The spectacular Hiilawe Falls is located at the back of scenic Waipio Valley where it cascades 1,450 feet (442 m) down the Kohala Mountains which were formed by the lava flows of Mauna Kea volcano. The waterfall includes more than 1,000 feet (305 m) of free fall and is the Big Island’s tallest waterfall.
Hiilawe Falls is located in Waipio Valley at the end of Honokaa-Waipio Road (Hwy. 240) about 8 miles (12.9 km) northwest of the town of Honokaa. The valley marks the end of the Hamakua Heritage Corridor Drive which begins in Hilo and follows the Mamalahoa Hwy. (Hwy. 19) along the scenic Hamakua Coast and then follows Hwy. 240 to Waipio.
Hiilawe Falls is not always flowing at its full potential due to water diversions created by irrigation ditches located upstream. When you get down into Waipio Valley you can take the road to the left and walk for about ten minutes to get a good view of the waterfall