ʻAkaka Falls State Park is on the Hamakua Coast, north of Hilo on the Big Island. A short paved loop passes through tropical greenery, bamboo groves and streams before reaching viewpoints for two waterfalls: Kahuna Falls and the 442-foot ʻAkaka Falls. The walk is as much about the plants along the path as the cascades, with benches for pauses along the way. Take your time on the loop, which includes stairs and is not wheelchair accessible.
The loop through the park
The park’s short paved circuit takes you through tropical vegetation to views of two waterfalls. The route is an easy walk for many visitors, but it includes stairs, so it is not wheelchair accessible. Benches are scattered along the path, though there are not many. Allow time to pause: the greenery, streams and smaller cascades are part of the walk, not just the approach to the main viewpoint.
The loop has two approaches described in the available directions. One suggests following the path on the right from the entrance for a more appealing approach to ʻAkaka Falls; another recommends turning left after the stairs. Once there, follow the marked paved route and take in both waterfall viewpoints.
ʻAkaka Falls and Kahuna Falls
The main draw is ʻAkaka Falls, where water drops 442 feet into a gorge. The waterfall is viewed from the trail rather than reached by a route down to its base. Kahuna Falls is the other major cascade on the loop. Together, the two viewpoints make this a compact stop for seeing waterfalls on the Big Island’s Hamakua Coast.
The path also passes smaller waterfalls and streams. Bamboo groves and large tropical plants line the route, including ginger and heliconia. The vegetation can hold your attention between the viewpoints, so plan on a relaxed circuit if you enjoy looking at plants as well as taking waterfall photos.
Planning your visit
The park is at 875 Akaka Falls Road in Honomu. Its paved path is short, but stairs mean the route is not suitable for wheelchair users. Take care on the steps and leave time to stop at the viewpoints and benches.
Parking payment can be affected by poor network coverage. If you cannot complete an online payment, ask a ranger on site for help. Some visitors park along the road outside the lot to avoid the parking charge; check local signs and park only where permitted. The park’s posted vehicle opening time is 8:30 a.m., and the listed closing time is 5 p.m.
Perguntas frequentes
How long does the ʻAkaka Falls trail take?
The loop is short, and a visit commonly takes about 30 minutes. Allow closer to an hour if you want time for the plants and waterfall viewpoints.
Can you see more than one waterfall?
Yes. The loop has views of ʻAkaka Falls and Kahuna Falls, as well as smaller waterfalls along the route.
Is the trail wheelchair accessible?
No. The paved path includes stairs and is not wheelchair accessible.
