AKAKA FALLS STATE PARK, HAWAII'S BIG ISLAND

At Akaka Falls State Park, located along the northeastern Hamakua Coast, you can see two gorgeous waterfalls on one short hike. The pleasant 0.4-mile uphill hike will take you through a lush rainforest filled with wild orchids, bamboo groves, and draping ferns.

As you follow the footpath, you'll first see 100-foot Kahuna Falls. Continue to follow the loop around the bend, and you'll discover towering Akaka Falls which plummets 442-feet into a stream-eroded gorge. Beautiful Akaka Falls is perhaps the Big Island's most famous waterfall. Easily accessible, this hike takes less than an hour.

QUICK FACTS

Name:

Akaka Falls State Park

What is it:

Rainforest hike featuring two waterfalls: Kahuna Falls (100 feet) and Akaka Falls (442 feet)

What to do:

Hike, view lush rainforest, take unique photos of waterfalls

What to bring:

Shoes, camera, jacket in case of rain

Directions:

From Hilo go north on Hawaii Belt Road (HI-19). Turn right on Akaka Falls Road (HI-220) and drive through the town of Homomu. Follow the signs to the state park.

Admission:

Free