Famous Big Island Waterfalls

The Famous Falls: Icons of Easy Access and Maximum Beauty

These waterfalls have achieved legendary status for good reason. They combine breathtaking natural beauty with relatively easy accessibility, making them perfect starting points for families, first-time visitors, or anyone looking for maximum visual reward with minimal physical effort. However, don't let their popularity fool you into thinking they're any less dangerous or deserving of respect.

ʻAkaka Falls: The Gentle Giant of Hāmākua

I never get tired of taking visiting friends and family to ʻAkaka Falls. There's something magical about watching their faces when they first see that incredible plume of water dropping 442 feet into the misty gorge below. The walk through the rainforest leading to the viewpoint is an experience in itself. The air becomes noticeably cooler and more humid as you descend into the valley. It's so fragrant with wild ginger, tropical flowers, and that distinctive earthy scent of decomposing leaves that creates the rich soil of the rainforest floor.

It feels like you're stepping into a different world entirely, one that exists outside of time. The sounds change too. The distant hum of traffic fades away, replaced by the symphony of native forest birds, the rustle of bamboo leaves in the trade winds, and the growing thunderous roar of the falls as you approach the viewpoint.

The Legend Behind the Name

The park takes its name from a tragic local legend about a chief named ʻAkaka who lived in this valley many generations ago. According to the traditional story passed down through oral tradition, Chief ʻAkaka was blessed with a beautiful and loving wife who adored him completely. However, despite this blessing, the chief became involved with two mistresses, betraying his wife's trust and violating the sacred bonds of marriage.

When his infidelity was eventually discovered, Chief ʻAkaka was overwhelmed with shame and despair. Unable to face the consequences of his actions or the pain he had caused, he climbed to the top of the great falls and threw himself over the edge, choosing death over dishonor. According to legend, the chief's loyal dog was transformed into the large rock formation at the top of the falls, his betrayed wife's spirit became the nearby Kahuna Falls, forever weeping for her lost husband.