They are amazing natural wonders that should definitely be on your list of things to do while visiting this tropical paradise! However, Id always watch for signs near waterfalls and follow their instructions if they indicated not to swim. The cliffs were formed from the lava flow from Mauna Kea that once flowed down the mountainside. Youre planning a trip to the Big Island of Hawaii, and you want to visit some of the many beautiful waterfalls on this volcanic island. You dont want any surprises that could ruin your trip. Description: Considered one of the best family waterfall hikes on the island, the 800-foot Waipoo Falls can be approached via the Waipoo Falls Trail at Waimea Canyon. When people talk about swimming at Peepee Falls, they are probably referring to the boiling pots located by the lookout point. Table of Contents hide 1 Rainbow Falls 2 Akaka Falls 3 Umauma Falls 4 Wai'ale Falls 5 PeePee Falls 6 Hi'ilawe Falls 7 Private Waterfalls 8 Why Are There So Many Waterfalls in Hawaii? There is only one way to get here, and thats by hiking along the coastal trail. This is a great family-friendly waterfall as there are no strong currents or falling rocks around. One of the most unique tours on this list, the Waterfalls of Kohala tour takes you on a helicopter journey that allows you a unique birds-eye view of some of the prettiest waterfalls on the Big Island. Located along the Umauma River in Hakalau, Umauma Falls is a series of three, short cascading waterfalls. For a beautiful view and unforgettable experience, sign up for a discounted Magical Waterfall Tour. There are different car rental companies in Kona, Hawaii that will set it up for you. However, to visit Onomea Falls, you need to go through the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden and pay an entrance fee. Their list contains the following 13 waterfalls: The location of these waterfalls is marked on the map higher up this page, and you can read more about each fall separately in the list of 13 Big Island Waterfalls published on the World of Waterfalls website. The most important is the water-born disease leptospirosis: dont go swimming if you have any abrasions, scrapes, blisters or other skin lesions. You can also book a stay at The Inn, a high-quality resort thats well worth the money. This allows you to experience a birds-eye view of the waterfall! Are you traveling to the Big Island of Hawaii? These falls form also the access to a popular but risky local swimming spot called the boiling pots. What I mean by this is that it was once one of the tallest and mightiest waterfalls in all the islands of Hawai'i with its often quoted cumulative height of 1,450ft. Most of these waterfalls are located very close to each other, and it makes sense to see them in one day as it only takes a few minutes to get from one to the other. The area beyond that is private property, so be aware of where youre going! Another great way to see these waterfalls is to take an organized tour. It is alleged to have a height of 1,450 feet. Zipline high above the forest floor, picnic on the rim of Pololu Valley & swim under a private waterfall fed by a cool mountain stream. The trailhead is easy to find just off the parking lot. Read more about the Rainbow Falls on our website. Big Island of Hawaii Waterfalls Simply put, waterfalls on the Big Island of Hawaii are some of the world's finest. Download and/or view the map of all 9 waterfalls here. click here to go to our instagram account, ATV Tours on the Big Island (BIG list of all tour operators), BIG LIST of Kona Coffee Tours on the Big Island, Stand Up Paddle (SUP) boarding: Rentals, Classes and Tours. Check out the latest prices and more details. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Why not go on one of our perfectly planned waterfall road trips with itineraries for both Oahu and Maui. A delicious catered lunch is provided in our secluded pavilion. If you visit when the sky is clear and the sun is out, youll be able to see a beautiful rainbow at the foot of the waterfall. The tropical gardens have a wonderful overlook that allows you to get a great view of Umauma Falls. This waterfall is created from a small stream and is a multiple-tier waterfall located inside the Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Garden. Other than water rappelling, the Experiences Package offers a multitude of other activities. Swimming & Kayak Tours in Hawaii's Umauma River If you want to see the base of the falls, you must rent a car with four-wheel drive - and even then, the grade is so steep that it can be dangerous. Read more about waterfall safety. Umauma Falls is a three-tiered waterfall surrounded by lush vegetation. They are one of the best helicopter companies in Hawaii. [more], 2006-2023 World Of Waterfalls, All Rights Reserved You may have a luxury problem though: there are more waterfalls on the Big Island than you can reasonable visit during your stay! The pots are called boiling pots because, during heavy rain, the flow of water increases and the pots appear to be boiling. The Kulaniapia Falls are with a 120ft drop the tallest private waterfalls on the Big Island. Be sure not the trespass onto the private land that surrounds the waterfall. This is the perfect pre or post-hike pit stop for pineapples and fresh coconuts that you can't miss. Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Heather Goodman. The Magical Waterfall Tour is an airborne tour that takes you on a visit to the coastline of Waipio Valley and Waimanu Valley. Plus. Family friendly zipline tour + private waterfall swim. The package can include waterfall rappelling, which is the best way to experience Kulaniapia. Peepee Falls on the Big Island. Get your discounted Kohala Tour from Kona Tour. 2. swimming in waterfalls - Island of Hawaii Forum - Tripadvisor This 80-ft. waterfall on the Wailuku river is the site of a Hawaiian legend that involves the demigod Maui, his mother the Goddess Hina, the Volcano Goddess Pele, and a giant Mo'o or lizard monster up to no good. To be exact, you can visit Hiilawe Falls by going to the Waipio Valley at the Kohala Coast in Hawaii. Here at Only In Hawaii, weve talked about waterfalls, and weve talked about swimming holes, but now were combining the two and giving you our exclusive list of 13 of the best waterfalls in Hawaii to swim in across all of the islands from spots found only from hiking through the deep jungle of Oahus windward coast, to various scenic spots visible from Mauis breathtaking Hana Highway. The website World of waterfalls is an excellent resource to find out more about the smaller waterfalls on the island. The only waterfall you can swim at on the Big Island is the Inn at Kulaniapia Falls. You can access the waterfall for free and its one of the best Big Island hikes. #1. If youre lucky, you may be able to see honu (green sea turtle) and even dolphins! This multi tiered, Oheo Gulch, OheO Gulch, Hawaii 96713, USA. This would allow you to see almost all of our favorite waterfalls and is recommended for people that really love waterfalls. You can also walk down from the upper parking lots and viewing decks. During the tour, youll travel along the coastline. More waterfalls can be found at the northern Hamakua coast seaside cliffs and the valleys of the Kohala coast. On an especially clear day, you'll be able to see Mauna Kea behind them. Each one of these is worth visiting at least once in my opinion. The volume of the rainbow falls (or Waianuenue) changes on a daily basis. Kulaniapia Falls is a private waterfall located on the Waiau Stream, not far from Hilo. Also, be sure to check out all the waterfalls in Hawaii on ourHawaii Waterfallspage. The waterfalls themselves might be short, but the picturesque pools are well worth the short hike. Here, youll zipline across the forest, have lunch in the Pololu Valley, and even swim in a Big Island waterfall. Seeing waterfalls is a great way to save money while on your vacation to Hawaii. Oloupena Falls is an impressive 2,953-foot Hawaiian waterfall. For more information on waterfalls in Maui, You can check out this post on the best 15 stops on the Road to Hana. Image credit: Mark. From USD 218.85 (9) Big Island Waterfall Swim & Rainforest Hiking Tour & Nature Eco-Adventure . Sign up for this discounted Waipio Valley and Waterfalls Adventure. Be sure to pay at least a few of them a visit and create some unforgettable memories that youll treasure forever! The view is spectacular and the tame and paved nature hike was enjoyable too. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. You will need to stop at the visitor center to register before heading to the falls. Note: There is an admission fee to the state park, $5.00 per car or $1 per person if you are walking. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. Not really. This state park is home to two amazing waterfalls, one of which plunges 422 feet into a stream-eroded gorge below. It aims to take you on an unforgettable journey through the Hamakua Coast. Have you gone to any of the best waterfalls in Hawaii to swim? If you plan to camp here, please make sure you obtain the proper permits, as they are required. There have been instances where people lost their lives here. Hiilawe Falls is one of the top Big Island waterfall hikes to do. The on-site Inn organizes this tour which is led a team of expert canyoneering guides. Free cancellation: up to 48 hours before tour. One of the most spectacular waterfalls in Hawaii is Onomea Falls. Big Island Hotels, Resorts, B&Bs, & Vacation Rentals, Big Island Tours, Excursions, & Adventures. Besides the abundant disease there are a lot of rock chunks that get eroded and transported by the stream So there are chunks in the waterfall normaly This, Upper Waikani Falls, Hana Hwy, Haiku, HI 96708, USA, Perhaps one of Oahus most stunning hidden waterfalls, this trek through the mud is never uphill for too long and offers the opportunity to jump in a beautiful waterfall at the end. This is an activity in which you descend the rocks surrounding the waterfall with a harness and equipment ensuring your safety. The property also offers lava encounter tours and lava tube tours as well if you are interested. Cooling lava flows created columns, which connect a series of cascading waterfalls and pools that appear to be bubbling. Interested? There are tons of gorgeous waterfalls on the Big Island of Hawaii. Alternatively, you can zipline or rappel at the Umauma Falls. Its an impressive 1,450-foot natural waterfall with a main drop of 1,201 feet. Entry Fees:For Akaka Falls, entry is free for children under ten years old and $5 per adult. The good news is, while youre inside the botanical garden, youll be able to see the beautiful flora and fauna species that are native to Hawaii. If you prefer places that are not busy, then you will love Peepee Falls. You can also book one of their events to have access to their waterfall. There are however several safety tips to keep in mind while doing so on the Big Island: We share our favorite tips and images on Instagram, click here to go to our instagram account. The falls are located in the rainforest. We are independently owned so content written by us merely reflect our own opinions. The Kulaniapia waterfall is located on the grounds of the Inn at Kulaniapia and up until recently access to their waterfalls was restricted uniquely to their overnight guests. Id be sure to go at least a few days after heavy rain to avoid flash flooding and a swollen stream. This waterfall is smaller than the rainbow falls but also far less crowded. Are there a lot of waterfall swimming holes in Hawaii? This is one of the best waterfalls to visit while on the Big Island, and I highly recommend staying here. Zipline high above the forest floor, picnic on the rim of Pololu Valley & swim under a private waterfall fed by a cool mountain stream. Step Into The World Of Narnia On This Forbidden Waterfall Hike In Hawaii, The Hike In Hawaii That Takes You To Not One, But TWO Insanely Beautiful Waterfalls, Hike Less Than A Mile To This Spectacular Waterfall Swimming Hole In Hawaii, Embark On An Epic 7.3-Mile Trail In Hawaii That Features Waterfalls And Jaw-Dropping Views, The 14 Tallest Waterfalls In Hawaii Will Drop Your Jaw, This Waterfall Swimming Hole In Hawaii Is So Hidden Youll Probably Have It All To Yourself, This Tiered Waterfall And Swimming Hole In Hawaii Must Be On Your Summer Bucket List, The Ultimate Bucket List For Anyone In Hawaii Who Loves Waterfall Hikes. The Top 9 Waterfalls to Visit on the Big Island of Hawaii Also known as Three Bears falls, Waikani is approximately 70 feet tall, and visible from the Hana Highway. If you are on this side of the Big Island, for example, to see the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, a bit of planning will make sure that you can see some spectacular waterfalls. Although smaller, the Kahuna Falls is similarly beautiful. Enjoy spectacular views of Mauna Kea and the Pacific Ocean, awesome photo spots, swim in a private pond and really experience off-road Hawaii. Swimming is not allowed here, so keep that in mind when you visit. This waterfall used to have a high volume of water in the stream, making swimming here dangerous. Of this list, youre not allowed to swim in both Rainbow Falls and Akaka Falls, as it is both dangerous and illegal. Both falls are located on a family-friendly hiking loop (.4 miles) that takes about 30-45 minutes to see both waterfalls. 9 Hawaii Big Island Waterfalls Rainbow Falls If you decide to swim, please remember to always swim with caution and be aware of the danger around you no matter where you are. Hi'ilawe Falls is a magnificent waterfall located in Waipio Valley on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island.