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. The total height of the falls is about 1,450 feet (442m), with a highest direct drop of 1,201 feet (366m)! This waterfall can only be accessed from the lookout, and swimming here is no longer allowed. with the opportunity to enjoy a relaxing snack break at the waterfalls where you can swim and paddleboard. While there are gorgeous waterfalls on Kauai, Oahu, and Maui, the Big Island has some of the most famous waterfalls in Hawaii. Sign up for this discounted Kohala Waterfalls Adventure Tour. P?palaua Falls, Hawaii 96748, USA 6. You can follow an uphill path towards the waterfall, which is about half a mile long. In general, yes, but there are several risks associated with swimming under waterfalls in the state of Hawaii that you should be aware of. Big Island waterfall tours Legends of the Waterfalls & Volcano Full-Day Tour The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls is one of the only waterfalls I recommend swimming at while on the Big Island. Access to the falls is right off the road. This amazingly unique experience takes place on the beautiful landscapes near the Umauma stream, held on pristinely-kept private property. The content on this website may not be copied or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior written permission. Youll start off driving up the Kona coastline pas lava flows and check out sweeping views from the old Kohala Mule Station lookout. How to use this map: Above youll find a map of waterfalls on the Big Island of Hawaii. Subscribe to receive 5 emails in 5 days: Call us for advice! Akaka and Kahuna Falls are part of the Akaka Falls State Park, located north of Hilo. Lava from Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa meet near the base of Peepee Falls, about 2 miles downstream. Youll also pass by Boulder Creek on your way to the falls, which is a gorgeous sight to see. 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. Which one was your favorite? To make the process easier you can look directly into Kona jeep rental deals and reserve the one that meets your needs. Sustainable Travel guide and itineraries for the Big Island of Hawaii. Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Heather Goodman. This broad waterfall in the Wailuku river is conveniently located within Hilo town. The gigantic waterfall stands out from the dry, rocky background of the red-walled canyon. 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. 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. The waterfall got its name from the rainbow that often forms at the base. 2023 Hawaii Travel Guide. Download and/or view the map of all 9 waterfalls here. Why not go on one of our perfectly planned waterfall road trips with itineraries for both Oahu and Maui. This is the perfect pre or post-hike pit stop for pineapples and fresh coconuts that you can't miss. Several are featured in popular Hawaiian songs. Let us know in the comments below! Farmers Markets. If you plan to camp here, please make sure you obtain the proper permits, as they are required. Its the largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago and has some of the most popular waterfalls in all of Hawaii! This has some of the best waterfalls on Maui. Take a full-day waterfall adventure tour of the Big Islands Kohala Coast. We grouped this one group of Hawaii Big Island waterfalls together as they both are located in Akaka Falls State Park. 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. Big Island Hotels, Resorts, B&Bs, & Vacation Rentals, Big Island Tours, Excursions, & Adventures. Of course, the most popular and simple strategy is to include a visit into your itinerary as you drive by one or two waterfalls. The waterfall is split into two waterfalls that fall into a pool below. Swimming here is not recommended, even on days where it feels safe. Also, if you are visiting Oahu and want to know where the best waterfall hikes are on Oahu, Ive got you covered. Its a 100-foot waterfall that youll pass by on your way to Akaka if you follow the footpath. Hiilawe Falls is one of the top Big Island waterfall hikes to do. User-submitted Waterfall Write-up of the Month, and the latest news and updates both within the website as well as around the wonderful world of waterfalls. Read more: in our guide to visiting the Akaka falls. 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. We decided to take a scenic drive while staying on the Hilo side to see some of these waterfalls. Check out the latest prices and more details. Free cancellation: up to 48 hours before tour. In addition, if weather and conditions permit, you may be able to swim, kayak or paddleboard under the waterfalls. Get your discounted Kohala Tour from Kona Tour. You can also see these waterfalls as part of a zipline tour or an ATV and dip (swim) tour at the gardens. This ziplining tour is the option for those who love a thrill. And these are just the most popular waterfalls on Big Island. Are you traveling to the Big Island of Hawaii? Due to its location, the sun hits the water at just the right angle to show off. Hawaii's Big Island is home to some of the islands' most accessible waterfalls, and here are five of the most popular. 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. So keep an eye out for honu (green sea turtles) and admire the coast! For more information on waterfalls in Maui, You can check out this post on the best 15 stops on the Road to Hana. The trailhead is easy to find just off the parking lot. I have seen people continue to do it anyway, but this is just asking for trouble. Here are some tours you can check out: This half-day tour takes you to the three most famous Big Island waterfalls: Akaka Falls, Hiilawe Falls and Rainbow Falls. From USD 130.62. Its one of the tallest and most powerful waterfalls in Hawaii, although it gets a bit dry around March. The Umauma falls are three waterfalls in close proximity to the Umauma River, 16 miles north of Hilo on the Hamakua coast. Swimming in tropical fresh water ( and I use the term loosely) is a product of Hollywood movies like blue Lagoon. Compared to many other Hawaiian Islands, the Big Island is huge. 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. I visited Rainbow Falls in September of 2021 and the trail to get to the top was closed. The trail is surrounded by beautiful vegetation and singing birds, and the falls are absolutely worth the effort! The path to Onomea Falls is stunning in itself. Mahalo! I have included a downloadable map of these waterfalls at the bottom of this post to help with your planning and navigation. If conditions are suitable you can use on-property SUP and kayak equipment to explore the waterfall. They offer a variety of tours to see the falls with ziplining being our favorite way to see the falls. This would allow you to see almost all of our favorite waterfalls and is recommended for people that really love waterfalls. Please dont take the risk there are many places more suitable for swimming in Hilo (the beach!). This waterfall is created from a small stream and is a multiple-tier waterfall located inside the Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Garden. This is what the falls look like after a good rain upstream. This isn't one that you can swim under though. This can cause the falls to be (almost) dry even during the wet season. The Falls has recently been named in the top ten best swimming holes in America by the magazine Travel + Leisure. Rainbow Falls is one of the easiest to see and most popular waterfalls on the Big Island of Hawaii. 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. Photos of Kulania attached . Plan to hike on slippery rocks, uphill slogs, tree roots, mud, and unmaintained trails. Swimming Holes on the Big Island of Hawaii. Whats the Honolulu Sister Cities Program? Star the map to save it to your own Google Maps, or open the map in a new window for a larger version. While there arent really Kona waterfalls, you see tons of waterfalls in Hilo. With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. 2. Kulaniapia Falls is once again located on private property, this time belonging to The Inn and usually reserved exclusively for residents there. Hi'ilawe Falls in the Waipio Valley. Keep scrolling for the best waterfalls on the Big Island and discover why people love coming back again and again to this magical island destination. 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. Absolutely! Which waterfall can you swim at on the Big Island? The best hikes on the Big Island of Hawaii are indeed a mixed bag. 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. The property offers helicopter, lava tube exploration, stargazing, and lava encounter tours as well. Good to know: to access the falls you must purchase a $49 daypass to the grounds. Standing at 422ft tall, this free-falling waterfall drops to the bottom of the gorge, creating an amazing panoramic view of the area. 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. It takes about 20-30 minutes to complete the loop. If you have the time and are already visiting Rainbow Falls, add a short hike to continue your waterfall adventure. Hiilawe Falls is a magnificent waterfall located in Waipio Valley on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island. Its approximately a 19-mile out and back hike that takes around 4 hours each way. On the Hamakua coast: 'Akaka falls, Kolekole falls, Umauma falls, Onomea falls, Nanue falls, Hanapueo falls + lower Umauma falls. You might hear that people go swimming here, but dont do it! These links do not cost you anything and help provide the necessary funding to maintain this website. Hiilawe Falls is located on the Big Island. Book any of these great Big Island waterfall tours today! A delicious catered lunch is provided in our secluded pavilion. This allows you to experience a birds-eye view of the waterfall! . Spend a few hours relaxing luxuriating in a private area of the Umauma River. Youll be able to get up close and personal with this body of water and have the most memorable time in Hawaii. Check out the latest prices and more details. Did we list it? Onomea Falls is a stunning multi-tiered waterfall set amidst a beautiful botanical garden: the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden. While visiting the Wailuku River State Park, you can also stop by the Peepee Falls. If you dont want to search out the waterfalls on your own, this might be the right tour for you. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu. Youll need to pay an entrance fee to enter the area. Be sure to do both if you have the time. Please do not put these waterfalls on your to-do list. Furthermore, flash floods and strong currents are a real danger there. Get your discounted Waterfalls of Kohala Tour. If youre looking for a little piece of paradise on the Big Island, just keep your eyes peeled and head to one of these gorgeous waterfalls. Click here to see all our recommended waterfall tours on our website. Located up the Wailua River, you will need to either rent kayaks or book a guided tour to reach the trailhead. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The Kulaniapia Falls is a private 90-100 foot waterfall located at the Inn at Kulaniapia Falls. Yes, but all of them require some sort of entrance fee. This adds ~1 hour/waterfall to your itinerary will be the best option for the large majority of visitors. 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. What is the best way to visit all these waterfalls? As you travel, youll be privy to the views of obscure but beautiful hidden waterfalls, coasts, and beaches. This waterfall is smaller than Rainbow falls, but also way less crowded. Its easily accessible and it will only take you about half an hour to get here. At the bottom of the valley, take a left and walk for roughly 5-10 minutes to see the falls. Located within the Hilo city limits, Wainuenue (Rainbow Falls) is very easy to visit. Youll be treated to an entirely new and equally beautiful view of the waterfalls. The beach! 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. Our featured listings highlight those tours that combine exceptional waterfall experiences, professional guides, and more fun than you can imagine. Flash flooding in this area is common, so please proceed with caution. 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. What takes a waterfall from "beautiful" to "spectacular" is height- and Hawaii's falls undoubtedly have it! What are the best hikes on the Big Island? Both waterfalls are beautiful Big Island attractions. The falls used to only be open to those staying at the hotel located on the grounds. You dont want any surprises that could ruin your trip. Looking for a car rental in Kona, Big island. Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Big Island Itinerary complete with daily schedules, kid-friendly activities, and travel hacks? For those with a daring spirit, the Deleuze ATV Waterfall and Swim Experience tour is for you. Nanua Falls is a series of waterfalls on the Hamakua Coast, about 18 miles north of Hilo. Standing at 2,954 feet tall, this waterfall is spectacular. It is also possible to rappel down along the Kulaniapia Falls. We've updated both travel guides with a lot of new great information for potential visitors (and those who've been a time or two as well). Most of the waterfalls are found near Hilo and northeastern, or Hamakua, coast. 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. Note: There is an admission fee to the state park, $5.00 per car or $1 per person if you are walking. Don't miss them because once you see them, you'll never forget them! A tour across the Hamakua Coast that stops at Akaka Falls State Park, Rainbow Falls and Richardson Beach Park. Unfortunately, the strength of the falls is often dependent on rainfall - so here's to hoping you catch it on a good day. There are so many incredible waterfalls, making it hard to know where to start. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. 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. Get your discounted Kohala Zip and Dip Tour. 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! Here are a few top picks that are worth checking out! 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. Hi'ilawe Falls I also included a table of contents, so feel free to skip to the sections you are most interested in. The water conceals long lava ridges, so its easy to be pulled in and trapped. The waterfall is named for the beautiful rainbow that forms at the waterfalls base. If youre lucky, you may be able to see honu (green sea turtle) and even dolphins! When river safety conditions permit, you can also go swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding under the Kulaniapia Falls using on-site equipment. Where is the Blue Pool waterfall in Hawaii? Have you gone to any of the best waterfalls in Hawaii to swim? Family friendly zipline tour + private waterfall swim. This is a full-day trip from Kona. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. However, you need to pay a fee to be able to access the viewing deck. 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. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. The package can include waterfall rappelling, which is the best way to experience Kulaniapia. If you prefer places that are not busy, then you will love Peepee Falls. 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.