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Akaka Falls State Park

Address

End of Akaka Falls Road (Highway 220)
Honomu , HI 96728

Review

Heading north out of Hilo on Highway 11 leads you onto the Hamakua Coast. Between the 14 and 15 mile markers is the junction with Highway 220, which takes you directly to Akaka Falls State Park. A sign is posted just prior to the junction, indicating this destination. The park is approximately 5 miles from your turn, at the end of the road. The drive will provide some of the most spectacular views of Mauna Kea to be found on the windward side of Hawaii. On a clear day, you will see 4 or 5 of the world-class astronomical observatories that sit at the top of Hawaii’s tallest volcano, gleaming white and somehow otherworldly amidst the stark grey and brown of the peak’s barren summit.

An easily navigated loop trail of just under 1 mile begins at the small parking lot. A sign at the trail head provides the distance to Akaka Falls, as well as to a second water fall, which is an unexpected treat, since the park’s name gives no indication of an additional water feature. The sign provides the preferred direction of your loop, and the suggestion should be followed. Pay attention to your footing along the entire route. The trail is paved but has many steps, both up and down, along it’s length and a misstep will easily bring you to your knees on some rough lava rock. Be sure to grab a companion, or the railing, as you look up. Your entire course is taken under towering bamboo, banyan trees and giant heleconia and ginger. There are dizzying sights above, across and below you in every direction.

By keeping to your right, you arrive first at Kahuna Falls, a 100 foot water fall that slides down the mountain across the ravine ahead of you, rather than tumbling down in a sheer drop. This fall is pretty but is partially hidden by the lush foliage and the deep channel it has carved for itself over the eons. Keep in mind this is not what you came to see. Continue the loop, which now climbs up the steepest section of the trail. This portion appears daunting, but lasts for no more than 100 feet before you reach the top. Once at the top of the incline, you will hear Akaka Falls before you see it and, with luck, you’ll catch a cooling breeze from the ocean.

A few steps further on and the trail begins it’s descent. Views of the fall appear through the trees and shortly you are at the viewing area. The fall is now directly in front of you, glorious in it’s cocoon of sheer cliffs. It falls, straight and narrow for 420 feet from the lip of granite, hitting bottom in a green, fern-filled grotto with a blaze of rainbows reflecting in the spray.

While neither the highest nor most voluminous fall on the Big Island, Akaka Falls is certainly the easiest to access. The loop trail can be completed in no more than one half hour, though lingering at the viewing area to marvel at this virtually drive-up wonder of nature and cool off after the ups and downs of your walk can add as much time to the trip as you like.

The drive back down to Honomu town provides some awesome ocean views. The Pacific is spread out before you in 3 directions and reminds you that you are indeed driving on an island. This fact, seemingly self-evident, is easy to forget since the island is so large. Thee view will bring you back to the reality of your location.
Written By: Jonathan Botticelli
On: 8/14/2006

Directions

Turn onto Highway 220 from Highway 19, approximately 14 miles north of Hilo. The turn is marked with a sign directing you to Akaka Falls.

Features

Bathrooms | Parking | Picnic Tables | Shady Areas | Kid Friendly | Phones | Restrooms | Picnic Tables | Walking Trails

Map

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