Akaka Falls is a tall ribbon waterfall located on the Big Island of Hawaii just north of Hilo. This waterfall is a popular destination which requires a short hike as well as a small fee to visit.
Fees
Akaka Falls is well worth the cost. Be advised that when you reach the parking lot, there is an $11 fee (2024) for parking in the lot. There are valets there to help you pay the fee for the waterfall ($5/person) as well as the parking fee, but we were advised to park along the road outside the parking lot, which saved us $11. We only had to walk about 100 meters in to the trailhead, which seemed worth it. There are only so many spots along the road, as well as the parking lot, but the hike is short, so they turn over quickly.
Akaka Falls Trail
The Akaka Falls Trail is mostly downhill on the way to the waterfall. Start down the stairs to the right, and stay with that right section all the way down to the first overlook. This is the very underwhelming viewpoint for Kahuna Falls. Though this waterfall is quite large, you really can’t see it. The vegetation is too thick, and the angle too steep to catch more than a glimpse of cascading water. Fortunately, this overlook only costs you about 50 extra steps from the main loop.
Walk crestfallenly back the way you came to the first junction. Turn right and head up the stairs to the good waterfall, Akaka Falls. It is only about a third of a mile around the entire loop, so the waterfall comes up really quickly. There is a wide place to stand and a small shade to keep you out of rain and sun. This waterfall cascades around 250 feet, and it is as thin and delicate as a lace ribbon. There are good places to get a photo, and unlike Kahuna Falls, you can see from the top all the way down to where the water pummels the rocks below. We really liked this waterfall.
Though there is a small fee, we thought this waterfall was definitely worth it. Plan around 45 minutes from arrival to departure to enjoy Akaka Falls, and plan on a short walk when you arrive. The entire path is paved or boardwalk, but there are stairs along the way, so it is not wheel friendly. If you find yourself on the Big Island in Hawaii, plan a visit to Akaka Falls.
