Waterfall Chasers Guide: Hilo's Most Spectacular Cascades and Swimming Holes

Before diving into specific waterfalls (quite literally in some cases), proper preparation will significantly enhance your experience. Hilo receives substantial rainfall year-round—it's what creates those magnificent cascades after all—so weather awareness is crucial.

During my week-long stay last summer, I quickly learned that mornings typically offer the clearest skies, making them ideal for waterfall visits. Afternoon showers are common, so plan accordingly. While some falls are easily accessible via short walks from parking areas, others require moderate hiking on sometimes slippery terrain.

Waterproof storage became immediately essential. My waterproof phone case proved invaluable for capturing photos without risking my device. For carrying essentials while keeping hands free, I'd recommend a waterproof backpack rather than a standard daypack—trust me, you'll appreciate the protection when standing near the powerful spray of Rainbow Falls.

Just a five-minute drive from downtown Hilo, Rainbow Falls (Waiānuenue) offers the perfect introduction to the area's cascades. At 80 feet tall and nearly 100 feet wide, this impressive waterfall plunges into a broad pool surrounded by lush vegetation and a massive banyan tree that's worth exploring in its own right.

The falls got their name from the rainbows that form in the morning mist, particularly between 9-10am on sunny days. During my visit with colleagues, we arrived at 8:30am and were rewarded with a magnificent rainbow display that had everyone reaching for their cameras.

What makes Rainbow Falls particularly appealing for groups is its accessibility—the main viewing platform is just steps from the parking lot, making it suitable for all fitness levels. For the more adventurous in your party, take the path to the left of the main viewing area to reach the top of the falls for a different perspective.

While swimming isn't permitted at Rainbow Falls itself, the experience of standing near such a powerful cascade is invigorating enough. I found that a quick-dry microfiber towel was perfect for drying off after getting caught in the spray—far more practical than the hotel towels some in our group brought along.

About 11 miles north of Hilo lies the crown jewel of Big Island waterfalls: the spectacular 442-foot Akaka Falls. Set within a lush rainforest state park, this towering cascade drops into a gorge carved by centuries of flowing water.

The falls are accessed via a paved 0.4-mile loop trail that also passes the smaller but charming Kahuna Falls. Despite being relatively short, the path includes several staircases and moderate inclines that might challenge those with mobility issues. The entire loop took our group about 30-40 minutes, accounting for numerous photo stops.

While you can't swim at Akaka Falls, the sheer magnitude of this cascade makes it an essential stop. I've visited waterfalls across five continents, and Akaka still ranks among my top ten worldwide. The $5 per person entrance fee (or $10 parking fee per vehicle) is more than justified by the well-maintained facilities and the spectacular natural display.

On hot days, the tropical forest surrounding the falls can become quite humid. I was grateful for my cooling towel which kept my group comfortable during our mid-day visit. Simply wet it at one of the water fountains near the entrance, and it provides hours of cooling relief.

Just upstream from Rainbow Falls lies one of Hilo's most intriguing water features: the Boiling Pots and Pe'epe'e Falls. This series of cascading pools and small falls along the Wailuku River creates what appears to be 'boiling' water when the river flow is strong, as currents and underwater chambers create bubbling, churning patterns on the surface.

These connected attractions are just a 5-minute drive from Rainbow Falls, making them an easy addition to your waterfall itinerary. The viewing areas require a short walk from the parking lot, with several lookout points offering different perspectives of this unique geological formation.

Swimming is technically allowed here during calm conditions, but I must emphasize caution. The Wailuku River is notorious for flash floods and strong currents. During my visit, I witnessed several local families enjoying the lower pools, but they clearly knew which areas were safe. As visitors, we chose to observe rather than swim after noting the river's significant flow that day.

For those determined to experience Hilo's swimming holes, I strongly recommend water shoes with substantial grip. The volcanic rock is exceptionally slippery, and proper footwear is non-negotiable for safety. One of my colleagues learned this lesson the hard way with a minor slip (and bruised pride) on the rocks.

For those willing to venture slightly further afield (about 16 miles north of Hilo), Umauma Falls offers a spectacular three-tiered cascade that's less visited than the more famous falls closer to town. Located on private property within the Umauma Experience adventure park, these falls require an entrance fee ($12 when I visited), but the investment delivers a less crowded, more serene waterfall experience.

What makes Umauma unique is its triple-drop formation, with each tier creating its own pool before continuing downward. The viewing platform provides an excellent vantage point for photographs, and I spent nearly an hour here simply absorbing the tranquil setting with my colleagues.

For the adventure seekers in your group, the Umauma Experience offers zipline tours that actually pass over the falls—an exhilarating way to experience the cascade from a completely different perspective. Two members of our group took the plunge (figuratively speaking) and described the zipline journey as a highlight of their entire Hawaii trip.

While direct swimming access isn't available at the main falls viewing area, the property does include a separate swimming hole downstream that's perfect for cooling off. After working up a sweat in the humid climate, I was grateful for my quick-dry swim shorts which performed admirably for both waterfall hiking and impromptu swimming opportunities throughout the day.

For those seeking a less commercialized waterfall experience, I'm going to share something special. About 20 minutes north of Hilo along the Hamakua Coast lies what locals sometimes call 'Narnia Falls'—a magical cascade hidden from typical tourist itineraries. I hesitated to include this gem, but it's too spectacular to omit entirely.

The falls are technically on private property with no official access, but local custom allows respectful visitors to enjoy this natural wonder via an unmarked trail. I won't provide exact coordinates here, but engaging with locals at Hilo's farmers market yielded friendly directions. The key is asking politely and expressing genuine interest in experiencing Hawaii's natural beauty respectfully.

The trail to reach these falls is moderately challenging, involving a 15-minute descent through dense vegetation. Proper preparation is essential—I was grateful for my hiking stick which provided crucial stability on the muddy path. You'll definitely want insect repellent as well, as the mosquitoes in this undeveloped area are particularly enthusiastic.

The reward for this effort? A stunning 70-foot waterfall plunging into a pristine swimming hole with not another soul in sight. Our small group spent two hours here, swimming, relaxing on sun-warmed rocks, and experiencing Hawaii in its most authentic form. This was unanimously voted the highlight of our waterfall circuit.