Akaka Falls State Park 2026 | Book Big Island Tours, Activities & Things to Do with HawaiiActivities.com
Top Big Island Sights & Attractions

Akaka Falls State Park

4.90
Hawaii's most famous waterfall, Akaka Falls is a 442-foot waterfall located north of Hilo. The State Park includes a half-mile, paved hike that loops through the area to an overlook of the waterfall. While visitors are normally required to pay a parking/entry fee, the tours below allow you to see the magnificent Akaka Falls with all fees included!

Top-Rated Activities for Big Island

Latest reviews of Akaka Falls State Park

Grand Circle Island Tour - Volcano, Black Sand Beach, Waipio Valley & Waterfalls

BEST adventure I did on first Hawaii visit

2026/04/30 Couples PawPaw

Had an absolutely wonderful time was a little apprehensive about whether or not to do this tour. It is a long tour all day however I wouldn’t change a thing. It absolutely was awesome didn’t even feel like it was 13 hour... more

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Hawaii Zipline Tours - Big Island Waterfall & Rainforest Zip Adventure

Soars and laughter

2026/03/14 Friends zsarahz

I loved this zipline experience! I took a friend with me, and we had such an amazing time. The instructors were so funny and down to earth. Amazing views over the waterfall.

Grand Circle Island Tour - Volcano, Black Sand Beach, Waipio Valley & Waterfalls

Incredible Adventure

2025/12/28 Families Kara

The tour was super well organized, with a guide who shared interesting insights along the way!

Grand Circle Island Tour - Volcano, Black Sand Beach, Waipio Valley & Waterfalls

Great experience

2025/11/25 Solo Travelers RH

Loved this tour - our tour guide was very accommodating and knowledgeable and we saw some beautiful spots of the island. Definitely recommend this trip as you get to see a lot in one day. My favourite places were the bla... more

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Hawaii Zipline Tours - Big Island Waterfall & Rainforest Zip Adventure

Ziplining and hiking

2025/11/23 Families Kara

The course felt very well run, safety was clearly a priority, and the transitions between ziplines were smooth.

Grand Circle Island Tour - Volcano, Black Sand Beach, Waipio Valley & Waterfalls

Fun!!!

2025/11/22 Friends Kara

Loved this tour! We saw so much of the Big Island in a single day. And the guide shared really interesting facts along the way.

About Akaka Falls State Park

The Falls
Akaka Falls plunges 442 feet down a sheer cliff into a deep pool, one of the tallest accessible waterfalls in Hawaii. The cascade flows year-round, fed by Kolekole Stream. Best viewed from the upper overlook 30 feet from a viewing platform; mist drifts at peak flow.
Park Access
The state park sits 11 miles north of Hilo on Highway 220 (Akaka Falls Road). From Kona it is about 1.5 hours via Saddle Road. Park entry is $5 per non-resident vehicle, $1 per pedestrian. Open daily 8:30am to 5pm. The 0.4-mile loop trail takes 30 to 60 minutes total.
The Loop Trail
A paved 0.4-mile (0.6 km) loop trail wraps through tropical rainforest with bamboo groves, banyan trees, and orchids. The trail visits Akaka Falls and the smaller Kahuna Falls (100 ft) en route. Some uneven steps and slopes; not fully wheelchair accessible. Bring rain gear.

Tour Options

Day Tour Combos
Most Akaka Falls tours combine the falls with Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hilo town, or Mauna Kea summit (sunset). Tours leave Kona at 6am and return 8pm. Hilo-based tours are shorter (4 to 6 hours). Includes transport, park entry, and lunch on most full-day options.
Self-Drive Visits
An easy self-guided alternative for renters. Drive Highway 19 north to Honomu town, then 4 miles inland on Highway 220. Combine with Peepee Falls (Boiling Pots) and Rainbow Falls in nearby Hilo for a half-day waterfall route. Allow 4 to 5 hours total round trip.
Photography Tips
Best lighting is 10am to 2pm when the sun reaches into the gorge. Long exposure shots capture silky water; bring a tripod and ND filter. The viewing platform is partially fenced; reach overhead for unobstructed shots. Mist can fog lenses on humid days, so bring a microfiber cloth.

Visitor Tips

What to Bring
Comfortable walking shoes (paved trail with steps), a light rain jacket (frequent showers), and reef-safe insect repellent for the rainforest section. Bring water bottle and small snacks. Phone or camera with strap. Strollers usable on most of the trail but not the 50 stairs.
Best Time to Visit
Year-round flow; spring (March to May) is highest after winter rains. Mornings are cooler and less crowded. Avoid weekends and the 10am to 2pm bus tour rush. The east side of Big Island is wetter than Kona side; expect frequent passing showers throughout the day.
Nearby Highlights
The town of Honomu (1 mile away) offers small art galleries, malasada bakery, and Ishigos Bakery (since 1910). Rainbow Falls (15 minutes south in Hilo) and Wailuku River State Parks Boiling Pots are easy add-ons. Akaka Falls plus Hilo combo makes a full half-day adventure.
Akaka Falls State Park 2026 | Book Big Island Tours, Activities & Things to Do with HawaiiActivities.com
Hawaii's most famous waterfall, Akaka Falls is a 442-foot waterfall located north of Hilo. The State Park includes a half-mile, paved hike that loops through the area to an overlook of the waterfall. While visitors are normally required to pay a parking/entry fee, the tours below allow you to see the magnificent Akaka Falls with all fees included!