Akaka Falls is one of the Big Island’s easy-to-hike waterfalls. It features a 442-waterfall cascading down a lush cliff face. It’s budget friendly and only about a 20-30 min drive from Hilo. If you’re coming from Kona side, it might take about 1.5-2 hours depending on which way you drive (Saddle road or around the Hamakua coast).
Either way, Akaka Falls is an easy and affordable site to see on the Big Island.
Getting to Akaka Falls + Parking
Address: 875 Akaka Falls Rd, Honomu, HI 96728
The drive is easy and Google or Apple Maps will take you right there. There is a little parking area, which you can park in for a fee of $5. But you can also park on the side of the road right outside the park for FREE. Entrance to the park is $1. It’s probably fastest to have a dollar cash on hand.
Time
You’ll probably spend about 30 minutes (or less) at Akaka Falls. It’s an easy walk with beautiful views. It’s perfect for kids too!
The Mo’olelo (the story) of Akaka Falls
Hawaii is full of legends and mo’olelo of the land. Akaka falls was named after Chief ‘Akaka, who had a lovely and faithful wife. He made a home for them in this lush forest, but he had affairs with two mistresses, Maile and Lehua. When his faithful wife found out, he fled, with his dog, from her in shame. So quick was his departure, that he didn’t look where he was going and fell over the falls to his death. His dog waited atop the waterfall, loyally waiting so long that legend says he turned into the stone atop the falls. His wife mourned his loss and it is said she is the falls nearby, Kahuna Falls. Maile and Lehua also mourned his loss and legend says they are the smaller falls on either side of Akaka Falls, still weeping over his death.
The Trail
When you enter the state park, you will approach a fork in the trail. One says the “Circle Route” and the other takes you straight to Akaka Falls. I suggest taking the Circle Route—and know that it’s just one big circle trail so doing the Circle Route ensures you’ll see everything.
Enjoy the scenery and beauty of the walk! You’ll see bamboo, tropical flowers and leaves, and the large Banyan trees. One of my favorite plants is the red ginger. There is also a multitude of native birds, mostly honeycreepers, so enjoy their beauty and variety as well.
You will pass Kahuna Falls, which is difficult to see but you can hear it well.
CAUTION: Be careful on the trails, as it’s usually wet and rainy and the trails can be slippery!
Finally, you’ll reach the beautiful Akaka Falls. There is a lookout spot where you can take pictures (or hide under a pavilion if it’s raining).
I hope you enjoy your time at Akaka Falls!
Other iconic sites on the Big Island:
Waipio Valley, Big Island
Punalu’u Black Sand Beach (see honu, turtles, here!)
Volcano National Park
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