There are so many astoundingly beautiful places to visit on the Big Island. This is a quick guide to Akaka Falls State Park, home of one of the most famous waterfalls on the island.
Please drop your tips, comments, and questions in the comments section below. Thanks!
If you’re traveling to the Big Island last minute, you want to ensure you have lodging/tours ahead of time! Below are some of our top picks on Hawaiʻi!
Best Tours and Activities on the Big Island:
- Morning (or Afternoon) Kealakekua Snorkel Tour
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park + Kona Coffee Farm (my top pick!)
- Zodiac Raft Whale Watching from Kona
- Hawaii Big Island Helicopter Flight from Kona
- Manta Ray Night Snorkeling Tour from Kona (likely to sell out!)
Best Hotels in Kona:
- Holualoa Inn (located nearby in beautiful Holualoa)
- Aston Kona By The Sea (oceanfront property!)
- Kona Magic Honu Room (affordable option for 2 travelers)
- Hale Honu – Spectacular Oceanfront Home (has a hot tub and wading pool!)
Best Hotels in Hilo:
- The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls (has a private waterfall!)
- The Big Island Hostel
- Orchid Tree B&B
- Arnott’s Lodge & Hiking Adventures
Traveling to the Big Island independently? Be sure to book your rental car ahead of time to ensure availability!
About Akaka Falls State Park
Akaka Falls State Park is located on the Big Island of Hawaii, approximately 11 miles away from Hilo on the Hamakua Coast.
It has the same name as Akaka Falls, the famous Hawaiian waterfall that is located there and is the biggest attraction within the Big Island state park!
Akaka Falls is 442-feet tall and is such a breathtaking sight!
Another waterfall, Kahuna Falls, is located within the park and it is a 100-foot tall waterfall.
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How to Get to Akaka Falls State Park
Distance-wise, Akaka Falls State Park is easily accessible from Hilo and can be reached by public transportation (part of the way), taxi, or rental car.
To get to Akaka Falls State Park by bus, it is necessary to take a bus from Hilo to Wainaku Park.
It departs every 2 hours and it takes approximately 25 minutes. Currently, you can ride the bus at no cost and fees are expected to remain free through at least December 2024. From there, you will need to get a taxi the rest of the way which can be upwards of $20.
To take a taxi to Akaka Falls from Hilo, it will be usually at least $40 one way and the ride is around 25-30 minutes.
However, we definitely recommend renting a car on the Big Island. It makes the day trip to Akaka Falls State Park simple and you can visit many other sights along the way or nearby.
>> Click here to rent a car on the Big Island
Popular Hikes in Akaka Falls State Park
One of the most well-known, easy hikes to Akaka Falls in Akaka Falls State Park is located in Hakalau. It is a heavily trafficked 0.5-mile loop hiking trail to a waterfall.
There is truly no best time to head out on the trail as it is almost always crowded. You will most definitely see other hikers along the route.
Info for Visiting Akaka Falls State Park
Akaka Falls State Park is open every day and its hours are from 8:30am until 5pm.
Locals can visit the park without charge. For non-residents, the cost to visit the state park is $5 per person. Young children are free. You can pay only with a credit card.
Please be aware that there is also a parking fee of $10 for non-residents and non-commercial vehicles.
Check out Akaka Falls State Park’s website for additional information and to plan your visit!
Places near Akaka Falls State Park
Pin this Day Trip to Akaka Falls State Park Guide
Megan is a travel blogger and writer with a background in digital marketing. Originally from Richmond, VA, she has been traveling frequently to Hawaii for the last 15 years and loves exploring every corner of each Hawaiian island, while trying to promote sustainable travel and small, local businesses along the way. Megan has written for or been featured by National Geographic, Forbes, Lonely Planet, the New York Times, and more. She has co-authored a guidebook with Fodor’s Travel and has visited 45 US states and 100+ countries.