Best Hawaii Waterfalls to Visit on Every Island

There’s a reason why people visit Hawaii from all over the world. Not only are there amazing activities and attractions, but there are also stunning natural wonders. Keep scrolling to find out the prettiest Hawaii waterfalls you’ll definitely want to check out!

This post on the best Hawaii waterfalls 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.

I remember my first trip to Hawaii like it was yesterday. I was 10 years old, and my family was visiting my grandma on Kauai.

She took us to Wailua Falls, and I stood there completely mesmerized watching all that water cascading down the mountain. That trip sparked something in me that’s never gone away.

Since then, I’ve become a professional tourist and Hawaii travel expert, visiting the islands over 40 times.

I’ve chased waterfalls on every major island, and honestly, they never get old. There’s something magical about Hawaii’s waterfalls that you just can’t find anywhere else.

I’ve put together this guide featuring some of the most beautiful waterfalls across the Hawaiian Islands.

These picks come from both my own adventures and recommendations from fellow travel bloggers who know these islands inside and out.

Whether you want an easy roadside view or you’re up for a muddy jungle hike, there’s something here for everyone.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed planning your Hawaii trip, I offer personalized Hawaii travel consultations where I can help you build the perfect itinerary based on your family’s interests.

Best Oahu Waterfalls

Lulumahu Falls

If you want to experience a true jungle adventure on your Oahu itinerary without driving all the way to the North Shore, Lulumahu Falls is your answer.

This 50-foot waterfall sits tucked into the lush Ko’olau Mountains, and the hike to reach it feels like stepping into another world.

The trailhead is right off the Pali Highway, though finding the exact entrance can be tricky since it’s not well marked.

Here’s what you need to know: you’ll need to get a permit through trails.ehawaii.gov before you go (it’s only $2.50 per group). The trail has been officially opened with permits after years of being in a gray area.

The hike takes about 2 hours round trip and leads you through a gorgeous bamboo forest before things get more challenging.

You’ll be hopping across streams, scrambling over rocks, and navigating muddy patches. This isn’t the hike for flip flops. Wear good hiking shoes with solid grip, and plan on getting muddy.

The trail isn’t well marked, so download an offline map on your phone before you go. There are pink ribbons tied to trees that help show the way, but it’s easy to miss a turn.

When you finally reach the waterfall, you’ll understand why it’s worth the effort. The 50-foot cascade drops into a small pool surrounded by lush greenery and hanging vines.

Fair warning: mosquitoes love this trail. Spray yourself down with bug repellent before you start, and maybe bring some extra to reapply.

Also, the parking area has a reputation for car break-ins, so don’t leave anything visible in your vehicle.

Melissa Smuzynski of Parenthood and Passports

Waimea Falls

Waimea Valley on Oahu’s North Shore is hands down one of my favorite places to take families. It’s home to Waimea Falls, and unlike most waterfall hikes, this one is basically a pleasant garden stroll.

The falls sit at the end of a one-mile paved path through the most beautiful botanical gardens you’ve ever seen.

My kids could actually make it the whole way without complaining, which is saying something. The path is completely flat and paved, making it accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.

What makes Waimea Falls extra special is that you can actually swim in the pool below the falls. Lifeguards are on duty, and they provide free life jackets (which are required if you want to get in the water). The lifeguards assess conditions every morning at 9am to determine if swimming is allowed that day.

Admission to Waimea Valley runs $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and college students, and $15 for children ages 4-12. Kids under 4 get in free. If you’d rather not walk, they offer a shuttle for $10 one-way (or you can buy a round-trip ticket).

The park is open daily from 9am to 5pm. I always recommend bringing water shoes since the pool bottom is rocky and can be slippery. Pack a towel if you’re planning to swim.

Beyond the falls, you’ll find Hawaiian cultural demonstrations, historic sites, and one of the best North Shore luaus if you want to make a full day of it.

Sydney Richardson of A World in Reach

Want more Oahu waterfall adventures? Check out these amazing Oahu waterfall hikes.

Manoa Falls

While Manoa Falls doesn’t allow swimming, it’s still one of Oahu’s most popular waterfall hikes for good reason. This 150-foot waterfall stands impressively tall, surrounded by the kind of lush rainforest vegetation that makes Hawaii so special.

The hike is approximately 1.6 miles round trip and takes most people about an hour. The trail winds through a gorgeous rainforest setting, and yes, it can get muddy and slippery. Wear proper hiking shoes and bring water and bug spray.

You can’t swim in the pool at the bottom (and there are signs making this very clear), but the scenic backdrop alone makes this worth the trek. The waterfall was featured in Jurassic Park, so if you’re a movie buff, you’ll recognize some of the scenery.

Parking costs $7 per car, but the hike itself is free. The trail is open from sunrise to sunset. Get there early if you want to avoid crowds, especially on weekends.

Read my complete Manoa Falls with kids review to decide if this hike works for your family.

If you’re planning an Oahu trip, grab my free 7-day email course on how to plan a trip to Oahu for my insider tips.

Best Kauai Waterfalls

Kauai is nicknamed the Garden Island for good reason. The waterfalls here are absolutely stunning, and there are so many to explore.

Wailua Falls

Wailua Falls might look familiar if you ever watched Fantasy Island back in the day. These 80-foot falls were featured in the opening credits, and they’re just as beautiful in person as they look on screen.

The best part? You don’t even need to hike. The viewing area is right at the end of the road with a small parking lot. This makes Wailua Falls perfect for families with young kids, anyone with mobility issues, or if you just want a quick stop on your Kauai adventure.

Morning visits are best if you want to see the famous rainbow that forms in the mist. When the sun hits the water spray just right (usually early morning on sunny days), you get this gorgeous rainbow effect. After heavy rain, you’ll see dual streams rushing over the 80-foot drop into the pool below.

Here’s something important: people used to hike down to the base of Wailua Falls, but this is now illegal and extremely dangerous. Several people have died attempting this hike. Please don’t try it. The view from the designated viewing area is spectacular on its own.

The parking lot is small and fills up quickly during midday, so aim for early morning or late afternoon if possible. Bring your camera and enjoy the view from the safety of the lookout point.

Bret Love & Mary Gabbett of Green Global Travel

Uluwehi Falls (Secret Falls)

Secret Falls isn’t really secret anymore, but it’s still one of the coolest adventures on Kauai. This 100-foot waterfall is only accessible by kayaking up the Wailua River followed by a short jungle hike, which makes the whole experience feel like a proper adventure.

Most people do this as a guided tour, and honestly, I recommend it. The guides know the area well, provide all the kayaking gear, and give you insights into the Hawaiian culture and history of this sacred area. Plus, they can read the weather and current conditions, which is crucial for safety.

The journey starts with about a 45-minute paddle up the gentle Wailua River. The scenery alone makes this worth it. Then you’ll beach your kayak and hike about 20 minutes through the rainforest to reach the falls. The trail is relatively flat but can be muddy and slippery, so wear sturdy water shoes.

When you reach Uluwehi Falls, you’ll find this gorgeous high waterfall plummeting into a perfect swimming hole. Bring your swimsuit and take a dip under the falls. It’s incredibly refreshing after the paddle and hike.

Pack snacks, reef-safe sunscreen, and those sturdy shoes. This is a half-day adventure that’s totally kid-friendly if your children are comfortable with hiking and kayaking.

Karen Buffier from Big Adventures for Little Feet

Find out about all the best waterfalls on Kauai in my complete guide.

Manawaiopuna Falls (Jurassic Falls)

If you’re a Jurassic Park fan, you absolutely know this waterfall. Remember that iconic scene where the helicopter lands next to the waterfall? That’s Manawaiopuna Falls, and it’s just as dramatic in real life.

The catch is that you can only see it by helicopter. The falls are on private property and not accessible by foot. Several Kauai helicopter tours fly over it, giving you an amazing aerial view of this 400-foot waterfall along with views of the Hanapepe Valley and Na Pali Coast.

Yes, helicopter tours are pricey, but if you have the budget for it, the views are absolutely worth it. You’ll see parts of Kauai that are completely inaccessible any other way.

Planning a Kauai trip? My Kauai travel guide for families has everything you need to plan an amazing vacation. Or grab my free 7-day email course on how to plan a trip to Kauai.

Best Maui Waterfalls

Maui has some incredible waterfalls, especially along the Road to Hana. These two are my top picks.

Waimoku Falls

Waimoku Falls sits inside the Kipahulu entrance of Haleakala National Park in East Maui, and getting there is half the adventure. You have to drive the entire Road to Hana to reach this area, but trust me, it’s worth it.

The Pipiwai Trail is hands down one of Maui’s best hikes. This moderate 4-mile out-and-back trail takes you past ancient banyan trees and through a magical bamboo forest before ending at the iconic Waimoku Falls.

At 400 feet tall, Waimoku Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls on Maui. The waterfall cascades down a steep lava rock wall into a boulder-filled pool. Don’t get too close to the falls themselves, though. Even small rocks falling from that height could cause serious injury.

Make sure you wear proper footwear. The first mile is a rooty dirt path that can get quite muddy after rain. But honestly, the walk through the bamboo forest might be even more magical than the falls themselves. The sound of the bamboo stalks creaking in the wind is otherworldly.

Plan for the round trip to take about 2-3 hours. Bring water, snacks, and your camera. This is one hike you’ll want to document.

Jess of I’m Jess Traveling

Twin Falls

Twin Falls is often the first waterfall stop people make on the Road to Hana, and it’s a good one. Unlike some Maui waterfalls, you can actually swim here, which makes it super popular.

The hike is only about 1 mile round trip, making it pretty easy for most families. You can see the lower falls right from the parking lot, but it’s worth walking a bit further to reach the upper falls where you’ll find better swimming spots.

The waterfall flows year-round, which is a nice bonus. There’s a $10 parking fee for non-residents (the money goes to Wailele Farm, who maintains the property), and after your hike, you can stop at their farm stand for fresh smoothies and banana bread.

Twin Falls can get extremely crowded, especially in the morning since everyone stops here first on their Road to Hana drive. Try to arrive before 11am or stop on your way back in the afternoon for fewer crowds.

The trail can be muddy and slippery, so wear appropriate shoes. Sometimes the farm closes one of the pools if the currents get too strong, so conditions can vary.

Check out more waterfalls in Maui, including West Maui waterfalls you can only see from helicopter tours.

If you’re planning a Maui vacation, my Maui travel guide for families covers all the best spots. And don’t miss my free 7-day email course on how to plan a trip to Maui.

Best Big Island Waterfalls

The Big Island has some seriously impressive waterfalls, and these two are must-sees.

Akaka Falls

Akaka Falls State Park is about 11 miles north of Hilo on the Hamakua Coast, and it’s home to one of the most recognizable waterfalls in all of Hawaii.

The magnificent 422-foot Akaka Falls can be viewed from several points along the 0.4-mile loop trail. This short, mostly paved loop is suitable for most people, though there are quite a few stairs. Parents with strollers and folks with mobility issues might have some difficulty, but if you enter on the left side of the loop, you can avoid most of the stairs and still get to the best viewpoint.

The loop takes about 30 minutes to complete. While the trail is paved, all that rain and mist can make it slippery, so watch your step. The views are gorgeous throughout, with lush rainforest vegetation surrounding you.

Here’s something cool you probably can’t see: tiny goby fish actually climb up the rocks behind the falls using a sucker on their underside. They swim from the ocean, climb that 422-foot waterfall, spawn in the stream above, and their eggs wash back out to sea. Nature is wild.

Admission is $5 per person (free for Hawaii residents with ID), and parking is $10 per vehicle. The parking area is open from 8:30am to 6pm, but you can walk in from sunrise to sunset.

Jenn Lloyd of Sick Girl Travels

Rainbow Falls

Rainbow Falls is probably the easiest waterfall to visit on the Big Island. It’s right in Hilo, just minutes from downtown, with a viewing platform right next to the parking lot.

This 80-foot waterfall is beautiful any time of day, but morning is when you might actually see the rainbow that gives it its name. When the sun hits the mist just right (usually around 10am on sunny mornings), you get these gorgeous rainbows in the water spray.

The viewing platform is wheelchair accessible, making this a great option for everyone. There’s also a short trail with stairs that takes you to the top of the falls if you want a different perspective. Up there, you’ll find massive banyan trees that are worth seeing on their own.

Best of all? It’s completely free. Free parking, no entrance fee, open from sunrise to dusk. You can be in and out in 15-20 minutes if you’re in a hurry, or spend an hour exploring the upper trail and enjoying the scenery.

The falls are more spectacular after heavy rain when the Wailuku River is flowing strong. During dry periods, they might be more of a trickle, but they’re still beautiful.

Noel Morata of This Hawaii Life

See all the amazing Big Island waterfalls worth checking out. And if you’re traveling with kids, check out the best waterfalls in Hawaii to bring your kids.

For more Big Island planning help, grab my Big Island travel guide for families or my free 7-day email course on how to plan a trip to the Big Island.

Hawaiian Waterfall FAQs

How many waterfalls does Hawaii have?

Hawaii has more than 100 waterfalls scattered throughout the islands. Some are famous and easy to reach, while others are hidden away and only accessible by serious hiking or helicopter rides.

What is the tallest waterfall in Hawaii?

Located on Molokai, Olo’upena Falls is Hawaii’s tallest waterfall. It plummets almost 3,000 feet down a cliff face, and it’s seriously stunning. You can only see it by boat or helicopter since it’s completely inaccessible by land.

Can you swim at Hawaii waterfalls?

Sometimes. Many waterfalls have safe swimming areas at their base, but swimming is illegal at others. Some waterfalls have dangerous currents or falling rocks that make swimming unsafe. Always check for posted signs, and when in doubt, ask locals or tour guides.

Which Hawaiian island has the best waterfalls?

The Big Island and Kauai tend to have some of the most impressive waterfalls you can visit. That said, every island has beautiful waterfalls worth exploring. Maui’s Road to Hana is packed with waterfall stops, and Oahu has some great ones too.

What are the prettiest waterfalls in Hawaii?

All the waterfalls are beautiful in their own way, but some of the most stunning include Waipio Falls, Rainbow Falls, Akaka Falls, and Manoa Falls. Honestly though, there’s something special about every waterfall you’ll visit in Hawaii.

Planning Your Hawaii Waterfall Adventures

Choose any of these Hawaii waterfalls for your itinerary and you’ll experience some of Hawaii’s most incredible natural beauty. These waterfalls showcase why Hawaii is such a special place.

If you need help planning your Hawaii vacation and figuring out which waterfalls fit your family’s abilities and interests, I’d love to help. Book a Hawaii travel consultation with me, and we’ll create the perfect itinerary together.

For more Hawaii planning resources, check out my complete island guides:

• Maui travel guide for families
• Oahu travel guide for families
• Kauai travel guide for families
• Big Island travel guide for families
• Hawaii island hopping guide

And don’t forget to check out my Hawaii Travel Made Easy podcast for even more tips and inspiration.

Top 10 Best Hawaii Waterfalls to Visit

Here are some of the best waterfalls in Hawaii! Most of these have a trail leading to the waterfall, while others are best seen with a helicopter ride or other fun waterfall tours.

Prettiest Hawaii Waterfalls on Oahu

Here are a few of the waterfalls on Oahu with swimming holes and hikes to enjoy.

Lulumahu Falls

If you are looking for a hike to add to your Oahu itinerary that lets you walk directly to the base of a waterfall, Lulumahu Falls is one of the best and most memorable hikes on the island.

The trailhead is right off the Pali Highway, although it can be hard to find because it is unmarked.

The beginning of this Honolulu waterfall hike is fairly easy and takes you through a beautiful bamboo forest. It becomes moderately more challenging the deeper into the jungle you get. You will want to wear a good pair of hiking shoes and plan to get muddy.

The hike to the waterfall takes roughly 2 hours and zig zags back and forth across the Lulumahu Stream. 

As with the trailhead, the trail itself is not well marked, making it easy to get lost along the way. Make sure to download a trail map app on your phone to keep you on the right path.

Getting lost can be part of the adventure, though, as there are multiple paths to follow to the waterfall, all created by other hikers who went off the original trail, as well.

Like most jungle hikes, mosquitoes can be an issue while hiking to Lulumahu Falls, so you’ll want to spray yourself down with bug spray before beginning your hike.

The hike can be exhausting because you’ll have to scramble over boulders or downed trees and hop across rocks in the river, but standing beneath the 50-foot waterfall at the end is well worth the challenge!

Melissa Smuzynski of Parenthood and Passports

Waimea Falls

Waimea Valley is a gorgeous park and botanical garden on Oahu’s North Shore that is home to Waimea Falls, one of the best waterfalls in Oahu.

The Waimea Canyon waterfall can be reached by taking a leisurely one-mile hike through Waimea Valley Park. The gorgeous views along this walk make the Waimea Valley Trail one of the best hikes in Oahu.

Along the way, you can admire the beautiful flora and fauna before arriving at the park’s centerpiece: the waterfall.

One of the best parts about visiting Waimea Falls is that you can take a refreshing swim in the pool surrounding the fall!

Life jackets are required to swim (they’re included with your ticket to the park), and water shoes are highly recommended as the pathway to enter the pool is rocky and slippery.

Make sure to bring a towel along if you plan on swimming! Check out this full guide to visiting Waimea Valley.

Admission to Waimea Valley is $25 for adults and $14 for children 4-12 years old.

If you’d prefer not to go on the hike, no worries – you can still visit the falls! There is a shuttle bus option for just $14 round-trip – you can also buy one-way tickets.

The park is also home to other attractions, including a North Shore luau, which can be visited for an extra cost.

Sydney Richardson of A World in Reach

Love to hike? Check out these amazing Oahu waterfall hikes!

Manoa Falls

While the Maunawili Falls is still closed, Manoa Falls is open and another one of the prettiest waterfalls in Honolulu.

The Manoa waterfall hike is a popular waterfall near Waikiki. The waterfall stands at a height of 150 feet and is surrounded by lush vegetation, making it a beautiful sight to see.

The hike to Manoa Falls is approximately 1.6 miles round trip and is considered to be a bit of a challenge. The trail can be muddy and slippery at times, so it’s important to wear appropriate footwear and bring water and insect repellent.

While there is a pool at the bottom, you cannot swim in it, unfortunately. However, the scenic backdrop and spectacular waterfall are quite worth it!

Read my complete Manoa Falls with kids review

Prettiest Hawaii Waterfalls on Kauai

These three Kauai waterfalls are some of the most beautiful waterfalls on the island!

Wailua Falls

There are plenty of awesome outdoor activities and attractions in Kauai– Hawaii’s “Nature Island”– to keep adventure lovers busy for weeks.

But we would definitely rank visiting Wailua Falls among the best things to do in Kauai, even if you’ve never seen the show that made them famous!

Located near the town of Lihue and the Smith Plantation (whose nightly luau is another one of our favorite tourist attractions in Kauai), Wailua Falls were prominently featured in the opening credits of the hit TV series Fantasy Island in the late ’70s and early ’80s.

To get there, simply head north from Lihue and follow Maalo Road in Hanamaulu uphill for about 3 miles. Note that the small parking lot for the viewing area can get very crowded at midday, so get there early if you want to avoid the crowds.

Morning is also the best time for photographing the waterfall: When the rising sun hits the water just right, you can often see a stunning rainbow emanating from the mist.

It’s especially beautiful when it has rained up in the mountains of Kauai during wet season, and the dual streaming rapids rush over the 80-foot drop to the shimmering pool below.

While people used to do this Kauai waterfall hike, it’s now illegal and dangerous. Please don’t attempt it.

Instead, get to the viewing area early, bring a tripod to get good shots of the waterfall, and perhaps bring a picnic to spend an hour or two savoring the spectacular sights at one of the best waterfalls in Kauai!

Bret Love & Mary Gabbett of Green Global Travel

Uluwehi Falls

Uluwehi Falls in Kauai is otherwise known as the “Secret Falls” and are found deep in the rainforest of the Wailua River area of Kauai.

Getting to Uluwehi Falls is an adventure in itself, with the only way there being by kayak and hiking.

The area is part of sacred lands in Kauai, so it is recommended to join one of the Wailua River kayaking tours who will provide you with all the kayaking gear and an interesting tour as part of the experience.

A guide is also handy for understanding the weather and current conditions, as the river on the return paddle can be quite challenging on some days.

The journey starts with a gentle and scenic paddle for approximately 45 minutes to take you from the mouth of the Wailua River to the start of a hidden walking trail.

The hiking trail is relatively flat and easy but can be quite slippery, so make sure you are wearing sturdy footwear.

You will snake your way along the river bank and then cross at one point, holding onto a rope guide to get through the soft rapids – all part of the fun!

After a 20-minute hike where an experienced guide will be able to show you the historic ruins of past civilizations along the way, you will reach Uluwehi Falls.

Uluwehi is a gorgeous high falling waterfall plummeting into a perfect swimming hole. This is a fun, kid-friendly Kauai adventure!

It’s a great spot to take a dip and feel the spray of the falls plummeting down on you before you make your return journey home and another one of the best Kauai waterfalls to visit.

For this fantastic half-day adventure, all you need to pack are some swimmers, sunscreen, snacks, and some sturdy walking shoes.

Karen Buffier from Big Adventures for Little Feet

Find out all the best waterfalls on Kauai!

Manawaiopuna Falls

Jurassic Park fans will love and know this waterfall from the movies! Also known as Jurassic Park Falls, this is another one of the favorite waterfalls on Kauai.

Manawaiopuna Falls is not accessible by foot and can only be viewed by going on a few different helicopter tours.

You’ll get an aerial view of Jurassic Falls and the surrounding landscape, which includes the Hanapepe Valley and the Na Pali Coast.

Manawaiopuna Falls is approximately 400 feet and is one of Hawaii’s waterfalls worth seeing on a helicopter tour in Kauai.

Prettiest Hawaii Waterfalls on Maui

While Maui has plenty of other waterfalls, these two beautiful waterfalls are worth checking out.

Waimoku Falls

Hawaii is known for its waterfalls, but one of the prettiest waterfalls can be found on the island of Maui inside the Kipahulu entrance of Haleakala National Park. This is easily one of the best waterfalls in Maui.

The Kipahulu District is a remote area in East Maui, and getting there is half the adventure. There is only one road that takes you to this entrance of the Park, and that is the scenic road to Hana.

Inside Haleakala National Park is the Pipiwai Trail, one of Maui’s best hikes.  The moderate 4-mile out-and-back trail takes you past ancient banyan trees, through a majestic bamboo forest, and ends at the iconic Waimoku Falls. 

Waimoku Maui Falls is a 400-foot waterfall that you see pictured on the cover of many of Maui’s guidebooks and is one of the tallest waterfalls on Maui. This isn’t one that you can swim under, though.

The enormous waterfall cascades down a steep lava rock wall into a boulder-strewn pool. Exercise caution when approaching the falls; even a pebble falling could seriously injure someone.

Make sure you wear proper footwear. The first mile of the trail to the falls is a rooty, dirt path, and if it has rained recently, it has the potential to get muddy.

The walk through the bamboo forest is arguably more magical than the falls itself, making the 4-mile journey more than worth it. It is by far one of the best hiking in Maui waterfalls experiences I’ve had!

Jess of I’m Jess Traveling

Twin Falls

Another one of Maui Hawaii’s waterfalls, Twin Falls, is quite beautiful and flows year-round and is one of the best waterfalls in Maui that you can swim in!

Twin Falls is a popular waterfall and natural attraction located on the Hana Highway in Maui, Hawaii. It is named “Twin Falls” because there are two waterfalls in close proximity to each other, creating a beautiful and unique sight.

The hike to Twin Falls is considered to be relatively easy and is about a 1-mile round trip. However, the trail can be muddy and slippery, so it’s important to wear appropriate footwear. But you can also see the lower falls right from the parking lot!

This is one of the many Maui waterfalls you can swim in, making it a very popular destination.

Check out more waterfalls in Maui, including West Maui waterfalls only accessible by helicopter tours!

Prettiest Hawaii Waterfalls on the Big Island

Here are two of the best waterfalls found on the Big Island. While we didn’t mention any of the waterfalls in Kona, Hawaii, there are plenty of waterfalls near Kona worth checking out!

Akaka Falls

Akaka Falls State Park is approximately 11 miles north of Hilo on the Hamakua Coast and is one of the best Hawaii Big Island waterfalls.

Located at the end of Akaka Falls Road (Highway 220), this lush section of rainforest includes one of the most recognizable waterfalls in all of Hawaii, Akaka Falls.

The magnificent 422-foot-tall falls can be viewed from several points along the .4-mile loop trail. The short hike is suitable for most family members.

However, there are several sets of stairs, so those with mobility issues or parents with strollers may have difficulty completing the entire loop.

For more information about navigating Akaka Falls and other accessible Big Island activities, check out Sickgirltravels.com.

The loop takes about thirty minutes to complete. To avoid the stairs completely, make a left at the entrance, which will leave you immediately in front of the best view of the falls.

Keep in mind while the trail is paved, the frequent rain and mist can leave the ground quite slippery. Make sure to wear appropriate footwear.

While the views inside the park are gorgeous, one of the most interesting things about Akaka Falls may be something you can’t see.

The less than three-inch-long goby fish (o’opu alamao’o) make their way from their home in the Pacific to spawn in the stream above Akaka Falls.

These fish are able to use a sucker on their underside to climb the rocks behind the falls and make it to the top. Their eggs are then washed back out to the ocean to hatch.

So, as you stare out at these majestic falls, just remember the thousands of tiny rock-climbing fish ascending the cliff beneath. 

Admission is $5 per car or $1 per person for walk-ins. Entrance is free to Hawaiian residents. The parking area is open from 8:30 am to 6 pm. 

Jenn Lloyd of Sick Girl Travels

Rainbow Falls

One of the most popular attractions to visit on the Big Island is located right in Hilo at Rainbow Falls. An easy to get to waterfall with a very short walk to the observation viewpoints.

Rainbow Falls is striking, and yes, you can actually see rainbows in the water sprays around the base of the waters below.

The falls are quite active and spectacular on rainy days when all the waters around the mountain areas flow down the various streams and rivers into Hilo and down into Rainbow falls.

A fun short walk to do just to the left of the falls are paved steps that you can climb to the top of the falls and view the fabulous areas below.

If you follow the trail further, you’ll get into a forested area with one of the largest banyan trees located right in the middle of this forest area, which feels surreal and otherworldly. Rainbow Falls is quite spectacular and an easy to get to attraction just in Hilo.

If you are visiting the rest of the island, check out my post on a family-friendly visit to the Big Island here for more inspiration on fun places around the island to explore and enjoy when you visit.

Rainbow Falls, Hawaii, is by far one of the best waterfalls Big Island has to offer!

Noel Morata of This Hawaii Life

See all the amazing Big Island waterfalls worth checking out! And if you want to take your kids with you, check the best waterfalls in Hawaii to bring your kids with.

Hawaiian Waterfalls FAQs

Prettiest Hawaii Waterfalls Wrap Up

Choose to add any of these Hawaii waterfalls to your itinerary so you can see some of Hawaii’s natural beauty. Any of these waterfalls are great places to enjoy being in nature and are so stunning; you have to see as many as you can!