Discover hilo hawaii waterfalls up close — glide past 80-foot Rainbow Falls, soar over the 442-foot Akaka Falls on a zipline, or wade into hidden cascades with a native Hawaiian guide. Compare every tour and book with free cancellation.
Top Rated — 5★ · 42 Reviews Top-Rated Hilo Waterfall & Volcano Tour — Full Day with Lunch
Discover the Big Island's natural wonders and cultural roots with a true Hilo local. Explore Kīlauea volcano at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, cruise the scenic Old Mamalahoa Highway past Kawainui Falls, visit Rainbow Falls on the Wailuku River, browse Hilo Farmer's Market, and finish at Richardson's Ocean Park — a rare black, green and white sand beach where sea turtles rest.
Real-time dates and group sizes for the top-rated Hilo waterfall and volcano tour — pay nothing today, free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Every guided waterfall experience on the Big Island in one place — from full-day volcano and waterfall tours departing Hilo to a 2.5-hour zipline soaring over Akaka Falls. All tours include free cancellation.
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from $175 | Tour | Duration | Book | Price | Highlights | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 hours | $199 | Check Availability | Volcano · Rainbow Falls · Beach · Lunch | 5.0★ (42) | → | |
| 3.5 hours | $150 | Check Availability | Waiale Falls swim · Private · Cultural hike | 4.9★ (8) | → | |
| 2.5 hours | $246 | Check Availability | Zipline · 250-ft Akaka waterfall · 7 lines | 4.9★ (1105) | → | |
| Half-day | $189 | Check Availability | Kilauea · Lava tube · Black sand · Rainbow Falls | 5.0★ (124) | → | |
| 5.5 hours | $188 | Check Availability | Kilauea · Thurston Lava Tube · Rainbow Falls · Gardens | 4.9★ (428) | → | |
| 6–7 hours | $175 | Check Availability | Rainbow Falls · Volcanoes NP · Big Island Candies | 4.8★ (69) | → |
Rainbow Falls — known in Hawaiian as Waiānuenue, 'rainbow-seen-in-water' — is Hilo's most iconic waterfall and the easiest to reach. The Wailuku River drops 80 feet over a natural lava cave before pooling below, and on sunny mornings a prismatic rainbow forms in the rising mist.
As of January 2026, entry costs $5 per person plus $10 parking per vehicle (Hawaii state ID holders enter free). The short viewpoint trail takes 10–15 minutes. Arrive between 8am and 10am for the best chance of seeing the rainbow effect. The upper lookout trail adds another 10 minutes and rewards you with a bird's-eye view of the falls through a canopy of massive banyan trees.
According to Hawaiian legend, the lava cave below is the home of the goddess Hina, mother of the demigod Māui. The myths give the waterfall a spiritual depth that guides love to share on tour.
Akaka Falls State Park is home to the most dramatic waterfall experience near Hilo. At 442 feet, Akaka Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in Hawaii and the tallest on the Big Island of Hawaii. The water plunges in a single unbroken column into a lush, fern-draped ravine.
The park's 0.4-mile paved loop trail winds through tropical bamboo groves and wild ginger before delivering two viewpoints: first to Kahuna Falls (100 ft), then to Akaka Falls itself. The path includes stairs and some uneven ground, rated easy to moderate. Entry is $5 per person plus $10 parking — children 3 and under are free.
Akaka Falls is located 15 miles north of downtown Hilo on the Hamakua Coast, a drive of roughly 25 minutes through historic sugar plantation towns. Most guided tours combine it with Rainbow Falls, a volcano visit, and a stop at a black sand beach in a single full day.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 442 feet (134 meters) |
| Loop trail | 0.4 miles, ~30–45 minutes |
| Entry fee | $5/person + $10 parking |
| Distance from Hilo | 15 miles / ~25 min north |
| Also included | Views of Kahuna Falls (100 ft) |
| Difficulty | Easy to moderate — paved with stairs |
Pe'epe'e Falls is a 55-foot cascade on the Wailuku River, just 1.6 miles upstream from Rainbow Falls inside Wailuku River State Park. Below the falls, the Boiling Pots — a series of wide basalt pools connected by underground channels — bubble and churn as water forces through hexagonal lava columns formed by slow-cooling basalt.
The viewpoint is free to access and is a short hike from the parking area at the end of Pe'epe'e Falls Road. It gives a dramatic side-on perspective of the falls and the natural beauty of the Wailuku River gorge. However, this location is strictly no-swimming: the pools hide powerful underwater currents that have caused multiple drownings. Hilo's Civil Defense authority posts regular warnings. Admire from the overlook only.
For visitors who want to swim in a waterfall, two private-access options exist near Hilo. Umauma Falls, about 14 miles north of Hilo on the Old Mamalahoa Highway, is the only triple-tier waterfall on the Big Island. The Umauma Experience charges $12 for a walking tour to the lookout, $50 for a guided two-hour private waterfall swim, and from $191 for a nine-line zipline tour over the falls.
Kulaniapia Falls, 9 miles from downtown Hilo, is a 120-foot private waterfall accessible on day passes. Advance booking is recommended for both. Neither is included in the guided tours featured on this page, but both are worth adding to your itinerary if time allows.
Planning which big island waterfalls to visit depends on how much time you have and whether you want to stay in Hilo for a focused experience or take a full circuit of the island. Self-guided visits to Rainbow Falls and Akaka Falls are straightforward if you have a rental car — each is a short hike of under 30 minutes, and you can cover both in a half-day. If you plan your visit to start early in the day (before 9am), you beat the cruise ship crowds and catch Rainbow Falls at its most photogenic.
Guided full-day tours combine Rainbow Falls, Akaka Falls, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, and a black sand beach in one seamless day — covering ground that would take three separate drives to do independently. Entry fees to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and parking fees are included in most featured tours, removing the biggest logistical headaches for side of the big island visitors arriving by cruise ship or short-stay flight.
Hilo receives around 127 inches of rain per year — making it one of the rainiest cities in the United States and one of the best places in the world to see powerful, photogenic waterfalls. The wet season runs roughly November through March, with November being the wettest month (averaging nearly 16 inches). During this period, Rainbow Falls runs at full volume, Akaka Falls creates a sustained roar audible from the trailhead, and even smaller falls like Pe'epe'e and Wailuku River tributaries come alive.
Flash flooding is a genuine risk in this season: always check the rain forecast for the upland areas before hiking near any stream, and never enter a stream if the water looks brown or is carrying debris.
| Month | Avg Rainfall | Waterfall Flow | Rainbow Visibility | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 13 in | Full | High (sunny gaps) | Moderate (cruise season) |
| Feb | 13 in | Full | High | Moderate |
| Mar | 12 in | Full | High | Moderate |
| Apr | 10 in | Strong | Peak (sunny mornings) | Low |
| May | 9 in | Strong | Good | Low ⭐ sweet spot |
| Jun | 7 in | Moderate | Good | Low (driest month) |
| Jul | 8 in | Moderate | Good | Medium |
| Aug | 8 in | Moderate | Good | Medium |
| Sep | 9 in | Moderate | Good | Low (price drop) |
| Oct | 11 in | Strong | Good | Low |
| Nov | 16 in | Full | Good (when sunny) | Low (wettest month) |
| Dec | 14 in | Full | Good | Moderate (holidays) |
Hilo's dry season runs from May through September, with June as the driest month averaging just over 7 inches of rainfall. In context, that still means regular showers — Hilo never fully dries out. The advantage: mornings are more often sunny, trails are less muddy, and Akaka Falls' 0.4-mile loop is more comfortable to walk.
For waterfall flow, the falls are still running well in May and September as the dry season ramps up and down. June through August sees the lowest flow levels, though both Rainbow Falls and Akaka Falls are impressive year-round due to the consistent upstream rainfall.
Late April through June is the sweet spot most experienced visitors recommend: waterfalls still full from the wet season, skies clearer, prices lower than peak winter-cruise season.
Regardless of season, mornings are the prime window to visit Hilo Hawaii waterfalls. Rainbow Falls rainbows appear between 8am and 10am as the morning sun angles across the mist — by midday the angle is wrong and the rainbow disappears. Arrive early in the day and you also beat the cruise ship passengers who fan out from Hilo town from 10–11am onward.
Hilo is an adventurous destination on the northeastern side of the Big Island — the lush vegetation, botanical surroundings, and natural beauty of the Wailuku River valley create an open space unlike anything on the drier Kona side. Mauna Kea's slopes capture the tradewind moisture and funnel it into the rivers and falls you see here. It is, quite simply, a paradise for waterfall lovers on the Hawaiian islands.
Hilo receives rain year-round, so the waterfalls never run dry. But the season changes the experience significantly — from thundering full-volume falls in the wet months to clearer skies and easier hiking in summer.
Hilo's waterfalls are stunning but the terrain is serious. Flash flooding, slippery rocks, and dangerous swim zones claim lives every year. Know before you go.
Can happen without warning after heavy rain upstream — even on a sunny day in Hilo. Never enter streams if the water looks brown or carries debris.
Boiling Pots and Pe'epe'e Falls are strictly off-limits. Underwater currents at Boiling Pots have caused multiple drownings. View from the overlook only.
Trails at Wailuku River and Akaka Falls State Park are paved but extremely slippery when wet. Sandals are dangerous — wear shoes with grip.
Hilo is one of the rainiest cities in the US. Pack a light poncho or rain jacket on every visit — afternoon showers arrive with little warning.
Remote falls like Umauma have weak or no reception. Download offline maps before you leave. Emergency response times in remote areas can be slow.
Morning light creates Rainbow Falls' iconic rainbow. An early start also beats cruise ship crowds, makes parking easier, and means cooler trail temperatures.
Big Mike was fantastic — absolutely stellar tour from start to finish! Being a true native of Hilo, his knowledge and stories of the Big Island made for a great day. He delivered much more than we were expecting.
Christian was amazing — best guide ever. His enthusiasm and passion for Hawaiʻi is apparent. Not only did we see beautiful waterfalls and swim in spots only locals would know about, we learned so much about Hawaiʻi history, culture, and Mana.
Jill was a fabulous tour guide. Highlight was seeing the March 10 eruption at Volcano National Park! Rainbow Falls was breathtaking. I highly recommend this company and tour — Jill was great with communication pre-tour.
Ku'uipo, Jules, and Maika were AMAZING guides! We went over 2 waterfalls, a ravine, through banana and hibiscus fields, and they even let us try fruits from the fields. The views were astounding. I would recommend this to everyone.
Born-and-raised Hilo guides know which waterfall has a rainbow at 8am, which lava tube still smells of sulfur, and which swim hole is safe after heavy rain.
See Rainbow Falls, Akaka Falls, Volcanoes National Park, and a black sand beach in a single guided day — stops that would take three separate drives to do alone.
Skip parking fees, confusing roads, and crowd timing. All featured tours include hotel, cruise port, and airport pickup directly in the Hilo area.
Every tour on this page offers a full refund up to 24 hours before your start time. Book your spot today and adjust your plans later.
The main hilo hawaii waterfalls to visit are Rainbow Falls (80 ft, Wailuku River State Park), Akaka Falls (442 ft, state park on the Hamakua Coast), Pe'epe'e Falls (55 ft, Wailuku River, no swimming), Umauma Falls (triple-tier, private access), and Kulaniapia Falls (120 ft, private day passes). The big island waterfalls in the Hilo area are all within 20 miles of Hilo town on the northeastern side of the Big Island of Hawaii — among the most accessible waterfall clusters on the Hawaiian islands.
As of January 2026, Rainbow Falls in Wailuku River State Park charges $5 per person plus $10 parking per vehicle. Hawaii state ID holders enter free. Children 3 and under are free. The park was previously free — bring a credit card as payment is via QR code. Guided tours cover this fee in their price.
Akaka Falls State Park charges $5 per person plus $10 parking per vehicle. Hawaii residents with a valid ID enter free. The fee covers the full 0.4-mile loop, which also passes Kahuna Falls (100 ft). Hours are 8:30am to 5pm daily. Most guided waterfall tours from Hilo include the park admission.
Most big island waterfalls near Hilo are viewing-only. You cannot swim in the waterfalls at Rainbow Falls or Akaka Falls State Park — it is prohibited. Pe'epe'e Falls and Boiling Pots are strictly off-limits: powerful underwater currents have caused multiple drownings. For a supervised chance to swim in the waterfalls, book a guided tour to Umauma Falls ($50 per person) or the native Hawaiian waterfall hike to Waiʻale Falls (from $150) — the only legal swim-in-the-waterfalls experience near downtown Hilo.
The rainbow at Rainbow Falls appears when the morning sun hits the mist at the right angle — typically between 8am and 10am on a sunny morning. Arrive early both for the rainbow and to beat the cruise ship crowds that arrive in Hilo from 10am onward. The rainbow dissipates by late morning as the sun moves higher.
Akaka Falls State Park is about 15 miles north of downtown Hilo — roughly a 25-minute drive on Highway 19 through the historic Hamakua Coast plantation towns of Papaikou and Honomu. Most guided tours combine Akaka Falls with Rainbow Falls, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, and a black sand beach in a single full day from Hilo.
Hilo's waterfalls run year-round due to 127 inches of annual rainfall — making the hilo side of the big island a paradise for waterfall lovers in any season. For the most dramatic flow, visit November through March (wet season). For better hiking conditions and clearer skies, late April through June is the sweet spot — the falls are still full from winter rains but mornings are often sunny. June is the driest month but big island waterfalls near Hilo remain impressive. Mauna Kea's slopes catch moisture year-round, so even in the dry season there is always natural beauty flowing through the valley.
Wear closed-toe shoes with grip — trails are paved but extremely slippery when wet. Bring a light rain jacket or poncho (Hilo can shower any time of day), sunscreen for the beach stops, and a waterproof bag or case for your phone and camera. Guided tours provide rain ponchos and umbrellas if needed.
Yes — most full-day tours welcome children from age 5 onward. The zipline near Akaka Falls requires a minimum weight of 40 lbs and is best suited for children 6+. The native Hawaiian cultural waterfall hike is for ages 5 and up. The half-day volcano and waterfall tours have no minimum age. Check each tour's age and weight restrictions before booking.
A rental car makes self-guided visits easier, but all featured guided tours include hotel, airport, and cruise port pickup within the Hilo area — so you can see multiple waterfalls in one day without renting a car. Rainbow Falls is also reachable by taxi or rideshare from central Hilo for about $10–15 each way.