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Akaka Falls State Park
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
83 reviews for Akaka Falls State Park
83 reviews in English
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Review from Lynette T.
Los Angeles, CA
5/23/2012
Easy.......short hike.........?
My okole!
Stairs.......my nemesis.
Lots of stairs.
My bum knee sure took a beating.
Other than that, this stop was lovely.
Despite my pain, this was a gain!
Everyone else already posted the same pics we got.
Well, except for the one of me at the top of the last set of stairs striking a Ms. Olympia flex pose!
p.s.- Lots of those mean mosquitoes here!Listed in: Hawaii fun!
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Review from Thomas M.
San Francisco, CA
1/13/2012 6 photos
Walk counterclockwise around the trail to end at Akaka Falls.
Park outside the gates and only pay $1/person (cash+credit+atm accepted).
TAKE YOUR CAMERA:
There can be interesting plant and animal life along the way, so keep your eyes open on the trail (which I sadly did not do well enough). The air will get drizzly at a moment's notice, so bring a rain coat for both you and your camera, and a deep lens hood if you have one. Luckily there is a little shelter at the Falls overlook to shoot from and change lenses under if the weather turns sour.
Enjoy your junglelicious hike in paradise. -
Review from Seri L.
Oakland, CA
12/3/2011
We drove out from Kona for this and as much as I liked the place, it's probably not worth the 4 hr drive (round trip) from Kona unless you're going to Hilo anyway.
I still really liked the falls and the surrounding vegetation. Take the whole loop and go right (counterclockwise). There are soooo many plants and trees that I enjoyed looking at as much as Akaka Falls itself. I actually wished the trail was longer.
Best place to take a photo is right at the bottom of the stairs going down to the viewing area (going counterclockwise) with someone a few steps up taking the photo - a tour guide was doing this and we asked him to take one for us and it was the best photo we got. -
Review from jay a.
Las Vegas, NV
5/21/2012
This place charges an entry fee if you are a tourist. Locals with a Hawaii ID get in for free. Don't know if the short hike on blacktop trails along the side of cliffs through a lush,moist and fantastic rainforest past waterfalls and colorful, scented flowers and a bamboo grotto is worth the price, but sometimes we appreciate things more when there is a cost.
As for me, there are plenty of unknown (to tourists) spots beside the numerous rivers along this coast that I can enjoy just as much in seclusion away from squawking crowds and toll booths. -
Review from Sharon K.
Los Angeles, CA
4/9/2012 1 Check-in Here
Simply amazing! Loved this place, minus the $1 entrance fee. The walk is short and throughout the walk, you are in a secured tropical forest, surrounded in lush greens, and rain is softly falling. You feel so enchanted, well, at least for me. :) Then you see the beautiful, breathtaking waterfall and it's worth the drive in the rain, wearing raincoats and getting my sandals all wet. I felt like I was in the movie, Avatar. It was so surreal! Loved it!
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Review from Dan R.
11/21/2011 9 photos
When traversing the Hamakua Coast from one side of the Big Island to the other, you'd be wise to take a quick detour to Akaka Falls State Park. Hawaii has a reputation for being a waterfalls wonderland, but only a select few of these natural beauties get the special, pedestrian-accessible treatment.
Not only that, but technically this state park is a two-for-one pit stop. You see, it also includes the 100-foot Kahuna Falls. You will see the railed ledge to step out onto, and in the distance is the semi-obstructed view of the vertical stream spilling between a scene of green. There's a reason why this area is called Akaka Falls State Park and not Kahuna Falls State Park, but in any event - bonus falls!
The trail is really a stroll of a loop that weaves through lush tropical rain forest vegetation, complete with towering bamboo, twisting banyan trees, a variety of ferns, some ginger, and probably hundreds of plants species I haven't the faintest idea what they're called. While the Akaka Falls are the ultimate destination here (duh), I may have enjoyed this short hike most of all - especially since this will consume most of your time anyway. Depending on your speed or your propensity for taking lots of pictures, carve out a half-hour or more for the whole ordeal. Sure, you can get it done in half the time, but why would you go and do that? It's Hawaii. Relax. Drink it in.
The park star Akaka Falls is a bewildering 442-foot plummet. It is showcased by a circular gorge that ends in a steam-filled cove at the base of the rock walls. The view from the trail captures everything you'd need to see, short of falling over and diving in yourself, which as adventurous of an idea as that may sound, will surely lead to your demise. Was I expecting to get closer prior to my arrival? Yes. Was I looking to die that day? No. Seeing as this is a very easy trail to maneuver, paved and railed throughout - that's probably a good thing when you start stupidly wanting to reach out and touch a waterfall across a giant gorge like a little child.
Anyway, Akaka is everything you associate with waterfalls - majestic, awesome, and makes you need to take a piss. That being said, the bathrooms near the parking lot are pretty nasty. Still, if you park in said lot, it's five bones. If you park just outside of the lot on the side of the road, it's a mere buck for "walk-ins". Perhaps this little trick for a four-dollar discount is what's under-funding the toilet upkeep. At any rate, natural cascades of this stature aren't exactly an everyday, taken-for-granted kind of spectacle. Akaka Falls is worth either price of admission. And then some.Listed in: Aloha, Mahalo, and A Hui Hou
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Review from Sharr K.
A well organized & easy self-tour...paved walkways from beginning to end. You can probably finish the entire trip in 30 mins. There is someone sitting on a lawnchair at the entrance collecting $1 from each person for admittance.
Before you actually get to the falls, you will see a lot of beautiful tropical plants, trees all along on the path. It's a big waterfall with lots of little falls all around it...truly magnificent. There's usually a handful of people taking photos so make sure you squeeze in and get several good ones for yourself. Then the path takes you back up into the parking lot.
There is a public bathroom across from the lot...not very clean.Listed in: KONA!!!!!!!
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Review from Jannet L.
4/9/2012
i kept yelling at my husband " stay alive, i will find you." after the third time he didn't find it as amusing as i did. anyhow, i took the shorter loop to the left b/c i was tired from my lava field hike the day before. this waterfall is pretty awesome. free parking if you're kamaaina and show your HI drivers license. i love being from here!!
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Review from Lucy K.
11/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
I was IN LOVE with this water fall. When you pull up to the parking lot there is a loop you can walk around to see both falls. The Kaihula ( i think that was the name) is a small and hardly visable fall the Akaka falls is amazing.
Like I said there is this paved loop for you to walk thru so you can see plenty of vegitation, trees, hear the birds and its a quick 15 minute walk.
There are plenty of spots to take pictures at Akaka and there is even some patio area where you can hide from the rain. The waterfall is huge - at least 100 feet and simply amazing! I definitely recommend heading out to see it if you are in the area! -
Review from Shiho F.
Carmel by the Sea, CA
8/2/2011 4 photos
Gorgeous little hike but more like a little walk around a loop... takes only minutes but we took several photos so we were probably there for about half an hour. Great photo opps. everywhere so don't forget your cameras!!!
There are two waterfalls here so visit both! -
Review from Vivian A.
9/22/2011
We came here on a recommendation from our Umauma zip line tour guide and so glad we made the quick stop. Followed what everyone else was doing and parked right outside the gates that said "Paid parking from here forward". Good thing too, 'cuz that side was mad crazy with tour buses trying to make a U-turn.
We went straight to Akaka Falls (Turn left at the "Y" and about a 5 minute walk) as we over heard a guest say the other falls was a bit over-burdened by shrub overgrowth. The falls are quite pretty, kinda like Kona's version of Yosemite's Bridal Veil Falls. Very pretty but the picture spot can easily be taken over by tour bus people in a heartbeat!
Definitely worth the stop! -
Review from Applebee A.
San Jose, CA
4/10/2012
Beautiful grounds Akaka falls when I visited was OK, but did not really inspire any sense of awe about it. Rainbow falls looked more powerful at the time of our visit.Still,well worth visiting.
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Review from Autumn H.
Irvine, CA
11/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
A short drive from Hilo and worth the short hike.
I would recommend going right on the circle trail.
It was rainy the day we went, so not as much fun to linger at the falls, but they're pretty impressive. -
Review from Sarah E.
Richmond, VA
1/8/2012
Absolutely breathtaking waterfall! We drove out from Pahoha on a sunny Sunday afternoon and there were only a few people there. Give yourself an hour to walk the entire trail which includes a view of Kahona Falls and lots of lush vegetation.
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Review from June O.
8/17/2011
Easy walk to the falls and worth the visit! The roundabout takes you to the first waterfall and ends with the breathtaking Akaka Falls.
Parking is not the greatest here but you can park right outside. Kamaainas can park for free =) -
Review from Grace C.
9/14/2011
A detour on the way to Hilo. $5 parking. Easy 10 minute walk to Akaka Falls. There is a 2nd waterfall, but you can barely see it as it is blocked by trees. However, it is still a nice 15-20 minute walk through the forest to get to Akaka Falls if you do decide to walk the loop. This was a nice break after 1 hour of driving, but not the most exciting waterfall I've seen.
If I had more time, I would've tried to go to Rainbow Falls and try to find some of the lava tubes near it, but it's a different hwy. out of Hilo. Next time! -
Review from Cesar R.
gawdammit.
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
All this natural beauty is REALLY NOT helping the fact that I REALLY needed to use the bathroom.Listed in: Heavenly Happiness.... Hawaii!…
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Review from Mira S.
Sweet falls? As everyone else says, if you're a large party in one car then park inside and pay the car fee, if you're 1 or 2 or 3 people then pay $1 each to get in after parking on the street outside the lot. It's a quick 10-minute walk, not counting picture time. Would Venice if you weren't way far away from the falls, but not much they can do about it. I find yosemites falls more impressive--it has falls high up and impressive and far away, but you can also do the mist trail and walk right next to smaller (but still impressive) falls. Akaka and kahuna were probably the biggest and best I saw on the big island or Maui, however, so totally worth the detour.
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Review from Tiffany K.
San Francisco, CA
1/1/2011
Akaka Falls is what I mean by a real waterfall.
Just remember to visit before 5pm, as the ranger kicks people out from parking in the paid lot around 5:30pm. As you enter the trail, turn left towards Akaka. Don't turn right to save time, as the other falls is, according to the ranger, not worth the hike.
Just a mere 300 steps on a paved path downhill, in a more than pedestrian walkway, will get you to a breathtaking view of Akaka Falls. The entire path felt like I was in a giant greenhouse, as it was surreal how close we were to the trees, flowers, and entire experience. And it wasn't crowded even on holiday.
A must-see, and easy to get to from the highway en route from Hilo to Kona. -
Review from Sheena E.
10/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
BEAUTIFUL!! I wanted to find a waterfall that you can swim under but this is spectacular. Park just outside the "paid" parking area which they charge $5...and it is $1 per person to go see the waterfall. The stairs suck!! haha but worth the view. :-)
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Review from Andy S.
10/17/2010
This is a neat little park with a great view of Akaka Falls (420 feet), and a somewhat obscured view of the much smaller Kahuna Falls (100 feet). The short hiking loop (just under 1 mile) does have a fair amount of stairs, so people who want something even easier might want to go the short way (to the left), and then backtrack after getting their fill of Akaka Falls (skipping Kahuna Falls entirely).
Travel notes: After you turn onto Highway 220, it's about 5 miles to the park, which is at the end of the road. A sign for the park is posted just prior to the Hwy 220 junction, but there are no other signs until you actually reach the park. Those 5 miles go kind of slowly (it takes at least 10 minutes if you obey the speed limit), so we were starting to wonder if we'd gone the wrong way somehow. The parking lot was full when we got there, but a space opened up quickly. Parking is free.Listed in: Best of Big Island, HI
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Review from Shannon R.
Morrisville, NC
8/22/2010
It's worth taking a side-trip to visit 'Akaka Falls State Park. Stop in the town of Honomu at Lunch Stop (http://www.yelp.com/bi...). For a sandwich to bring with you!
Free parking and a short hike along a boardwalk leads you through beautiful rainforest first to Kahuna Falls, then to 'Akaka Falls. The walk is not difficult (some stairs, not wheelchair accessible). The view is gorgeous and has abundant photo opps.
Make sure to wear/bring bug spray!! -
Review from Adrienne G.
San Francisco, CA
6/7/2008
In the Hilo District off Hwy 19, take Route 220 to the most beautiful sight to behold which is Akaka Falls State Park
Even driving right up to the Falls, we get a peek of the beauty that is in store - a short, easy, walk along the Park's path to marvel at the beauty of nature w/ its green foliage & giant trees
We can also see the force of nature in action from falling trees on the mangled guard railings, areas that are roped off & even the 2nd nature path that takes you to Kahuna Falls is closed....but in progress
So props HI for keeping up your Parks & can't wait to have full access again
In the meantime, we have to " suffer " w/ the amazing, beautumus, incredible Akaka Falls, cascading down from 440 feet above - a very Fantasy Island-like moment!!Listed in: Big Island Hawaii Advice
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Review from Kealoha V.
Long Beach, CA
10/14/2009
After writing my review of Rainbow Falls, I was told that I should make a visit here as well. So today was our trip to the Kona side, which we took the longer route of going east around the island to do and made a quick stop here.
It had been raining for the past day and a half straight when we left and thankfully it had been clearing up a little bit, which meant that the rain probably wasn't going to be much of an issue, at least at that time of the day. Sure enough we got to the park and it wasn't raining. We started off headed down the left path. They had just put in new railings from what my Dad had said and they were pretty sturdy too. Just like most of the island, there were plenty of things to photograph. There were also quite a number of people, half who were at least around 70 years old. So if they were making the hike down to see the falls, then that meant it couldn't be too hard and long to walk.
The left path brought us down to the main waterfall that you see photos of here on Yelp. The spot where most people stop to take photos of the falls and of themselves in front of the falls. If you continue down the path you'll end up at another waterfall, this one quite smaller than the other. From there you pretty much hike back around up a bunch of stairs to where you intially started. Having walked this way around, I would suggest walking down the right side so you don't have to walk up all those steps. If you don't mind the exercise, then by all means walk the left path first.
Again, we lucked out that there wasn't any rain, but as soon as we got back to the parking lot, it started to rain a good deal. Bring good footwear and a jacket and/ir umbrella if it looks like it might rain. You may need them.Listed in: I can never say that I've…
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Review from Grace L.
12/10/2009 3 photos
:oD
Green, lush, beautiful, lovely. I wouldn't necessarily consider this a hike even if you choose the "longer trail". I would recommend taking the longer trail first and take the shorter one back, so you get to see all the greenery. Also, the trail is nicely paved.
I thought it was beautiful, everything from the "hike" to actually viewing the waterfall. My friend described the waterfall as if you're in a zoo. You know that whatever on display is there, but as much as you want to touch it, you can't . It really is quite extraordinary and nice to see something so beautiful exists.
BEWARE!!! The mosquitos are killer!! They will eat you alive, so bring some bug spray and remember to wear some pants and a jacket. -
Review from Nam N.
4/16/2009 1 photo
Simply breathtaking.....
A very short walk away from a paved parking area, my honey and I came across one of the most beautiful waterfalls I've ever seen...Akaka Falls
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
Following a paved path, you will be immersed into areas of beautiful lush green tropical plants, paired with the calming sounds of flowing water. On this particular day, the lightest mist fell on our faces as we peered down to the pools of water.
Staring out to Akaka, you cannot help but to feel an overwhelming sense of calm and peace. Lovely....just the Akaka Falls song says :)Listed in: Big Island Adventure....
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Review from Veronica P.
Chino Hills, CA
7/29/2007 5 photos
This magnificent waterall drops a stunning 442 ft. There is another waterfall in the park, Kahuna falls, which has a drop of 400 feet. The park is set up in a circular route that is about a half mile walk. There is a walkway around the park to the waterfalls, however, the pavement is often broken and cracked is many places, and the steps can be steep and narrow. There is often rainfall in the Hilo area, and the rain and moisture can make the walkways slippery and the waterfalls hard to view.
The day i went, it was drizzling and there was fog covering the falls,which made it harder to see. Even with the bad weather, this is still an impressive site.
To view pics: http://www.flickr.com/...Listed in: Big Island Adventures
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Review from Cindy B.
3/27/2010
Beautiful!
I came to Akaka Falls expecting to see one waterfall but instead, I got to see 2! Besides Akaka Falls, you also get to see Kahuna Falls, which is a short walk away. Be sure that you bring an umbrella or even a hoodie will do. It rains off and on there. Parking was free.
If you are driving there from Hilo, *take the scenic route*. It takes a few minutes longer but it's totally worth it! -
Review from Mari C.
San Francisco, CA
7/21/2009
Waterfalls are nature's theme parks (theme: water falling down). How would you like it if you went to Space Mountain and there was a chain link fence around it? Feel free to look, but you can't go in.
wtf??
This would get so many stars if you could go touch it and play with it. Akaka Falls is for babies and old people.Listed in: The Clearance Rack, Inedible, Aloha, Get Up and Get Out!
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Review from Amanda K.
Santa Rosa, CA
11/27/2010
Nice little park. Took us about a half hour to get through there, all told, and as others have mentioned, there are plenty of stairs. I didn't find them at all slippery, and while long stairs usually defeat my lungs, I found there were generally enough flat spots in between to make it an easier climb in most spots.
Although both falls were pretty, I admit I was just a little underwhelmed (probably because I recently saw, and got up a lot closer to, a couple of really spectacular falls in a different national park). However, to me, the standout was really the lush plant life here, especially the bamboo. I have never seen bamboo such a happy plant that it really branches out and looks like a true tree! There was a great variety of lovely flowers and different bushes and trees, and overall the walk was really very beautiful. -
Review from Susie O.
San Jose, CA
12/16/2010
For a more efficient viewing walk go counterclockwise around the park and see Akaka falls at the end. The park is nice. Spacious concerete pathway and stairs. There is so much vegetation with sky high trees and the smell of passion fruit all around you.
Friends and I arrived at this park just as the sun was going down and it was nearly empty. Not the best photo op but having the park all to ourselves with only the sound of the waterfalls and birds was wonderful. -
Review from Jim N.
Costa Mesa, CA
9/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great views, well maintained trails but nasty restrooms. Still, a must see.
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Review from Katherine F.
Dublin, CA
7/13/2009
Easy parking, easy walk along a beautiful path that has a smaller, prettier fall, and lush tropical foliage.....takes you to this very impressive falls.
Sad thing is, everyone else knows about it...and it was pretty crowded.
We were able to get our pictures, and move on. This takes a short 30 minutes, tops.
I did buy a block print from a colorful woman at the entrance...and I love it! Under separate review!!!Listed in: Big Island, Big fun!!!
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Review from Sumi A.
Fort Worth, TX
9/4/2011
Beautiful waterfalls that you get to after a short walk through what looks and feels like a rainforest. This was one of the highlights of the east side of the Big Island. Definitely recommend it. Hubby went twice and after the first time claimed that it was probably the best experience of the trip (although later we snorkeled at Captain Cook and that takes the cake).
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Review from Jesse W.
7/9/2008
You'll find this stop on any agenda touring Hilo. I've been here a handful of times, each always marveling at the huge groves of bamboo that line the ravine. Yes, the waterfalls are nice and the hike is shorter than expected, but to see bamboo that is easily five stories tall, that's awesome! I think yosemite falls is more impressive...
I've read in the local paper this car break-ins are common here - so be sure to leave you valuables elsewhere versus lying around in the back seat of your car. Bathrooms facilities provided, lots of mosquitoes if you hit during dawn or dusk. Some of the paths were under reconstruction this summer (2008) which may restrict access to one of the waterfalls.Listed in: Visiting the Island of…
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Review from Monique L.
Beaverton, OR
9/19/2009 1 photo
This state park has some beautiful scenery and is more of an easy stroll than a hike. Completely paved, with had rails and stairs, this is super easy and very short.
The different plants, flowers and trees......as well as the falls :-)......are very cool! If you're near Hilo, you should check this out. -
Review from Mihir M.
Fremont, CA
8/28/2011
Not special. Better views elsewhere. Decent fall. Short hike.
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Review from Brian A.
Honolulu, HI
10/29/2009 4 photos
Akaka Falls is one of the premiere there's a nice really short hike through the forest vegetation to give you a feel of what it may have been like many years ago. It's all paved, so don't worry about anything. Once you get to the end, the whole scene opens up and you hear the roar of the water cresting over the ledge and splashing down hard into the water basin.
You view it from a distance so you can't really go up to it or even get a nice misting from it. It's very nice though, calming.
Parking isn't too bad. Most people don't really stay to long cause there's really not much else to do there and also the round trip hike is really short.Listed in: Hawaii's Old Sleepy Hilo Town
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Review from Alan H.
9/7/2010
This place is beautiful, full of tropical trees and flowers. However it is also really really small, like it take 15 minutes to walk the whole thing. You get to see two falls, Akaka and kahuna.
Unfortunately you can't get closer to the waterfalls, and you just look at them from a distance. There are also signs warning against falling rocks, made me a bit nervous. Its a decent place, just wish it was bigger. -
Review from Shreekant P.
Glen Mills, PA
9/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
Parking is $5 for a vehicle, or park outside (2 min walk) and $1 per person. Waterfall is nice ~400 foot drop, but not dramatic. It is listed as a top 10 sites on the big island, I would rank it in the middle/lower of the pack
