Akaka Falls State Park Guide: A Short Hike to One of Hawaii’s Tallest Waterfalls

Some waterfalls leave an imprint and Akaka Falls was one of those for me. Towering at 442 feet and surrounded by a tangle of misty rainforest, it felt like I had stepped into a scene from a storybook. The best part? The walk to get there was short, easy, and absolutely beautiful.

If you’re staying near Hilo or exploring the lush east side of the Big Island, Akaka Falls State Park is a must for a peaceful nature walk with a huge payoff. In this post, I’ll walk you through what to expect on the trail, how to plan your visit, and what made this place stand out for me.

Where Is Akaka Falls State Park?

Akaka Falls State Park is located on the lush northeastern side of the Big Island, about 11 miles (18 km) north of Hilo, in the small community of Honomu. It sits along the scenic Hāmākua Coast, an area known for its dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and quiet plantation-era towns.

You’ll find the park just a short detour off Highway 19 (Hawaii Belt Road) the main route connecting Hilo to Waimea and the northern parts of the island. If you’re coming from Hilo, the drive takes about 20–25 minutes, making it an ideal half-day activity or a stop on your way to explore the rest of the coast.

As you turn off the highway, the final 3.5 miles along Akaka Falls Road (Route 220) take you through the peaceful, old-fashioned town of Honomu. This charming village has small cafés, shaved ice stands, and souvenir shops worth a quick wander before or after your hike.

The road to the park climbs gently uphill, winding through tropical rainforest, banana groves, and former sugarcane fields. There’s a parking lot at the end with clearly marked signs and a self-pay kiosk.

Driving Distances to Akaka Falls:

• From Hilo: ~11 miles / 25 minutes
• From Waipiʻo Valley Lookout: ~40 miles / 1 hour 15 minutes
• From Volcanoes National Park: ~60 miles / 1 hour 45 minutes
• From Kona (Kailua-Kona): ~85 miles / 2–2.5 hours (scenic route via Saddle Road or northern coast)

Rental Car Tip:

There’s no public transportation directly to the falls, so you’ll need a rental car. The roads are well-paved and easy to drive, and there’s ample parking on-site.

What the Trail Is Like (Akaka Falls Loop Walk)

I honestly didn’t expect such a lush and cinematic walk to come from a trail this short but Akaka Falls surprised me in the best way.

The Akaka Falls Loop Trail is a 0.4-mile (0.6 km) paved loop that winds through one of the most picturesque pockets of rainforest I’ve experienced on the Big Island. It’s not just about the waterfall at the end it’s the journey that sets the tone: think vibrant foliage, soft birdsong, and the earthy scent of wet leaves.

From the trailhead, you can take the loop clockwise or counter-clockwise. I chose the clockwise direction, which takes you past Kahuna Falls first, followed by the showstopper, Akaka Falls and I recommend this order for the big reveal at the end.

What You’ll See Along the Trail

The path leads you through a dense tropical forest filled with:

• Towering bamboo groves that creak gently in the breeze
• Giant ferns and philodendrons wrapping around tree trunks like jungle lace
• Orchids, ti plants, and wild ginger blooming in the undergrowth
• Dripping moss and hanging vines that make it feel like a scene from Jurassic Park

There are informational signs throughout the trail that talk about the native plant species, the geology of the falls, and local legends connected to the area which adds a layer of cultural context to your walk.

About a third of the way in, you’ll reach a small viewpoint for Kahuna Falls. It’s often overlooked, but it drops a dramatic 100 feet and is surrounded by thick greenery. I found it peaceful, like a mini preview of what’s to come.

A few minutes later, the trail wraps around and suddenly you’re standing at the Akaka Falls overlook. This part took my breath away. The waterfall plunges 442 feet (135 meters) down a sheer cliff into a deep gorge, with mist rising up and birds circling high above. It’s the tallest easily accessible waterfall on the island, and the setting feels completely untouched.

The viewing platform is spacious and railed, offering an unobstructed panoramic view of the falls great for photos or just standing still to soak it all in.

Additional Trail Info

• Distance: 0.4-mile loop (you can’t go off-trail it’s a set path)
• Time Required: 20–40 minutes depending on your pace and photo stops
• Trail Difficulty: Easy; short inclines and a few stair sections
• Trail Surface: Mostly paved with some slightly uneven spots
• Conditions: Often damp or muddy after rain non-slip shoes recommended
• Rest Areas: No benches mid-trail, but there are shaded areas at the entrance
• Photo Tips: The falls face east, so morning light tends to be best for soft glow shots

Accessibility Notes

The trail is paved but not fully ADA-accessible due to multiple staircases, especially near the Akaka Falls viewpoint. However:

• Some visitors with mobility challenges can access partial views by entering the shorter path section to the left of the trailhead.
• Wheelchair users may find the first few hundred feet navigable with assistance.
• There are restrooms and picnic tables near the parking lot that are accessible.

The Legend Behind Akaka Falls

Like many places in Hawaii, Akaka Falls carries a deep cultural story.

According to local legend, the waterfall is named after Chief ʻAkaka, who fell to his death from the cliffs after a tragic love triangle. His two grieving lovers, Lehua and Maile, are said to have transformed into nearby waterfalls themselves. The story adds a layer of mystery and reverence to the site.

This area is considered sacred to many Hawaiians, so be sure to stay on marked paths, take only photos, and treat the land with aloha.

Ecosystem & Wildlife at the Falls

Akaka Falls isn’t just beautiful, it’s biologically fascinating.

• The water below the falls is home to endemic Hawaiian goby fish (o‘opu ‘alamō‘o) and ōpaekala‘ole shrimp, which have adapted to climb wet rock faces using suction-like fins.
• Native plants like ʻōhiʻa lehua, ti, and wild ginger thrive along the trail.
• Birds like the ʻapapane, a bright red honeycreeper, are commonly heard or seen fluttering through the trees.

Please don’t touch or collect plants, rocks, or wildlife this helps preserve the fragile ecosystem.

Tips for Visiting Akaka Falls

Here are a few things I learned that might help you plan better:

• Go early or late in the day to avoid crowds (especially if visiting during cruise ship days in Hilo).
• After a rain, the waterfall is even more powerful, but the trail may be slippery in spots.
• Wear comfortable shoes, but you don’t need full hiking gear.
• Bring bug spra, this is rainforest terrain.
• There’s a restroom and shaded picnic area near the parking lot, but no food stalls, so bring your own snacks or lunch if you plan to linger.

Entry Fees and Parking

Here’s what you’ll need to know about fees:

• Non-resident Entrance Fee: $5 per person (children 3 and under free)
• Non-resident Parking Fee: $10 per vehicle
• Hawaii Residents: Free with Hawaii ID

Important: Payment is made via ParkMobile or the on-site credit card kiosk; no cash accepted. I recommend paying in advance because the cell signal is weak near the trailhead.

What to Pack for Akaka Falls

• Lightweight rain jacket
• Bug spray
• Reusable water bottle
• Phone or camera
• Comfortable shoes
• Quick snacks or fruit

Photography Tips

This spot is a dream for photographers. Here are a few tips:

• The viewing platform offers a perfect shot of the falls bring a wide-angle lens if you can.
• Light is best in the late morning or early afternoon, when the sun hits the waterfall just right.
• The mist can sometimes fog up your lens wipe it off between shots.
• Try capturing the lush path leading up to the falls for some depth and context.

Can You Swim at Akaka Falls?

No, swimming isn’t allowed at Akaka Falls or in the gorge below. The terrain is steep and the currents are dangerous. If you’re looking for swimmable waterfalls on the Big Island, check out Rainbow Falls or [Pe’epe’e Falls] nearby.

What to Do Nearby (Make It a Full Day Near Akaka Falls)

If you’re planning to visit Akaka Falls State Park, I highly recommend making a full day out of your time along the Hāmākua Coast and North Hilo area. This region is known for its lush landscapes, botanical gardens, hidden scenic routes, and peaceful towns that still reflect Hawaii’s plantation history.

Here are some of my favorite nearby stops all within 15 to 30 minutes of the park:

Hawaiʻi Tropical Bioreserve & Garden

Distance from Akaka Falls: 4.5 miles / 10 minutes

Tucked along the Onomea Bay coast, this bioreserve is a must-see for plant lovers and nature photographers. The garden features over 2,000 species of tropical plants, as well as waterfalls, lily ponds, and scenic ocean lookouts. It’s like walking through a living encyclopedia of the tropics, with labeled paths winding through heliconia tunnels and palm groves.

My tip: Don’t rush. It takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to fully enjoy this garden and the views over the bay are incredible.

Onomea Scenic Drive

Distance from Akaka Falls: Just south of the park, along Old Mamalahoa Highway

If you’re heading back to Hilo after your visit, skip the highway and take the slower Onomea Scenic Route. It’s a 4-mile coastal detour off Highway 19, weaving past rainforests, one-lane bridges, and peekaboo ocean views.

This is one of the most atmospheric drives on the Big Island it feels like stepping into old Hawaii.

Look out for: A pull-off near the ocean where you can see remnants of the old Onomea Arch and coastal cliffs.

Hilo Town

Distance from Akaka Falls: 11 miles / 25 minutes

After your adventure in nature, Hilo is the perfect place to grab a bite or unwind by the bay. The town is known for its laid-back local charm, colorful shops, and thriving farmers market (open daily, but best on Wednesdays and Saturdays).

Things to do in Hilo:

• Browse local crafts and tropical fruits at the Hilo Farmers Market
• Visit Liliʻuokalani Gardens for a peaceful stroll
• Stop by Rainbow Falls or Boiling Pots, two more impressive waterfalls within town limits
• Enjoy fresh poke bowls or loco moco from local diners and cafés

Want more Hilo ideas? Check out my full Things to Do in Hilo guide.

Botanical World Adventures

Distance from Akaka Falls: 6.5 miles / 12 minutes

If you’re traveling with family or just want to inject a little adrenaline into your day, Botanical World Adventures is a fun stop nearby. It offers:

• Zipline tours over waterfalls and treetops
• Segway rainforest tours
• A self-guided walk through beautifully maintained tropical gardens

It’s more action-oriented than the Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve, so choose based on your energy level and interests.

Good to know: Reservations are recommended for ziplining, especially during high season.

Extend Your Waterfall Chasing Adventure

The Big Island is full of stunning waterfalls, many of which are easily combined into a loop with Akaka Falls. After visiting the park, consider checking out:

• Rainbow Falls – Right in Hilo, wide and accessible with minimal walking
• Peʻepeʻe Falls & Boiling Pots – Just upriver from Rainbow Falls with volcanic rock formations
• Umauma Falls – Located 20 minutes north, part of a private adventure park but worth it for the view (and the ziplining!)

See my full guide to Big Island waterfalls

Final Thoughts

Akaka Falls was one of the easiest yet most rewarding waterfall walks I did on the Big Island. It’s quick, gorgeous, and gives you that deep-into-the-jungle feeling without the effort of a full hike. If you’re staying in Hilo or doing a Hamakua Coast road trip, it’s a stop I wholeheartedly recommend.

Want more ideas for your Big Island trip? Check out my full Big Island itinerary here.