A Trip to Akaka Falls

Two Gorgeous Waterfalls In One Hike

In ʻAkaka Falls State Park along Hilo’s northeastern coast, you can enjoy views of two stunning waterfalls on a brief hike. You will see the 442-foot Akaka Falls, and (a little more difficult to see), Kahuna Falls.

The Big Island’s Most Famous Waterfall

Walk Through The Rainforest to See Akaka Falls

The falls are visible only after a short, enjoyable 0.4-mile walk from the parking lot along the ʻAkaka Falls Loop Trail. This easy trail is family-friendly and can take up to 30 minutes to complete at a leisurely pace. The trailhead is conveniently located right off the parking lot, making it easy to find. Be prepared to meet other people on the trail because the ʻAkaka Falls are one of the more popular attractions on this side of the island.

The walk to ʻAkaka Falls leads through a lush rainforest filled with wild orchids, bamboo groves, fragrant ginger, and cascading ferns. As a local, I consider Akaka Falls State Park one of my favorite places to bring visitors. Take your time to admire the scenery rather than rushing to the waterfall—there’s plenty to appreciate along the way. Anyone visiting the park for the first time will fall in love with the area just like I did.

Kahūnā Falls – Worth the Effort

About 800 feet beyond the ʻAkaka Falls overlook, a small viewpoint offers a glimpse of the 100-foot Kahūnā Falls. These falls are best seen after heavy rain, as trees on the cliff often obscure the view.

Hike the ‘Akaka Falls Loop Trail

Take Some Time to Explore

Take your time to discover all of the beautiful ʻAkaka Falls State Park. Though ʻAkaka Falls is the main highlight, the trail not only offers views of Kahuna Falls, but you’ll also see several smaller waterfalls along the way.

This Hawaiian waterfall hike winds through a vibrant rainforest. The paved 0.4-mile loop trail includes a few stairs, and it is an enjoyable spot for a morning or afternoon of walking and photography on the Big Island.

How to Access the Trail

The trailhead is conveniently located right off the parking lot. This paved loop trail, with multiple steps along the way (not wheelchair-accessible), provides stunning views of both waterfalls. If you’d like to see ʻAkaka Falls alone, take the path to the left (south) at the first junction—the waterfall view is just a short walk from there.

The Legend of ‘Akaka Falls

A Story of Regret and Loss

The legend of Akaka Falls is fascinating and a bit sad. Long ago, in the village of Honomu, there was a warrior chief named ‘Akaka, known for his strength and striking looks, which caught the attention of many women. One day, while his loyal wife was away visiting her family in Hilo, ‘Akaka went to see his sweetheart, Lehua, who lived on the north side of the gulch. When his wife returned unexpectedly, he quickly left Lehua’s home through the back and crossed the gulch to visit another lover, Maile, on the south side. His wife, following the scent of the grass he wore, called for him to return. Hearing her, ‘Akaka hurriedly left Maile’s home and took a shortcut back.

Alone in his hut with his faithful dog, ‘Akaka reflected on his misdeeds and was consumed by shame for betraying his trusting wife. Unable to bear it, he fled with his dog close behind. He climbed to a rock jutting out from a cliff, looked out over the sea, and leaped, transforming into the waterfall as he fell into the valley below.

His dog hesitated and was instantly turned into a jagged rock near the top of the falls. His wife arrived shortly after, calling for him, but it was too late. Overcome with grief, she collapsed in sorrow and was transformed into a large rock beside the falls. Now, as she wished, she remains forever close to ‘Akaka.

Old-timers say that on a calm, moonless night, when the leaves are still and the crickets quiet, you can just barely hear—almost drowned out by the roar of the falls—his wife still calling for ‘Akaka.

What Else to Do Near Akaka Falls

Visit Hilo and the Hamakua Coast!

A visit to Hilo town is always fun, and there is so much history to see. You can visit art galleries, have a tasty lunch, check out the tsunami museum, or stroll around the Hilo Farmer’s Market. Perhaps a trail ride is more suitable for some additional outdoor time. The beautiful Hamakua Coast has so many gorgeous vistas, you won’t be able to name your favorite. However you decide to spend the rest of your day, your trip to ‘Akaka Falls will be an adventure to remember.