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Top Waterfalls on Hawaii's Big Island
Big Island of Hawaii Waterfalls
Simply put, waterfalls on the Big Island of Hawaii are some of the world's finest. The lush green northeastern coast- the Hilo and Hamakua Coast regions- is home to lovely tropical gardens nourished by the abundant rainfall the area receives. And this rainfall provides lots of opportunities to appreciate the island's falls. The best part? What takes a waterfall from "beautiful" to "spectacular" is height- and Hawaii's falls undoubtedly have it! Big Island is home to some of the tallest falls in the state.
Below we've included links to several of the best waterfalls on the Big Island, most of which you can see without a helicopter (all falls visible from the air only are noted). And while you can certainly get to some of these places on your own, a great way to see the highlights is by booking a Big Island Tour with The Volcano Van.
On the list of Big Island of Hawaii waterfalls below, we've included the height of the falls, a ranking, have noted if it's a seasonal waterfall, and have added any additional information as necessary. If you think you've located a Big Island waterfall we've omitted, please contact us, and we'll make sure it's added. Also, be sure to check out all the waterfalls in Hawaii on our Hawaii Waterfalls page.
Big Island of Hawaii Popular Waterfalls
Featured Big Island Waterfall Tours
If you're looking for the best Big Island waterfall adventures, then look no further. Our featured listings highlight those tours that combine exceptional waterfall experiences, professional guides, and more fun than you can imagine. Whether you want to soar over the falls or dive right in and swim them, we have the tour for you. Book any of these great Big Island waterfall tours today!
Founder & certified Hawai'i travel expert with 20+ years in Hawai'i tourism, University of South Carolina climate-research training, and NOAA weather-station experience.
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Dry conditions on Oʻahu today, with breezy wind in exposed areas. Drier weather continues through Wednesday as moisture clears out.
A medium-sized northwest swell will bring elevated surf to north and west-facing shores tonight through Sunday morning—conditions may briefly reach advisory levels. East-facing shores stay rough through the weekend. Winds remain breezy through Sunday, easing slightly Monday and Tuesday before picking up again Wednesday. A Small Craft Advisory is active through Monday morning for most coastal waters due to wind and sea state. Scattered showers arrive Thursday into Friday.
South and west shore beaches work well through Sunday for calmer conditions. North shore is worth watching tonight and Sunday morning if you're drawn to bigger waves.
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Skies are drying out across Maui today through Wednesday as moisture clears. Winds will be noticeably breezy, especially in exposed and terrain-favored spots.
North and west-facing shores will see elevated surf tonight into Sunday morning as a medium-sized northwest swell moves in—conditions may briefly reach advisory levels. East-facing shores stay rough through the weekend. A Small Craft Advisory is in effect through Monday morning for coastal waters due to wind and sea conditions. Winds ease slightly late Monday and Tuesday, then strengthen again Wednesday. The next chance of scattered showers arrives Thursday through Friday.
If you're heading to the beach, south and west shores are your best bet through Sunday. North shore is worth watching tonight and Sunday morning if you're into bigger waves.
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Mostly clear and dry today on the Big Island, with noticeably breezy winds in exposed areas and terrain-favored spots. That breeze continues through Sunday.
North and west-facing shores will see elevated surf tonight into Sunday morning as a medium-sized northwest swell arrives—conditions may briefly reach advisory levels. East-facing shores stay rough through the weekend. South shores stay small. A Small Craft Advisory covers most coastal waters through Monday morning due to wind and sea conditions. Winds ease slightly late Monday and Tuesday, then pick up again Wednesday. Scattered showers arrive statewide Thursday to Friday.
Head to the south and west shores for beach and snorkeling through Sunday. If bigger waves interest you, the north shore has surf to watch tonight into Sunday morning.
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Drier air is moving in through Wednesday. Winds will be noticeably breezy, especially in exposed areas.
Tonight into Sunday morning, a medium-sized northwest swell will push elevated surf onto the north and west shores—conditions may briefly reach advisory levels. East-facing shores stay rough through the weekend. A Small Craft Advisory is in effect through Monday morning for coastal waters due to wind and sea state. Winds ease slightly late Monday and Tuesday, then pick up again Wednesday. Scattered showers arrive Thursday or Friday.
Hit the south and west shores for swimming and snorkeling through Sunday. If you want to watch big waves, the north shore is worth a look tonight into Sunday morning.
Created with AI from the official NWS forecast discussion · verify with NWS before heading out
