‘Akaka Falls

It's a beautiful water fall, but its really a tourist trap. Nice little 3/4 mile hike on the loop that sees both falls, but you can't get closer to the falls and down by the river.

Fantastic waterfalls and hike. There is a small fee of $5. From the parking lot there is a short trail (5-10 mins) through a bamboo thicket. The trail was easy and there were lot of steps - and it was lovely. At the end we have the view of the falls itself. Initially the falls and the area was covered with fog, but pretty soon it cleared, giving us some beautiful views.

It is a relatively short hike (~0.5 miles) to the beautiful Akaka Falls. However, given the price of $22.53 (parking and two adults) we were disappointed with the poorly maintained trail and it is the reason for only three stars.

Must-see waterfalls! The guide at the entrance recommended doing the loop counter-clockwise, first walking to Kahuna Falls then continuing the trail to Akaka Falls, which worked perfectly. The trail was gorgeous! Please note that there is a fee for each visitor, which you pay using a credit card, and a fee if you use the parking lot. We just parked on the road that feeds into the parking lot for free - a <2 min walk. There are bathrooms. We visited around 1030 AM on a weekend in November and it wasn't crowded. We stayed for about 45 min. 10/10 would recommend.

it's nice that hawaii residents dont have to pay to park or enter.. if i had to pay to park and to enter, i likely would skip 'Akaka Falls. for the amount of money that is collected to enter, the state could do a better job of "park maintenance".. i recall about 5 years or so ago, being able to easily see the bottom of the fall, where the water crashes on the ground. however this view is a bit obstructed from the viewpoint, and unless your a very tall person, it would be quite difficult to see the entirety of 'Akaka Falls. additionally, as the vegetation seems overgrown.. i'm lucky i've had the opportunity to see this park during better times in the past, before the state even collected entrance fees.

My legs were definitely a little tired after all the stairs but it was so worth seeing the falls! Amazing views and there are 2 different routes you can take down to the falls! Both require many stairs!

Breath taking! Definitely sneak of the trail if possible. The views are awesome. The walk is a 7 on a 1-10 scale for being hard. If you are old and you back is messed up maybe stay back or just take your time.

Great views. Short hike. A very different type of climate from everywhere else on the island, like tropical rainforest.

Akaka Falls is a straight-up paradise on the Big Island, where nature flexes its power and beauty all at once. As you walk through the lush rainforest, the air thick with tropical aromas, you're led to the main event: a 442-foot waterfall crashing down into a deep gorge, surrounded by vibrant green ferns and towering trees. The sound of the water thundering down is almost otherworldly, filling the air with a sense of awe and tranquility. The best part? The view keeps getting better the closer you get. The falls seem to reveal themselves in layers, first peeking out from behind the trees and then unveiling their full glory as you round the bend. The mist from the falls cools your skin as you take it all in, and the rainbow that often appears in the spray? It's like nature's little gift, just for you. Walking the loop around the falls, you'll feel like you've entered a real-life Eden...lush, untouched, and completely breathtaking. Akaka Falls isn't just a place to visit; it's an experience that leaves you in awe of how beautiful the world can be. Don't just see it....feel it.

Highly recommend! Great short hike to see a cool water fall. The hike is about 1 mile. Mostly downhill to see the falls and uphill to head back. - The price of admission is $5 per person and $10 for parking. - No appointments or reservations are required. - If you park on the street outside the Parking lot you don't need to pay for parking. - Restrooms in the parking lot.

This is a hiking trail leading to a beautiful water fall. The price of admission is $5 per person and $10 for parking. No appointments or reservations are required, simply show up and get in line to pay admission at the kiosk. The weather was perfect for a hike, not too hot and not an overcast day. The pathway was absolutely beautiful, peaceful, and breathtaking. Due to the climate, the entire area was filled with rich and green foilage. Such a popular nature walk. Walk along at your own pace. Some areas were a little "tough" as there was an inclined to reach the next point. I was happy to make the trek and reach the lovely waterfall. I recommend a little practice of mini hikes a month before making the trip, it will be much easier on your legs!! Come with plenty of time and enjoy the sights, plants, trees, stream, and rock formations. Don't forget to tell'em that Rosemary sent ya!

LOVEEEE THIS TRAIL!! I can't recommend it enough, even though it was on the complete opposite side of where we were staying we made it a point to come out and check out Akaka falls. Well worth the two hour drive, the trail was under construction during our visit but we were still able to walk to the lookout point to see the waterfall up close. Parking was easy and I believe 5-10$ or something like that. I think it's the perfect trail to go with loved ones, easy enough for kids and elderly but just know there's a good amount of stairs

The parking is very limited, so if you can go early right when it opens it is recommended. It holds roughly maybe 15 cars. It is an easy hike down to the viewpoint. It has LOTS of stairs so if your mobility challenged, it might take you a bit longer to get there. There are railings all the way down. You start the hike going downhill so on the way back you have to climb up the stairs. It took us 45 minutes to complete this entire trip, which includes the 20 minutes we spent looking at the falls. Definitely worth stopping here!

I'm normally more wordy than this, but I have some catching up to do... What a beautiful spot on The Big Island! I'm not sure you will find a waterfall more spectacular than Akaka Falls... Two cons. 1. They will ding you on parking and charge a fee to walk down and see the falls. 2. Some will say it's an easy hike. For some people it might be... For my gf and I it was not. It's approximately 300 steps down and then those 300 steps back up. If you have knee or hip issues or any other ailment that might cause you to get winded (respiratory or cardiac) it's NOT going to be an easy hike for you. That being said... It is gorgeous and worth it! I'd suggest going in the morning/very early afternoon if you want to take pictures of the falls. Later in the day the sun is positioned over the falls and you will be looking directly into it as you face the falls from the viewing platform... The resulting glare can make taking pictures of the falls a little tougher than earlier in the day. While you are in Hawaii please spend some time and learn the history and the true culture of the Hawaiian islands. As long as you are in the area make sure you check out the local shopping and restaurants!

Did a quick 20 mins or so drive to the Akaka falls state park from the Carlsmith beach to witness the beautiful Akaka falls. Parked at the entrance on the side ( and not in the state park parking lot) as it can be an easy in and out if you can wrap up the hike in a short turnaround time . Was helped by one of the ticketing agents at the entrance and she got us through the payment formalities. Once those were covered we were on our way to the hike which we ended up covering in about 12 minutes ( back and forth ) with about a 5 minute stop to witness the falls and the surrounding beauty. It's a completely paved path and we were able to do it easily in flip flops though one must be careful about the leaves on the floor that could be wet. Super easy hike to the waterfalls and a bit of stairs to deal with on the way back though nothing too crazy. Must do and must visit is all I can say!!!

Waterfalls are one of my favorite natural wonders and with Hilo one of the wettest places on earth, nearby Rainbow Falls and Akaka Falls are always impressive. Since it's been 17 years since I've been back to the Big Island, there is now a $10 parking fee AND $5 per person entrance fee unless you are a Hawaii resident for Akaka Falls. Bit steep for a half hour round trip to the falls since we've been twice before but the scenery along the way is gorgeous especially if it's your first time. I wish I knew that I could have avoided the parking fee by just parking outside of the gates and walking in since we were there when it opened.

I'm ranking this five stars on the basis that the hike was really short and the waterfall was well worth it. We just finished the zip lining which was only a 10 minute drive to here so why not? We almost didn't do it though because it looked like it was going to rain, but it's a very fast hike.

No doubt, the waterfall here is very impressive! And there's a bonus second waterfall, but it's a little harder to see from the platform. Truthfully, however, Akaka just wasn't what I expected. The "hike" is a 0.5-mile loop on a paved path, and it's super monotonous. Aside from killer views of Akaka, it's just not a great trail. A decent number of stairs, FYI, but I saw a number of families with small kids and elders tackling it at a slow pace. They charge for parking and out-of-state visitors, totaling $15 ($10 + $5), which makes me lukewarm to the value of visiting this spot. Your mileage may vary, however.

To me, this is one of the more impressive falls in the area (I mean, they're all pretty amazing!). Lots of stairs, but super easy. The trail is short and nice; you walk through a rainforest and everything is so picturesque. I guess we did the right thing and went to Akaka Falls first (left trail, going clockwise) and nobody was there. When we left the area to continue the loop, everyone else was coming in from the other side. The other waterfall on the trail was not very visible because the trees are so overgrown, but like I said, the trail is beautiful. $5/person and $10 to park in the lot but many people chose to park on the side of the road. There are restrooms that are pretty well-maintained.

The only reason for the 3 stars is the quick trail is no longer in use . There is no verbal or printed warning letting you know that this should be considered a personal black diamond trail meaning uneven terrain, slippery stairs and 1/2 mile trek in some very hot weather & humidity up and down. Nor do they have any potable water . If you have any mobility issues or orthopedic issues I do not recommend this trek. You should be in top physical fitness , without any respiratory or cardiac issues. The woman who sold us the tickets to my 78 yr old friend with asthma and to me with all my ortho issues never warned us . When i got back up i was so angry and i'm in so much pain, i told the woman why don't you tell people whom are elderly or at least post the conditions of the route! She looked at me and said "you looked able" So now she gets an education NOT EVERY PERSON WITH A DISABILITY IS IN A WHEEL CHAIR . NEVER DISCOUNT THE SUFFERING OF PEOPLE BY BEING IGNORANT AND SAYING " YOU LOOK ABLE " . Walk a 1/2 mile in my shoes lady . This ruined our day. We were so exhausted we didn't even make dinner tonight and it killed our plans for the next day as we all need recovery time . This was supposed to be peaceful and serene . Park Rangers be notified : There is a feral cat colony also there, the male has been neutered but one of the cats was blind and had fleas wall over and bugs eating at her eyes . these ferals are right next to the people who sell you the tickets . You'd think they'd get a vet out there to assess this whole colony . it's a state park for goodness sake ! A Vet needs to examine this colony . this is not healthy . this is a young cat. please help them .

Updated trail June 2024: currently construction is taking place so there is one trail in and out same way. There are a lot of stairs but you can go at your own pace and it's not bad at all, the amazing bamboo, banyan tree, and the final falls view are magnificent! We hiked in the POURING rain (wear water shoes if it's raining because the path turns into its own waterfall down the stairs) and it was still worth it! It is $5 per person to see it, ok. AND $10 to park in a spot, save yourself the money and park literally 20 feet away outside the gate. Worth it for the $5 a person!

A good natural place to visit (half an hour north of Hilo) with waterfall and lots of greenery and paved path. However, $5/person to visit is unusual when a lot of other parks in Hawaii used to be free to visit in Kauai and Oahu. It's also $10 to park in the lot but there's streetside parking for free before you enter the lot. Again another fee. Seems like they're trying to extract money from tourists more than normal.

Relatively easy hike to a beautiful waterfall. There is a combination of steps up, down, and straights. So it's not ideal for strollers. We used a baby carrier for our younger toddler and just tried to have our 4 year old walk as much as she could and carried the rest. There were some areas in the sun, but also lots of shaded areas. It's a good idea to bring hats and comfy shoes. The waterfall was beautiful and definitely worth the small little hike. We parked off the side, just before the parking lot and not inside the lot, so we only paid $5 a person. If you decide to park inside the lot, you'll have to pay per car as well for the parking. There's this kiosk machine where you pay, before you enter the park. Children 3 and under are free. They have restrooms at the parking area, if you need to use it before entering. We didn't use it, so I can't comment on cleanliness.

Wow, what a super nice surprise visiting Akaka Falls State Park during our day trip out to Kona. This wasn't in the plans but we decided on day of, to drive out Hilo side from Kona to chase waterfalls with my family. After enjoying our Okazuya lunch, at the park of course. I loved and enjoyed the scenic drive from Kona to Hilo, ( please allow time for this drive) nice road trip and we finally made it to the park. Small traffic at the front as few were avoiding the parking fees so they parked before the park's entrance. Parking was full on this Saturday and the other half made his own parking which he got nice scolding from the park attendant. hehe She was nice to inform us that we have to move the car and she directed us on where to park. The attendants are so friendly and fun! Parking is $10. per vehicle and $5. fee per person to enter the park. Luckily Kama'aina gets special perks, mahalo for this! The hike in to both falls was about 30 mins. Such a nice hike, love nature and the tropical scenery. Don't forget to take pictures with the bamboo trees, really great photo opts besides the falls. We approached the first falls, 100 ft Kahuna Falls, this is a tease for us once before we approached Akaka. hehe. After that, the enchanting Akaka Falls is the real deal, 442 feet! Wow-zer, So calming, soothing hearing the sounds of the falls and enjoying the views. I truly love my visit here. Of course we took tons of pics and vids. Thank you to a kind gentleman for taking such a nice photos of me and my family. Kodak memory moments with my family, my heart is full! Recommend, this is top 10 to do when on the Big Island. Thank you to my wonderful hubby for driving us here! **Once you exit the falls, you will see a sign on Cow hugging ( for$20.) and selfie, I requested for a stop here but we had to head back to Kona for our flight , not enough time. I need to check it out next time. hehe.

BIG HAWAII ISLAND 2023 VACATION #4: LOUD AND THERAPEUTIC On my day trip from Kailua-Kona to Hilo this state park was one of the sights I planned for. One thing that entices travelers to Hawaii is lush-green nature. After lunch I drove here to see firsthand how therapeutic nature can be. Once you enter the park you see a sign that directs you to a specific waterfall. The path is a circular path that you get to see both waterfalls - Akaka and Hakuna. I went to the path going to the Akaka Falls. This is one of the most majestic falls I ever seen - the other was Niagara Falls. You feel the magnitude sound of the water hitting the ground yet soothing to your ears. If you're vacationing soak in the sight and sound of a waterfall. Whatever stress you had at work prior to your vacation should be erased by seeing Akaka Falls. Even though there is a time limit on your parking don't rush as you can finish the circular path over an hour. Just remind yourself you are on vacation. After staring at Akaka Falls for about 20 minutes I took my time walking around. Then I decided to go around the circular path to the other waterfall at the state park. When you walk on the path you feel as if you are walking in zoo. Unlike caged animals you see waterfalls not covered by fences. The other waterfall Kahuna Falls is covered by vegetation. I don't reveal tips on my reviews here are a couple I recommend: 1) To avoid the crowds and find parking do not visit the park on the weekend (Friday included). I came here on a Thursday afternoon. 2) Once you pay your parking online the time limit of about 1 hour and 45 minutes starts. I paid for the parking about 20 minutes to my arrival as there is hardly any internet at the Akaka Falls State Park. If you follow the tips above you can enjoy a relaxing but not pressed time to watch the waterfalls.

Great short hike if you're in the area or planning on spending the day in the Hilo area. However I wouldn't go out of my way just to come here. It is paved which is great for kids and older adults. There is a $5 admission per person and parking is an additional $10 however, you don't have to park inside since there's also parking outside of the lot which is only several feet away. The first waterfall was a disappointment because you can barely see it. Walk a little further and you'll see the Akaka falls. It was cool but wasn't super spectacular.

Highly recommend visiting this impressive waterfall, among the largest on the island. $10 parking available within the lot, with free parking just outside. Admission is $5 per person, unless resident. Credit card only. The loop is not lengthy but includes several stairs and some incline. There are railings and a paved path. I recommend full loop, but if you prefer less of a walk, opt to go right. Go to the main waterfall view and turn around to save some distance and stairs if desired.

"The feminine is more powerful than the masculine, the soft is more powerful than the hard, the water is more powerful than the rock." ...so I have learned. 'Akaka Falls was on my Besties bucket list when we visited Hawai'i Big Island! Can I blame her? This mesmerizing 442-foot tall waterfall is named after Chief 'Akaka-o-ka-nī'au-oi'o-i-ka-wao and where lot's of Hawaiian mythology derives from... 'O the Mana! Located just 11-miles from Hilo and up a scenic country road through Honomū. Parking is $10 in the lot and tbh every non-resident should be paying no matter where they park. Just my observations on some tourists trying to cheat the system! Auwe! Bestie paid parking even though I tried to explain my Aumākua Tattoo on my back was free admission... she wasn't impressed and paid it! So mahalo Bestie:D I highly suggest walking around to get to 'Akaka Falls, take the longer route for the full effect and views, it's not a long walk, and the greenery and air cleanses one soul! We walked around and could hear and "feel" the powerful waterfall even at the trails furthest point! It's a sense of Mana as we approached closer. No photos can capture the beauty of a nearly 500-foot waterfall! Breathtaking! Ancient and Supernatural Hawai'i could be felt in the Mana here. Thunderous sounds, the mist for miles, smell of nature... I see what the elders saw! A bucket list experience for sure. I'll never forget her! In the end, 'Akaka Falls is a must if you're fortunate enough to be on Hawai'i Big Island. It's ironic in a way, that the storms and rains that clouded our visit to Volcanoes, was the same force of Mother Nature that made this visit to 'Akaka Falls so memorable, I've been here before and the other Hilo side waterfalls as well, but never have I witnessed such magic. And being with my Bestie made it that much more magical!

While on vacation on the Big Island, I had the opportunity to visit Alakan Falls. I will start off by saying if you are interested in seeing vegetation symbolic of Hawaii, you won't be disappointed. The park is a little off the main highway. Parking can be a little challenging in peak time periods. If you park inside the yellow markers, they will charge you $10 per vehicle. The trail is only $5 per person but worth every penny. The trail itself is not super difficult. There are lots of stairs, but if you can do that, the trail will be fine for you. It's basically a loop that starts off downhill and takes you to the falls, which is a gorgeous site to see. As you continue to the other side of the loop it takes you into an area that looks straight out of Jurrassic Park lol. If your in the area I highly recommend!

Akaka Falls State Park is such a beautiful place to visit. The loop from start to finish is .57 miles. There are stairs and handrails throughout the trail where needed and the trail is paved the entire way through. The falls are spectacular. You cannot see the bottom of the falls nor swim in it. There is a lookout spot along the trail where we were able to capture a family photo. There are bathrooms and a small parking lot. Vehicle fee is $10 and $5 per person entrance fee. There were attendants there when we went to help usher cars and help visitors with the pay station. The trees and plants are magnificent.

The falls trail is really nice, you like walking in a amazon rainforest, it's not hot, mostly shaded. The lush plants are so beautiful. The trail is easy. Some steps but not too much. If you park at their parking lot, you need to pay parking fee 10 dollar plus 5 dollar entrance fee for each person. I'm not happy about the park charging for parking, but still worth the money.

So glad we took this short hike through the beautiful rain forest to see several spectacular waterfalls. The park is located 11 miles north of Hilo, a quick and scenic drive. There is a $5 admission fee for non-residents that you pay with credit card. The hike is a paved loop through the rain forest with lots of stairs. The tropical vegetation is awesome. The walk is rewarded with the breathtaking Akaka Falls with drops a 442 feet off a cliff into a deep pool. The are several other falls along the hike. The trail is not suitable for strollers or wheel chairs. There is a restroom facility near the parking lot. The parking lot is small, maybe holds 25 cars, so you may have to wait for a space. There are friendly park rangers on hand to help you park and answer questions. There are also a couple picnic tables near the parking lot. Wear shoes with good tread as the steps can be slippery. Bug spray is helpful too, although the bugs were not too bad.

It was rainy and not that crowded: there was only 1 tour van. Got parking in the lot and managed to "hike" in sandals down to the water fall despite all the rain. There's a fee for parking in the lot, and going into the park: many people skirted the fees and bypassed the attendants. Some people don't realize fees maintain parks and access to them!

Akaka Falls is a must see if you're close to Hilo. You'll be immersed in luxuriant tropical vegetation and have glorious views of the 442ft waterfall. It's best to come here early so you can snap cool shots of the falls before the sun hits it. Also the parking lot is quite small and you want to avoid crowds. The park is located about 11miles north of Hilo and the trail is a loop that's less than a mile. There's a restroom at the parking lot and a few rangers hanging around if you have questions. Bring snacks and water because it'll be about 10 mins before you get back into the nearest town. Have sunscreen and a hat as well. My friends and I got here a little after 8am (which is when they open) and a ranger helped us pay for the entrance fee at the kiosk. Its $5 per person and $10 vehicle fee for peeps out of state. After paying, you can take a right or left into the park. My friends I and went left because it's a closer walk to the falls. Wear good shoes with grip or watch your step because the pathway will most likely be wet. FYI, it's a paved pathway all the way through. I applied some bug repellent in case there were blood thirsty 'squitos but thankfully I didn't encounter any. As you make your way into the park you be greeted by giant elephant ear plant leaves (aka taro), giant ti plants, monstera, palm trees and many other plantelopes! As you approach the falls, there's a chain link fence where you can stand and get in all your photos. And that's as close to the falls you're going to get. And no you cannot swim in the falls. If you want to see below the falls or the bottom you would have to raise your camera or phone and snap it at a angle. There's a sheltered sitting area if you want to get out of the sun or the rain whilst still enjoying the view of the falls. Best photo ops are up on the stairs; you'll get views of the whole park, the cool stairs, the clouds and the sky. The views will take your breathe away. As you're making your way around the loop you'll pass by another waterfall that's not as showstopping because it's kinda hard to see; Kahuna Falls. You can easily spend an hour here taking in all the views and admiring all the tropical plants. If you love chasing waterfalls, this is a can't miss spot!

Our first touristy stop on the way to Hilo was at Akaka Falls. Bring a coat or hoodie or rain parka because its going to get wet. Not from the waterfall but from the constant drizzle of rain. Parking is an interesting experience. They have parking machines to pay at. You park, go pay for your spot, then take the ticket and put it in your car. That sounds easy enough but the internet is bad and the machines can only get so much juice. Seems like a terrible idea if you already know the internet is bad. We may or may not have been charged twice for parking since the first machine just had the processing payment screen up for like 10 min and I think one of the rangers came over and hit the power button on and off to reset it. We did finally pay for parking but good lord have a cash option available. Now to the walk and falls. The trail is awesome. It winds through beautiful rain forests. There are so many plants and flowers and little rivulets with waterfalls all through out. Its an easy walk, with some stairs. There is something wonderful to see at every turn. The waterfall itself is spectacular. We were here during a particular rainy time and it was full and flowing and incredible. This is one of those sites you could just stand and stare at for a long time. The falls are a stunning wonder.

A majestically tall waterfall surrounded by lush tropical forest.  Akaka Falls is a must see when visiting Hilo.  The suggested circle route is the way to go and takes you down under the tree canopy pass a serene river, through a bamboo grove to see two beautiful waterfalls.  I think the best part of this hike is when you get your first glimpse of Akaka Fall's and you hear its thunderous power.  It's a memory that you will cherish with your loved ones.  Another of my favorite parts of this short hike is seeing all of the tropical flowers, plants, and fruits like bananas, white ginger, and hapuu ferns.  My tips for you are to come first thing in the morning to get good parking and have a cooler hiking experience.  There are relatively clean bathrooms available after your hike to refresh yourself.  Take the right hiking path suggested circle route on the sign for a longer hike but more of a wow factor.  In my opinion, that is the way that Akaka Falls should be viewed.  Take the left path for a more direct route to Akaka Falls.  This route is good if you don't have a lot of time.  I hope you enjoy Akaka Falls and come and visit.  Also, if you love animals, you can visit the Honomu Goat Dairy after you visit the Falls.  It cost just $1 to feed and pet the goats.  Such a fun day.

We were actually not that impressed by the Fall itself, but thought the trail through the rain forest was very cool and worth the trip. So many beautiful and unusual flora. Apparently there is also a large cat colony that lives in the State Park who come out to greet the visitors. Loved that.

Definitely worth stopping by, kama'aina are free and it's an easy enough hike for the keiki. Beautiful, paved walk with a bunch of stairs but scenery galore. Love the greenery and epic views. It gets packed with visitors so there's not always parking but just wait a bit and something will open up. The staff was super friendly and helpful and there are bathrooms that we visited on our way out that were nice and clean.

There are a LOT of stairs at this hike.. if you are elderly, have mobility issues or are just not the fittest, this hike is not for you! If you have little ones, they will get tired and you will probably have to carry them back up those treacherous stairs. I notice people say this is an easy hike, yes, for those who are fit and able bodied. For the rest, just be aware! There is no sign at the top that warns you of this either and the workers won't tell you that. I would definitely recommend a walking stick if you decide to tough it out.

This is one of the must-sees when in Hilo. It's actually located about 10 miles north of Hilo. Everyone seems to go. Here' my logic: 5 stars for the actual falls. 2 or 3 stars for the management. The demand for parking exceeds the supply of spots by a ratio of 4:1 or 3:1. So you can imagine. People just park anywhere. It's a mess. If it was not one of the must-sees, I would not bother. The best thing was the fresh pineapple and coconut stand that you pass on the way to or from the falls. To see the falls costs $5 per person, plus tax (really?). You walk down a paved pathway for 5 minutes. You spend 2-3 minutes looking at the falls, and then you go back. So $5 is actually expensive for what you do. If you are really slow you can look at the falls for 5 minutes. So you are paying $60 an hour in essence. Just go to the Akaka falls, the other one is a waste time.

For one of the days on the big island, we did the waterfall tour. We saw the 3 main waterfalls, and they were all pretty great (lots of driving). Akaka falls is a short hike on a paved trail and the waterfall is nice. However, be prepared to be gouged on the price. Parking is a small lot and there is a charge for that. To save, just park on the street right outside the gate. Also, there are 2 parking attendants standing at the start of the trail that then get you to pay $5 per person (via the parking kiosk) for the 15 min walk. They charge regardless of age, so be prepared to pay even if you have a 2 month old baby. The controls around this is very lacking. It is noticeable that some people would sneak by, which was a bit weird. Is this waterfall worth $20 for 4 people to see? Probably not. Did it once, took a picture, and no need to see it again.

$5 per person and $10 if you park in the lot. So if you don't want to pay for parking just park on the street like everyone else. Pay at the front. It's supposed to be a one way nature walk to the waterfall, but you get some stupid tourists who don't observe the parks rules and regulations and just do whatever the hell they want. So rude! They made things difficult for for people who were observing park rules. Also pick up your trash too. Let's keep Hawaii beautiful. The waterfall itself is very big and beautiful. Far from the trail. Good views. Nice nature walk with lots of vegetation. Feels like I'm in "Lost". That'll be cool if they had one that we could swim in.

The most beautiful waterfall I have ever seen. Make sure to park right outside the gate to not have to pay the parking fee. The walk is not even a minute longer from outside the gate. There are many steep staircases, so probably wouldn't recommend with toddlers. But overall, it is a must do on Hilo!

Bring a zoom lens. LOL! Well, the waterfall wasn't big as we thought it was going to be. LOL. The "hike" is less than 1/2 mile round trip. It takes you to both waterfalls. Kahuna, was kinda small, but the Akaka Falls was decent. There is a little seating area and some information posted. The walk is nice with lots of lush greenery. (You will need mosquito spray and sunblock!) If you look carefully you can see other little waterfalls. Parking is $10 and there is a public restroom, if you need it. Please don't be a Richard and park on the street blocking traffic. Wait your turn, wait for parking...be patient. No one stays there more than 1 hour.

Just go and enjoy! You don't need a review to tell you nature is AWESOME. But please, like comment or share. Mahalo!

Haven't been to the falls in years, it's always so breath taking, minus the tourist that over run the attraction. Love to enjoy our natural beauty here in hawaii minus social media that exposes our island beauty and has every visitor going to these attractions. Be prepared to wait for parking, unless you park down the road and walk in, the parking lot is not Made to handle the amount of visitors. Locals pass the line by each showing your State of Hawaii ID (visitors, Sorry you have to wait in line and pay the fee). As with anything beautiful it's worth the hassle!

I loved Akaka Falls! This is a perfect example of a "hike" that is little effort but results in huge reward! I wouldn't even call it a real hike. It's a very pleasant 0.5 mile stroll through a dense, lush rainforest. I can't remember the last time I was surrounded by so much beautiful green foliage as far as the eye can see. From the parking area, catch an overhead view of the canopy that appears to go on for miles before descending down the first set of steps to the pathway. The path is a completely paved loop, clean and great for visitors of all ages. Just a quick note that there are a few staircases that head both up and down, which could be challenging for those who have a difficult time with steps. It doesn't take long at all to reach the waterfall. If I had known, I would've walked at a more leisurely pace to thoroughly appreciate every moment. Most people probably spend less than an hour here. The Falls itself is a magnificent sight, and photos do not do it justice! We were so lucky to see it on a sunny day. Throughout the loop, you'll pass a couple smaller waterfalls, but compared to the main attraction, they appeared more like runoff to me. Admission is $5 per person and parking in the main lot is $10. Interestingly, the cost for parking is not posted anywhere. When you talk with the parking attendant(s) to pay for admission, they will ask where you parked. If you say your car is in the lot, they will reveal the $10 fee... tricky! At the time we visited, the main lot was full anyway so we parked outside the gates along the side of the road where many other cars were already lined up. Bathrooms are on site with plumbing and running water. They weren't the cleanest but were good enough. This state park is a must if you're in the Hilo area!

Always a beautiful spot to visit. You can park for free if you have a state ID/drivers license or student ID card for one of the universities in the state.

Oh my goodness! Wow! Forget about this place being called a "state park"...all that matters is that you come here and witness AKAKA FALLS!!! This, I tell ya, without a doubt one of the most majestic waterfalls I have ever witnessed!!! Just thinking about Akaka Falls, as I have now returned from my Hawaii vacation....it was magical. I think I sort of have tears of joy just writing about my time here. What a memory, what an experience! Akaka Falls is the tallest waterfall in Hawaii! It's a 440 foot straight plunge from top to bottom. It is located on The Big Island of Hawaii about 20 miles north of the town of Hilo. Although you can't hike down to the base of the falls...the only accessible passageway way for viewing the falls is along a simple and straightforward 1/4 of a mile loop pathway that'll take you through some lush vegetation and also to a lookout point of Kahuna Falls. But...Kahuna Falls was a waste of time as it's completely hidden by all the outlying growth of trees and bushes. There is a sign suggesting when you start the walk, to head to the right hand side of the path as it's the suggested route. I agree with this. You'll pass by Kahuna Falls but ultimately it all leads up to the main star and attraction...Akaka Falls! When I was here visiting a few days ago...I arrived first thing in the morning as to not be disturbed by other strangers during my photo taking. The falls/park opens daily at 8:30 am. It wasn't really crowded for a Sunday, March 13, 2022. I was able to grab worthwhile pics and with the position of the sun in the sky...it was beneficial to be here for the morning as the reflections blended perfectly onto Akaka Falls. There were no shadows and honestly...I was in pure bliss being here! So grateful and blessed to be alive! It is $10 to park your private vehicle. And then it's $5 per person to enter regardless of how many people you have in your group. So for me being here alone, it was $10 + $5 + $1.60 in tax = $16.60 which you pay by credit card only at a metered machine. There were 2 metered machines and because they process slowly, the lines started to build up waiting to use them. By the time I completed my transaction...there were 4 - 5 families deep waiting to access the machines as I started my explorations. In total, I used about 1 - 1.5 hours simply staring at the falls. I took tons of photos and really just enjoyed the moment. Thinking of my all-time waterfall rankings...I'd put Akaka Falls up there with Multnomah Falls on the Columbia River Gorge as 2 of my favorites! I mean, this Akaka Falls, a straight 440 foot drop! No cascading, no trickling...just one massive freefall. It was hypnotic! So...I can't stress enough how imperative it is to come here to view Akaka Falls. If you're on the Big Island of Hawaii whether even if you're staying in the Kona section of the island and have to drive the 60 - 70 miles...Akaka Falls is a MUST-DO, without a doubt! Also, other than walking the pathway and viewing the falls, there's really nothing else to do here. So I guess for me, then why do they call it a state park? It's more like a vista observation point. That's it. Lastly, right nearby Akaka Falls, specifically 3 miles down the road is another absolutely impressive attraction and that is the HONOMU GOAT DAIRY....a goat farm where you can pet, feed and play with baby goats! Awesome, I love animals. It's free to visit and food costs only $1 per bag. They open at 10am so after coming here to Akaka Falls at 8:30am, I casually drove over to the goat farm to have fun with the goats. Ultimately, this was the perfect paring for enjoying half the day in this area just outside Hilo, HI. Alright, this is Akaka Falls, one of the best waterfalls, ever!

We had been looking forward to visit Akaka Falls and planned a whole day around it. We drove far to go, checked the website to make sure it would be open and ten of us made the long drive to go. We get all the way to the gate and find out it's closed. There were plenty of signs for it further down the road and none said it was closed. Ridiculous and disappointing.

The waterfall at Akaka Falls is beautiful! The trail took us only about 25-30 min. The entry fee was $5 per person which you pay at a kiosk along with the parking which is $10.

Nicely paved. There are stairs though. The trail was stunning! Large ferns! Tall bamboos! Large crawfish swimming near the bridge. Well paved trail with stairs and inclined. It was very humid! I felt like I was in a movie scene. Jungle Paradise! The beautiful Akaka Falls! https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/hawaii/akaka-falls-state-park/ "The Mo'olelo (the story) of Akaka Falls Hawaii is full of legends and mo'olelo of the land. Akaka falls was named after Chief 'Akaka, who had a lovely and faithful wife. He made a home for them in this lush forest, but he had affairs with two mistresses, Maile and Lehua. When his faithful wife found out, he fled, with his dog, from her in shame. So quick was his departure, that he didn't look where he was going and fell over the falls to his death. His dog waited atop the waterfall, loyally waiting so long that legend says he turned into the stone atop the falls. His wife mourned his loss and it is said she is the falls nearby, Kahuna Falls. Maile and Lehua also mourned his loss and legend says they are the smaller falls on either side of Akaka Falls, still weeping over his death." https://naturallyaloha.com/akaka-falls-big-island-of-hawaii/

Akaka falls is a nice stop on your way to Hilo. It's a decent drive from the kona side of Big Island but worth it if you're in the area anyway. It's pretty easy to get to and there is enough parking since most people aren't spending a lot of time here. When you're here swing a right and check out the smaller falls before heading over to Akaka. The only downside is that parking and admission is pricey - you pay a fee per person. Before you come look for coupons online. The falls itself is quite lovely - a great place to get memorable photos. This location is not good for wheelchairs and people with fall risk should walk the path with caution - it can be slippery and there are a lot stairs.

For me it was worth the $16 = $10 parking + $5 entry for 1 + $1 fees. To save $10, u can park free just outside of the parking lot.

Absolutely beautiful and a must see when visiting the island. You do have to pay for parking and the parking does get rather crowded. They do have restrooms available near the parking area should you need them. Staff was available near the pay station for assistance and answer questions. There are stairs and some incline areas so recommend bringing your tennis shoes and some water. The walk is a nice one since it's shady and beautiful. You'll see a few waterfalls and there are some beautiful areas for some nice pics.

When on the big island, you have to visit Akaka Falls. In addition to the well paved road to get here, the "hike" itself is fairly easy. You'll be able to walk it in about half a mile. There is a fee for you to enter the state park per person, but it's worth it. This state park is well maintained, making it really easy for anyone to stroll through to see the falls. The trail is surrounded by beautiful rainforests. You'll be mesmerized walking through it.

It's closed on weekdays! Beautiful when able to see it. They should post a sign way before the main entrance.