What to do and see in Island of Hawaii, Hawaii (HI): The Best Waterfalls

February 2, 2022 Kaleigh Reichenbach

Life on the Big Island is a little bit slower… and locals like it that way. The natural beauty and ecological features of the island are a draw for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Test your chutzpah at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home to the longest volcanic eruption in recorded history, or climb to the indescribably beautiful summit of Mauna Kea. At the end of the day, there’s nothing more refreshing than a quivering plate of fresh poke, followed by a fruity shave ice.
Restaurants in Island of Hawaii

1. Nanue falls

on the Nanue Stream bridge on Old Mamalahoa Highway, Honomu, Island of Hawaii, HI 96728
Excellent
80%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 5 reviews

Nanue falls

2. Akaka Falls State Park

End of Akaka Falls Road Off Hwy 220, Hilo, Island of Hawaii, HI 96728 +1 808-961-9540 http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/hawaii/akaka-falls-state-park/
Excellent
59%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 6,119 reviews

Akaka Falls State Park

Reviewed By Steve82WCHS - Nappanee, United States

An easy walk (although there are quite a few stairs) to this beautiful waterfall, with the added bonus of a wide variety of tropical plants along the route. A limited view of another waterfall as well (partially hidden across a valley), but well worth the time. Park on the road just outside the lot and pay only $1 per person (it's $5 to park in the lot and you gain next to no saved walking distance).

3. Umauma Falls

Old Camp Rd North Hamakua Coast, Honomu, Island of Hawaii, HI +1 808-930-9477 http://umaumaexperience.com
Excellent
78%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
4%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 79 reviews

Umauma Falls

Reviewed By 246arlenem - Old Orchard Beach, United States

We had trouble finding the place so maybe this will help - Look for the sign for the World Botanical Gardens on Hwy 19 near the 16 mile marker. Turn toward the mountain side on Old Mamalahoa Hwy. Umauma Falls & ZipLine Experience is just past the World Botanical Gardens on your right. We ordered lunch at the snack bar in the Visitor Center and ate on their deck which had a wonderful view of the river. Then for $5 a person we drove to another parking lot and and walked around in the beautiful Tropical Garden of Peace. Next to the garden is a fantastic overlook of Umauma Falls! The walking map will show you multiple scenic points where you can view the falls. Umauma Falls is breathtaking beautiful so do not miss it! If you unable or not interested in zip lining, you can still see the falls.

4. Hiilawe Falls

Honokaa, Island of Hawaii, HI
Excellent
60%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 48 reviews

Hiilawe Falls

Reviewed By worldismyoyster2015 - Melbourne, Australia

Long hike down and then tough back up but special place. Parking at lookout may be limited so prepare to walk 1klm to start of descent.

5. Rainbow Falls

Waianuenue Avenue, Hilo, Island of Hawaii, HI 96720 +1 808-961-9540 http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/hawaii/wailuku-river-state-park/
Excellent
42%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
18%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 3,837 reviews

Rainbow Falls

Waterfalls located on the big island of Hawaii.

Reviewed By BRIAND138

Easy stop just outside of Hilo you have to walk up the trail on the lady side of the falls to see the big tree It is amazing There is also a volcano tube just up the road from the falls If you go have sturdy shoes and a good flashlight

6. Twin Falls

Hana Hwy, past mile marker 2 Waipi`o Valley, Island of Hawaii, HI
Excellent
38%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
22%
Poor
7%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 45 reviews

Twin Falls

Reviewed By MarktheWay - Anchorage, United States

We did not see the twin falls today, only one of the falls were on. I guess during low water periods, only one is on. It was an enjoyable walk to the fall. There were portable potties available on the trail.

7. Wai'ale falls

Waianuenue avenue, Island of Hawaii, HI
Excellent
25%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
25%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 4 reviews

Wai'ale falls

8. Wailuku River State Park

Off Waianuenue Avenue, Hilo, Island of Hawaii, HI 96720 +1 808-587-0400 [email protected] http://liveinhawaiinow.com/rainbow-falls/
Excellent
37%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
19%
Poor
6%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 105 reviews

Wailuku River State Park

Reviewed By ColleenC974

My husband and I love waterfalls, and this one we found rather by accident. It is right off the road (there is a small area to pull off), and it is just beautiful! You can watch it continue on both sides of the bridge. Nice little stop.

9. Pe'epe'e Falls

99 Peepee Falls Road Off Kaumana Drive, Hilo, Island of Hawaii, HI 96720 http://www.to-hawaii.com/big-island/waterfalls/peepeefalls.php
Excellent
30%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
26%
Poor
6%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 111 reviews

Pe'epe'e Falls

Reviewed By 91brandil - Turlock, United States

It was a short drive from Rainbow Falls, not as spectacular, but the history lesson was worth the drive.

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.