Akaka Falls State Park — Attraction in Hawaii

Are you bored in Hilo and need something to do? Well, this can kill about an hour or so off your day, and it really is beautiful. And best of all, your vehicle will do most of the work to get you there. From Hilo, it's about a 15 minute drive north through greenery, a small residential area, and open fields. You'll probably be wondering if you're really going to see a waterfall due to the flat terrain, but trust me, you will!

PARKING & PRICE: You'll notice the majority of the cars will be parked along the roadside just outside of the parking lot, which is due to pricing. If you park in the lot, the entry fee is slightly higher per car. Do your math to save money. Thankfully it was free for kama'aina, and we were able to park in the lot. An attendant is posted at the top of the trails to collect money.

FACILITIES: Restrooms are available just off of the parking lot.

THE FALLS: You can see the top of Akaka Falls from the parking lot, but definitely walk down to the viewing area! The 0.4 mile loop trail will take you to two falls - Kahuna Falls to the right, Akaka Falls to the left. But when we were here in February, the trail to Kahuna Falls was closed for some reason so we didn't get to see it.

The moderate-effort trail leading to Akaka Falls is fully paved, winds down and up through the valley, over a lazy stream, and boasts up-close views of the mountains and its lush foliage. A large patch of trees were uprooted, possibly due to the last hurricane and storms that grazed the Big Island before fizzling out after encountering 13,803-foot high Mauna Kea.

The viewing area is small, but you can see the entire 442' waterfall from top to bottom, including the utopian pool it empties into. Selfies come out great too! There's a small covered seating area should you need to rest. It wasn't overly crowded either which was great.

OVERALL: Minimal cost and effort, highly rewarding ending. Definitely...

Akaka Falls, located on the Big Island of Hawaii, is a breathtaking natural wonder that should not be missed. Nestled within the lush greenery of Akaka Falls State Park, this stunning waterfall cascades 442 feet into a picturesque gorge surrounded by tropical rainforest. The journey to the falls is as enchanting as the destination itself, with a well-maintained walking path that winds through vibrant foliage, bamboo groves, and colorful flowers.

As you stroll along the paved trail, the sounds of the rushing water become increasingly prominent, building anticipation for the majestic sight ahead. The highlight, of course, is the moment you arrive at the observation platform that offers a panoramic view of Akaka Falls. Standing there, you can feel the mist on your face as you take in the sheer beauty of the waterfall, with its powerful flow creating a mesmerizing display against the backdrop of lush greenery.

The park is not only home to Akaka Falls but also features the smaller Kahuna Falls, which is equally beautiful in its own right. The contrast between the two falls creates a delightful experience, allowing visitors to appreciate the variety of natural beauty within the park.

Visiting Akaka Falls is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in Hawaii's stunning landscapes and enjoy the fresh air. The surrounding area is filled with rich biodiversity, making it a great spot for nature lovers and photographers alike. Whether you're hiking the trails or simply taking in the views, Akaka Falls is a must-see attraction that encapsulates the natural beauty of the Big Island.

Overall, a visit to Akaka Falls is not just about witnessing a magnificent waterfall; it's about experiencing the tranquility and splendor of Hawaii's outdoors. Make sure to bring your camera to capture this iconic sight, and take your time to soak in the serene atmosphere that this beautiful...

I visited Akaka Falls State Park yesterday, and it was a wonderful experience! 🌞 The weather was just perfect — not too hot, not too cold — it felt like nature’s AC while walking on the trail. I drove from Hilton Grand Vacations, and the drive took about 1 hour and 30 minutes. 🚗

Parking was available just outside the yellow gate (the designated parking was closed for some reason). If you park inside the yellow gate, they charge you an extra $10, so I avoided that. Still, finding parking was super easy! ✅

🎟️ Entry was $15 per person, and you can pay by card right at the entrance.

The trail itself is short and scenic. You can either go straight to Akaka Falls in just 10 minutes or take the longer route (15–20 mins) to see another small waterfall and beautiful nature before reaching the main fall. Some parts of the trail have steps, but others are steep without steps — not wheelchair accessible. 🥾

The path is clean and well-marked with signs. On the way, I saw a small water stream making beautiful sounds — it felt like nature therapy! 💧🎶

And then… the main view of Akaka Falls 😍🌈 — absolutely breathtaking! You can’t go super close, but the view from the lookout is still amazing. Definitely an Instagram-worthy spot 📸✨

I saw about 20–30 people around, so it wasn’t too crowded. There were also cute little water animals and so many amazing plants and trees around — such a peaceful jungle vibe 🌴🐟🌺

There was no staff inside the park except at the entrance. Sadly, the restrooms were a big letdown: no soap, no paper towels, and not very clean 🚫🧻

it’s peaceful, green, refreshing, and truly a hidden gem in Hawaii. If they fix the restrooms, it’s a 5-star...