Akaka Falls State Park

Akaka Falls is located in Honomu, Hawaii along the Hamakua Coast. The nearest city is Hilo which is approximately 13 miles south of Akaka Falls.

Akaka Falls is a self guided scenic walk through lush vegetation and two beautiful waterfalls. Akaka Falls greets you with a 442ft drop and the cascading Kahuna fall can be seen behind overgrown vegetation after a heavy rainfall.

Located north of Hilo off Highway 11 between the 14 and 15 mile marker. 

Go west on Highway 220 into Honomu town.

Follow Highway 220 until the road ends into the Akaka Falls parking lot.

Got to Hawaii State Parks for more information and fees.

My last visit: October 2013 - There is now a fee to park in the parking lot AND an additional fee to walk to the waterfall. Is it worth it? That's for you to determine.

I would still recommend the drive to Akaka Falls. Honomu town offers food and shopping. There are also two fruit stands on your way to Akaka Falls - make that stop and taste some of the fruits the island has to offer.  The scenic drive through old sugar cane field is also beautiful.

Rainbow Falls...and then some

I can't think right now so I'm just going to post my photos. I'll come back later to write more information.

Rainbow Falls

Rainbow Falls - One week later after heavy rain.

Rainbow Falls is one of the many waterfalls you'll see in Hilo. Access to the viewing area is not far from the parking lot and there are public restrooms available and a gift shop across the street. Tour buses frequent Rainbow Falls and can get busy at times. Bring bug spray as a precaution. Depending on the weather, the bugs especially mosquitoes and be annoying.

The flow of the water can easily change depending on the weather. It is not recommended to go in the waterfall. The before and after photos above is the perfect example of why you shouldn't go near the fall. Enjoy from a distance and take in its beauty.

The best time to view Rainbow Falls is early in the morning when the sun is rising behind you as you're facing the waterfall. At the right angle, you will see a rainbow in the water flow. Hence the name Rainbow Falls.

Boiling Pots

Up the road from Rainbow Falls is Boiling Pots. Below is a video of what Boiling Pots looks like after heavy rain.

Wai'ale Falls

Piihonua Bridge

Piihonua Bridge - One week later after heavy rain

Before and after shots of the bridge.

After the rain comes the sun!