Akaka Falls
Akaka Falls is one of the Big Island’s most famous waterfalls measuring at over 400+ feet. If you’re spending time on the Hilo side of the Big Island, you may want to put this on your list if you love waterfalls. The best time to visit is after a big rain because you may be able to catch a glimpse of the often forgotten and unseen Kahuna Falls.
Avoid The Tour Buses At Akaka Falls
Tours are great when you’re on them, but not so great when you’re enjoying a view with a sea of people. These large buses packed with travelers start pouring in around 11 AM until about 4 PM. If you want to enjoy Akaka Falls with few people (this place is a tourist hotspot so there’s usually always at least a few people here), then head here early from 9 AM or closer to 6 PM.
- Most people will spend about an hour here.
- Park outside the parking lot to save a few bucks - the extra walk only adds a few minutes.
- $5 per car to park in the parking lot, $1 entrance fee.
- There's a fruit stand nearby if you're in the mood for a healthy snack.
- Restroom facilities available.
- Mosquito repellent isn't a must, but most people will come out with at least a few bites.
Local Tip: The top 2 waterfalls that’s on everyone’s list when visiting the Big Island is Akaka Falls and Rainbow Falls. If you’re on a time constraint and want to see at least one of these, I recommend Akaka Falls.
Recommended Adventures Near Akaka Falls
There’s an amazing full-day circle island tour that includes Akaka Falls that I really like. Or, if you’re the adventurous type, the Akaka Falls Zipline Adventure is fantastic – while the name of their tour is misleading (the state park can’t be commercialized), you will see a 250 foot waterfall from Kolekole stream that is still miraculous – imagine that beautiful view while you’re flying through the air!
If flying through the air is really your thing, a helicopter ride to see both waterfalls and volcanoes may be perfect for you. Or, for a completely different POV, this ATV tour includes a waterfall swim at the famous Hiilawe Falls. And if you want to slow it down even further, there are also horseback rides down to Hiilawe as well.
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