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North Hamakua Coast Region
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Location: North Hamakua Coast
The stroll to reach Akaka Falls is almost as beautiful as the falls itself. After a taking a short set of stairs turn left and you will be led on a paved pathway through amazing greenery and small waterfalls flowing into babbling streams. Everywhere you look you are surrounded by giant Ti plants, bird of paradise, torch ginger, bamboo, and split leaf philodendron.
You will hear the dull roar of the waterfall before you see it. Just as you round a corner you will catch a glimpse of Akaka Falls free-falling 442 feet through a green-lined gorge. In our opinion, the best time to photograph the falls is early in the morning on a slightly cloudy day.
The stroll to reach Akaka Falls is almost as beautiful as the falls itself. After a taking a short set of stairs turn left and you will be led on a paved pathway through amazing greenery and small waterfalls flowing into babbling streams. Everywhere you look you are surrounded by giant Ti plants, bird of paradise, torch ginger, bamboo, and split leaf philodendron.
You will hear the dull roar of the waterfall before you see it. Just as you round a corner you will catch a glimpse of Akaka Falls free-falling 442 feet through a green-lined gorge. In our opinion, the best time to photograph the falls is early in the morning on a slightly cloudy day.
Location: North Hamakua Coast
The captivating triple-tiered Uma Uma Falls is only accessible through the World Botanical Garden. In a few more years this will be a truly spectacular garden, but now it is too young to offer the same variety of mature plants that other gardens have to offer. Admission is a steep $11, but it does include an exclusive view of the falls. The drive to the falls begins across the street from the ticket booth and is a bit bumpy as it passes through marked native trees. You will reach a small parking lot and the lookout for Uma Uma Falls. The three levels which Uma Uma Falls flows down resemble great lava stone steps with recesses that create tranquil little pools surrounded by tropical plants and trees.
The captivating triple-tiered Uma Uma Falls is only accessible through the World Botanical Garden. In a few more years this will be a truly spectacular garden, but now it is too young to offer the same variety of mature plants that other gardens have to offer. Admission is a steep $11, but it does include an exclusive view of the falls. The drive to the falls begins across the street from the ticket booth and is a bit bumpy as it passes through marked native trees. You will reach a small parking lot and the lookout for Uma Uma Falls. The three levels which Uma Uma Falls flows down resemble great lava stone steps with recesses that create tranquil little pools surrounded by tropical plants and trees.
Location: North Hamakua Coast
Hi'ilawe Falls is the most famous waterfall in Waipio Valley. The falls is between 1,200 and 1,600 feet tall (depending on who you ask), making it the tallest waterfall in the state of Hawaii. It was a lava flow from Mauna Kea that formed the cliffs on the side of the falls.
Hi'ilawe Falls share the same cliff wall with the often dry Hakalaoa Falls. Lalakea Stream above the brink of Hi'ilawe Falls had been partially dammed to provide water for developments in the area. Apparently the dam is now no longer required, but still exists, and many local groups are trying to get it removed so the falls can revert back to their original state.
Hi'ilawe Falls is the most famous waterfall in Waipio Valley. The falls is between 1,200 and 1,600 feet tall (depending on who you ask), making it the tallest waterfall in the state of Hawaii. It was a lava flow from Mauna Kea that formed the cliffs on the side of the falls.
Hi'ilawe Falls share the same cliff wall with the often dry Hakalaoa Falls. Lalakea Stream above the brink of Hi'ilawe Falls had been partially dammed to provide water for developments in the area. Apparently the dam is now no longer required, but still exists, and many local groups are trying to get it removed so the falls can revert back to their original state.
Location: North Hamakua Coast
The Muliwai Trail to Waimanu Valley is a strenuous 9-mile switchback trail that climbs 1,200 ft to the top of a ridge, then descends into the Waimanu Valley. The views into Waipio Valley as you start up the trail (often called Z-Trail) are incredible. View our Muliwai to Waimanu Valley trail map.
Z-Trail
Now, if you thought the view from the Waipio Valley lookout was fantastic. We recommend hiking across Waipio Beach to the other side and up the valley wall for a peek into the heart of Waipio. You can see the trail from the lookout. It is the zigzag cut into the side of the cliff. When hiking across the beach you will have to wade through Waipio River which dumps into the ocean. Only try this when the tide is low and always try to gauge the speed and depth of the water before crossing. If you are wearing hiking boots, bring water shoes for this part of the journey. Your feet will thank you later. Once you are at the end of the beach a small path leads to a gate. Do not go through the gate, instead look to your right for several signs that mark the trail head. The walk to the third (and best) switchback is only about half an hour. The trail begins in a very wooded and mosquito ridden area but eventually opens up on the side of the cliff. Once you reach the third switchback, turn around and take in the vast natural sight before you. From this side of the valley you can see deep into the heart of Waipio. If you look closely you should be able to see the lookout and parking lot. From this vantage point you can see the cascading Hi’ilawe Falls flowing through a crease in the valley wall. Notice how far back the valley reaches as it cuts around gently sloping cliff sides.
The Muliwai Trail to Waimanu Valley is a strenuous 9-mile switchback trail that climbs 1,200 ft to the top of a ridge, then descends into the Waimanu Valley. The views into Waipio Valley as you start up the trail (often called Z-Trail) are incredible. View our Muliwai to Waimanu Valley trail map.
Z-Trail
Now, if you thought the view from the Waipio Valley lookout was fantastic. We recommend hiking across Waipio Beach to the other side and up the valley wall for a peek into the heart of Waipio. You can see the trail from the lookout. It is the zigzag cut into the side of the cliff. When hiking across the beach you will have to wade through Waipio River which dumps into the ocean. Only try this when the tide is low and always try to gauge the speed and depth of the water before crossing. If you are wearing hiking boots, bring water shoes for this part of the journey. Your feet will thank you later. Once you are at the end of the beach a small path leads to a gate. Do not go through the gate, instead look to your right for several signs that mark the trail head. The walk to the third (and best) switchback is only about half an hour. The trail begins in a very wooded and mosquito ridden area but eventually opens up on the side of the cliff. Once you reach the third switchback, turn around and take in the vast natural sight before you. From this side of the valley you can see deep into the heart of Waipio. If you look closely you should be able to see the lookout and parking lot. From this vantage point you can see the cascading Hi’ilawe Falls flowing through a crease in the valley wall. Notice how far back the valley reaches as it cuts around gently sloping cliff sides.
Location: North Hamakua Coast
Located along the Hamakua Coast on the northeastern coast of the Big Island of Hawai'i, Waipi'o Valley is the largest and southernmost of the seven valleys on the windward side of the Kohala Mountains. Time and nature's elements have carved an unimaginably massive valley filled with deep green-encrusted cliffs cut by plunging waterfalls. Its floor is carpeted with forests and neatly formed taro patches interspersed with the homes of its few residents. At the mouth of the valley the ocean licks the mile-long black sand beach which is sliced in half by the river that is partially fed by the 1,200 ft. free-falling Hi'ilawe Falls which resides deep inside the valley.
The road into the valley is incredibly steep and out of respect for the residents we do not encourage driving into the valley. However, we have been told that it is fine to walk in and hike to the beach, but do not explore the interior of the valley without a tour guide.
Located along the Hamakua Coast on the northeastern coast of the Big Island of Hawai'i, Waipi'o Valley is the largest and southernmost of the seven valleys on the windward side of the Kohala Mountains. Time and nature's elements have carved an unimaginably massive valley filled with deep green-encrusted cliffs cut by plunging waterfalls. Its floor is carpeted with forests and neatly formed taro patches interspersed with the homes of its few residents. At the mouth of the valley the ocean licks the mile-long black sand beach which is sliced in half by the river that is partially fed by the 1,200 ft. free-falling Hi'ilawe Falls which resides deep inside the valley.
The road into the valley is incredibly steep and out of respect for the residents we do not encourage driving into the valley. However, we have been told that it is fine to walk in and hike to the beach, but do not explore the interior of the valley without a tour guide.
Location: North Hamakua Coast
Halfway between mile markers 8 and 7 on the Hawaii Belt road you will see a rather large sign that says "Scenic Drive." The Scenic Drive actually begins right after mile marker 11 and runs parallel to the Hawaii Belt Road until it reconnects between mile markers 8 and 7. We have chosen to take you onto the Scenic Drive at this point because most of the beautiful scenery is at this end.
Halfway between mile markers 8 and 7 on the Hawaii Belt road you will see a rather large sign that says "Scenic Drive." The Scenic Drive actually begins right after mile marker 11 and runs parallel to the Hawaii Belt Road until it reconnects between mile markers 8 and 7. We have chosen to take you onto the Scenic Drive at this point because most of the beautiful scenery is at this end.
Location: North Hamakua Coast
About 1.5 miles down Onomea Scenic Drive the parking lot for the gardens will be on the mauka side of the road. Admission is a bit steep ($15 for adults, $5 for children) but it is money well spent for the vast natural beauty of the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden. This garden was a gift to the people of the world from Dan J. Lutkenhouse, a businessman from San Francisco.
Currently, over 2,000 species of plants, including a large variety of orchids, heliconia, gingers, bromeliads, and palms, spread throughout the garden mixed with several natural waterfalls and a view of Onomea Bay. With the aid of the map provided by the garden, you will easily spend several hours ambling through the various sections of the garden. Every twist and turn leads to a new plant or tree.
About 1.5 miles down Onomea Scenic Drive the parking lot for the gardens will be on the mauka side of the road. Admission is a bit steep ($15 for adults, $5 for children) but it is money well spent for the vast natural beauty of the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden. This garden was a gift to the people of the world from Dan J. Lutkenhouse, a businessman from San Francisco.
Currently, over 2,000 species of plants, including a large variety of orchids, heliconia, gingers, bromeliads, and palms, spread throughout the garden mixed with several natural waterfalls and a view of Onomea Bay. With the aid of the map provided by the garden, you will easily spend several hours ambling through the various sections of the garden. Every twist and turn leads to a new plant or tree.
Location: North Hamakua Coast
Near mile marker 16 turn mauka onto Leopolino Road, there will be large sign marking the World Botanical Gardens. In a few more years this will be a truly spectacular garden, but now it is still too young to offer the same variety of mature plants that other gardens have to offer. Admission is a steep $11, but it does include an exclusive view of the triple-tiered Uma Uma Falls.
The drive to the falls begins across the street from the ticket booth and is a bit bumpy as it passes through marked native trees. You will reach a small parking lot and the lookout for Uma Uma Falls. The three levels which Uma Uma Falls flows down resemble great lava stone steps with recesses that create tranquil little pools surrounded by tropical plants and trees.
Near mile marker 16 turn mauka onto Leopolino Road, there will be large sign marking the World Botanical Gardens. In a few more years this will be a truly spectacular garden, but now it is still too young to offer the same variety of mature plants that other gardens have to offer. Admission is a steep $11, but it does include an exclusive view of the triple-tiered Uma Uma Falls.
The drive to the falls begins across the street from the ticket booth and is a bit bumpy as it passes through marked native trees. You will reach a small parking lot and the lookout for Uma Uma Falls. The three levels which Uma Uma Falls flows down resemble great lava stone steps with recesses that create tranquil little pools surrounded by tropical plants and trees.
Location: North Hamakua Coast
Onomea Falls is located inside of the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden (Admission required). Onomea Falls is set amidst the natural forest of palms and ferns and is located along the pathway inside the garden. Exotic mosses grow on the surrounding rocks, trees and the small bridge in front of the falls allows for an even better view of the falls and stream, plus it makes for a great photo opportunity.
According to the HTBG website, the falls was discovered far by Dan Lutkenhouse, years after work on the lower Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden began. One day he decided to hack his way through the jungle alongside the stream, and much to his delight he found the magnificent waterfall.
Onomea Falls is located inside of the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden (Admission required). Onomea Falls is set amidst the natural forest of palms and ferns and is located along the pathway inside the garden. Exotic mosses grow on the surrounding rocks, trees and the small bridge in front of the falls allows for an even better view of the falls and stream, plus it makes for a great photo opportunity.
According to the HTBG website, the falls was discovered far by Dan Lutkenhouse, years after work on the lower Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden began. One day he decided to hack his way through the jungle alongside the stream, and much to his delight he found the magnificent waterfall.
Location: North Hamakua Coast
Take Waipio Road (on foot only!) down into the valley and take the dirt road on the right. This road to the beach passes through a wooded area with views of taro patches to your left. If you are lucky you may catch a glimpse of the beautiful wild horses of Waipio. Also be aware of what the lovely wild horses may leave on the path. It should only take about 10 minutes to reach the beach on a fairly dry day. Budget more time if it has rained recently as puddles the size of wading pools build up quickly. Once you reach the beach, the path veers to the left through a grove of Ironwood trees which were planted to provide a windbreak. This area is designated burial/sacred grounds by the state and signs state “no camping” in certain areas. The addition of port-a-potties makes the visit a bit more enjoyable (and sanitary). Never drink from the streams as the bacteria leptospirosis is likely present due to the many feral animals that live in the valley.
Take Waipio Road (on foot only!) down into the valley and take the dirt road on the right. This road to the beach passes through a wooded area with views of taro patches to your left. If you are lucky you may catch a glimpse of the beautiful wild horses of Waipio. Also be aware of what the lovely wild horses may leave on the path. It should only take about 10 minutes to reach the beach on a fairly dry day. Budget more time if it has rained recently as puddles the size of wading pools build up quickly. Once you reach the beach, the path veers to the left through a grove of Ironwood trees which were planted to provide a windbreak. This area is designated burial/sacred grounds by the state and signs state “no camping” in certain areas. The addition of port-a-potties makes the visit a bit more enjoyable (and sanitary). Never drink from the streams as the bacteria leptospirosis is likely present due to the many feral animals that live in the valley.
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