Best Waterfalls on the Big Island (& How to Visit Them!)

From the lush cliffs of Waipiʻo Valley to the jungle trails around ʻAkaka Falls, the Big Island is packed with some of the most stunning waterfalls I’ve ever seen!

I spent one week on the Big Island chasing waterfalls and trust me, you will not be disappointed!

Most visitors stay in sunny Kona, but if waterfalls are on your list, you’ve gotta head east. Hilo and the nearby Hamakua Coast get way more rain, which means they’re also home to most of the Big Island’s best falls.

In this guide, I’m sharing everything to know about waterfalls on the Big Island, from which waterfalls are worth the drive to how much they cost, if you can swim in them, and which ones you’ll need a tour to reach. I’ve also included a detailed map so you can easily plan your route!

Ready to chase some waterfalls?!

A Quick Look at the Big Island

Don’t have a lot of time? Here’s a quick mini guide for the Big Island to help plan your epic adventure!

Where to Stay:
Royal Kona Resort: The PERFECT place to stay in Kona! Great location, awesome pool bar, & spacious rooms!
SCP Hilo: An environmentally conscious hotel that perfectly represents Hilo!
When to Visit:
– My favorite time is April/May (great weather and shoulder season)
– High season is December – March (also whale season!)
– Summer (July-August) is very warm and also sees a good amount of crowds
Things to Do:
– Snorkel with Manta Rays
– Mauna Kea Stargazing Adventure
– Whale Watching Cruise

Big Island Waterfalls Overview & Map

Below is a map that shows the location of every waterfall mentioned in this blog post.

You’ll notice right away that almost all of them are clustered on the northeast side of the island around Hilo and the Hamakua Coast. There’s a reason for that!

The Big Island is incredibly diverse in both landscape and climate. Kona, located on the western side, is hot, dry, and mostly sunny year-round. This makes it ideal for beach days, snorkeling, and stunning sunsets—but not so much for waterfalls.

On the other hand, Hilo sits on the windward (eastern) side of the island and gets hit with steady rainfall, especially during the winter months. We’re talking 130+ inches of rain per year in some spots!

That lush, tropical climate is exactly what makes Hilo a waterfall-lover’s dream. The hillsides here are steep and green, the rivers are full, and the rain keeps the cascades flowing.

This is why some of the most beautiful waterfalls in all of Hawaii like, ‘Akaka Falls and Rainbow Falls, are just a quick drive from downtown Hilo.

So if you’re planning to chase waterfalls on the Big Island, basing yourself in or near Hilo for a few days is the way to go.

You’ll have easier access to most of the falls on this list, plus you’ll get to explore a completely different side of the island than the beachy resorts over in Kona.

P.S. You’ll definitely need a rental car to explore all of the waterfalls on this list!

You can read more about the different areas of the Big Island and get my specific hotel recommendations on Where to Stay on the Big Island here!

Lastly, here’s a quick comparison table to help you choose which Big Island waterfalls are right for your trip — including location, accessibility, and whether you can swim there!

Waterfall	Location	Entrance Fee	Swimmable?	Accessibility
ʻAkaka & Kahuna Falls	Near Hilo	Yes ($5 + $10 parking)	No	Easy walk, paved loop
Rainbow Falls	Hilo	Free	No	Steps from parking lot
Peʻepeʻe Falls	Hilo	Free	No	Short walk, partial view
Kulaniapia Falls	Private property in Hilo	Yes ($49 day pass)	Yes	Moderate hike, private access
Umauma Falls	North of Hilo	Yes (via tour)	Yes	Tour access only
Kohala Coast Falls	Kohala Coast	Yes (via tour)	Yes	Guided hike
Hiʻilawe Falls	Waipiʻo Valley	Tour or helicopter	No	Tour only
Kaluahine Falls	Waipiʻo Valley	Tour or helicopter	No	Tour only

Waterfalls on the Big Island That Are Easy to Access

Instead of providing a list of waterfalls by area, I’ve decided to break down this list a little differently. First, let’s start with the waterfalls on the Big Island that are super easy to get to! This means minimal (or zero) hiking required.

‘Akaka Falls and Kahuna Falls

Visiting ‘Akaka Falls State Park is one of my favorite things we did on the Big Island!

This state park is located about 20 minutes north of downtown Hilo and is home to not one but TWO waterfalls: ‘Akaka and Kahuna. ‘Akaka is definitely the more impressive of the two!

To get to the waterfalls, you’ll embark on a paved, 0.4-mile loop trail through the park. Although there are some stairs and inclines, they were very mild. This park is great for the whole family!

As you approach ‘Akaka Falls, you’ll get to see it from multiple viewpoints along the trail and can see all the way down to the bottom of the river if you look hard enough!

On the other hand, Kahuna Falls was slightly obscured by the rainforest around it when we visited, so we barely got to see it (we could hear it though!).

The only downside to visiting ‘Akaka Falls State Park is the entrance and parking fee you are required to pay. For non-Hawaiian residents, the entrance cost is $5 per person for adults (children 3 and under are free).

In addition to the entrance fee, you are also required to pay a parking fee of $10 if you park in the main lot. If you are driving a commercial vehicle, the cost goes up!

Still totally worth it in my opinion for how dramatic the views are! We stopped here on our drive from Kona to Hilo, but the park is also a quick trip from downtown Hilo if you want to tackle it first thing the morning!

Rainbow Falls

Rainbow Falls is probably the easiest waterfall to access in all of Hawaii! How easy? It is literally steps from the parking lot. You don’t even have to climb any stairs to see it!

In addition to being close to the parking lot, Rainbow Falls is only 5 minutes outside of downtown Hilo! It doesn’t get more accessible than that. Oh, and it’s free!

Don’t discount Rainbow Falls because they’re so easy to get to! The falls are truly stunning, especially if you get to see the iconic rainbow the falls are named after. People have seen the rainbow at all times during the day, but you’re most likely to see it on a sunny morning before 11am.

What I loved most about these falls was the Hawaiian legend behind them! It’s said that the cave behind the falls is home to the ancient Hawaiian moon goddess Hina.

Hina is the mother of the demi-god Maui, and legend says that Maui saved Hina from a giant lizard at Rainbow Falls and the nearby Boiling Pots. There’s much more to the story, which you can read about on a plaque at the Falls!

Read more about the top things to do in and around Hilo here!

Pe’epe’e falls

Right up the road from Rainbow Falls is Pe’epe’e Falls, which are also fed by the Wailuku River like Rainbow Falls. There are no parking or entrance fees to see Pe’epe’e Falls!

These falls are even larger and more stunning than Rainbow Falls; however, the overlook area for the falls, which can be accessed just off the road, is slightly obscured.

Previously, you could get closer to the falls and swim in the nearby Boiling Pots on days where the flow of water is calm. However, many people have been injured or killed in these swimming areas.

These days, several signs have been posted in the area to prohibit individuals from getting closer to the falls or swimming in the pools. You can also be charged a fine if you go past them.

Waterfalls on the Big Island You Can Swim In

Want to do more than just look at waterfalls? Unlike Oahu and Maui where you can hike to and swim in many different waterfalls, there’s only a handful of Big Island waterfalls where swimming is allowed.

Unfortunately, these falls happen to be on private property, which means you’ll have to fork over some money to visit them.

Kulaniapia Falls

In my opinion, Kulaniapia Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls on the Big Island! And, you can swim here!!

The only catch – Kulaniapia Falls is located on private property. The property is part of a beautiful eco-friendly hotel called the Inn at Kulaniapia Falls. Staying at the Inn means you have free access to the waterfall!

The good news is, Kulaniapia Falls also offers day passes to the Falls for those who are not staying at the Inn. The passes are offered to a limited number of people each day to avoid crowds. Here’s everything you need to know about the day passes!

Cost of the day pass starts at $49 for adults and $29 for children
Pass gives you access to the property for 4-5 hours
You will have to choose a specific entry time when booking
- 10am slot is the cheapest ($49)
- The other times are 11am, 12pm and 1pm.
Day passes must be purchased in advance (no walk ups!)
$50 discount on other activities on the property

Photos from Booking.com

The pass will give you access to Kulaniapia Falls plus three other waterfalls and miles of trails! They also offer swimming, kayaking, and paddle boarding at the falls when the conditions are safe.

If you are feeling extra adventurous, you can even go waterfall repelling here! This incredible activity is available to anyone 10 and older.

The cost of waterfall repelling at Kulaniapia Falls is ~$250 per person; however, if you buy a day pass, the activity is normally $50 less. It is offered daily at 10:30am and 2:00pm and lasts 2-3 hours!

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Umauma Falls

Another private waterfall on the Big Island you can safely swim in is Umauma Falls! However, similar to Kulaniapia Falls, this waterfall is only accessible by private tour through the Umauma Experience.

This company offers many different ways to experience Umauma Falls from zip lining to waterfall repelling to kayaking.

The best bang for your buck is definitely their Zip N Dip tour. On this tour, you’ll get to zip line on 9 runs and then relax, swim, and kayak at the waterfall. This tour starts at $350 per person and lasts 4 hours.

TOP TOUR

Zipling Over Waterfall on the Big Island — *Photo from Viator.com*

Umauma Falls Zip N Dip Adventure

Price: Starting at $350 per person
Duration: 4 hours
TripAdvisor Rating: 5/5 stars ⭐
Includes: Zip lining, swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, and lunch!

book it here!

If you’re looking for something a little more low key, they also have a self-paced walking tour where you can explore the waterfalls and gardens. The cost for this activity is only $12 and doesn’t require an advanced booking.

With 5 stars on TripAdvisor, The Umauma Experience is a great way to experience the Big Island for the whole family!

Kohala Coast Waterfalls

The last of the Big Island waterfalls you can swim in are located on the Kohala Coast. Unfortunately, these waterfalls are located on private property, so you cannot visit on your own. The only way to explore these waterfalls is via a private tour like this one!

Most of the Kohala Waterfall tours leave from Kona, so this is a great option if you are staying on the west side of the Big Island and still want to explore some waterfalls!

The tour lasts approximately 7 hours and costs ~$260 per person. It includes round trip transportation, a guided hike through a nature preserve, swimming in waterfalls, and a picnic lunch!

Another perk is that this is a small group tour, so you will have a private experience (only up to 10 people).

Other Waterfalls To Explore: Waipi’o Valley Waterfalls

The last waterfalls on the Big Island I want to talk about are 2 waterfalls in the Waipi’o Valley: Hi’ilawe Falls and Kaluahine Falls. These are not easy to access, nor can you swim in them, but they are still worth mentioning!

If you didn’t know, Waipi’o is a stunning, expansive valley located on the Hāmākua Coast of the Big Island. It has a strong political and cultural history for the nation of Hawaii. The valley was home to Hawaiian royalty and was the boyhood home of King Kamehameha I.

Waipi’o Valley is one mile across and over five miles deep. Within the valley, there is a gorgeous black sand beach and lush taro fields. Although you can view a portion of the valley from a public lookout, visitors are no longer permitted to enter the valley.

This emergency rule issued in 2022 was due to the treacherous nature of the entry road getting into the valley.

As mentioned, there are two waterfalls located within the Valley. To view this waterfalls, you can either book a private tour into the valley (like this horseback riding tour) or take a helicopter ride!

Unfortunately, there is no way to see these waterfalls on your own any longer.

What to Pack for Waterfall Chasing on the Big Island

Waterfall adventures on the Big Island can mean misty rainforest trails, muddy shoes, and sudden downpours, so a little prep goes a long way. Here’s what I’d pack for a day of chasing waterfalls!

Comfortable Walking Shoes – Waterproof hiking sandals or trail shoes are ideal. Some paths are paved, but others get slippery and muddy. I wore my Reef sandals most days!
Light Rain Jacket or Poncho – Hilo gets frequent showers (it’s what makes those waterfalls flow!), so I had my Columbia rain jacket with me just in case, and it came in handy!
Bug Spray – Mosquitos love the lush areas around waterfalls!
Swimsuit & Towel – For any stops that allow swimming, like Kulaniapia or Umauma Falls!
Sunscreen – Even if it’s cloudy, you still need to wear sunscreen! Make sure your sunscreen is reef-safe while in Hawaii!

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Frequently Asked Questions about Waterfalls on the Big Island

Where are the most waterfalls on the Big Island?

As mentioned above, most of the waterfalls are located on the eastern side of the island. More specifically, a majority are located on the Hamakua Coast, north of the main town of Hilo. This is due to the heavy rainfall and tropical landscape in the area!

Can you swim in any waterfalls on the Big Island?

You can! Unfortunately, almost all of the waterfalls you can swim in require entrance fees or guided tours. I have a whole section below on which waterfalls you can swim in!

What is the biggest waterfall on the Big Island?

The biggest waterfall on the Big Island is Hi’ilawe Falls, located in the famous Waipi’o Valley. Not only is this the biggest waterfall on the Big Island, it’s the biggest waterfall in the entire state of Hawaii!

Are there guided tours to waterfalls on the Big Island?

Yes! In fact, some waterfalls on the list can only be reached by a guided tour. I’ll cover this more later in this post!

Do all waterfalls on the Big Island have entrance fees?

Nope, not all! Some waterfalls, like Rainbow Falls, are completely free to visit! I’ll note if there are any entrance fees for each waterfall I mentioned below!

Is it safe to swim in waterfalls on the Big Island?

Unfortunately, there isn’t one straight answer here! You should always do your research before swimming in any waterfalls on the Big Island. As waterfalls are fed by rivers, they are prone to flash floods, which can be extremely dangerous.

In addition, fresh water on the Big Island can be home to leptospirosis, a bacterial disease that is often present in Hawaiian rivers and streams. In fact, Hawaii is the number one place in the United States for leptospirosis. You should absolutely steer clear of fresh water if you have open cuts or sores. Putting your head underwater also increases your risk of infection.

In general, I don’t recommend swimming in any waterfalls on your own, unless you are part of a guided tour.

Final Thoughts

That wraps up my guide to the best waterfalls on the Big Island! From roadside gems to hidden swim spots, there’s something magical about seeing these cascades in the middle of Hawaii’s lush, wild landscape.

If you’re planning a longer trip to the Big Island, I definitely recommend spending a few days on the Hilo side. It puts you close to most of the island’s best waterfalls, plus it gives you a totally different experience than the sunnier, resort-heavy Kona coast!

Ready to keep the adventure going? If you’re island hopping, don’t miss my 3-Day Oahu Itinerary — it’s packed with my favorite hikes, beaches, and food spots.

Or check out more of my Big Island guides below to plan out the rest of your trip!

Don’t forget to pin this post for future planning!