Sight guide · Big Island (Hawaiʻi) · United States
Visiting ʻAkaka Falls State Park
A paved loop of under a kilometre leads through bamboo, ginger and heliconia to ʻAkaka Falls, which drops about 135 metres into a gorge, with the smaller Kahūnā Falls on the way.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Dllu, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
ʻAkaka Falls State Park is a nature spot in Hāmākua Coast, Big Island (Hawaiʻi). Allow 1 hour; it is low cost. Non-residents pay an entry and parking fee; check the state parks website before you go.
Key facts
- Type
- Nature
- Area
- Hāmākua Coast
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Low cost
- Book ahead
- Recommended
- Good for
- nature, kids and photo spot
- Best months
- January–February and November
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About ʻAkaka Falls State Park
A paved loop of under a kilometre leads through bamboo, ginger and heliconia to ʻAkaka Falls, which drops about 135 metres into a gorge, with the smaller Kahūnā Falls on the way. It is about 25 minutes north of Hilo.
Tip: Combine it with the Hāmākua Coast drive and a stop in the old sugar town of Honomū.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 1 hour.
- Cost: Low cost.
- Book ahead: Non-residents pay an entry and parking fee; check the state parks website before you go.
- Where: Hāmākua Coast.
Best time to visit ʻAkaka Falls State Park
ʻAkaka Falls State Park is outdoors, so weather matters most. The driest, most comfortable months are:
- January: 27°C (81°F) highs, about 7 rainy days, busy crowds.
- February: 27°C (81°F) highs, about 7 rainy days, busy crowds.
- November: 29°C (84°F) highs, about 8 rainy days, moderate crowds.
When to visit Big Island (Hawaiʻi) has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day Big Island (Hawaiʻi) itinerary visits ʻAkaka Falls State Park on day 3, together with Hilo Farmers Market and ʻImiloa Astronomy Center.
- No. 4 of the 19 sights in our Big Island (Hawaiʻi) things-to-do list.
- Day 3 of the 5-day plan.
- One of the picks in outdoors in Big Island (Hawaiʻi).
- A family favourite in Big Island (Hawaiʻi) with kids.
If you like ʻAkaka Falls State Park
- Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park — Volcano, A full day
- Maunakea — Maunakea, Half a day
- Kīlauea Iki Trail — Volcano, 2–3 hours
- Chain of Craters Road — Volcano, 2–3 hours
Staying near ʻAkaka Falls State Park
Where to stay in Big Island (Hawaiʻi) compares every area by price and who it suits.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at ʻAkaka Falls State Park?
Plan 1 hour.
+Is ʻAkaka Falls State Park free?
No, it is low cost. Booking ahead is advised.
+When is the best time to visit ʻAkaka Falls State Park?
January–February and November for the most comfortable weather. Combine it with the Hāmākua Coast drive and a stop in the old sugar town of Honomū.
+Do I need to book ʻAkaka Falls State Park in advance?
Non-residents pay an entry and parking fee; check the state parks website before you go.
+Is ʻAkaka Falls State Park good for kids?
Yes, it is one of our family picks in Big Island (Hawaiʻi). The Big Island is a superb family destination for active children, with volcanoes, turtles, waterfalls and calm beaches.