State Park · HI

‘Akaka Falls State Park

‘Akaka Falls State Park is a popular destination on Hawaii's Big Island, offering spectacular views of a 442-foot waterfall amidst lush rainforest.

State Park651+ Trails

1962STATE PARK

Designation

State Park

Total Wilderness Area

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About ‘Akaka Falls State Park

‘Akaka Falls State Park is a popular destination on Hawaii's Big Island, offering spectacular views of a 442-foot waterfall amidst lush rainforest.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

‘Akaka Falls State Park is located on the northeastern Hāmākua Coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. The park is renowned for its primary feature, ‘Akaka Falls, which plunges 442 feet into a gorge. The surrounding forest is rich with tropical flora, including wild orchids, bamboo groves, and draping ferns. Visitors will encounter unique wildlife endemic to Hawaii, such as the colorful Hawaiian honeycreepers. The park offers a serene escape for nature lovers and is steeped in cultural significance, with the waterfall being named after a local Hawaiian legend. The easy-to-navigate loop trail through the park allows visitors to experience not just ‘Akaka Falls but also the smaller but equally beautiful Kahuna Falls. As a popular tourist spot, the park is well-maintained and accessible year-round, providing a quintessential experience of Hawaii's natural beauty.

Field Guide · State Park

Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near ‘Akaka Falls State Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Breathtaking views of 'Akaka Falls✦ The lush, vibrant rainforest ecosystem✦ Kahuna Falls✦ The easy loop trail providing a comprehensive experience

Wilderness Visuals & Gallery

Visual Guide to ‘Akaka Falls State Park

Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in ‘Akaka Falls State Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in ‘Akaka Falls State Park

Park Recreation

Photography

Available in ‘Akaka Falls State Park

Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in ‘Akaka Falls State Park

The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in ‘Akaka Falls State Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Parking fee required, payable on-site.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.

Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.

Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.

Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near ‘Akaka Falls State Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

⌖ 3.03 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Honomu, Hawaii

Honomu, Hawaii, invites adventurers to discover towering waterfalls, lush rainforests, and serene coastal waters. Whether hiking through Akaka Falls State Park or paddleboarding near the shores, it’s a peaceful adventure hub on the Hamakua Coast with rich culture and natural beauty.

Spring through Fall

Explore Town

⌖ 3.37 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Hakalau, Hawaii

Hakalau on Hawaii’s Big Island blends coastal charm and rainforest mystique. Ideal for hiking, bird watching, snorkeling, and paddling, this quiet town offers rich wildlife and natural beauty off the usual tourist track.

Spring to Fall

Explore Town

⌖ 3.92 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Pepeekeo, Hawaii

Pepeekeo is a peaceful Big Island town offering lush hiking trails, stunning waterfalls, and ocean activities. Perfect for travelers who enjoy tropical forests, snorkeling, and scenic coastal drives without the crowds.

Spring to early Fall

Explore Town

⌖ 6.90 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Papaikou, Hawaii

Papaikou offers peaceful coastal charm with easy access to tropical hikes, waterfalls, and ocean activities. Perfect for travelers wanting to explore natural beauty without the crowds on Hawaii Island’s east side.

Year-round with mild trade winds; best in spring and fall for calmer ocean conditions

Explore Town

⌖ 6.90 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Pāpa‘ikou, Hawaii

Pāpa‘ikou is a quiet coastal town on Hawaii’s Big Island, perfect for outdoor lovers seeking hiking, paddling, and waterfall adventures along the scenic Hamakua Coast.

Spring through Fall

Explore Town

⌖ 9.47 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Wainaku, Hawaii

Wainaku is a tranquil Hawaiian coastal town offering easy access to tropical hiking, paddling, snorkeling, and bird watching, ideal for travelers seeking nature and water adventures on Hawaii Island.

Year-round, with spring to early fall preferred for water activities

Explore Town

Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in ‘Akaka Falls State Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Verified Outdoor Outfitters

Throttle and Terrain: Umauma's Deluxe ATV Long Tour through Hakalau

ADVEXPEDITION

Hakalau, Hawaii

ATV/UTVADV Bookable

Throttle and Terrain: Umauma's Deluxe ATV Long Tour through Hakalau

A 1.5-hour ATV Long Tour in Hakalau that offers single-driver ATVs for ages 16+ and side-by-side passenger or driver options—this guide compiles the operator's core details for planning.

ATV/UTVPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Pedal, Learn, and Swim: An eBike Passage Through Umauma’s Waterfalls and Hawaiian Traditions

ADVEXPEDITION

Hakalau, Hawaii

E-BikeADV Bookable

Pedal, Learn, and Swim: An eBike Passage Through Umauma’s Waterfalls and Hawaiian Traditions

A 1.5–2 hour eBike culture and swim tour at The Umauma Experience that combines guided interpretation of native plants and Hawaiian traditions with a swim at a private waterfall.

E-BikePT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Hunt the Golden Egg: Keiki Race and Maze at Botanical World Adventures, Hakalau

ADVEXPEDITION

Hakalau, Hawaii

AttractionADV Bookable

Hunt the Golden Egg: Keiki Race and Maze at Botanical World Adventures, Hakalau

An annual, kids-only Easter Egg Hunt at Botanical World Adventures where children 12 and under race through a massive hedge maze for a chance to win a free zipline tour.

AttractionPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

A Self-Guided Day Through Botanical World Adventures: Gardens, Maze and Rainforest Falls in Hakalau

ADVEXPEDITION

Hakalau, Hawaii

Guided TourADV Bookable

A Self-Guided Day Through Botanical World Adventures: Gardens, Maze and Rainforest Falls in Hakalau

A full-day, self-guided pass at Botanical World Adventures that covers groomed gardens, a maze, an arboretum, a narrated 'Walking Stick' audio tour, rainforest trails and Kamaee Falls—useful for planning a focused day exploring Hakalau's botanical and waterfall highlights.

Guided TourPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Over the Edge in Honomu: Ziplining Above Kolekole Falls and a 450‑Foot Ravine

ADVEXPEDITION

Honomu, Hawaii

ZiplineADV Bookable

Over the Edge in Honomu: Ziplining Above Kolekole Falls and a 450‑Foot Ravine

A 2.5‑hour, seven‑line zipline tour that sends you over the 250‑ft Kolekole waterfall and across a 450‑ft ravine while guides interpret Hawaii’s flora, fauna and culture.

ZiplinePT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

From Lush Falls to Fiery Vistas: A Day Along Hilo’s ʻAkaka Falls and Volcanoes Park

ADVEXPEDITION

Hilo, HI

Bus TourADV Bookable

From Lush Falls to Fiery Vistas: A Day Along Hilo’s ʻAkaka Falls and Volcanoes Park

A full-day Hilo bus tour that pairs a short rainforest walk to the 442-foot ʻAkaka Falls with guided Hilo Discovery stops and a self-guided visit through Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park — this guide explains what to expect and how the day unfolds.

Bus TourPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

A Day Chasing Water on Hawai‘i’s East Side: Private Falls, Rainforest Ridges and Ocean Vistas

ADVEXPEDITION

Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

AttractionADV Bookable

A Day Chasing Water on Hawai‘i’s East Side: Private Falls, Rainforest Ridges and Ocean Vistas

A private, full‑day (8‑hour) guided tour from Kailua‑Kona that visits the island’s most dramatic waterfalls, rainforest roads and coastal overlooks—useful as a practical guide to what you’ll see and bring.

AttractionPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Honomu’s Hidden Cascades: A Guided Hike to Kolekole and Private Waterfalls

ADVEXPEDITION

Honomu, Hawaii

HikingADV Bookable

Honomu’s Hidden Cascades: A Guided Hike to Kolekole and Private Waterfalls

A 2.5-hour guided hike across 300 acres of private agricultural land that grants exclusive access to three private waterfalls—including the 250 ft Kolekole Falls—this guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.

HikingPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

From Pod to Palate: A Rainforest Walk and 12‑Course Chocolate Tasting in Papaikou

ADVEXPEDITION

Papaikou, Hawaii

Guided TourADV Bookable

From Pod to Palate: A Rainforest Walk and 12‑Course Chocolate Tasting in Papaikou

A focused, 3‑hour tree‑to‑bar botanical garden tour and tasting at Hamakua Chocolate Farm north of Hilo—this guide explains what you’ll see, how strenuous the walk is, age limits, and what to pack.

Guided TourPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Across the Hamakua Coast to Kīlauea: A Private Big Island Volcano Loop from Hilo

ADVEXPEDITION

Waikoloa, Hawaii

Guided TourADV Bookable

Across the Hamakua Coast to Kīlauea: A Private Big Island Volcano Loop from Hilo

A 9-hour, private day tour by The Volcano Van that threads rainforests, waterfalls and the summit caldera of Kīlauea—this guide clarifies the route, highlights and practicalities.

Guided TourPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

A 90‑Minute Stroll Through Kulaniapia’s Lush, Community‑Run Tropical Farm

ADVEXPEDITION

Hilo, Hawaii

FarmADV Bookable

A 90‑Minute Stroll Through Kulaniapia’s Lush, Community‑Run Tropical Farm

A guided, 1.5-hour walk with a community volunteer that introduces visitors to over 30 varieties of food grown on-site and the farmily lifestyle that sustains Kulaniapia.

FarmPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Volunteer Project Day: Two Hours of Hands‑On Sanctuary Work on Hawai‘i’s Big Island

ADVEXPEDITION

Laupahoehoe, Hawaii

RentalsADV Bookable

Volunteer Project Day: Two Hours of Hands‑On Sanctuary Work on Hawai‘i’s Big Island

A weekly Saturday volunteer shift at Magical Creatures Sanctuary outside Laupahoehoe—this guide explains what to expect, how the two‑hour sessions run, and how to reserve a spot.

RentalsPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip