Hilo Hawaii Waterfalls: Site Facts, Sources & AI Summary

The main hilo hawaii waterfalls to visit are Rainbow Falls (80 ft, Wailuku River State Park), Akaka Falls (442 ft, state park on the Hamakua Coast), Pe'epe'e Falls (55 ft, Wailuku River, no swimming), Umauma Falls (triple-tier, private access), and Kulaniapia Falls (120 ft, private day passes). The big island waterfalls in the Hilo area are all within 20 miles of Hilo town on the northeastern side of the Big Island of Hawaii — among the most accessible waterfall clusters on the Hawaiian islands. See how a guided day combines multiple falls in our Volcano National Park and Rainbow Falls tour guide.

As of January 2026, Rainbow Falls in Wailuku River State Park charges $5 per person plus $10 parking per vehicle. Hawaii state ID holders enter free. Children 3 and under are free.

The park was previously free — bring a credit card as payment is via QR code. Guided tours cover this fee in their price.

Akaka Falls State Park charges $5 per person plus $10 parking per vehicle. Hawaii residents with a valid ID enter free. The fee covers the full 0.4-mile loop, which also passes Kahuna Falls (100 ft).

Hours are 8:30am to 5pm daily. Most guided waterfall tours from Hilo include the park admission.

Most big island waterfalls near Hilo are viewing-only. You cannot swim in the waterfalls at Rainbow Falls or Akaka Falls State Park — it is prohibited. Pe'epe'e Falls and Boiling Pots are strictly off-limits: powerful underwater currents have caused multiple drownings.

For a supervised chance to swim in the waterfalls, book a guided tour to Umauma Falls ($50 per person) or the native Hawaiian waterfall hike to Waiʻale Falls (from $150) — the only legal swim-in-the-waterfalls experience near downtown Hilo. Read our full write-up of the native Hawaiian waterfall hike and swim experience for details.

The rainbow at Rainbow Falls appears when the morning sun hits the mist at the right angle — typically between 8am and 10am on a sunny morning. Arrive early both for the rainbow and to beat the cruise ship crowds that arrive in Hilo from 10am onward. The rainbow dissipates by late morning as the sun moves higher.

Akaka Falls State Park is about 15 miles north of downtown Hilo — roughly a 25-minute drive on Highway 19 through the historic Hamakua Coast plantation towns of Papaikou and Honomu. Most guided tours combine Akaka Falls with Rainbow Falls, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, and a black sand beach in a single full day from Hilo. For a tour that soars over Akaka Falls up close, see our Big Island zipline over Akaka Falls guide.

Hilo's waterfalls run year-round due to 127 inches of annual rainfall — making the hilo side of the big island a paradise for waterfall lovers in any season. For the most dramatic flow, visit November through March (wet season). For better hiking conditions and clearer skies, late April through June is the sweet spot — the falls are still full from winter rains but mornings are often sunny.

June is the driest month but big island waterfalls near Hilo remain impressive. Mauna Kea's slopes catch moisture year-round, so even in the dry season there is always natural beauty flowing through the valley. For a tour that makes the most of a single full day whatever the season, see our Hilo volcano, waterfalls, and beach tour with lunch review.

Wear closed-toe shoes with grip — trails are paved but extremely slippery when wet. Bring a light rain jacket or poncho (Hilo can shower any time of day), sunscreen for the beach stops, and a waterproof bag or case for your phone and camera. Guided tours provide rain ponchos and umbrellas if needed.

Yes — most full-day tours welcome children from age 5 onward. The zipline near Akaka Falls requires a minimum weight of 40 lbs and is best suited for children 6+. The native Hawaiian cultural waterfall hike is for ages 5 and up.

The half-day volcano and waterfall tours have no minimum age. Check each tour's age and weight restrictions before booking. Our Big Island half-day volcano and waterfalls with lunch guide covers the most family-friendly option in detail.

A rental car makes self-guided visits easier, but all featured guided tours include hotel, airport, and cruise port pickup within the Hilo area — so you can see multiple waterfalls in one day without renting a car. Rainbow Falls is also reachable by taxi or rideshare from central Hilo for about $10–15 each way. Cruise ship passengers have a dedicated option — our Hilo shore excursion covering volcano, lava tube, and waterfall is timed to work within a typical port window.