ʻAkaka Falls (Hilo, Hamakua coast)

The ʻAkaka falls are a 422 ft (135 m) tall waterfall and are the highlight of the ʻAkaka falls state park. This park is located close to Hilo and a visit to this waterfall should be part of any road trip crossing the Hamakua coast.

There are two waterfalls that you can visit in the park:

The ʻAkaka Falls

You can only see the falls after a pleasant and short 0.4-mile hike from the parking lot. This walk is called the ʻAkaka Falls Loop Trail and is an easy hike that is doable for the whole family. Completing it can take up to 1/2 hour if you take your time and the trail head is easy to find: directly off the parking lot.

You can see the top of the ʻAkaka Falls from the parking lot. A short hike takes you to a far more scenic view.

The walk to the ʻAkaka falls takes you through a lush rainforest filled with wild orchids, bamboo groves and draping ferns. Try not to rush ahead to see the waterfall but take your time and enjoy the scenery.

The accessible portion of the park lies high on the western shoulder of the deep gorge into which the ‘Akaka waterfall plunges, and the falls can be viewed from several points along the trail through the park.

Be prepared to meet other people on the trail because the ʻAkaka falls are one of the more popular attractions on this side of the island. They also are one of our 5 favorite Big Island Waterfalls.

Walking towards the ʻAkaka Falls lookout point. Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Heather Goodman

You can find the most up-to-date information on the ʻAkaka falls loop trail on the state park website. You can also take a virtual tour of the ʻAkaka falls loop trail using google, or have a look at what the falls look like if you approach them in the following video:

The Kahūnā Falls

There is another waterfall visible from this trail: the Kahūnā Falls. This waterfall is with a 400 ft drop almost as tall as the ʻAkaka falls, but it is difficult to get a good look at the Kahūnā falls from within the park.

There is a small overlook point from where you can see these falls about 800 ft beyond the ʻAkaka falls overlook. The Kahūnā falls are best visible after lots of rain because  the trees on the cliff in front of it shield most of the falls from view.

The Kahuna falls are with 400 ft almost as tall as the Akaka falls (422 ft). However, due to an unfortunate viewing angle from the park these falls are overshadowed, and at best receive a quick look from park visitors

Directions to the ʻAkaka falls

The ʻAkaka falls state park is about 11 miles north of Hilo on the end of ʻAkaka Falls Road (Highway 220), 3.6 miles southwest of Honomu.

The parking area is open between 8:30 am and 6 pm. The park itself is open to walk-ins between sunrise and sunset.

Best time to visit

Try to visit before 11 am to beat the crowds and to see the waterfalls illuminated by the sun. No problem if you are later, the ʻAkaka falls are a wonderful visit rain or shine, crowds or no crowds, and at any time of the day.

Parking + Entrance Fee

Visitors need to pay an entrance fee and, if they make use of the parking area, a parking fee. Payments can only be made by credit card, and we recommend that you pay for parking and entrance prior to arrival due to limited cell reception at the park.

The entrance fee to the park is $5.00 per individual, entrance for Hawaiʻi residents is free (source, last checked 2023).

The parking fee is $10 per vehicle, but is waived for residents that can show a state ID or drivers license.

How to pay: Visitors can pay for entrance and parking via phone by calling ParkMobile at (877) 727-5975 or through the Parkmobile website (zone #808030 at Honomu, HI).

Is it possible to go on a zipline tour at the ʻAkaka falls? (no).

It is not possible to go ziplining at the ʻAkaka falls. The waterfall is located in a state park and cannot be commercially exploited.

The Big Island Zipline tour offered by Hawaii Zipline Tours is located halfway between the ʻAkaka falls state park and the ocean, on the Kolekole stream. Their ziplines take you past two waterfalls: one with a 40 ft drop and one with a 200 ft drop. Very impressive, but less than half the height of the ʻAkaka falls!

Read more in our guide to all zipline tours on the Big Island.