Akaka Falls State Park

While Akaka Falls State Park is a two-hour drive from Kailua-Kona, it is a must-see on the Big Island.

Akaka and Kahuna Falls are part of the Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of State Parks. They are near other landmarks like the Hawai’i Tropical Botanical Garden and zipline companies like The Umauma Experience. Such convenience makes visiting multiple attractions doable in a day. 

According to Hawaiian legend, Akaka was a handsome and strong warrior who had affairs with Maile on the northern side of the gulch and Lehua on the southern side. When Akaka’s wife found out about the affairs, Akaka became overcome with guilt and, with his dog, ran to the cliffside. He jumped and transformed into a waterfall, while his dog hesitated and turned into a jagged stone where Akaka jumped. 

Akaka’s grieving wife mourned and became a large rock at the top of the waterfall. Lovers Maile and Lehua wept over his death and became waterfalls further down the gorge. The myth further claims you can hear Akaka’s wife calling his name from behind the roaring falls on moonless nights. 

The paved loop to both falls is a half-mile long with some inclines, so it may not suit everyone. Visitors must navigate narrow ascending steps, which makes this hike non-accessible for wheelchairs. 

The hike through a lush rainforest is rewarding, with wild orchids, draping ferns, and bamboo groves. The ultimate experience is witnessing the cascading 100-foot Kahuna Falls and the breathtaking, free-falling, 442-foot Akaka Falls!

Akaka Falls State Park: Fun Facts & Cool Features 

Because it’s a long drive from Kailua-Kona, consider grabbing breakfast to-go from places like Kona Heaven Coffee or Humpy’s Big Island Alehouse. Both open early, making it easy to hit the road before roads get busy.

When space is available, a cost-saving feature is to park along the road to avoid paying for parking. Once at the entrance, you will purchase tickets with a credit card at a kiosk.

A cool feature is the paved trail and metal handrail in a rainforest. These amenities allow visitors to wear sandals or running shoes instead of hiking boots. 

The trail loop is a half-mile and isn’t considered challenging. However, there are stairs to climb, so take that into consideration. Nature lovers will appreciate the coffee and tangerine tree, ferns, towering bamboo groves, and brightly colored flowers.  

When you reach the trail split, head right to see Kahuna Falls, followed by Akak. To shorten the trek, veer left at the split to Akaka Falls and skip Kahuna. 

Kahuna Falls may be difficult to see since it is far from the trail and hidden by dense vegetation. However, Akaka Falls makes up for any disappointment. The roaring falls seem to split the sky before falling into a moss-covered gorge, and the sight is mesmerizing. 

Visiting Akaka Falls State Park on your Kona getaway is a chance in a lifetime to witness the magnificent fall and nature’s wonders. 

Getting There

Here are driving directions from Kailua-Kona to Akaka Falls State Park:

• Head north on HI-19 from Kailua-Kona. 
• Continue for 52 miles towards Waimea. 
• Pass through Waimea and stay on HI-19 as you head east towards Hilo. 
• After about 40 miles, watch for signs to the destination.
• Turn left onto Akaka Falls Road. 
• Follow it for roughly 3.5 miles. 
• Arrive at the destination and park in the designated parking area. 

Cost

The parking fee is $10, and entry is $5 per pedestrian. Hawaiian residents can access the park for free.

Prices are subject to change; check the website for current costs and information.