Akaka Falls
The following is a guest blog from Big Island On The Cheap and the original article can be found here.
Unless you have a friend who lives on untamed land on the Big Island, your best bet at seeing a Hawai‘i rain forest up close and personal is to plan a trip to one of the island’s best known secrets: Akaka Falls. Make your way to the small parking lot (where there is a bathroom) and head down the trail. While the trail is not wheelchair accessible (there are several sets of stairs), it IS paved and fairly easy to traverse. Just be aware that when it’s wet, the pavement can become very slippery. It’s only about 0.4 mile in to see the falls, on a loop trail.
The falls themselves are breathtakingly gorgeous, but the walk in – for me, anyway – is more than half the fun. Some people are determined to get to the falls, forgetting to observe all of the interesting sights on the way. Don’t hesitate to stop and look at the climbing vines, the giant fern, the fiddleheads and the foliage.
Don’t forget to bring an umbrella. Odds are good that you’ll need it – after all, this is a RAIN forest.
On the way, you’ll see plenty of interesting plants, cross a bridge or two and see several smaller waterfalls
Convinced that this free attraction is worth a visit? Akaka Falls State Park is located 11 miles north of Hilo town. From Highway 19, you’ll turn mauka (toward the mountain) onto Highway 220 and travel through the tiny town of Honomu. Follow signs to Akaka Falls.
About the author
Kris Bordessa lives on the Hamakua Coast, where she co-produces Big Island On The Cheap and Honolulu On The Cheap with Leslie Lang. They offer readers life, culture, and fun in Hawaii – for less. Sign up for daily alerts to hear about budget friendly events and activities in Hawaii.