Are you looking for some awesome Big Island waterfall hikes? These are the top Big Island hikes with beautiful waterfalls you have to see to believe!
This list of the best Big Island waterfall hikes was written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links, which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
If you plan on hiking on the Big Island when you visit, these Big Island waterfall hikes would definitely make it on your itinerary!
Out of all the islands, the Big Island is home to some of the best waterfall hikes on the Big Island. Whether you’re hoping to witness a huge waterfall or one that’s surrounded by epic scenery, you won’t be disappointed.
If you’re visiting with children, you’ll be thrilled to know that most hikes to these falls are not too strenuous.
So, without wasting any more time, these are some of the best and most beautiful Big Island waterfall hikes that you’ll find anywhere in Hawaii.
When it comes to scenic nature spots across the Hawaiian Islands, the Big Island stands out for having some of the best waterfalls on the Big Island, making it a top pick for families looking for outdoor adventure.
Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Big Island Itinerary, complete with daily schedules, kid-friendly activities, and travel hacks? Click the button below.
Big Island Hiking FAQs
While there aren’t really any hikeable waterfalls in Kona, there are lots of Kona hiking opportunities, including Kekaha Kai State Park, Cook’s Monument Trail, and the Pu’u Wa’awa’a Cinder Cone Trail. Plus, there are several trails where you can see Ancient Hawaiian petroglyphs, like the Puako Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve.
One of the best places to hike on the Big Island is the Pololu Valley. It only takes about 30 minutes to hike down to the valley floor from the scenic lookout. The hike itself is fairly steep, but it’s not a super hard hike.
Absolutely! It’s a pretty steep hike down into the valley (and an exhausting hike back up), but it’s an incredible place. Plus, you’ll be able to check out Hi’ilawe Falls once you are in the valley itself. But it’s not a kid-friendly hike. I’d suggest taking the Waipio Valley Shuttle if you have young kids in tow.
7 Amazing Big Island Waterfall Hikes Worth Checking Out
If you’re looking for incredible hikes on the Big Island, you’re in luck! These are some of the coolest Big Island waterfall hikes worth a stop!
Akaka Falls
Akaka Falls State Park
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).
On the paved uphill Akaka Falls Loop Trail, you’ll venture past these two beautiful waterfalls, along with lush green rainforest scenery consisting of bamboo, orchids, and other tropical plants.
This trail is also wheelchair accessible, making it an ideal option for multi-generational families exploring the island together. It will be a fun hike for kids if you plan of bring them along.
Keep in mind that there is a $5 entrance fee per individual and a $10 parking fee for nonresidents. I’ve got a whole article about whether to hike Akaka Falls with kids.
Hawaii Forest & Trail Kona Headquarters
Kona
Does swimming in a private waterfall sound relaxing to you? Should you be staying on the west side of the Big Island, there are easy Kona waterfall hikes on the Big Island and other tours that you’ll come across at the Hawaii Forest & Trail Kona Headquarters.
In addition to hiking to several waterfalls, you can customize your experience by witnessing an active volcano, ziplining, wildlife viewing, and much more.
So, don’t hesitate to visit these waterfalls near Kona and take one of the other exciting tours they offer.
Hi’ilawe Falls
Kohala Coast
This Kohala waterfall hike will take you to one of the tallest waterfalls and most impressive cascades on the entire island, Hi’ilawe Falls.
It’s a staggering 1,450-foot waterfall surrounded by epic scenery that’s equally spectacular. The hike itself is not too difficult, and it will take you no more than an hour to an hour and a half to reach the waterfall.
Due to the gorgeous tropical setting and the amazing height of Hi’ilawe Falls, it’s without a doubt one of the best hikes on the Big Island.
For many travelers, Hi’ilawe Falls becomes their favorite Big Island waterfall thanks to its sheer height and remote beauty.
Just remember that if you visit in March, the falls may be a bit dry, but they’re still worth the visit.
Kama’e’e Falls
Botanical World Adventures and World Botanical Gardens
Do you want to witness a waterfall, but your kids complain that their feet are hurting? You may be put off by the idea of a waterfall being located in a botanical garden that charges you money to see it, but don’t be!
While there isn’t any hiking involved, Kama’e’e Falls is absolutely beautiful and arguably among the most stunning waterfalls on the Big Island and in all of Hawaii.
Many visitors especially enjoy swimming, while others dare to climb the waterfall cliffs and jump back down into the pool. Ziplining is another activity that you can also participate in while visiting these falls.
This location is part of the Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve, where families can admire rare flora and experience a rich variety of tropical plants in a lush, serene setting.
Nanue Falls
Hamakua Coast
Should you be searching for a hidden gem that very few people seem to know about, Nanue Falls is considered one of the least touristy and amongst the best hikes on the Big Island.
While the hike to the falls is a very short distance (.3 miles), it’s how you get there that makes the hike take so long.
Reaching the series of falls takes about an hour and involves stepping from one slippery rock to the next down a streambed most of the way. Even experienced hikers are known to get a little wet from slipping.
Some visitors enjoy swimming and cliff jumping into the deep pool that you’ll find there. If you’re planning to do this hike, be advised that flash floods can come out of nowhere, so use careful discretion.
Wearing water shoes is highly recommended for this hike to protect your feet and give you better traction on slippery rocks.
Rainbow Falls (Waiānuenue Falls)
Wailuku River State Park
Rainbow Falls is, without a doubt, one of the most popular waterfalls on the Big Island. Though it’s only 80 feet in height, the falls feature beautiful surrounding scenery and a deep pool where you have a great chance to witness rainbows earlier in the day.
While you’re on one of the shortest yet best Hilo waterfall hikes, be sure to head upstream just a bit further to Pe’epe’e Falls.
It, too, is equally mesmerizing and worth visiting. Both of these waterfalls are inside Wailuku River State Park.
Another nearby feature, known as the boiling pots, adds to the area’s allure, where swirling waters create a visually striking natural formation.
Umauma Falls
Hakalau
Are you wanting to experience another type of adventure with your family besides hiking Big Island Hawaii waterfalls?
The Umauma Falls is a series of three waterfalls that are located along the Umauma River. And if you consider yourself a big outdoor enthusiast who loves a thrill, you’re not going to want to skip out on this one.
There you will discover several different types of tours, including ziplining, rappelling, horseback riding, and ATV rentals. You’re able to observe all three waterfalls from an observation deck, but there is a fee to do so.
Things to Bring on a Big Island Hike
Before you set out hiking on the Big Island of Hawaii, make sure that you’ve packed the following items with you. While you may not end up using all of them, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
- Plenty of water – you don’t want to get dehydrated
- Snacks – give yourself more energy with snacks like protein bars, jerky, and mixed nuts
- Comfortable shoes – your shoes may get wet, so that water shoes may be a good option
- Sunscreen – the sun at times can be bright, and you’ll burn easily.
- Insect Repellant – at certain points of the year, there are a lot of mosquitoes on these hikes
- Camera – you want to be able to share your experience with others on some of the best waterfalls on the Big Island of Hawaii
And don’t miss these cute Hawaii hiking gift ideas!
Big Island Waterfall Hikes Wrap-Up
This list includes several of the best Big Island hiking trails that you won’t want to miss when visiting the island.
If you’ve already been there before, what did you consider the best hikes on the Big Island? If it’s still your first time, which of these Beautiful Big Island Waterfall Hikes do you plan on completing?
Many visitors agree that the Big Island is the right place to find a balance of accessible hikes, scenic lookouts, and natural beauty that rivals the other islands in Hawaii.
From scenic views to impressive natural wonders, Big Island waterfall trails are a must-see for families looking for outdoor adventure.