Akaka Falls — 442ft Plunge in Hawaii

Akaka Falls is a 442-foot plunge waterfall in Hawaiʻi County, Hawaii, reached by an easy walk over 0.5 miles.

Akaka Falls is the 442-foot plunge waterfall in Akaka Falls State Park on the Hilo (windward) side of the Big Island, Hawaiʻi — one of the most accessible major Hawaii waterfalls, reached via a paved 0.4-mile loop trail through dense rainforest. The Kolekole Stream drops straight down a basalt cliff into a moss-walled gorge; the trail includes the easy out-and-back to the main viewpoint plus a longer loop to Kahuna Falls (a 100-foot waterfall in the same gorge). It's the marquee waterfall stop on the road from Hilo to Hamakua.

What to expect

Drive about 11 miles north of Hilo on Highway 19, then 4 miles inland on Highway 220 to the state park entrance. Pay the state park entry fee (modest). Park in the small lot. The 0.4-mile paved loop trail is easy with some stairs and grade — wheelchair access requires the out-and-back option to the main viewpoint. Multiple overlooks along the loop. Best in morning before trade-wind clouds build up. Pair with Hilo town, the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, or the Onomea Bay scenic drive.