ʻAkaka Falls

On the drive to the falls along Hawaiʻi Belt Road, youʻll pass by a handful of farms, see beautiful views of Maunakea in the distance and make your way through the small former plantation town of Honomū. Honomū Road will dead end at ‘Akaka Falls State Park parking lot.

After you park, check in with the attendants to make sure your parking and admission are paid. I recommend stopping at the information signs in the parking lot to learn more about the ecosystem and cultural history of the area while making sure that youʻve liberally applied sunscreen and bug repellent.

From the parking lot, you’ll descend down a few short flights of stairs into the rainforest. The ‘Akaka Falls Loop Trail takes visitors down to the falls, then back around in a quarter-mile paved loop path. If you go left, you’ll see ‘Akaka Falls first, if you go right you’ll see Kahūnā Falls first. Along the path, you’ll see a giant grove of bamboo, surrounded by tropical plants and the pungent scent of wild ginger. I like to stop at the bridges, making sure not to block other visitors, to take it all in. Listening to the stream pass under the bridge is truly meditative and really reminds you how fortunate you are to be there.

While the path is considered an easy one, it does have a 100 foot elevation gain with a few sets of stairs. The section with stairs may be strenuous for those with mobility issues, but the walk to ‘Akaka Falls is not far. Once you arrive at the viewpoint, you can spend as much or as little time as you like admiring the falls plunging down into the gorge below. From there you can continue along the path to the 300-foot Kahūnā Falls, then back around to the exit.

If you’ve worked up a thirst, climbing the stairs under the warm sun, Mana’s Aloha Fruit Stand is a short drive from the parking lot and sells coconut water straight from the coconut and seasonal fruit for snacking.

Honomū is home to a couple of really tasty spots to grab lunch. For a hearty meal, Big Island Birria Boss offers multiple takes on birria tacos. Aloha General (closed Fridays) serves smash burgers and local food products that make for great gifts. Kula Shave Ice has a counter at Aloha General, where you can find acai bowls and some of the island’s best shave ice. Mr. Ed’s Bakery is an institution with baked goods, hot dogs and chili bowls. Be sure to stock up on Mr. Ed’s famous jams, jellies and other preserves. For a lighter meal, The Hive serves avocado toast, lemonade and coffee. Hamakua Toffee Company, off the highway on Honomū Road, has been preparing its signature mac nut toffee for five generations. I definitely recommend stopping here after youʻve visited the falls and had lunch. Pro tip, if you buy their toffee, bring a cooler, so the chocolate in it doesn’t melt.

For the ultimate waterfall day, I’d suggest starting at ‘Akaka Falls, then grabbing lunch in Honomū, followed by ziplining over Kolekole Falls. Here are some more options:

Rainbow Falls — About 30 minutes south from ʻAkaka Falls, 10 minutes from downtown Hilo. This is a quick 5-minute stop from the parking lot, with no fee. If you donʻt have as much time, this is quicker and easier. If you have time, do this and ʻAkaka Falls. For a better chance of seeing rainbows reflecting off the falls, arrive in the morning.

Waipiʻo Valley Overlook — This is a bigger commitment, as it’s about an hour drive north of ‘Akaka Falls. There is no access to the valley and no waterfalls, but from the overlook you can see the ocean, black sand beach and valley floor — once home to King Kamehameha I.

ʻUmauma Falls — About 15 minutes from ʻAkaka Falls. To access the three-tier waterfall and the 70-foot deep pool below, you’d need to book a tour. There are several good options to choose from including:

• Ziplining + Swim, Kayak and Cliff Jumping
• Self-guided Tour of Gardens and Falls
• Deluxe ATV Experience

Pepeʻekeo Scenic Drive — A 4-mile drive with old wooden bridges and views of waterfalls, streams and lush vegetation.

Three of Hawai'i Island’s most unique lodging experiences are located near ‘Akaka Falls. For a serene luxury experience, the adults-only Hamakua Hotel is just across the highway from Honomū. It has beautiful cliffside views, newly-renovated rooms and elevated dining experiences perfect for a relaxing and elegant stay. Closer to Hilo, Hawai'i Magic Skies Farmstay is a newly constructed B&B and working farm. For more waterfall fun, stay in an off-the-grid bungalow at The Inn a Kulaniapia Falls for access to its private waterfall, along with kayaks and paddleboards. Visitors not staying on property can pay a day rate to access the falls. Note: While Kulaniapia Falls and Magic Skies do allow children, I strongly recommend only bringing older children and teens. For a more family-friendly hotel, I suggest SCP Hotel in Hilo

The paved loop at ʻAkaka Falls is safe. Watch your footing after it rains and stay on the trail. Do not cross the railings for photos. If there has been a recent storm check the Department of Land and Natural Resources’ website to ensure the park is open. There’s also the chance that even if the falls are open, not all areas will be accessible. After Hurricane Lala in 2026, the path to Kahuna Falls was temporarily closed due to downed trees from the storm. Wear bug spray and keep an eye out for fire ants — invasive pests with a painful bite that plague east Hawai'i Island. Be careful when picking flowers or standing beneath canopies.