiful site to see surrounded by the lush rainforest.
Related Post: Best Things to Do in Hilo
Rainbow Falls
Hilo // Free
Rainbow Falls is an impressive waterfall that is by far the easiest waterfall to see on the Big Island. This waterfall is located within the city limits of Hilo and is just off the parking lot – no hike or walk required.
The best time to visit Rainbow Falls is early in the morning – it’s your best chance of seeing a rainbow due to the spray reflection from the falls. It’s also the best time to avoid crowds.
You can opt to climb the stairs to the top of the falls for a different view if you’d like!
Read More: FREE Things To Do On The Big Island
Boiling Pots
Hilo // Free // Easily Accessible
The Boiling Pots is a popular waterfall and is only 1.5 miles away from Rainbow Falls. This area got its name from the hollowed-out lava formations that appear to “boil” when the river is filled to the brim from rain. There is a large paved viewing point for anyone to enjoy the falls from above!
There is another waterfall, Peepee Falls, located just a quarter of a mile away from the Boiling Pots overlook. Many people are tempted to hike the short distance to see these falls. However, it is extremely dangerous and considered trespassing. Many people die on the short hike to Peepee Falls due to the slippery rocks and flash floods.
Umauma Falls
Hakalau (North of Hilo) // $12 per person // Easily Accessible
31-313 Old Mamalahoa Hwy, Hakalau, HI 96710
To access Umauma Falls, you’ll need to drive 30 minutes north of Hilo onto the “Umauma Experience” reserve. Here, you can visit the Visitors Center, Garden, and see the falls on a self-guided tour. Ticket prices are $12/person, but it’s not required to purchase tickets in advance! You can access these falls Monday-Saturday from 8AM-5PM (it is closed on Sundays).
The Umauma Falls are comprised of 3 short waterfalls that cascade down close to each other. If you don’t want to pay for the ticket, you can see the falls from the overlook. But for the best view and access to the botanical gardens, you’ll need to buy a ticket.
These falls are the perfect place for people who are looking for a bit of adventure! The Umauma Experience team offers a variety of exciting excursions like ATV riding, ziplining, horseback riding, and more!
Onomea Falls
Hamakua Coast // $25 per person // Easily Accessible
27-717 Old Mamalahoa Hwy, Papaikou, HI 96781
The Onomea Falls are located in the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden. The gardens are open 7 days a week from 9AM to 5PM. While the falls are beautiful, that is certainly not the main attraction in this botanical garden.
Within the 20-acre Botanical Gardens, you can see over 2000 different kinds of species! The trails are all paved and take you through the lush rainforest to explore a variety of flowers, plants, and trees. There are even some unique birds within the gardens! It’s definitely worth a visit!
Hiilawe Waterfall
Waipio Valley // Free // 6 Mile Hike
Wowza – this 1,200ft waterfall is the tallest waterfall on any island in Hawaii and is often the focal point of many helicopters rides over the island. However, you can also see this waterfall up close by hiking down to the Waipio Valley! The hike is very steep, and strenuous on the way back up.
Do be warned – this hike may not be worth it as the falls have lessened over time. The river feeding into the falls was dammed a few years ago making the stream much smaller and less impressive. Best chance of seeing both falls is in the winter months (rainy months).
Alternatively, you can hire a tour to horseback ride or 4-wheel drive down the steep 25% incline. It’s one of the most well-known waterfalls on the Big Island, despite the lessening of the water flow.
I personally took a tour down into Waipio Valley and had the opportunity to see the falls then. You won’t get close to them as they’re on private property, but the view is great!
There you have it – the best waterfalls on the Big Island of Hawaii! How many can you check off your list during your visit? Share your favorites in the comments below! Thanks!
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On the travel wish list! Would love to visit Hawaii. And we should definitely be searching out all of these waterfalls on the Big Island! Good to know that some of these are an easy “hike”. Such beautiful variety in the different falls. Good tip to check on the water flow before doing the longer hikes.
Hope to visit Hawaii one day. Our current goal right now is to visit all 50 states. The two falls that stuck out the most to me were UMAUMA FALLS and the BOILING POTS both of those are gorgeous and look really cool. Thanks for sharing!
Those waterfalls are just incredibly beautiful. I’ve only been to Oahu and don’t remember if we’ve seen a waterfall there – whereby I’m sure they do have some. From Europe, Hawaii is sooo far, otherwise, I would love to visit again – and this time possibly Big Island.
Was hoping for a 5 week US trip ending in Hawaii this fall, but life happened, so unfortunately will have to materialise another time. It looks so amazing! Love your Hiilawe Waterfall shot
Wow it looks amazing, especially Waipio Valley! I’d love to head to Hawaii sometime. Thanks for summing up.
These are all stunning, would love to get to the Big Island just to chase waterfalls, thanks for the start to another DO destination…
Wow, these all look amazing! I’d love to visit Hawaii and visit all of these beautiful waterfalls. Thanks for sharing!
I am visiting the Big Island in Hawaii next month and I will search out these waterfalls.
Big Island was the first Hawaii island I’ve ever been to when I was 15…that was 17 years ago (oh gosh I’m aging myself!) and I’m sure a lot has changed! I don’t remember seeing the waterfalls though. I would love to go back! Although I am going to Oahu in a few days and gonna the Waimea Falls! Great post!
We visited the Big Island and did not see any of these waterfalls. And I am so disappointed because they are gorgeous! Akaka Falls, Rainbow Falls and Hiilawea are at the top of my list for next time. Thanks for the inspiration!!!
Wow! Sounds like you spent most of your time on the Kona side of the island then! The best waterfalls are located on the North and West side of the island (closer to Hilo). At least you have a great reason to go back!
Loved Umauma Falls. There is similar 3 tier falls in Cherrapunji, India. It is called Wei Sawdong Falls.
Three tier waterfalls are always so breathtaking! I’ll have to look into Wei Sawdong Falls – India is still on my personal bucket list.
I absolutely love waterfalls! I feel like Hawaii would just be waterfall after waterfall. Thank you for sharing this awesome post. I am definitely saving it for my visit!
Hawaii certainly has lots of waterfalls, but some are on private property / protected lands! This list here is completely accessible for all visitors which makes it convenient!
Wow, it’s so hard to choose a favorite! However, Akaka Falls is beautiful, and I love your photos. Thanks for sharing!
I spent two weeks in Hawaii a few years ago and it is amazing. Loved seeing this waterfall and reading about it to take me back. Thank you so much for sharing!