Must-See Waterfalls on the Big Island of Hawaii

Aloha! While all of the islands of Hawaii have waterfalls, none are perhaps as accessible as some of the ones on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Most of the waterfalls can be seen along the northeastern coast of the island, along the Hamakua and Hilo coasts. While part of the island is a dark desert of dry volcanic rock, this part of the island is green, wet, and supports amazing lush vegetation, rainforests, and botanical gardens. And of course, some spectacular waterfalls!

I love waterfalls and have been lucky to have had the opportunity to spend about 2 weeks on the Big Island and see many, but certainly not all, of these wonderful cascading waterfalls.

All the waterfalls listed below are located between the Waipi’o Valley (located near the small town of Kukuihaele) and Hilo. All fall within the Hamakua, North Hilo, and South Hilo districts if you have a map of the traditional land divisions. I’ve listed them in order starting at the Waipi’o Valley and moving southeast to Hilo.

Quick Reference: Which Big Island Waterfall Should You Visit?

If you’re short on time or just want to know where to go, here’s a quick summary:

Best overall waterfall: Akaka Falls. The most photogenic waterfall on the island with an easy paved loop trail through a lush rainforest setting. Entry is $5/person plus $10 parking for non-residents (as of April 2026).

Easiest to reach: Rainbow Falls. Located right in Hilo with views from the parking area. As of January 2026, entry fees apply: $5/person plus $10/vehicle for non-residents. Best visited in the morning when you can often see rainbows in the mist.

Best for adventure: Waipi’o Valley and Waimanu Valley waterfalls. The tallest falls on the island are tucked into remote valleys that require significant effort to reach.

Best for swimming: The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls (private, guests only) or book a tour at the Umauma Experience that includes waterfall swimming access.

Best free waterfall: Wai’ale Falls, viewable from a bridge on Waianuenue Avenue. Pe’epe’e Falls and Boiling Pots are also viewable from a paved lookout, though note that the Wailuku River State Park (which includes Pe’epe’e Falls and Boiling Pots) now charges entry fees for non-residents.

From Kona: All of these waterfalls are on the Hilo side of the island. The closest, Akaka Falls, is about a 2-hour drive from Kona. If you’re based in Kona, plan a full day trip combining Akaka Falls and Rainbow Falls, or book a guided tour.

You can skip through all the waterfall descriptions to the FAQ section at the bottom of the article if you prefer a summary.

Waterfalls on the Big Island from the Waipi’o Valley to Hilo

Waipi’o Valley Waterfalls (Hi’ilawe Falls, Kaluahine Falls, Waiulili Falls)

The Waipi’o Valley is one of my favorite places on the Big Island of Hawaii. You can view the beautiful green Waipi’o Valley from a paved lookout area that includes a number of free parking spaces, and the lookout alone is worth the drive.

Important update (2026): Waipi’o Valley Road has been closed to non-resident visitors since February 2022 due to hazardous road conditions, including rockfall risk and slope instability. The closure has been renewed repeatedly and remains in effect. You can no longer walk, hike, or drive into the valley on your own. The only way for visitors to access the valley floor is by booking a spot on the Waipi’o Valley Shuttle, which is operated by local families who live in the valley. The lookout at the top remains open and free to visit.

Given that none of the waterfalls are guaranteed to be viewable, flowing, or accessible during any certain time, I would only seek out these waterfalls if you know for sure they are flowing and accessible, or if you were already planning to visit the valley.

Hi’ilawe Falls (1,450 feet) is often viewable from a distance within the valley if flowing (it’s been 50/50 in our experience). There exists a lot of confusion and misinformation out there about how to get close to Hi’ilawe Falls. The waterfall sits on private property, and unless you have prior permission from the landowners, you should not attempt to approach it on foot. However, guided tours may take you closer with permission from the property owners.

Once in the valley, if you turn right, you’ll head to the beach. Kaluahine Falls can usually be seen from the right side of the beach if flowing (it is often not flowing), but to view the larger Waiulili Falls you must follow a boulder-strewn trail along the surf by going right once you near the black sand beach. However, don’t attempt this if the tide is rough as it can be quite dangerous. There are also waterfalls to the far left of the beach but do not attempt to go across the boulders in that direction — I found from personal experience this can be quite dangerous (and I never made it all the way to the waterfall).

Waimanu Valley Waterfalls (Wai’ilikahi Falls, Lahomene Falls, Waihilau Falls)

The Waimanu Valley contains three major waterfalls including Wai’ilikahi Falls (1,080 feet), Lahomene Falls (1,800 feet), and the mighty Waihilau Falls (estimated 2,600 feet!), which is one of the tallest in all of Hawaii and in the world. However, these are the most difficult of the public waterfalls to access as it requires not only getting into Waipi’o Valley but then finding the Muliwai Trail trailhead and hiking another 9 miles along a series of switchback trails to reach this pristine valley.

Note that with the current Waipi’o Valley road closure, reaching the Muliwai Trail trailhead requires taking the valley shuttle first. Hawaii residents may be able to obtain a hiking permit, but non-resident pedestrian access to the valley remains restricted. Check with the Department of Land and Natural Resources for the latest permit requirements before planning this hike.

This is a difficult hike and should only be done by those who are physically fit and should not be attempted during times of heavy rain as you’ll need to cross numerous streams along the way. You will need a permit, a good map, and proper provisions. This should not be attempted as a day hike and there are a limited number of rustic campsites once you reach Waimanu Valley.

We regrettably have not had the opportunity to do this hike yet as it requires a bit of planning, but it is near the top of the list for our next visit to the Big Island.

Nanue Falls

The Nanue Falls are actually a series of waterfalls located on the Hamakua Coast of the Big Island. While drivers can see the lower part of the waterfalls by pulling over near the Nanue Stream Bridge, there are larger waterfalls further upstream that can be viewed by following the steep trail along the Nanue River.

Most people opt only for the view from the bridge as the hike is quite steep and involves getting wet by wading in the stream and coming into contact with mosquitoes and spiders. If you do decide to hike, check the weather forecast as flash floods can make this hike very dangerous.

Umauma Falls

Umauma Falls is an attractive multi-tiered waterfall that is probably the third most photographed on the island (after Akaka and Rainbow Falls). This waterfall is on private land owned by the Umauma Experience and so you need to pay to view them. You can see them by booking a ziplining or kayaking adventure, or you can just stop by the Visitor’s Center to do a self-guided walk of the gardens which includes great views of the waterfall.

The self-guided garden walk and waterfall viewing costs $10 per adult and $5 per child (ages 10 and under) as of April 2026. No pre-booking is required; just stop by the Visitor’s Center during business hours (generally 8am to 5pm, last entry 4:30pm). Check the Umauma Experience website for current hours.

If you don’t want to pay, there are some less impressive nearby falls of the lower part of the Umauma River viewable from a bridge between the 16 and 17-mile markers along Highway 19.

Akaka Falls and Kahuna Falls

Visit Akaka Falls State Park and take the pleasant 0.4 mile paved loop trail that takes you to viewing spots of both Akaka Falls (442 feet) and Kahuna Falls (100 feet). It takes about 20-30 minutes to complete the loop.

Entry fees for non-residents are $5 per person (ages 3 and up) plus $10 per vehicle (as of April 2026). Credit card only. Hawaii residents with a valid state ID enter free. The park is open daily from 8:30am to 5pm. Parking is limited, so try to arrive early, especially if visiting during peak season. The park recommends prepaying on their website, as cell service is spotty at the park.

These two waterfalls are among the most accessible in the state and our top recommendation for anyone with limited time on the Big Island.

Onomea Falls

These small tiered waterfalls are tucked inside the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden near Hilo. The Onomea Falls are only viewable by paying for entry to the botanical gardens. While the waterfalls are a bit modest in size, the gardens are beautiful for those who love tropical flowers and we really enjoyed our visit here.

Admission is $35 per adult and $25 for children ages 6-12 (as of April 2026). Children 5 and under are free. The garden is open daily from 9am to 5pm, with last entry at 4pm. Plan to spend at least an hour exploring the gardens and waterfalls.

Rainbow Falls (a.k.a. Waianuenue Falls)

Rainbow Falls (80 feet) often resembles a wishbone and is named because you can often see rainbows here in the mornings. The falls are part of Wailuku River State Park and are located right in Hilo, making them one of the easiest waterfalls to reach on the island.

New fees (January 2026): Wailuku River State Park now charges non-residents $5 per person plus $10 per vehicle. Payment is via QR code at the parking area. Hawaii residents with valid ID enter free. Your receipt functions as a day pass that also covers Boiling Pots (the other section of the park).

The falls are very accessible with a parking lot, paved path, and wide lookout area. You can also climb a series of slippery steps to view the waterfalls from the top, but be careful. This site is well touristed, but offers postcard-perfect views and photo opportunities. Visit early in the morning for the best chance of seeing rainbows in the mist.

Pe’epe’e Falls and Boiling Pots

Pe’epe’e Falls (pronounced peh-eh peh-eh, not pee-pee) can be viewed from a paved lookout area at Wailuku River State Park. Pe’epe’e Falls (60 feet) are fairly impressive up close, but unfortunately the paved viewing area doesn’t really provide an optimal view. The viewing area does provide a great view of the Boiling Pots, which are a series of bowl-shaped pools where the water rushes through old lava rocks and lava tubes and appears to bubble up or boil as it makes its way downstream.

The same entry fees apply here as at Rainbow Falls ($5/person, $10/vehicle for non-residents as of April 2026), and your receipt from Rainbow Falls covers entry to Boiling Pots on the same day. Boiling Pots is open from 7am to 5:30pm, with gates locking at 6pm.

Now, if you really want to get a closer look at Pe’epe’e Falls you can follow a trail from the side of the lookout point down to the river to swim in the pools and make your way closer to the falls, but only do this if you know the river is low, you are sure-footed and a good swimmer, and the weather is good as the current can be quite strong and dozens of people — locals and tourists alike — have been injured or drowned in the currents. Swimming is strongly discouraged by the park.

The river was too high and dangerous during our visit, so we actually hiked/climbed in the grassy/wooded area alongside the river to get better views, but this was tough and muddy and I would not recommend this, at least not in the rain like we did.

Wai’ale Falls

The two-tiered Wai’ale Falls are not very high but the amount of water flow here is quite considerable. This same water flows downstream into the more popular Rainbow Falls. You can view Wai’ale Falls from a bridge on Waianuenue Avenue. We just parked nearby and walked to the bridge for photos. You can also follow a dirt trail to the top of the falls, but the views don’t get too much better. There is currently no entry fee to view Wai’ale Falls from the bridge.

Kulaniapia Falls

The Kulaniapia Falls (estimated at 80 feet) are on private property owned by the innkeepers of the aptly named The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls. While these falls are not open for general public viewing, a stay at this inn above Hilo provides you with access to your very own private waterfall. You can also swim in the pond at the foot of the falls, which makes it one of the few places on the Big Island where you can safely swim near a waterfall.

While we haven’t stayed at the inn yet, we can vouch that the waterfalls are very attractive as we accidentally got lost looking for Rainbow Falls and ended up in their parking lot by following the Kulaniapia Falls signs by accident. The owner, Lenny, graciously allowed us to view the waterfalls from the giant deck of the inn.

Practical Tips for Visiting Big Island Waterfalls

What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes with good grip (trails get slippery, especially after rain), a light rain jacket or poncho (the Hilo side gets frequent showers), bug spray (mosquitoes love the lush areas around waterfalls), reef-safe sunscreen, and a swimsuit if you plan to swim at Kulaniapia or Umauma Falls. Bring water and snacks as well, since most waterfall sites have no food services.

Best time to visit: Waterfalls flow best during and after the rainy season (November through March), but they’re worth visiting year-round. For Rainbow Falls specifically, visit in the morning when the sun angle creates rainbows in the mist. The Hilo side of the island gets rain throughout the year, which keeps most waterfalls flowing even in drier months.

Driving times: From Hilo, most waterfalls are within 30 minutes. Akaka Falls is about 15 miles north of Hilo (roughly 25 minutes). Rainbow Falls is right in Hilo, about a 5-minute drive from downtown. Waipi’o Valley Lookout is about 50 miles from Hilo (roughly 1 hour 15 minutes). From Kona, budget about 2 hours to reach Akaka Falls or Rainbow Falls. The drive along the Hamakua Coast from Waipi’o Valley to Hilo is scenic and can easily fill a full day if you stop at multiple waterfalls along the way.

Safety: Never swim in rivers or near waterfalls unless it is a designated safe area. Flash floods happen quickly and without warning on the Big Island. Stick to marked trails and viewing areas. Several people have drowned at Boiling Pots and Pe’epe’e Falls over the years.

A note on fees: Hawaii has been expanding entry fees at popular state parks. Non-residents should expect to pay at Akaka Falls, Rainbow Falls / Boiling Pots, and the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden. Many attractions accept credit card only (no cash). Hawaii residents with valid state ID enter free at all state parks. Fees and policies change, so check the Hawaii Division of State Parks website before you visit.

Tours That Include Big Island Waterfalls

There are a number of tours that include waterfalls on the Big Island, from full day tours to helicopter rides. Here are some options to consider:

This full day tour includes a visit to Waipi’o Valley, Akaka Falls, and other waterfalls. It also gives you the chance to swim or kayak at a private waterfall. This is one of the few ways to access Waipi’o Valley as a visitor since the road closure.

This full day nature-focused tour includes Akaka Falls and Rainbow Falls along with other natural attractions around the island.

This 1-hour helicopter flight around the island takes in several otherwise very hard to reach waterfalls, including aerial views of the Waimanu Valley waterfalls that would otherwise require a multi-day backcountry hike.

A guided tour is a particularly good option if you are based in Kona, since all the major waterfalls are on the Hilo side of the island and a full-day tour can combine waterfalls with other attractions like Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

If you’d prefer to explore on your own but don’t have a car, you’ll need to rent a car as the waterfalls are not accessible by public transportation. We’d recommend picking up a car at the Hilo airport and spending at least a couple of days on this side of the island.

Other Big Island Activities

If you’re spending time on the Big Island beyond chasing waterfalls, you might also enjoy our guides to snorkeling on the Big Island and ziplining on the Big Island. And if you need a break from all the adventure, be sure to grab a shave ice!

Frequently Asked Questions about Big Island Waterfalls

What are the best waterfalls on the Big Island of Hawaii?

The two most popular and photogenic waterfalls on the Big Island are Akaka Falls (442 feet) and Rainbow Falls (80 feet). Akaka Falls is our top recommendation for anyone with limited time, as the 0.4-mile paved loop trail through lush tropical vegetation is spectacular even beyond the waterfall itself. Rainbow Falls is the easiest to reach, located right in Hilo, and is known for the morning rainbows that form in its mist.

For those willing to put in more effort, the waterfalls in Waipi’o Valley and Waimanu Valley are among the tallest in Hawaii. Waihilau Falls in Waimanu Valley is estimated at 2,600 feet, making it one of the tallest waterfalls in the world. However, reaching it requires a challenging multi-day backcountry hike.

Are there waterfalls near Kona on the Big Island?

Unfortunately, no. All the major waterfalls on the Big Island are located on the wet, windward side of the island near Hilo, not the dry Kona coast. The closest waterfall to Kona is Akaka Falls, which is about a 2-hour drive. If you’re based in Kona and want to see waterfalls, plan a full day trip to the Hilo side, or book a guided tour that covers multiple waterfalls and other attractions in a single day.

Can you swim at any Big Island waterfalls?

Swimming opportunities at Big Island waterfalls are limited, and many spots where people have historically gone swimming are dangerous due to strong currents and flash flood risk. The safest options for swimming near a waterfall are to stay at The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls, which has a private waterfall with a safe swimming pool at its base, or to book a tour at the Umauma Experience that includes waterfall swimming access.

We would not recommend swimming at Rainbow Falls, Pe’epe’e Falls, or Boiling Pots, as several people have drowned at these locations over the years. The currents can be deceptively strong, and water levels can rise rapidly with upstream rainfall.

What is the tallest waterfall in Hawaii?

Waihilau Falls in the Waimanu Valley on the Big Island is estimated at 2,600 feet, making it one of the tallest in Hawaii and among the tallest in the world. However, it is extremely difficult to reach, requiring a multi-day backcountry hike. Several other waterfalls in the Waipi’o and Waimanu valleys are over 1,000 feet. The tallest easily accessible waterfall on the island is Akaka Falls at 442 feet.

Are there good waterfall hikes on the Big Island?

Yes! The best easy waterfall hike is the 0.4-mile paved loop at Akaka Falls State Park, which takes about 20-30 minutes and passes through beautiful tropical rainforest. For something more challenging, the trail along the Nanue River leads to larger waterfalls upstream, though it involves steep terrain and wading through water. The most serious waterfall hike on the island is the Muliwai Trail to Waimanu Valley, a 9-mile backcountry trail that should only be attempted by experienced, fit hikers with proper permits and provisions.

How much does it cost to see waterfalls on the Big Island?

Some Big Island waterfalls are free to visit, but others require entry fees. As of April 2026, Akaka Falls State Park charges $5 per person (ages 3+) plus $10 per vehicle for non-residents. Rainbow Falls and Boiling Pots (Wailuku River State Park) began charging the same fees in January 2026. Hawaii residents enter free at all state parks with valid ID. The Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden (which includes Onomea Falls) charges $35 per adult. The Umauma Experience charges $10 per adult and $5 per child for its self-guided garden walk and waterfall viewing. Wai’ale Falls is free to view from the bridge, and the Waipi’o Valley lookout is free.

What is the best time of day to visit Big Island waterfalls?

For Rainbow Falls, morning is by far the best time. The sun hits the mist at just the right angle to create rainbows, typically between about 9am and 11am. For Akaka Falls, arriving early also helps you avoid the crowds and find parking more easily. Most waterfalls look their best during or just after rainfall, when water flow is at its highest. The Hilo side of the island gets rain year-round, so you’ll likely see the waterfalls flowing well no matter when you visit.

Can you visit Waipi’o Valley?

You can visit the Waipi’o Valley Lookout for free at any time. It provides a spectacular panoramic view of the valley, the coastline, and sometimes a distant view of Hi’ilawe Falls. However, the road into the valley has been closed to non-resident visitors since February 2022 due to safety concerns. You can no longer walk, drive, or hike into the valley on your own. The only way for visitors to reach the valley floor is by booking a spot on the Waipi’o Valley Shuttle, which is operated by local families. The county is working on road safety improvements and plans to eventually restore broader access, but as of 2026 the closure remains in effect.

Have other questions about the waterfalls on the Big Island of Hawaii? Just ask away in the comments below. Also, if you have added tips or know some information about waterfalls on the Big Island that we missed, just let us know!