View from above Waipiʻo Valley of steep green cliffs and the black-sand shoreline

Big Island region

Hāmākua Coast

Waterfalls, gulches, and the Waipiʻo lookout

The lush windward coast between Waipiʻo Valley and Hilo — the old sugar town of Honokaʻa, deep stream-cut gulches, and ʻAkaka Falls in the rain forest above Honomū.

WaterfallsScenic drivesPhotography

Photo: mana5280 via Unsplash

Go if…

You are driving between Kona and Hilo the scenic way and want a night among the waterfalls.

The trade-off

Accommodation is mostly B&Bs and rentals, and the weather is wet.

Book from here

Tours leaving from Hamakua Coast

Zipline Tour Near ʻAkaka Falls (tour photo)

2.5 hours

Hawaii Zipline Tours - Big Island

Zipline Tour Near ʻAkaka Falls

4.90(1,132 reviews)

28-1692 Old Māmalahoa Hwy, Honomū (near ʻAkaka Falls)

Free cancellation

From$246

Check availability

Booked securely on Viator

2.5 hours

The Umauma Experience

9-Line Waterfall Zipline at Umauma

4.86(1,099 reviews)

Umauma Experience, 31-313 Old Māmalahoa Hwy, Hakalau (Hāmākua Coast, ~30 min north of Hilo)

Free cancellation

From$276.54

Check availability

Booked securely on Viator

2 hours

Waipio on Horseback

Waipiʻo on Horseback

4.87(316 reviews)

Waipiʻo on Horseback ranch, 48-5115 Waipiʻo Rd, Kukuihaele (Hāmākua Coast)

From$160

Check availability

Booked securely on Viator

Things to do

Our picks in Hamakua Coast

ʻAkaka Falls dropping into a rain-forest gorge in ʻAkaka Falls State Park

Waterfalls

Hamakua Coast

ʻAkaka Falls State Park

Maximum waterfall for minimal effort. The island's most dramatic falls are a short loop from the parking lot.

Lookouts & Scenic Points

Hamakua Coast

Waipiʻo Valley Lookout

It may be the most dramatic view on the island, and it costs nothing but the drive. Take it in from the top. The valley floor is mostly private land and a living community.