Akaka Falls State Park is located along the scenic Hamakua Coast on the Big Island’s northeast shore and is home to one of Hawaii’s most gorgeous waterfalls.
A trail leads you along a circular .5-mile (.8 km) paved footpath from the parking area. The trail takes hikers through a lush and tropical forest past towering bamboo and a variety of exotic flowers including wild orchids, heliconia, and fragrant ginger plants (blue, red and pink). The path leads features giant philodendron vines, draping ferns and small footbridges with streams flowing beneath.
The first waterfall along the path is Kahuna Falls dropping about 100 feet (30 m) down the mountain. A short ways farther is the 442-foot (129 m) Akaka Falls cascading down into a huge gorge on the Kolekole Stream.
Akaka Falls State Park is located about 11 miles (18 km) north of Hilo on Route 220 (Akaka Falls Rd.) off the Mamalahoa Hwy. (Hwy. 19) just past Mile Marker 13. The park is located 3.75 miles (6 km) inland from the town of Honomu which is also located along Route 220. Restrooms are available at the park.
Akaka Falls State Park is just one of many attractions along the scenic Hamakua Heritage Corridor Drive from Hilo to Waipio Valley.