Some of the world’s most magnificent waterfalls are found on the Big Island of Hawaii. With so many Big Island waterfalls to visit during your stay in Kona, we’ve broken it down into a few of our favorites. While some are easily accessed, others require a bit more adventure to reach. Whether you plan on going at it alone or want the help of a local guide (or even helicopter) there are plenty of options available. Here are our Top 3 Big Island Waterfalls and how to see them….
Akaka Falls State Park
If you only have time for one waterfall adventure during your stay on the Big Island, be sure to visit Akaka Falls State Park, which actually features 2 separate falls. The larger Akaka Falls cascades from over an impressive 440 feet high cliff, while the smaller Kahuna Falls cascades into a series of pools. Both waterfalls at Akaka Falls State Park are easily access via a short .4 mile family-friendly trail that offers absolutely stunning panoramic views for the falls and surrounding terrain.
There is plenty of parking located at the trailhead and all together the hike takes only approximately 45 minutes making this one of the most easily accessed Big Island Waterfalls to visit.
1 hr 55 min (88.9 mi) via Saddle Rd from Kailua-Kona
The Umauma Experience
For adventure seekers the Umauma Experience offers a more adrenaline-filled way to catch a glimpse of one of the best Big Island waterfalls. Access the gorgeous triple-tiered Umauma Falls by zip line, atv, rappel, or even horseback on this Big Island waterfall tour. The Umauma Experience’s “Zip-N-Dip” package offers visitors the ultimate day of zip lining, swimming, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, topped off with lunch and some relaxing in the Umauma River.
As an alternative, visitors can simply enjoy spectacular views of Umauma Falls by taking a more relaxing self-guided tour through the beautifully landscaped tropical grounds. There’s something for everyone and their adventure level when you choose the Umauma Experience. Whatever waterfall adventure you are looking for, The Umauma Experience makes it happen!
1 hr 47 min (80.1 mi) via Hawaiʻi Belt Rd from Kailua-Kona
Big Island Helicopter Waterfall Tour
Is there anything more magical than seeing the Big Island of Hawaii from the air above? Blue Hawaiian Helicopters, one of the best-rated helicopter tours on the Big Island, gives you the bird’s eye view of the Big Islands majestic rainforests, mountains, volcanoes, and of course, waterfalls. The Big Island is arguably the best island for helicopter tours given its diverse terrain. Touring the Big Island Waterfalls by air is truly one of the most epic sightseeing adventures.
The Big Island Spectacular Tour takes visitors over the Kohala Coast, with its majestic 1200-ft. waterfall. Get a once-in-a-lifetime photo opp of the falls during the 20 minute on-ground session. This is an authentic Hawaiian waterfall experience that you won’t soon forget!
33 min (25.3 mi) via HI-19 from Kailua-Kona
Waterfall (“wailele”) means leaping water in the Hawaiian language. The mountains, sacred to Hawaiians, are the origin of the Big Island’s fresh water, which has flowed over the land for millennia to create these massive Big Island waterfalls that we see today. Locals and visitors alike seek out these waterfalls for recreation, adventure tourism and solace. From your home base in Kailua-Kona it is easy to explore these Big Island waterfalls and beyond.
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Getting There …
Vacation Rentals located in Kona Hawaii provide the perfect home base for exploring the Big Island, including its many beautiful waterfalls. From Kailua-Kona, most Big Island waterfalls can be reached by day trips allowing visitors to get more up close and personal with the diverse topography of the island. Day trip from Kona (aka the ‘dry side’ of the island) and witness the opportunity to watch the landscape transform before your eyes.
Hale Kona Kai
Hale Kona Kai is an intimate, absolute oceanfront complex of 39 one-bedroom condominiums. Located at the edge of Kona Town, it is off the main road providing for quiet, ocean-view relaxation from every unit. Located just south of Royal Kona Resort, excellent dining at Huggo’s or Don the Beachcomber’s is a two-minute walk away and other restaurants are just a pleasant stroll further. You will find the white sand of Honl’s Beach less than a quarter-mile to the south and the Kona Farmer’s Market just a half-mile to the north.
Kona Reef
Kona Reef has one and two bedroom condos all with a full kitchen that opens up to the living room and ocean view lanai. Some condos have sofa beds in the living room. Kona Reef has elevators and our condos have AC. Choose from one bedroom one bath condos and two bedroom two bath. All with a variety of unique ocean views.
Private Homes & Cottages
E Komo Mai (Welcome) Kama’aina! Feel like you are kama’aina (born in Hawai’i) and stay in a private vacation home in Kona, Hawaii or Volcano Village. Many guests enjoy living in real homes in real neighborhoods to feel like the are part of our wonderful community. All of these private homes and cottages come complete with linens. Kitchens are ready for your trip from the grocery store and farmers market. Each home will be as unique and the area it is in.
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View More at www.KonaNow.com
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Casago Kona, LLC.
75-5870 Kahakai Rd Kailua Kona, HI 96740
license # RB-23284
phone number: 800 421-3696
website www.konanow.com
