Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
‘Akaka Falls State Park is located on the northeastern Hāmākua Coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. The park is renowned for its primary feature, ‘Akaka Falls, which plunges 442 feet into a gorge. The surrounding forest is rich with tropical flora, including wild orchids, bamboo groves, and draping ferns. Visitors will encounter unique wildlife endemic to Hawaii, such as the colorful Hawaiian honeycreepers. The park offers a serene escape for nature lovers and is steeped in cultural significance, with the waterfall being named after a local Hawaiian legend. The easy-to-navigate loop trail through the park allows visitors to experience not just ‘Akaka Falls but also the smaller but equally beautiful Kahuna Falls. As a popular tourist spot, the park is well-maintained and accessible year-round, providing a quintessential experience of Hawaii's natural beauty.
