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Akaka Falls State Park

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jim
jim
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Editor Pick

Akaka Falls State Park

  • January 26, 2007
  • Rated 5 of 5 by cjg1 from New York, New York
After the drive outside of Hilo on 19 we made the left turn onto 220. Only 3.4 miles to go and we’d be at the first intentional destination of the day. This was honestly the late addition to the list that I was insisting on. I rarely insist on things when we travel together as our styles jive well. But this one I did. And it was the highlight of my entire day. And so we drove up to the stop sign about ¾ mile in. Made the left turn down the “main street” and then the right. This we followed up the hill until it ended in the parking lot of the park.

Parked and packed we set off. Down the stairs to the Y where we discussed which to do. We still at this time thought we would have no time for any of this. We decided to do the circle loop and see both falls since we were already here. So to the right we went further down the hill. As we followed the path it took us across a bridge and back up a bit we came to the end of the path. And there wasn’t much of a view from there. Kahuna Falls were across the valley but not a great view. After some pics here we move on up the path towards Akaka Falls.

After about five minutes we crested the hill along the forested path and there was our first glimpse. The mighty 420+ foot drop of the Akaka Falls. Wow. I was so amazed. And as such immediately made Janet pose for a pic I said we’d call “First Glimpse.” We stayed here for a good ten minutes taking pics and movies of the falls and just being happy that the day was starting off on such a good note.

The basin that these falls tumble into reminds me a bit of the area the helicopter on Jurassic Park comes down into. There is a small covered rest area here and a good 10 to 15 feet of fencing you can take pics from.

From here it was a short 750 foot walk back to the Y and up the stairs to the parking lot. It was here where we finally ran into another person. They had just arrived and we were happy we had had the park to ourselves.

The park is open 24 hours a day but I highly recommend you come and see it as we did pre 9 am. The sun is shining onto the falls in the morning and this also gives the best light angle for pics.

There is no charge at this park.

From journal A Day on Hawaii

Akaka Falls

  • January 17, 2007
  • Rated 5 of 5 by kona from Pompton plains, New Jersey
Akaka Falls

A 420-foot waterfall falling through a lush tropical rain forest. This is one to see! I have never seen a waterfall as beautiful as this with all the lush green foliage and flowers surrounding this majestic fall. This waterfall is tucked away off of a mile-long trail, and it's well worth the trip (not like it's that long). This area is located north of Hilo, along the Hamakua Coast.

From journal Big Island Action

Editor Pick

Akaka Falls State Park

  • April 29, 2006
  • Rated 5 of 5 by creekland from East Berlin, Pennsylvania
Akaka Falls State Park

Waterfalls… part of the reason you come to Hawaii, or at least one of the main things folks tend to like to do in Hawaii, is see the spectacular waterfalls… Akaka and Kahuna (both off this hike) are two of them.To get here, you need to turn AWAY from the ocean (towards Honomu) between mile markers 13/14 off Rt. 19 North of Hilo. Follow the signs for approximately 4 miles and the road dead ends at Akaka Falls State Park. There is limited parking, so in peak times, finding a spot can be challenging. When we left, some folks were parking along the road. There are restroom facilities here.If you can spare the time (a half mile loop total for both falls), begin your hike to the right for a fabulous hike through some of the best rainforest we saw. The Bamboo and Banyan Trees seem unworldly—so tall and lush. It's all paved, but on this route there are some steps and hills making it wheelchair inaccessible. It's still a beginner "hike" though.My boys ran on through this spectacular rainforest, but we called them back to take pics in a huge Banyan Tree. After we called them back, they really did seem to take more of an interest in their surroundings too. Perhaps they simply had "waterfall" in their brain without considering that the WALK might provide interest as well and thus didn't think to really look at it. One might want to give youngsters the clue that you are seeing rainforest AND the waterfall to better set them up for this trip.After marveling at the spectacular rainforest you arrive at Kahuna Falls—smaller than Akaka, but quite the sight to see anyway, especially in this setting. The path continues on towards Akaka, though in our opinion, the best "rainforest" sights are before Kahuna. It's still pretty though… it is, after all, still rainforest. We're just getting nitpicky about BEST rainforest vs. BETTER rainforest.Akaka Fall's overlook area is sometimes really crowded due to tour buses and other travelers. Many folks just take the 5 minute shortcut to Akaka and back. You probably will have to wait for that picture perfect spot. On the other hand, it's relatively easy to find a stranger willing to take a picture for you with your whole group. The falls themselves are pretty—over a 400' straight drop off a cliff. There are taller waterfalls in Hawaii—too many to count actually—but this one is a larger "water volume" falls and a freefall (not hitting rocks on the way down) making it a neat view. It's also quite easy to get to. It's worth it to go, and like most scenic sights, if you go early, you avoid MOST of the crowds.

From journal Hawaii Vacation: The Adventure Continues

Editor Pick

Akaka Falls State Park

  • May 26, 2003
  • Rated 4 of 5 by lcampbell from Port Angeles, Washington
Akaka Falls State Park

"This is a fairyland!" my friend said.

I looked around me. It was! I could picture them fluttering their wings as they flitted from tree to flower to moss-covered log. Most people go to Akaka Falls State Park to see Akaka Falls (strangly enough!), but my favorite part was definitely the plants. The philodenron leaves were larger than me. There were vines growing off of banyan trees, vines and ferns growing off of everything, and lush green on all sides. The ginger, orchids, heliconia, hibiscus, and bamboo provided texture and color in the green. There were literally tunnels of vegetation.

All this vegetation, and two great waterfalls, can be seen on a ½ mile ranforest loop trail. We went to the right first and came to 100 foot Kahuna Falls first. It was a bit hard to see because it was pretty far off the trail, but it was nice anyway. The star of the show was next. Akaka Falls is 442 feet tall and falls as a sheer drop. It is close to the trail so it is front-row-center for viewing. The vertical walls around Akaka Falls are covered in moss, hanging flowers, and ferns.

Akaka Falls State Park is a great spot to stop for a short hike if you are in the Hilo area. It is located north of Hilo on Hwy 220, off of Hwy 19, between mile marker 13 and 14. Turn west and follow the signs for about 4 miles.

A visit to Akaka Falls State Park can be combined with other stops in the nearby area like Kolekole Beach Park, Pepe,ekeo Scenic Drive, the World Botanical Garden, and the Hawaiian Tropical Botanical Garden. Or, have a waterfall day and also visit Rainbow Falls, Pe’epe’e Falls, and Boiling Pots near Hilo along with Akaka Falls.

From journal Big Island Camping Adventures and Cool Places

Editor Pick

Akaka Falls State Park

  • May 3, 2003
  • Rated 4 of 5 by Malahini from Saint Paul, Minnesota
Akaka Falls State Park

About three miles past the small town of Honomu Route 220 ends at the state park, where there's a large parking area and restrooms. In the parking area, a local vendor has likely set up shop, making and selling coconut frond basketware. But you really came to see the waterfalls, right?

A three quarters of a mile circuit runs past two falls. Take it counterclock wise for the best views. There's a bamboo thicket along the way, with some BIG bamboo. The first waterfall is Kahuna, where there's a short branch path to the best view. Then the trail leads uphill along the cliffside. It's steep, but take your time. Lush ginger, heliconia, ferns, and orchids make it worthwhile to daudle.

At Akaka Falls, a small shelter and an overlook area make a long stop possible. You'll want to. This 420 foot free fall is one of the most spectacular.

From journal Big Island Attractions

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