Last updated: 10/29/2021
Discover 'Akaka Falls State Park, on the Big Island of Hawaii, a park that is home to 'Akaka Falls, a beautiful waterfall 135 meters high!
'AKAKA FALLS STATE PARK
'Akaka Falls State Park is a state park located on the Big Island, the largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago that is named after the presence of its biggest attraction. 'Akaka waterfall, 135 meters high, which is probably the most famous waterfall on the Big Island. The accessible part of the park is high up in a deep gorge and waterfalls can be seen from various points along a circular path through the park. The waters come from the Kolekole Creek, which forms an estuary with the Pacific Ocean. There are several Hawaiian species of fish and marine animals that inhabit the waters.
DATA ABOUT 'AKAKA FALLS STATE PARK
- facilities available: restrooms, drinking fountains, paved trail, picnic tables near the parking lot
- There are no restaurants or any commercial activities available at the park to buy food or drinks
- prohibited activities: smoking, cycling, consuming alcoholic beverages, presence of pets
- Parking (with few spaces) paid only by credit card in a self-service machine
- To have peace of mind to do the trail, use light clothing and comfortable closed shoes. As the park is inside a tropical forest, rains can occur frequently. Therefore, it is interesting to bring a raincoat and/or waterproof jacket.
- we don't need insect repellent, but if you have any allergies to insects, it's worth considering stopping by before doing the trail.
- the sign of cell It's not the best, but it works.
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WHAT IS THE VISIT TO 'AKAKA FALLS STATE PARK LIKE
After parking your car and paying at the self-service machine, you can start your tour of the park. There is an easy circular trail (although not wheelchair accessible due to the steps) known as ʻAkaka Falls Loop Trail less than 800 meters. The park's suggestion is that you start the trail counterclockwise, starting from right to left, leaving 'Akaka Falls towards the end of the tour (it's good to follow this tip because you follow the same direction as the flow of people who are visiting the site). The trail allows the visitor to walk through the rainforest full of beautiful wild orchids, bamboo groves and ferns.
The trail passes through tropical vegetation with panoramic viewpoints overlooking two waterfalls: the Kahuna Falls (about 120 meters - further from the trail and partially seen from the viewpoint due to the angle) and the 'Akaka Falls.
An advantage of its location is that 'Akaka Falls can be seen from various points of the park during the walk, making the walk even more pleasant. A tip is to try to visit the place before 11 am, when the park is at its most empty and, if the weather is open, that's when the sun's rays illuminate the waterfall.
HOW TO GET TO 'AKAKA FALLS
'Akaka Falls is on the east side of the island, about 18 km north of the city of Hilo. To reach the park, drive to the end of ʻAkaka Falls Road (Highway 220), passing through the friendly town of Honomu, until you reach the parking area for the state park. The beginning of the trail is already close to the parking lot and everything is very well organized.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
'Akaka Falls State Park
- Address: 875 Akaka Falls Rd, Honomu, HI 96728, United States
- Schedules: daily from 8 am to 5 pm
- Entrance: US$ 10 per car (credit card only – self-service machine)
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Read more about Hawaii:
- Hawaii: What to do on Oahu – 4-Day Itinerary
- Hawaii: What to do in Maui – 4-Day Itinerary
- Hawaii: What to do in Kauai – 3-Day Itinerary
- Hawaii: Dive at Molokini Submerged Volcano
- What you need to know before traveling to Hawaii
- What a Hawaiian Luau Looks Like: Myths and Tips
- Polynesian Cultural Center: Polynesian Culture Park in Hawaii
