waterfalls on the big island you can swim in

Each hike has its charm, and all offer beautiful views of different parts of the island. With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. Download and/or view the map of all 9 waterfalls here. You will need to pay an admission fee to see these falls. Its a way to connect with nature and experience the waterfall closer than otherwise. What youll see along the route will depend on what trail you choose, but each one is worth it! Below we've included links to several of the best waterfalls on the Big Island, most of which you can see without ahelicopter(all falls visible from the air only are noted). This half-day tour takes you to the three most famous Big Island waterfalls: 'Akaka Falls, Hi'ilawe Falls and Rainbow Falls. Photos of Kulania attached . Here are some tours you can check out: This half-day tour takes you to the three most famous Big Island waterfalls: Akaka Falls, Hiilawe Falls and Rainbow Falls. Kohala Waterfalls Small Group Adventure Tour 183 By Hawaii Forest and Trail Adventure Tours 6+ hours See the highlights of Kohala in a day on this small-group adventure tour. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. Rainbow Falls One of Hawaii's most stunning waterfalls, Rainbow Falls is named for the rainbows that can be seen in the mist. The waterfalls themselves might be short, but the picturesque pools are well worth the short hike. For example, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. No, swimming at Akaka Falls is no longer allowed. Lava from Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa meet near the base of Peepee Falls, about 2 miles downstream. Compared to Oahu or Maui, the Big Island of Hawaii is massive! Swim, kayak, stand up paddleboard or just relax and enjoy the scenery with your friends and family. Check out the latest prices and details here! Good to know: to access the falls you must purchase a $49 daypass to the grounds. Hiilawe Falls (or Hi'ilawe Falls) was one of those waterfalls where it seemed it had a reputation that it can no longer live up to. The total height of the falls is about 1,450 feet (442m), with a highest direct drop of 1,201 feet (366m)! The view is spectacular and the tame and paved nature hike was enjoyable too. Its hard not to love this, Lulumahu Falls, 4459 HI-61, Honolulu, HI 96817, USA, Wailua Falls flows from Honolewa Stream, and is visible from the highway. It's a 1,450 feet tall waterfall, although most of it drops 1,201 feet, making it one of the tallest waterfalls in Hawaii. Take a full-day waterfall adventure tour of the Big Islands Kohala Coast. The website World of waterfalls is an excellent resource to find out more about the smaller waterfalls on the island. Check out the latest prices and more details. . This is what the falls look like after a good rain upstream. To make the process easier you can look directly into Kona jeep rental deals and reserve the one that meets your needs. Kayak & Swim in the Umauma River. Just make sure to leave this waterfall in Hawaii as clean as you found it. Another great way to see these waterfalls is to take an organized tour. But dont worry, this is a very easy hike to do and the trail is paved and well maintained. While some are hidden behind long and strenuous hikes, many waterfalls on the big island and other islands are visible from the road or after an easy hike. We like to get up and close to any waterfall we see, and know the same is true for many of our readers. Youll also pass by Boulder Creek on your way to the falls, which is a gorgeous sight to see. This is a great family-friendly waterfall as there are no strong currents or falling rocks around. If you visit when the sky is clear and the sun is out, youll be able to see a beautiful rainbow at the foot of the waterfall. Which one was your favorite? A couple of the best waterfalls near Hilo can be seen in Akaka Falls State Park, including Akaka Falls (422 feet) and Kahuna Falls (100 feet). There are no lifeguards here, so please be extremely cautious. A couple of travel dreamers who fell in love with Hawaii and want to share the beauty of the Islands! OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. The volume of the rainbow falls (or Waianuenue) changes on a daily basis. I work as a factory electrician. At the bottom of the valley, take a left and walk for roughly 5-10 minutes to see the falls. If youre thinking of driving a 44 vehicle down, Id be careful and ensure that it has enough horsepower and gas to make it back up. These are gorgeous Hawaii Big Island waterfalls worth checking out. One of the, Pua'a Ka'a Falls, Hana Hwy, Haiku, HI 96708, USA, This secluded swimming spot is a phenomenal reward after a hike that should not be braved unless you are an experienced hiker. It is advised that you check weather reports and ocean conditions before heading out for the day, never swim in these pools when you have open wounds and to always watch your step. Youll never run out of things to do here. The property offers helicopter, lava tube exploration, stargazing, and lava encounter tours as well. I hope that these waterfalls and tours will give you an idea of what you can add to your itinerary for your trip to the Big Island! Due to its location, the sun hits the water at just the right angle to show off. You might hear that people go swimming here, but dont do it! You can swim in this one! If youre lucky, you may be able to see honu (green sea turtle) and even dolphins! Yes, but all of them require some sort of entrance fee. The hike is beautiful, surrounded by bamboo groves and delicate wild orchids. Regardless, they are still worth the visit if you love nature and gorgeous views. Credit: John McCollum. While there arent really Kona waterfalls, you see tons of waterfalls in Hilo. Each one of these is worth visiting at least once in my opinion. Check out the latest prices and more details. Even though swimming is no longer allowed here, its worth the drive as the view is amazing and can be seen from the parking lot. A tour across the Hamakua Coast that stops at Akaka Falls State Park, Rainbow Falls and Richardson Beach Park. The content on this website may not be copied or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior written permission. The path to Onomea Falls is stunning in itself. Nonetheless, its still a breathtaking sight to see. Its no wonder that you might be having issues deciding where to go. The best part? Each has its own unique beauty that will leave you in awe from start to finish! Farmers Markets. The trailhead is easy to find just off the parking lot. Most of these waterfalls are located very close to each other, and it makes sense to see them in one day as it only takes a few minutes to get from one to the other. HOME PRIVACY POLICY TERMS. Nanue Falls is located on the Hamakua Coast in Hawaii. And while you can certainly get to some of these places on your own, a great way to see the highlights is by booking aBig Island Tourwith The Volcano Van. This air tour hits up the 7 Kohala waterfalls from the Kona airport. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. from $85 + taxes & fees | Child $75. Hiilawe Falls is a great waterfall to visit and is one of the tallest waterfalls in Hawaii. Youll be treated to an entirely new and equally beautiful view of the waterfalls. Get your discounted Magical Waterfall Tour. It will take you about an hour to reach the end of the path, which is lined with lush greenery and beautiful scenery. Located in Hilo, Hawaii in Wailuku River State Park, Rainbow Falls might be the most famous waterfall on the island. Another popular way to observe the Umauma Falls is through a short 1.7 mile hike within the World Botanical Garden that most consider to be unchallenging. If you are not interested in these tours, you can pay $12 per person to visit the beautiful botanical gardens. This broad waterfall in the Wailuku river is conveniently located within Hilo town. Then, there are waterfalls where the access is rather ambiguous (to my knowledge), and these include Hi'ilawe Falls, Nanue Falls, and the so-called Narnia Waterfalls (which are actually a convergence of three named waterfalls). Swimming Holes on the Big Island of Hawaii. The admission fee to view the 422 ft tall falls is $5.00 per car or $1.00 per person for pedestrians. Youll be able to see 3 of the most famous Big Island waterfalls (Akaka Falls, Hiilawe Falls, and Rainbow Falls) on a half-day tour. Compared to Maui, Oahu, and Kauai, The Big Island of Hawaii has some of the most popular waterfalls in all of Hawaii. Get your discounted Kohala Zip and Dip Tour. Book any of these great Big Island waterfall tours today! If you want to see the base of the falls, you must rent a car with four-wheel drive - and even then, the grade is so steep that it can be dangerous. Check out the latest prices and more details. Furthermore, flash floods and strong currents are a real danger there. The Majestic Waterfalls Tour is one of the best tours on this list. Akaka Falls is a spectacularly tall waterfall that hurls down an incredible 422 feet down a mountain face. Here are a few top picks that are worth checking out! These include stargazing and helicopter tours and is absolutely worth the time and money. Our popular Summary Guidesheets are now included. What is the best way to visit all these waterfalls? Your use of this website constitutes your acceptance of all the terms, conditions, and disclaimers posted herein. Copyright 2023 Guide of US, LLC. Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Heather Goodman. These 7 Big Island waterfalls are truly spectacular and well worth checking out during your stay here! That means, you should take extra care to make sure you leave it as you saw it! Later you transfer to an off-road vehicle to get off the beaten path and take a small hike along the tunnels and aqueducts of an over 100 year old sugar plantation. Please do not put these waterfalls on your to-do list. It takes about 60 to 90 minutes to hike to the waterfall. Drive down yourself (only with 4WD), or get down to the valley floor as part of a horseback riding tour in the valley. One of the greatest, Makapipi Falls, Hana Hwy, Haiku, HI 96708, USA, Located off Pali Highway is this extraordinary waterfall hike complete with a trek through a bamboo forest, views of a stunning field and reservoir, the beauty of the Hawaiian jungle, and of course the jaw-dropping, 50-foot Lulumahu Falls. The hike itself can be challenging and involves multiple stream crossings. The Big Island of Hawaii offers so much for visitors with its lush rainforests and volcanic landscapes. Check out the latest prices and details! On the bright side, they did not jump off the falls as they planned to. Sign up for this discounted ATV Waterfall and Swim Experience. Entry to the state park will cost $5 . Sign up for this discounted Majestic Waterfalls Tour. Here, youll zipline across the forest, have lunch in the Pololu Valley, and even swim in a Big Island waterfall. The most important is the water-born disease leptospirosis: dont go swimming if you have any abrasions, scrapes, blisters or other skin lesions. Check out the latest prices and more details. One other thing to note is that there are 13 streams you will have to cross before getting to the water. While Kahuna Falls are also located in this state park, you can hear them more than you can see them. Check out the latest prices and more details. The trail is surrounded by beautiful vegetation and singing birds, and the falls are absolutely worth the effort! Peepee Falls on the Big Island. Its such a fun, Combine vibrant sapphire pools with some stellar spots for cliff jumping, and youve got one of Mauis local hangouts. Its an impressive 1,450-foot natural waterfall with a main drop of 1,201 feet. Enjoy! However, you need to pay a fee to be able to access the viewing deck. The Big Island Waterfalls page is where we narrow our focus of Hawaiian Waterfalls to the Big Island of Hawaii. Map of Big Island Waterfalls Wrapping Up the Best Waterfalls on the Big Island Drive along the cliffs and over rugged landscape Free cancellation Recommended by 97% of travelers from $225.13 per adult Reserve Travelers talk about " plants and animals " Although this tour doesnt take you to any of the immensely popular waterfalls on the Big Island, youll be treated to a view of seven obscure and uncrowded Kohala waterfalls, where youll be allowed to swim and picnic. One of the most unique tours on this list, the Waterfalls of Kohala tour takes you on a helicopter journey that allows you a unique birds-eye view of some of the prettiest waterfalls on the Big Island. If you're looking for the best Big Island waterfall adventures, then look no further. In fact, some still consider it a secret or hidden spot on the island even though it has been featured in several magazines and TV shows. Most waterfalls can be found on the slopes of the Mauna Kea volcano close to Hilo and on the Hamakua coast. No experience necessary! Wrapping Up the Best Waterfalls on the Big Island. This is one of the best waterfalls to visit while on the Big Island, and I highly recommend staying here. Onomea Falls is a stunning multi-tiered waterfall set amidst a beautiful botanical garden: the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden. Swimming here is not recommended, even on days where it feels safe. Table of Contents hide 1 Rainbow Falls 2 Akaka Falls 3 Umauma Falls 4 Wai'ale Falls 5 PeePee Falls 6 Hi'ilawe Falls 7 Private Waterfalls 8 Why Are There So Many Waterfalls in Hawaii? Plan to hike on slippery rocks, uphill slogs, tree roots, mud, and unmaintained trails. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Please do not put these waterfalls on your to-do list. Majestic Waterfalls Tour A tour across the Hamakua Coast that stops at 'Akaka Falls State Park, Rainbow Falls and Richardson Beach Park. Enjoy! Plus it has numerous attractions, from volcanic rock formations to beautiful waterfalls. There are different, The private property is currently managed by the. The Kulaniapia Falls are with a 120ft drop the tallest private waterfalls on the Big Island. The Falls has recently been named in the top ten best swimming holes in America by the magazine Travel + Leisure. Always a classic, this, Located just a mile upstream of Rainbow Falls on the Wailua River, Peepee Falls feeds a series of several pools known as the boiling pots. This 80-ft. waterfall on the Wailuku river is the site of a Hawaiian legend that involves the demigod Maui, his mother the Goddess Hina, the Volcano Goddess Pele, and a giant Mo'o or lizard monster up to no good. Park your car after the bridge and walk back to the river to see the Waiale Falls: Just upstream from the Boiling Pots you can find another waterfall at the bridge over the Wailuku river in Hilo. Peepee Falls are another great waterfall that you can visit. All Rights Reserved. If youre considering visiting Akaka Falls, check out my full guide HERE. However, if you continue hiking along the trail in the area and do some stream scrambling, youll be able to see more of natures beauty. If waterfalls are your thing you most likely wont be happy to see only the biggest six. Make sure your tour includes all of the waterfalls you want to see. Aside from waterfalls, youll also be able to see red-hot lava flows, the Kohala Mule Station lookout, and more! The left is a shorter route to get to the Akaka waterfall, but if you are up for an adventure I recommend taking a right for a longer but beautiful hike. However, it is not totally uncommon to see that the waterfall is dry, which is a result of the Hamakua Ditch that diverts the flow of water. This is a 120ft waterfall on the Waiau Stream situated on the lower slopes of Mauna Kea not far from Hilo. What Are The Must-Visit Waterfalls On Big Island? Sign up for this discounted Legends of the Waterfalls & Volcano Tour. If you want to see the base of the falls, you must rent a car with four-wheel drive - and even then, the grade is so steep that it can be dangerous. Swimming is not allowed here, so keep that in mind when you visit. This waterfall can only be accessed from the lookout, and swimming here is no longer allowed. Sign up for this discounted Kohala Waterfalls Adventure Tour. Oloupena Falls is an impressive 2,953-foot Hawaiian waterfall. Read more about ourHawaii adventureshere. Helicopter tours are often one of the trip-highlights that people remember for a long time and worth considering if you are willing to spend the money. The lush green northeastern coast- the Hilo and Hamakua Coast regions- is home to lovely tropical gardens nourished by the abundant rainfall the area receives. Akaka Falls are extremely accessible, as the trail to the waterfall stretches only 0.4 miles long. Visiting the Big Island of Hawaii is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and weve done all the work for you to help plan your trip. Umauma Falls is a three-tiered waterfall surrounded by lush vegetation. Love Hawaii? Hi'ilawe Falls Check out the latest prices and more details. Each island has some of the best waterfall swimming holes in Hawaii, so no matter where you are, youll find something amazing! Deluxe Big Island ATV Tour & Waterfall Swim at Umauma Falls . Step Into The World Of Narnia On This Forbidden Waterfall Hike In Hawaii, The Hike In Hawaii That Takes You To Not One, But TWO Insanely Beautiful Waterfalls, Hike Less Than A Mile To This Spectacular Waterfall Swimming Hole In Hawaii, Embark On An Epic 7.3-Mile Trail In Hawaii That Features Waterfalls And Jaw-Dropping Views, The 14 Tallest Waterfalls In Hawaii Will Drop Your Jaw, This Waterfall Swimming Hole In Hawaii Is So Hidden Youll Probably Have It All To Yourself, This Tiered Waterfall And Swimming Hole In Hawaii Must Be On Your Summer Bucket List, The Ultimate Bucket List For Anyone In Hawaii Who Loves Waterfall Hikes. Both waterfalls are beautiful Big Island attractions. Check out the latest prices and more details. This picturesque spot can be found past mile marker 16 on the Hana Highway, below the bridge that crosses Palauhulu Stream. This is part of Hawaiis state park system. Sign up for this discounted Majestic Waterfalls Tour. Kulania Falls is nearby and just as beautiful. You can access the waterfall for free and its one of the best Big Island hikes. Join this tour to see waterfalls and the stunning Hilo scenery and learn about King Kamehameha the Great and his preference for the area. 6 Favorite waterfalls Akaka falls (inside state park, small entrance fee required) Rainbow falls (free to visit) Umauma falls (on private grounds, entrance fee required) Kulaniapia Falls (on private grounds, entrance fee required) Peepee Falls (+ 1 extra, free to visit) Hiilawe falls (viewable from public road) 7 other waterfalls It stretches hundreds of feet tall and is surrounded by greenery. And be sure to keep your eyes out for sea turtles, which are known to hang out in this area! The Umauma falls are three waterfalls in close proximity to the Umauma River, 16 miles north of Hilo on the Hamakua coast. The Wailuku River flows along the bottom of the gorge and downstream to Rainbow Falls. Spend a few hours relaxing luxuriating in a private area of the Umauma River. There have been instances where people lost their lives here. There is no swimming allowed here; you can only view the falls from a safe distance. Head to Waimea Falls for the best, A short hike within the Puaa Kaa State Wayside will reward you with a relatively secluded and picturesque waterfall, cascading into the delightful pool below. This state park is home to two amazing waterfalls, one of which plunges 422 feet into a stream-eroded gorge below. One of the, As you are driving on Hana Highway from the north, the first notable attraction you will discover is these twin waterfalls, also known as Hololawa Falls. Visit the Botanical Gardens website for updated pricing. This would allow you to see almost all of our favorite waterfalls and is recommended for people that really love waterfalls. Sign up for a discounted Legends of the Waterfalls and Volcano Tour. Sugar Water: Hawaiis Plantation Ditches by Carol Wilcox. The water conceals long lava ridges, so its easy to be pulled in and trapped. These falls are more difficult to visit and include the last of our favorites that can only be seen from a distance: the Hiilawe falls. Most waterfalls on the Hamakua coast are a 90-mile drive away. This adds ~1 hour/waterfall to your itinerary will be the best option for the large majority of visitors. pro tip for another close-by waterfall: if you continue up Wailuku drive a few minutes longer you get to a bridge crossing the Wailuku river. While there are gorgeous waterfalls on Kauai, Oahu, and Maui, the Big Island has some of the most famous waterfalls in Hawaii. Waterfall tours are among our favorites because of the amount of nature they allow you to experience in a relatively short amount of time and because they often feature a visit to a private waterfall that permits you to actually swim under a waterfall. Take a comfortable ride through stunning countryside up to the hiking trailhead. #1. If you decide to swim, please remember to always swim with caution and be aware of the danger around you no matter where you are. Youll get to play in the ocean, explore a tidepool, and see Rainbow Falls. 2. Copyright 2019-2023 Hawaii Travel With Kids/Marcie In Mommyland, Top 7 Big Island Hawaii Waterfalls You Should Visit, Privacy Policy for Hawaii Travel with Kids, Courtyard by Marriotts King Kamehameha Beach Hotel. The size of these waterfalls and their location in the lush and tropical rainforest makes them a popular and spectacular attraction to check out. The visit is well worth your time, even just to enjoy the tranquility of this Hawaiian rainforest. When people talk about swimming at Peepee Falls, they are probably referring to the boiling pots located by the lookout point. Here at Only In Hawaii, weve talked about waterfalls, and weve talked about swimming holes, but now were combining the two and giving you our exclusive list of 13 of the best waterfalls in Hawaii to swim in across all of the islands from spots found only from hiking through the deep jungle of Oahus windward coast, to various scenic spots visible from Mauis breathtaking Hana Highway. The largest waterfall in Hawaii is Oloupena Falls, located in Molokai. Rainbow Falls are beautiful and can be viewed from a relatively close location, making them that much more enjoyable. Its one of the quietest and least touristy waterfalls on the island, so you can enjoy a chill day with your friends when you visit. One of the coolest ways to experience Kulaniapia Falls is by booking a spot in one of the Experience Packages available at the property. The Experiences Package allows you to water rappel. The 422 ft tall Akaka falls are part of the Akaka falls state park, located just north of Hilo. The on-site Inn organizes this tour which is led a team of expert canyoneering guides. This can cause the falls to be (almost) dry even during the wet season. Alternatively, you can zipline or rappel at the Umauma Falls. Upper Waikani Falls Joe Parks/Flickr Also known as Three Bears falls, Waikani is approximately 70 feet tall, and visible from the Hana Highway. Shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 license. Confirming what your tour includes will ensure that you wont miss out on any of the waterfalls. On the paved uphill Akaka Falls Loop Trail, you'll venture past these two beautiful waterfalls . These links do not cost you anything and help provide the necessary funding to maintain this website. Her next trip to Hawaii is never too far away! There are so many incredible waterfalls, making it hard to know where to start. This is a full-day trip from Kona. Most of these places do not have a lifeguard on duty, making you solely responsible for your safety. This 8-hour tour takes you from Kona to the oldest volcano on the Big Island for an inspiring and exhilarating day. This, Upper Waikani Falls, Hana Hwy, Haiku, HI 96708, USA, Perhaps one of Oahus most stunning hidden waterfalls, this trek through the mud is never uphill for too long and offers the opportunity to jump in a beautiful waterfall at the end. Get in touch with us! Why not go on one of our perfectly planned waterfall road trips with itineraries for both Oahu and Maui. Where are the best waterfalls to swim in Hawaii? Kulaniapia Falls is once again located on private property, this time belonging to The Inn and usually reserved exclusively for residents there. Don't miss them because once you see them, you'll never forget them! from the air is as part of a helicopter tour. If you are visiting the rainbow falls and have the time and interest to see another set of waterfalls you should check out these falls. The famous triple-tiered Umauma Falls. Bear right at the top of the hill onto the main street of Honomu town. Click here to see all our recommended waterfall tours on our website. The falls are located in Waimanu Valley. The best time to visit the rainbow falls is in the early morning because this is when you have the most chance to see rainbows in the spray of the waterfall. For the adventurous, go off-roading on the Big Islands Hamakua Coast in a Honda ATV or a Side x Side UTV. Standing at 2,954 feet tall, this waterfall is spectacular. Located within the Hilo city limits, Wainuenue (Rainbow Falls) is very easy to visit. Thank you! On an especially clear day, you'll be able to see Mauna Kea behind them. Waianuenue Falls, Big Island James Walsh/Flickr Content on this site is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical, health, or safety advice. With a population of less than 75,000, Kauai is truly a small-town island, littered with open space, protected preserves, and old plantation history. Access to the overview for the waterfalls lies on private land which is being managed by the Umauma Experience. Its location allows the sun to hit the water at just the perfect angle. Seeing waterfalls is a great way to save money while on your vacation to Hawaii. And if youre heading to Akaka Falls with kids, check out my guide HERE. The waterfall flows from a water source called the Onomea Stream. The state park entry fees are $5/car or $1/pedestrian. Umauma Falls The waterfall is located inside Waipio Valley and is about 1,450 feet tall. As you travel, youll be privy to the views of obscure but beautiful hidden waterfalls, coasts, and beaches. The Hamakua Coast is beautiful and this half-day waterfall tour will stop at Akaka Falls State Park, Rainbow Falls, and Richardson Beach Park. Are there a lot of waterfall swimming holes in Hawaii? Get your discounted Hilo Bay Kayaking Tickets. Youll start off driving up the Kona coastline pas lava flows and check out sweeping views from the old Kohala Mule Station lookout. Unfortunately, swimming is not allowed at Rainbow Falls, and there are signs warning about the danger of swimming. At the writing of this post, the Umauma Falls are now accessible through the botanical gardens. Hello, my name is Abduvaliev diyorbek.

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