Right now
Right now as of Oct 28, 2026
- Status DLNR's Important Park Notices of September 23, October 5 and October 23, 2026 say part of the trail is closed due to fallen trees.
- Permit No permit needed. Entry fee: $5/person + $10/car (non-residents).
Status note (Oct 28, 2026): Partly open. DLNR's Important Park Notices of September 23, October 5 and October 23, 2026 say part of the trail is closed due to fallen trees. A state update reported by Big Island Now on October 1 said the right side of the loop is closed. The water and comfort station have reopened. What the status labels mean
ʻAkaka Falls drops 442 feet into a gorge on Kolekole Stream, in ʻAkaka Falls State Park, 3.6 miles southwest of Honomū on Hawaii Island. A 0.4-mile paved loop with steps leads to the viewpoints, and DLNR says to allow half an hour. Non-residents pay $5 per person plus $10 per car, by card only. As of October 23, 2026, DLNR says part of the trail is closed due to fallen trees.
About ʻAkaka Falls
ʻAkaka Falls is a 442-foot plunge on Kolekole Stream, according to DLNR. The water falls into a gorge carved by the stream. The falls sit inside ʻAkaka Falls State Park, a 65.4-acre park run by DLNR's Division of State Parks.
The park is on Hawaii Island, which most visitors call the Big Island. You will also see the name spelled Akaka, without the ʻokina.
The loop trail shows you a second waterfall as well. Wikipedia lists Kahūnā Falls at about 300 feet; we found no DLNR figure for it.
Wikipedia says a native goby, the ʻoʻopu ʻalamoʻo, can climb the wet rock beside the falls using a suction disk on its belly. It spawns in the stream above the falls.
Getting there and parking
ʻAkaka Falls State Park is at the end of Hwy 220, 3.6 miles southwest of Honomū; non-residents pay $5 per person plus $10 per car, card only.
From Hilo and Kona
The park is at the end of ʻAkaka Falls Road (Hwy 220), 3.6 miles southwest of Honomū, according to DLNR. From Hilo, follow Hwy 19 north to Honomū, then take Hwy 220 to the lot at the end of the road. We found no official drive time from Hilo or Kona.
If you're also stopping in Hilo, Rainbow Falls is another state park waterfall on the same island.
Fees and tickets
No tickets or reservations are needed. DLNR's 2026 rates for non-residents are $5 per person to enter and $10 per vehicle to park. Hawaii residents with a Hawaii driver's license or state ID get in free, and so do children 3 and under.
Payment is by credit card only. DLNR asks visitors to pay before they arrive, because cell reception at the park is limited. Commercial vehicles pay $25 for 1-7 passengers, $50 for 8-25 or $90 for 26 or more.
Because parking is charged per vehicle, a group of visitors in one car pays the $10 parking fee once, plus $5 for each person. DLNR lists the park's hours as 8:30am to 5:00pm daily, so arrive with time to finish the walk.
Map and nearby falls
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The ʻAkaka Falls loop
The trail is a 0.4-mile paved loop, but it isn't flat. DLNR rates it easy, with 100 feet of elevation gain, and says to allow half an hour for the loop. It notes multiple steps along the way and says the loop is not wheelchair accessible for that reason.
At the first junction, the left (south) path goes straight to the ʻAkaka Falls viewpoint, per the park's directions.
Kahūnā Falls
The full loop adds a view of Kahūnā Falls, which Wikipedia lists at about 300 feet. We found no official word on whether the Kahūnā viewpoint is inside the closed section.
Current partial closure
DLNR's Important Park Notices of September 23, October 5 and October 23, 2026 say part of the trail is closed due to fallen trees. DLNR doesn't name the section.
A state update reported by Big Island Now on October 1, 2026 said the right side of the trail is closed, while the rest stays partly open. You may not be able to walk the full loop.
A separate DLNR notice says the park's water and comfort station have reopened, so restrooms are available again.
When to visit
The park is open year-round. In late 2026, watch for the partial trail closure, which DLNR has listed since at least September 23. Check the Important Park Notices page the day before you drive up.
DLNR doesn't tie the ʻAkaka closure to a named storm. Its October 23, 2026 notice says Hawaii Island parks have reopened, except part of the ʻAkaka trail and Lapakahi, with some camping and cabins still closed.
Rain and wet steps
We couldn't find official data on rainfall, crowds or the best months to visit, so we don't list them. The steps can be slick after rain, so wear shoes with good grip. The park opens at 8:30am, so plan the rest of your day around that.
On Maui, Twin Falls is a waterfall stop on the Road to Hāna.
| Height | 442 ftNote: per DLNR and Wikipedia; Kahūnā Falls on the same loop is about 300 ft per Wikipedia |
|---|---|
| Trail | 0.4 mi paved loop with many steps; DLNR rates it easy, with 100 ft of elevation gain, and says to allow half an hour. Part of the trail is closed as of Oct 2026 |
| Difficulty | Easy, 100 ft of gain (DLNR) |
| Time needed | Allow 1/2 hour (DLNR) |
| Entry fee | Non-residents: $5 per person entry plus $10 per vehicle parking, credit card only. Hawaii residents with a Hawaii driver's license or ID, and children 3 and under, are free. |
| Permit / reservation | None needed; non-residents pay the state park entry and parking fees |
| Parking | Lot at the end of Hwy 220; $10 per non-resident car |
| Hours / season | Daily 8:30am to 5:00pm |
| Swimming | No. There is no access to the pool; the loop is for viewing only, and DLNR says to stay on the trail |
| Wheelchair / stroller | No; DLNR says the loop has steps and is not wheelchair accessible |
| Walk behind the falls | No |
| Restrooms | Yes; DLNR says the water and comfort station have reopened |
| Managed by | Hawaii DLNR Division of State Parks (ʻAkaka Falls State Park) |
Safety and swimming
There is no access to the pool at the base of the falls. The loop is for viewing only, and DLNR says to stay on the trail. Do not leave the path to get closer to the gorge.
The Hawaii Department of Health advises against swimming or wading in any freshwater stream or pond in Hawaii because of leptospirosis. The bacteria come from animal urine and can enter through cuts or through the eyes, nose or mouth. Don't drink untreated stream water.
Wear shoes with good grip on the steps. Do not enter the closed fallen-tree section, even if the path looks clear.
Where to stay near ʻAkaka Falls
Compare hotels, cabins and rentals close to the falls around Honomū.
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Photos
ʻAkaka Falls FAQ
How much does ʻAkaka Falls cost? Do you need tickets?
No tickets or reservations are needed. In 2026, non-residents pay $5 per person to enter plus $10 per car to park, by credit card only. Hawaii residents with a Hawaii ID or driver's license, and children 3 and under, are free.
Is ʻAkaka Falls open right now?
Partly. DLNR's notice of October 23, 2026 says part of the trail is closed due to fallen trees. A state update reported on October 1 said the right side of the loop is closed. The restrooms and water have reopened.
How long is the ʻAkaka Falls walk, and is it hard?
The ʻAkaka Falls loop is 0.4 miles and paved. DLNR rates it easy, with 100 feet of elevation gain, and says to allow half an hour. It has multiple steps and is not wheelchair accessible.
How far is ʻAkaka Falls from Hilo?
Drive north from Hilo on Hwy 19 to Honomū, then take Hwy 220 for 3.6 miles to the lot at the end of the road (DLNR). DLNR gives no total distance from Hilo.
How tall is ʻAkaka Falls?
442 feet, according to DLNR and Wikipedia. Kahūnā Falls, which Wikipedia lists at about 300 feet, is also visible from the loop.
What are the hours at ʻAkaka Falls State Park?
DLNR lists the park as open daily from 8:30am to 5:00pm.
Is ʻAkaka Falls wheelchair accessible?
No. DLNR says the loop has multiple steps and is not wheelchair accessible.
Can you swim at ʻAkaka Falls?
No. There's no access to the pool; the loop is viewing only, and DLNR says to stay on the trail. The Hawaii Department of Health also advises against freshwater swimming because of leptospirosis.
Nearby waterfalls
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More waterfalls to explore
Waimoku Falls on the Pīpīwai TrailHawaii · 82 mi straight-lineOpen400FT
Twin FallsHawaii · 102 mi straight-lineOpen
On these lists: Easy waterfall hikes
Sources
- DLNR State Parks: ʻAkaka Falls State Park
- DLNR Important Park Notices (10/23/26)
- Hawaii DOH: Leptospirosis
- Wikipedia: Akaka Falls State Park
- DLNR State Parks: ʻAkaka Falls Loop Trail (hiking page)
- Big Island Now: State reopens some recreation areas after Hurricane Nolo (Oct 1, 2026)
Last verified Oct 28, 2026 by The Waterfall Guide editorial team. Conditions change: confirm with Hawaii DLNR Division of State Parks (ʻAkaka Falls State Park) before you go. Spotted something out of date? Report a correction.