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ʻAkaka Falls State Park
ʻAkaka Falls State Park is a straightforward Hāmākua Coast waterfall stop if you separate the essentials: pay the state-park fees, walk the paved loop, expect stairs, and save the deeper waterfall touring for the surrounding coast. The main viewpoint looks into a stream-eroded gorge where DLNR says ʻAkaka Falls plunges 442 feet.
Current facility note: DLNR currently lists the park as open, but says the water and comfort stations are closed and portable toilets are available. Check DLNR's ʻAkaka Falls page before driving.
ʻAkaka Falls — Quick Facts
- Hours: DLNR lists daily park hours as 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Fees: Non-residents pay $5/person, children 3 and under free, and $10/non-commercial vehicle. Hawaiʻi residents enter and park free with valid Hawaiʻi ID or driver's license.
- Payment: DLNR lists entrance and parking payment as credit card only and encourages paying before arrival because cell reception is limited at the park.
- Trail: DLNR describes the ʻAkaka Falls Loop Trail as a paved 0.4-mile loop with multiple steps in places.
- Accessibility: DLNR says the paved route is not wheelchair accessible.
- Best fit: A short waterfall-viewpoint stop on the Hāmākua Coast, not a long hike.
How to Use This Stop
Use ʻAkaka Falls as the waterfall anchor for a Hāmākua Coast drive. The park itself is straightforward: start from the parking area, follow the marked loop, use the viewpoints, and stay on the paved route. DLNR specifically asks visitors to stay on the trail.
The loop gives you two waterfall viewpoints. For the broader day, pair this stop with the Hāmākua Coast route, the North Hāmākua region guide, or the Big Island waterfalls guide depending on how much of the coast you want to build into the day.
First-Visit Plan
- Check facilities and fees before you go. DLNR currently notes that the water and comfort stations are closed, and it encourages visitors to pay entry and parking fees before arrival because cell reception is limited.
- Bring a credit card. DLNR lists credit card only for entrance and parking payment.
- Expect steps. The path is paved, but DLNR says the route includes multiple steps and is not wheelchair accessible.
- Keep it as a short stop. The developed loop is 0.4 miles, so most visitors pair it with Honomū, Hilo, or other Hāmākua Coast sights.
ʻAkaka Falls FAQ
Is ʻAkaka Falls State Park open?
DLNR currently lists ʻAkaka Falls State Park as open, with water and comfort stations closed and portable toilets available. Check the DLNR park page before driving in case facilities or access change.
How much does ʻAkaka Falls cost?
DLNR lists non-resident entrance at $5 per person, children 3 and under free, and non-resident non-commercial vehicle parking at $10. Hawaiʻi residents enter and park free with valid Hawaiʻi ID or driver's license. DLNR lists payment as credit card only.
How long is the ʻAkaka Falls trail?
DLNR describes the ʻAkaka Falls Loop Trail as a 0.4-mile paved loop with viewpoints for Kahuna Falls and ʻAkaka Falls.
Is the ʻAkaka Falls trail wheelchair accessible?
No. DLNR says the paved route includes multiple steps in places and is not wheelchair accessible.
Near ʻAkaka Falls
Use the pages below for the parts of the trip that belong outside this attraction guide: coast routing, nearby waterfall comparisons, and guided tour options.
- Hāmākua Coast route for fitting ʻAkaka Falls into a scenic drive.
- Hawaiʻi Tropical Botanical Garden and Onomea Falls for a garden-focused nearby stop.
- Rainbow Falls if you are building a Hilo-side waterfall morning.
- Big Island waterfall adventures and sightseeing tours if you want a guided day instead of a self-drive stop.
