Big Island Waterfall Guide

Umauma Falls

Umauma Falls is a three-tiered Hamakua Coast waterfall near Hakalau, viewed through Umauma Experience with gardens, lookout areas and adventure tours nearby.

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Umauma Falls

Umauma Falls, Big Island

Located about 16 miles (26 km) north of Hilo, 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 at World Botanical Gardens and in 2008, the Umauma Falls lookout point and its surrounding 90 acres were sold to Umauma Experience, a company that also operates a zip-line. So now the waterfall is accessible only through the Umauma Experience.

Key Features

Three-tiered waterfall on the Hamakua Coast
Located at Umauma Experience in Hakalau
Older descriptions place the total drop around 300 feet
Viewed from privately managed lookout and garden areas
Access requires paid entry or an activity booking through the property
Zipline, ATV and other tours may be offered nearby
Rain can change the waterfall's flow and color quickly
Paths and viewing areas can be wet after showers
North of Hilo near Old Mamalahoa Highway
Good photo angle of the falls from the managed viewpoint

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Umauma Falls known as a three-tiered waterfall?

The waterfall drops in three visible steps through a narrow green valley, giving it a layered look that is different from a single straight plunge.

What does Umauma mean?

Umauma can be translated as chest or breast in Hawaiian. The name is also used for the stream and surrounding area on this part of the Hamakua Coast.

How did Umauma Falls become part of a managed attraction?

The falls were once associated with the former World Botanical Gardens area. Access later shifted to Umauma Experience, which manages the waterfall viewpoint and activity grounds.

Why does the waterfall look different after rain?

Umauma Stream responds to Hamakua Coast rainfall. After wet weather, the falls may appear fuller and browner; during drier stretches, the tiers may look thinner and clearer.

What is nearby along this part of the Hamakua Coast?

Hakalau, Honomu, Akaka Falls and Old Mamalahoa Highway are nearby, making Umauma Falls part of a larger waterfall and garden area north of Hilo.