Big Island of Hawaii Waterfalls

Akaka Falls

Akaka Falls State Park is a popular visitor attraction, home to Akaka Falls, a 422-foot (129 m) cascade. The waterfall can be seen from several lookout points along a loop trail that leads through the park.

Hi'ilawe Falls

Hi'ilawe Falls is the Big Island's tallest waterfall – a 1,450-foot (442 m) cascade with a free fall of 1,200 feet (366 m). It is located inside Waipi'o Valley and can best be seen from the air.

Kapoloa Falls

Kapoloa Falls is a well-hidden secret of the Big Island, nestled deep in Pololu Valley on the North Kohala coast. The waterfall initially plunges 300 feet (91 m), cascades across the trail and then drops another 200 feet (61 m). It is quite a unique sight.

Nanue Falls

Nanue Falls is actually a series of waterfalls on the Big Island's Hamakua Coast. What most people see of the waterfall is the lower end of it. Further upstream are larger waterfalls, but getting there requires a hike along Nanue Stream.

Onomea Falls

Onomea Falls is a multi-tiered waterfall located within the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden. The waterfall is nestled within thick vegetation of palm trees and ferns, and mosses are growing on the surrounding rocks and trees.

Pe'epe'e Falls & Boiling Pots

Pe'epe'e Falls is located about a mile upstream from the more popular Rainbow Falls in Hilo. Below the waterfall's stream is Boiling Pots, a series of small pools and cascades that can be quite turbulent.

Rainbow Falls

Rainbows are a rare sight for most of us, but not when you're on the Hilo side of the Big Island. A short drive from Hilo is the aptly named Rainbow Falls, so named because of the rainbows that appear as the sun shines through the mist.

Umauma Falls

Umauma Falls is a beautiful three-tiered waterfall with a cumulative height of about 300 feet (90 m). This waterfall used to be accessible via the World Botanical Gardens, but there was a change of management.