Akaka Falls

Akaka Falls & Kahuna Falls (Honomū, Hawaiʻi Island)

Explore two of the Big Island’s most photogenic waterfalls on the lush Hāmākua Coast. ʻAkaka Falls plunges ~442 feet into a mossy gorge, while nearby Kahuna Falls offers a quieter, jungle-framed cascade—perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and families seeking an easy rainforest walk.

Why Go

• Iconic Big Island waterfalls: towering ʻAkaka Falls plus serene Kahuna Falls on one loop.
• Classic Hāmākua scenery: banyans, bamboo, wild ginger, and bird song along a paved path.
• Easy add-on drive: the picturesque Four-Mile (Pepeʻekeo) Scenic Drive between Honomū and Hilo.

Trail Basics

• Route: ʻAkaka Falls Loop Trail (paved loop with steps), passing Kahuna Falls lookout first, then ʻAkaka Falls overlook.
• Length: ~0.4 mile / ~0.6 km round trip; allow 30–45 minutes with photo stops.
• Grade: Short stairs and gentle inclines; wear sturdy shoes—the path can be damp and slick.

Plan Your Visit

• Location: Akaka Falls State Park, Akaka Falls Rd, Honomū, HI 96728 (about 11 miles north of Hilo) on the island’s northeast (windward) side.
• Best light: Morning for softer light and fewer crowds; after rain the flows are more dramatic.
• Safety: Stay on marked paths and behind railings; cliffs and wet surfaces are hazardous.

Nearby & Scenic Add-Ons

• Pepeʻekeo Scenic Drive (Four-Mile): a lush coastal byway between Honomū and Hilo with ocean vistas, canopies of trees, and old sugar-era scenery.
• Hāmākua Coast stops: garden walks, fruit stands, and scenic lookouts dot the route back to Hilo.

Quick Facts

• Island: Hawaiʻi (Big Island)
• ʻAkaka Falls Height: ~442 ft (second-highest easily accessible waterfall on the island)
• Neighbor: Kahuna Falls (smaller but beautifully framed by rainforest)