Big Island - Akaka Falls State Park

Introduction:

What? : This short hike over a paved trail twill take you through lush green rainforest to an overview spot for the 442 foot tall 'Akaka Falls. This is one of the most picturesque waterfalls in the Big Island and a very popular tourist attraction.

Where? : Drive north of Hilo 11 miles on highway 19 and you will see a clear sign directing to the park, turn left. The Park is located at the end of Akaka Falls Road (Hwy. 220), 3.6 miles SW of Honomu.

Google Map Link

 

Link to other Big Islands Blog posts:

• Kauai - Island Visit and Trip Planning
• Maui – Overview, Visit Planning and Tips
• Big Island – Overview, Visit Planning and Tips
• Big Island – Beaches, Northwest Ocean Shore
• Big Island - Waterfalls at Wailuku River State Park
• Big Island – Pepeekeo Maikai Scenic Route
• Big Island – Driving North of Hilo, Northeastern Ocean Shoreline
• Big Island - Akaka Falls State Park
• Big Island - Waipi'o Valley
• Big Island - Pololū Valley
• Big Island – Drive through the island central high section
• Big Island - Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

 

Due note 1: This is a very popular tourist location, the small parking lot fills up quickly, park your car on the side of the road. Car parking is $5.00/car, Restrooms are available near the parking lot.

 

Due note 2: This part of the island gets a lot of rain; I highly recommend having a rain jacket and even umbrellas.

 

Due note 3: At summer don't forget the mosquito repellent.

 

My thoughts: I visit here twice, easy to walk hike in amazing rainforest with the 422 feet high Akaka Falls as the cherry on the cake. Highly recommend coming early in the morning before the crowd.

 

The visit:

 

Akaka Falls is perhaps the most famous waterfall in the Big Island, do not expect to be the only one here.

Akaka Falls is a 0.4-mile loop trail, here you can see the Kahuna and Akaka Falls (422 feet high) along with a short hike in a beautiful, lush rainforest with tropical plants, bamboo, and trees.

Easy to walk the paved trail, there are few step sections, but it can be done by almost anyone (this is not wheelchair accessible trail).

Overall, this trail takes less than an hour to hike including the waterfall viewing.

I recommend doing the hike counterclockwise, just when you start hiking the trail, at the junction, turn right down the steps.

 

www:

https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/hawaii/akaka-falls-state-park/

 

More Pictures: