Akaka Falls State Park on the Big Island of Hawaii

One of the most famous waterfalls on the Big Island of Hawai’i would be located in Akaka Falls State Park. There are two waterfalls in this state park; the Akaka Falls, which plummet 442 feet and the Kahuna Falls that plunge 100 feet. Pretty much anyone can take the short hike to view these waterfalls, and they are worth seeing!

It is just a short 0.4-mile uphill hike will take you through a lush rainforest filled with wild orchids, bamboo groves and draping ferns. Depending on the route you walk you will either hit Akaka Falls first or Kahuna Falls. Just continue following the loop around the bend and you’ll discover the other waterfall.

Akaka Falls

Just walking to the falls is a beautiful sight, just like most walks throughout Hawai’i. You’ll be surprised on how many waterfalls you can visit here on the Big Island of Hawai’i and each of them unique in their way.

Bottom of the falls

As I mentioned, the Akaka Falls plummet 442-feet into a stream-eroded gorge is often mistaken for the waterfall seen in the Jurassic Park movie because of the height of the waterfall. Unfortunately, that waterfall is on one of the other Hawai’i islands.

Kahuna Falls

It is just a short walk between the two waterfalls. Kahuna Falls is nowhere near as spectacular as Akaka Falls. For the most part, it is hidden behind the landscape of greenery, but it’s still beautiful to see.

While walking between the waterfalls and also before and after reaching the waterfalls you can also see some beautiful scenes. There are small waterfalls coming from streams as well as lush greenery.

If you decide to make the drive to Akaka Falls to see the waterfalls, be sure to bring rain gear. You will most likely need an umbrella at some point during the walk through the trail.

There is a small fee for visiting the Akaka Falls State Park; $1 for walk-ins, $5 for cars.

Are you looking for other places to go sightseeing to waterfalls and valleys? We will make it see as many of the waterfalls that we can, although some are only able to be seen from boat or air.