United States · Big Island, Hawaii
Akaka Falls
A single sheer drop through rainforest thick with wild orchids, bamboo, and banyan trees is reached via a short paved loop trail on Hawaii's rain-soaked Hāmākua Coast. It's one of the most accessible major waterfalls anywhere in the islands.
A single sheer drop through rainforest thick with wild orchids, bamboo, and banyan trees is reached via a short paved loop trail on Hawaii's rain-soaked Hāmākua Coast. It's one of the most accessible major waterfalls anywhere in the islands.
Akaka Falls drops 135 metres (443 ft) on the Kolekole Stream, inside Akaka Falls State Park. It is a plunge-type fall, and the nearest base for a visit is Honomu, with ITO the closest airport. Access to the main viewpoint is rated easy.
Flows year-round in Hawaii's wet Hāmākua Coast climate; wetter in winter months.
What you can do here
Hiking
From ten-minute boardwalks to multi-day approaches through cloud forest.
Photography
Light angles, moonbows, spray management and the hours that actually work.
When to go
Flows year-round in Hawaii's wet Hāmākua Coast climate; wetter in winter months.
Entry: State park entry ~$5 USD
Getting there
- Base townHonomu
- AirportITO
- CountryUnited States
- RegionBig Island, Hawaii, North America
- AccessEasy — a short walk or roadside viewpoint
On the map
19.8578, -155.1531
Quick answers
How tall is Akaka Falls?
Akaka Falls drops 135 metres (443 feet). It is a plunge-type waterfall on the Kolekole Stream.
When is the best time to visit Akaka Falls?
Peak flow is January to December. Flows year-round in Hawaii's wet Hāmākua Coast climate; wetter in winter months.
What can you do at Akaka Falls?
Beyond the viewpoints: hiking and photography. Access to the main viewpoint is rated easy — a short walk or roadside viewpoint.
How do you get to Akaka Falls?
The usual base is Honomu, and the closest airport is ITO. A short walk or roadside viewpoint from there. State park entry ~$5 USD.
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