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 looking for 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 birdsong 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 the Kahuna Falls lookout first, then the 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 often more dramatic.
• Safety: Stay on marked paths and behind railings; cliffs and wet surfaces can be hazardous.

Nearby & Scenic Add-Ons

• Pepeʻekeo Scenic Drive (Four-Mile): A lush coastal byway between Honomū and Hilo with ocean vistas, tree canopies, and sugar-era scenery.
• More Big Island ideas: Browse Big Island activities for tours and experiences nearby.

Quick Facts

• Island: Hawaiʻi (Big Island)
• ʻAkaka Falls Height: ~442 ft (one of the island’s tallest easily accessible waterfalls)
• Neighbor: Kahuna Falls (smaller, but beautifully framed by rainforest)