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    Waipo'o Falls

    4.3 (28 reviews)

    Waipo'o Falls Photos

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    Robert C.

    One of the toughest hikes to do when it has just rained a couple of days in a row in the winter. Drove on the road through Waimea Canyon, stopping at the Pu'u Hinahina lookout for a bathroom break. Two miles further on, just past the 14 mile marker there is a Kokee State Park entrance sign. The paved road goes to the left, and a dirt road plunges to the right. Sign at the head of the Halemanu dirt road says 4 wheel drive only, slippery when wet. We park the car on the left side of the road, joining a dozen other vehicles. Grab one of the pile of sticks next to the trail sign, as a walking stick, as TSA prohibits trekking poles on airline carry on luggage. Came on the first sunny day after several days of rain. Takes 20 minutes of downhill hiking on the one lane dirt road, full of water filled potholes and mud that will swallow up a sneaker. Our high top hiking boots give us maximum traction on the muddy slopes, and maximum protection from ankle injuries. Reach the dirt parking lot, where only one vehicle is parked, a 4x4 jeep, and then the junction where the Cliff trail branches out to the right, and the Canyon trail leads to the Waipo'o Falls. Sign covered with stickers and marred with graffiti. Takes another hour of downhill hiking to reach the Falls, only you can't see the falls, on the stream leading to the edge. We stop at the plateau just above the falls, with a ridge 3000 feet above the valley floor. Breathtaking views. Like the Grand Canyon, going back is the hardest part of the hike. 2 miles of muddy slopes, up to 1000 feet in elevation gain, through water ravaged muddy trails. And wife was wearing off white hiking pants! One slip and she would fall into the mud. Encountered at least half a dozen ladies wearing $160 Hoka Bondi running shoes, in pristine condition. But not for long! Three hours after arriving, we drove to the Pu'u Hinahina lookout, lucked out getting a parking spot, making a beeline for the restrooms, without a moment to lose.

    James D.

    The water in Waipo'o Falls drops 800 feet into the Waimea Canyon. You can 1st see the falls at the Canyon Overlook at mile marker 10 on Highway 550. The falls are really spectacular from this lookout. Up the road at Pu'u Ka Pele lookout, near mile marker 13, is the closest view of the falls. You're still a distance away from the waterfalls, but it's a great photo opp..

    Waipo'o Falls - Canyon/Cliff Trails to Waipo'o Falls
    Mel C.

    Waipo'o Falls (Hike) This review is for the hike leading to the top of the falls. Just note that the best view of the Waipo'o Falls if from the viewpoints located between the Waimea Canyon Lookout and Koke'e State Park. This hike only leads you to two small waterfalls. That said, this hike is a must if you enjoy some physical activity and looking for another view of Waimea Canyon. I recommend parking across the Koke'e State Park sign, walking down the service road, and following the signs to Canyon Trail. If you have a 4x4, you can drive down the service road to Canyon Trail. The hike is 90% downhill to the falls, which means it's 90% uphill back to your car. Total hike is a little over 3 miles RT. Because it just rained the night before, this hike was not easy at all. The trail was muddy and very slippery. I recommend poles if it's wet/muddy. The trail is easy to follow. Just follow the trail leading Canyon Trail and you'll eventually end up at one of the waterfalls. On the way back, we followed the Cliff Trail and to a viewpoint where you can get an even closer to Waimea Canyon. The entire hike reminded me of the original Jurassic Park. Remember that scene with the dinosaurs? Yes, that part. AllTrails has this hike ranked as moderate. Due to the wet and slippery conditions, I rank this hike as moderate to hard.

    If you take the trail to the right, these are the mini falls where you can cool your feet in the mini pools
    Monica S.

    Knowing that the canyon is 2 hours from Princeville, we got an early start at 7am to beat the heat. While there is no entrance fee for Waimea Canyon and Kokee State Park, there is a $10 parking fee and a $5/person entrance fee (credit cards only, no cash) payable at the kiosk at the trailhead of Waipo'o Falls, Pu'u hinahina. According to signage, the trail is 2 miles long out and back and takes 2 to 3 hours. Including hike and photos, we made the round-trip in under 3 hours. Getting to the falls is somewhat tricky as you have to walk (very carefully) to the precipice then make a left U-turn down the hill. Not only is the trail steep, it's slippery from loose sand/gravel. After you go down the hill, the trail forks: the left takes you to a small waterfall with a pool and the right takes you to little waterfalls with lots of rocks. After looking at both, we decided to take the path to the right and took lots of photos of the canyon and dipped our feet into the little pools of chilly water while having lunch. While the trail is rated moderate, there were some parts that were quite challenging. Afterwards, we went to the picnic area, Puu Ka Pele Picnic Grounds, located a little ways back down the hill with shade, tables, and facilities. Because I was coming from Princeville, there was a much needed public restroom before entering the park at Pa'ula'ula State Historic Site.

    Take those flood warnings seriously (no, really)
    David M.

    Great easy / moderate hike (unless the trail's wet:) of around 4 miles RT to Waipo'o Falls in Waimea Canyon / Kokee State Park. Can't offer anything new or different from the other reviews other than to tell you the following: When you get to the open area before heading down to the cascade, sit down on the rock in front of the upturned frame made by a misshapen tree (when you see it you'll know what I mean). Have a fellow hiker take a pic of you and your honey. It's gonna be your tropical Christmas card pic for the year! Such an incredible place and this is a much nicer way to appreciate it rather than simply pulling off at an overlook and claiming you've seen what the canyon has to offer.

    Sign at the start of the Canyon Trail at the Pu'u Hinahina Lookout.
    John S.

    The falls hike begins for most people at the Pu'u Hinahina Lookout, located past the Milepost 13 marker on Waimea Canyon Drive. It's nearly two miles one-way and the round-trip takes between two and three hours. There are numerous exposed tree roots and uneven surfaces as the trail takes you through the Koke'e rain forest and out to a ridge near the falls that provides outstanding views. Even though you won't actually see the falls themselves. They fall 800 feet down a cliff. Be careful as the trail opens to a wide red soil base. Devin Goetsch, a 25-year-old Honolulu man, died July 29, 2014, after losing his footing on loose rocks on the canyon edge. He fell 700 feet to his death. Some trail guides describe the trail as moderate. It's well worth the time and effort for the views you'll encounter.

    Jess G.

    This trail got a lot more traffic than I expected it would. It's off a parking lot from the Pu'u Hinahina lookout so it's easy to find. It goes down through some forest, a few junctions, and then walking alongside cliffs, to the waterfall. It's 4 miles round trip so it's easy. Just make sure you bring a hiking stick if it's drizzling because the trail easily get muddy and slippery. Be careful at the cliffs. There was a memorial spot by the cliffs where I'm guessing someone had slipped and died. There's a mini waterfall behind the huge big waterfall, with a mini lake that you can swim in. The water is really cold but since you're up there you might as well go for a swim. The big waterfall overlooks the canyon and it's breathtaking but may be scary since you're so high up and so close to the waterfall. Do this hike because it seems to be popular with the tourists but watch your steps because I think someone died on this trail.

    falls from the far. you can see people hiking on the left bare side.
    Little D.

    There are 2 ways to get there. Left side of Puuhinahina Look out and Niihau Look out, or near 14 mm. Last time we were here, too much rain stopped us getting to the falls (we were almost there). This time was just perfect. We loved it so much, did it twice in 3 days. Tip1: For a good whole view of the falls, you need to be on the other side. Tip2: Don't go far when it is muddy. Tip3: We did not do Black Pipe Trail, looked almost the same as where we came from. Tip4: 14 mm start is easier but Puuhinahina entrance is prettier. Tip5: Spend some time by the falls. YELP 365 - 245/365

    Jill P.

    Canyon Trail - Gorgeous, moderate hike to a beautiful canyon view and ending at the Waipo'o Falls. This hike begins on a muddy road that descends about .5 miles to the true trailhead which descends even further into the forest and then breaks out into a rocky overlook with amazing views of the canyon. Continue past the smooth rock canyon view and descend to the Waipo'o Falls. The hike was about 3 miles RT and was so worth the views. The end of the hike is all uphill so if you are struggling heading to the falls just remember it will be tougher going out so make sure you have water and maybe a snack to give you a little energy. For most people this hike will be no problem.

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    It was a rainy day, so couldn't see the view but the hike itself was fun and a good workout! Even in the rain.

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    Review Highlights - Waipo'o Falls

    It was not super muddy during our visit, but flash floods and torrential rain are pretty common in Waimea Canyon.

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    Hawaii Forest & Trail - Hike Kilauea Volcano to find red hot lava!

    Hawaii Forest & Trail

    4.8(367 reviews)
    283.1 mi

    I cannot say enough wonderful things about Wilson and the Mauna Kea Summit & Stars excursion…read more Wilson was incredibly well spoken and knowledgeable and I learned so much! He did all of this while navigating steep roads (not all paved) and feeding us amazing chicken stew, cookies, and hot cocoa. This was a truly memorable and magical trip and the weather was just perfect! Everything was well organized and I cannot recommend them enough

    We went on an almost 100% full (flower) moon. It was special to see the terminator line on the…read moreCelestron telescope - it had such great definition! The color of Mauna Kea with the moon shining on it was so magical all around us. There were some clouds that cleared pretty well by the end of our star gazing. We were the last ones up there so it got dark enough to see more than you'd expect with the moon. Jeff, our awesome tour guide, used a laser pointer to help us see the constellations we usually can't back at home. The images on the digital telescope like nebulas, the moon & star clusters were an amazing addition to have as keepsakes. My husband and I felt he made the tour a great balance of learning and fun. He had the group feeling like family before we even left from the pickup lot. Things to consider: I do recommend following the moons cycles booking this tour/your trip if this is especially important for you to see as many stars as possible. The sunset and views of the observatory's make it awesome anyways :) I struggled with altitude sickness around 12,000 ft. Jeff had made sure to let us know beforehand if we experienced any issues to speak up. I was hesitant as I know it would mean turning the whole tour around, but some tingling turned to dizziness and then a brief fainting. He immediately stopped the bus and helped ground me and make sure I was completely okay & coherent before letting me know our options for the tour. We made it up to the top with 2 more (included in tour) stops and I felt better with each one having more time to acclimate :) Thank you Jeff!! You handled this so professionally and I appreciate your check-ins for the rest of the trip. It's cold even with parka and gloves. It's so worth packing warm shoes and layers. The bus had ac and heat so that was great! Do it if you can! Awe-inspiring! Such an unreal environment that makes you wonder about so many things. Just take the precautions seriously, move slow and breathe deep.

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    Hi’ilawe Falls - A little waterfall

    Hi’ilawe Falls

    5.0(1 review)
    300.4 mi

    This is by far one of my favorite hikes on the Big Island. I have venture on it twice. The…read moretrailhead is located in Waipio Valley! Take the very steep road (Kukuihaele Road) down to the valley. When you arrive at the bottom of the steep road, you can go left or you can go right. Right takes you to the beach! Take a left and travel down the town dirt road. You are going to take this road for 0.6 of one mile until you hit a stream in the middle of the road! Do NOT cross the stream (crossing the streams is bad)! There is a trail-head immediately to the left of the road, exactly before the stream road crossing. You walk upwards on the dirt. There will be signs that say, "trail closed," "private property," etc. You will know that is the trail you want to take! Follow this trail as much as possible and try to stick to whatever appears to be a trail! I try to avoid the homes on the left of the trail as much as possible, to respect their privacy! While on the trail, you will traverse down by the river and back up and down by the river and back up, a few times...that is normal! Then, you will eventually come to many signs saying, "Under surveillance" and more warning signs...you are on the right track! There are two tiny fences you can either climb over easily or slightly go around...not too hard. Then you come to a man-made dam in the river! You will want to cross that dam! I walked in front of the dam, because there was less water. Then, once on the other side, I climb the dam and enter the waist high (depending on your height) water. I stay on the far right side of the ridge until I climb up on the rocks and back on a trail. Now, keep in mind, the trail will go upwards and downwards, along the river and back up on an actual trail. You will also cross the river several times, because quite frankly, there is no other way to do this hike AND the trail continues on the other side. You go through a bamboo forest too! Towards the last 1/5 of the hike, there is a longer well seen trail on the right side, which will eventually lead you to the Hi'ilawe Falls! My wife I and I did this hike and we only saw three people (a group) along the way, who turned back, because they did not have enough time to complete it. My wife is on the slower side, so it took us 2.5 hours to get there and 2 hours to hike back. On my first hike when I did this alone, I made the trip back in 1 hour (not sure about the bike there by myself, because I spent more time hiking over boulders and did not notice the trail on most of the journey until hiking back). A good rule of thumb...stay away from the stream as much as possible! Inevitably, you will have to hike on the side of the stream. Stay away from hiking over boulders as much as possible. The less you have to hike over boulders and rely more on the trails, the shorter the hike will be. Trust me, the trails are there, you just have to look for them and use some blasted hiking common sense. Wear water proof boots at all possible! I brought a backpack which I carried over my head while in the river at the dam area...only a couple of minutes worth of holding it. There are a few very slippery rocks...keep that in mind. If it looks green and mossy...it is going to be slippery! Best of luck! Happy hiking!

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    Kauna'oa Beach - Mauna Kea Beach - Magic moment

    Kauna'oa Beach - Mauna Kea Beach

    4.7(88 reviews)
    282.4 mi

    Wow, how lucky we are! We got a spot! Usually, they only allow 10 parking spots open but in the…read moretemporary lot, there's many more guest beach parking The security guard at the entrance will let you know if you are able to come through and he will give you a parking pass here. They will give you a parking pass if there are spots open. Currently there is construction to build a larger parking lot to allow more than 10 parking spots so you will be sent to another parking area that allows a lot more spots. Everyone is excited for the new parking lot. This beach is really fun for boogie boarding, building sand castles, and (if you like small waves )surfing . The walk from the temporary parking lot to the beach was really nice included a lot of trees, flowers, and a garden. Tucked away behind the garden a gift shop. The gift shop also sells boogie boards, but you can bring your own

    In my humble opinion, this is the most lively beach on The Big Island. It's not black sand, it's…read morenot great for boogie boarding, it's also not packed with tourists. It's a gorgeous beach adjacent to Mauna Kea Resort, a pretty exclusive hotel and part of the autograph collection of Marriott. This is a great beach to walk end to end, in the water or on the beach. You can snorkel or swim out your one of the platforms or just lay and work on your tan. It's my solo go to beach while on the island. Afterwards there is a great beach restaurant to meander over to and imbibe and nibble. Not always an easy beach to gain access to but well worth the effort.

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    Waipo'o Falls - hiking - Updated May 2026

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