Akaka Falls State Park Hiking Trail | Hawaii Hike
Hawaii Hike Overview: If you’re searching for adventure, waterfalls and rain forest, Akaka Falls State Park is your next hiking destination! Akaka Falls State Park features Akaka Falls, an epic 400+ foot water fall & Kahūnā Falls. These two waterfalls are incredibly picturesque and a short driving distance from Hilo on the big island of Kona, Hawaii. In addition to a luscious rainforest, the state park features table areas to enjoy picnics.
The hike is a short .5-1 mile #GoHikeIt adventure. Although relatively short, the hike is packed with plenty of scenic photo opportunities and picturesque viewpoints. In addition to the rain forest and water falls, the park is also home to several types of wildlife, including goby fish that spawn in the stream above the waterfalls.
Estimated Time: 1 hour
Total Distance: .5-1 mile
440+ Foot Waterfall
75 Feet Elevation Gain
Trail Pictures
Map & Directions
Total Distance (miles)
Total Estimated Time (hours)
When to Go
Year-Round: Enjoy Akaka Falls State Park year-round! However, if you want to avoid larger crowds, it’s best to visit the park early in the AM.
Dog Friendly
No, dogs are not permitted. Only service dogs.
Parking Info
Parking is $5 per car, which includes the driver and $1 for each additional person.
Trail Map & Directions
Akaka Falls State Park (address for GPS): 875 Akaka Falls Rd, Honomu, HI 96728
Intensity Levels
Barry-the-Bear: Aloha! This hike is incredible! Although it’s 1-mile, it felt like 2-3 as we frequently backtracked to take more pictures of the waterfalls and Hawaiian plant life.
- Intensity Level 35%
Larry-the-Lion: Mahalo #GoHikeIt for sharing this incredible hiking adventure! It was very relaxing and a great compliment adventure to the Kona airport hike adventure.
- Intensity Level 25%
Chris-the-Cheetah: Beautiful! I completed the loop 3 times and enjoyed each loop just as much as the first time around. The water fall is incredible! if you work up a thirst, there is are a couple of Hawaiian shaved ice stands near the hike’s entrance to help you cool down!
- Intensity Level 8%
Trail Pictures
Map & Directions
Why We Liked It
Aloha! If you are desire the perfect Hawaiian photo opportunity, Akaka Falls State Park is it! We absolutely enjoyed taking pictures of the 400+ waterfall and the luscious rain forest. Although the hike is very popular, you can still get some incredible solo and uninterrupted photographs.
Additionally, We brought some snacks to enjoy as we sat at the picnic table area near the falls. If you want to follow our lead, we recommend taking some Poke, chips and a few Hawaiian sodas! Malaho!
Enjoy it?
Have you hiked in Hawaii? Leave a comment and share your favorite trail or beach!