Aloha and welcome to the Big Island Hawaii! Today I am sharing two of my favorite waterfalls on the Island both of which are suitable to do with kids! Rainbow Falls Hawaii and Akaka Falls Hawaii. Both waterfalls are equally impressive in different ways.
Rainbow Falls Hawaii
Rainbow falls is located in Hilo. It’s extremely easy to find if you put into google maps and it requires zero hiking to see it’s beauty. In fact, you can park in a paved parking lot and walk about 10 steps to the falls. Therefore,I highly recommend this if you have elderly people in your group or little kids who don’t to take a big hike.
Rainbow Falls is 80 ft tall and almost 100 ft in diameter. It smells so fresh and the sound of the water crashing is almost mesmerizing. It gets its name rainbow falls because of the way the sun hits the water you almost always see a rainbow here.
The falls are part of the Hawai’i State Parks and there is no fee to see the falls. Since it is so easily accessible you probably won’t need to spend more than 20 minutes here. Part of our family tradition is to have our children make a wish on the rainbow. I have always come here with family and friends so I have not had the opportunity to sit down and meditate and really just take it all in, but it’s on my list of things to do. If you get the rare chance to visit alone I also highly recommend.
Akaka Falls
Akaka Falls Hawaii is located about 25 minutes outside of Hilo. Since most visitors of Hawaii stay on the sunny side of the Island, You will probably want to stop here on your way into hilo or on your way back to your resort.
Akaka Falls features a stunning waterfall at 442 feet tall. Parking is very easy and will cost you $5.00 per vehicle (locals free). There is usually an attendant at the entrance to make sure people pay but right now during COVID 19 there is no attendant so it’s based on the honor system. All major credit cards are accepted.
The hike itself is a very easy 1/2 mile walk. The pathway is paved and there are several stairs throughout. So if your a mama this one is not good for strollers. However, I brought my infant here and carried him in an ergo baby. Now my kids are older and both kids can walk no problem including toddlers.
I like to remind people this hike is about the journey not the destination. While the waterfalls are a sight to see, the magic of this trail is the lush plants, greenery and being completely submerged inside mother nature. I actually much prefer the walk over the waterfall itself.
There are bathrooms and a drinking fountain located in the parking lot. Also, if you are prone to bug bites I would spray your legs and arms with a bug spray before the hike to keep you protected. Sunscreen and water are always a good idea and comfortable shoes. These are not waterfalls you can swim in, so no need for a bathsuit here.
Last but not least I will give you a quick COVID 19 update with how the park is currently functioning as of November 2020. Currently, you can only walk in one direction, so it’s one big loop going clockwise. Pre covid you could go either left or right to explore and get to the water falls faster.
Most people did not have facemasks, and I would assume because the hike is outside in the fresh air and it was very easy to keep socially distanced especailly with the one way traffic.
This does mean that you shouldn’t pass people. And it also means that you should patient when others are taking photos and the loop might take a little longer than normal if you like power walking. We did experience one extremely rude foreigner who passed us, invaded our personal space and then had the audacity to voice her opinion about face masks being worn outdoors.
I like to be reminded of the Aloha spirit and be respectful to all even in uncomfortable situations so I let it go like water off a ducks back. I hope you get to enjoy the beauty and most positive energy that surrounds you here! Aloha
Disclaimer: thatocmomlife is not making any guarantees or promises regarding the accuracy, reliability or completeness of the information presented. This blog contains my opinions and doesn’t reflect the opinions of any organizations I might be affiliated with. I was not compensated for this post. This post also contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.
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Megan Ormando
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