Akaka Falls State Park
Experience a 442-foot waterfall cascading into a lush gorge via a scenic rainforest loop trail on Hawaii's Big Island.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Akaka Falls State Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience a 442-foot waterfall cascading into a lush gorge via a scenic rainforest loop trail on Hawaii's Big Island.
"The hike was not difficult at all. Very pleasant and paved and such a nice beautiful experience seeing the rainforest."
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The paved loop trail has some inclines and stairs, so good walking shoes are a must! :athletic_shoe:
Arrive Early or Late
To avoid crowds and enjoy the tranquility, aim for early morning or late afternoon visits. :clock:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Akaka Falls
Main viewpoint
A breathtaking 442-foot waterfall cascading into a lush gorge. The sheer power and beauty are unforgettable.
Kahuna Falls
Along the loop trail
A secondary, though sometimes obscured, waterfall offering a glimpse into the jungle's hidden beauty.
Rainforest Loop Trail
Park entrance
A paved, .4-mile loop through a vibrant tropical rainforest, alive with exotic plants and the sounds of nature.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Park Entry and Fees
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The paved loop trail has some inclines and stairs, so good walking shoes are a must! :athletic_shoe:
Arrive Early or Late
To avoid crowds and enjoy the tranquility, aim for early morning or late afternoon visits. :clock:
Bring Cash for Fees
Parking and entry fees are required. While card payments might be available, having cash can speed things up. :moneybag:
Look for Chameleons
Keep an eye out for the island's unique wildlife, including chameleons that sometimes cross the path! :lizard:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The paved loop trail has some inclines and stairs, so good walking shoes are a must! :athletic_shoe:
Arrive Early or Late
To avoid crowds and enjoy the tranquility, aim for early morning or late afternoon visits. :clock:
Bring Cash for Fees
Parking and entry fees are required. While card payments might be available, having cash can speed things up. :moneybag:
Look for Chameleons
Keep an eye out for the island's unique wildlife, including chameleons that sometimes cross the path! :lizard:
Enjoy the Botanical Garden Vibe
The lush foliage and diverse plant life make it feel like a botanical garden. Take your time to appreciate it. :evergreen_tree:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Akaka Falls State Park for its breathtaking waterfall and the immersive rainforest experience. The paved loop trail is noted as easy and beautiful, though some mention Kahuna Falls can be overgrown. The fees are a common point, but most agree the natural beauty justifies the cost.
"A favorite stop when on Big Island. About .6 miles with stairs. Go counter clockwise. $10 parking, + $5 per person. The falls were nice to see but the fauna and flowers were beautiful. Giant fern leaves and other large leaves were fun to discover."
Chelle T
"Very cool waterfall. Definitely recommend doing the whole loop (counterclockwise) for a nice walk through some beautiful jungle. Street parking is free, but the parking lot and admission are paid before going down the stairs. Get there early before the tour buses arrive."
Steph Couvrette
"Beautiful falls, and fantastic plant life on the hike. Online info says you can see a 2nd waterfall on the hike, but don't beleive it... you can see a tiny, tiny speck of water peeking out from the trees, and that's it. But the main ~400ft falls are amazing. You will need a self shock to see the notion of the falls tho, because the vegetation block it (unless you're 6ft 4)."
Chris Hibbard
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Akaka Falls State Park is located about 11 miles north of Hilo. You can drive there via the Hawaii Belt Road (Highway 19) and then take Hawaii Route 220 to the park entrance. Many road trip itineraries include it as a stop between Kona and Hilo.
Akaka Falls State Park is located on the Big Island of Hawaii, specifically on the northeastern side near Hilo. +1
Public transportation options to Akaka Falls are limited. Renting a car or joining a guided tour is the most common and convenient way to reach the park.
A popular Big Island road trip route includes Waipio Valley, Akaka Falls, Rainbow Falls, and Hilo. This allows you to see multiple attractions in one day.
Yes, it's a scenic drive and Akaka Falls is a major highlight on the Big Island. Many visitors combine it with other Hilo attractions for a full day trip.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There are fees for both parking and per person entry. Parking is typically around $10, and entry is around $5 per person. It's recommended to have cash, though card payments may be accepted.
Advance booking is generally not required for Akaka Falls State Park. You can pay the entrance fees upon arrival.
The park is typically open daily from morning to evening. It's best to check the official Hawaii State Parks website for the most current hours before your visit.
Some visitors suggest parking on the road before the main entrance to save on the parking fee. However, the official parking lot is convenient and supports park maintenance.
Yes, restrooms are available near the parking lot at Akaka Falls State Park.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike is a paved, .4-mile loop trail that winds through a lush rainforest. It's considered easy to moderate, with some stairs, and is very doable for most visitors, including seniors.
A visit to Akaka Falls typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, allowing time for the hike, viewing the falls, and enjoying the rainforest scenery.
The park is a botanical wonderland with abundant tropical foliage, ferns, and vibrant flowers. You might also spot colorful birds and even chameleons.
Yes, the paved loop trail is generally suitable for families. However, keep a close eye on young children due to the stairs and proximity to the gorge.
Swimming is not permitted at Akaka Falls due to the strong currents and steep drop. The focus is on viewing the waterfall from designated viewpoints.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer light and fewer people. The mist from the falls can create beautiful atmospheric shots.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the falls and the surrounding rainforest. A tripod can be helpful for longer exposures in the shaded areas.
Absolutely! The entire loop trail offers stunning photo opportunities of the lush vegetation, smaller streams, and the main waterfall. +1
There are designated viewing platforms that offer excellent vantage points for photographing Akaka Falls. You cannot walk directly to the base of the falls.
Look for the vibrant ginger flowers, the unique tree formations, and the mist rising from the falls. The contrast between the green foliage and the white water is striking.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Bring snacks and water, and encourage your children to look for interesting plants and maybe even a chameleon! The short duration of the hike makes it ideal for shorter attention spans. It's a great way to introduce kids to the natural beauty and legends of Hawaii in an accessible setting.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
Nature lovers will appreciate the botanical diversity, the sounds of the rainforest, and the chance to spot local wildlife. Consider bringing a field guide to identify some of the unique plants you encounter. The mist from the falls also contributes to the vibrant ecosystem, making it a truly immersive natural environment.
📸 Photographers
Golden hour light can enhance the beauty of the falls and the surrounding foliage. Be prepared for the mist, which can add a unique atmospheric quality to your shots but also requires protecting your camera gear. The entire loop trail offers numerous compositions, from wide vistas to close-ups of exotic flowers.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legend of Akaka Falls
This legend is often shared with visitors, adding a narrative depth to the experience. The dramatic drop and the mist rising from the gorge can evoke a sense of the powerful emotions tied to the story, making the falls feel even more majestic. It's a reminder of the deep connection between the land and the stories of its people.
Exploring the Rainforest Trail
Keep an eye out for the diverse flora, including giant ti leaves, orchids, and heliconias. The trail is well-maintained and features bridges and stairs that add to the adventure. While the main attraction is Akaka Falls, the journey through this verdant landscape is equally captivating. Some visitors even report spotting chameleons along the path, adding an element of wildlife discovery.
It's important to wear comfortable shoes as there are some inclines and steps. The trail is generally considered easy to moderate, making it accessible for most visitors. The lush greenery and the feeling of being deep within a tropical paradise make this hike a must-do for anyone visiting the Big Island.
Tips for Capturing the Perfect Shot
When exploring the rainforest loop trail, don't forget to capture the smaller details. The vibrant ginger flowers, unique tree formations, and the intricate patterns of the ferns make for beautiful close-up shots. A wide-angle lens is recommended to encompass the grandeur of the falls and the surrounding jungle. If you're using a smartphone, ensure your lens is clean to avoid smudges, and experiment with different angles to find the most compelling compositions.
Remember that the park can get crowded, so patience might be key for getting that perfect, unobstructed shot. If you have a tripod, it can be beneficial for capturing longer exposures, especially in the shaded areas of the trail, to bring out more detail in the darker parts of the rainforest.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit