Akaka Falls, Big Island Hawaii

Akaka Falls, located above Honomu, just North of Hilo is actually two waterfalls located on a 1/2 mile circular path. To get there, turn into Honomu (the turnoff will be between the 13 and 14 mile markers on Highway 11, look for the large sign that says Honomu). Follow that road up through the town, take a left at the dead end, take a right at the old cane road that leads to the parking area. The old cane road may not be marked. It is just past all the stores that are on the left. If you get to houses on both sides of the road you have gone too far.

The small path has some steps and a little walking uphill, so it can be a little challenging.

You'll also walk by some smaller waterfalls, bamboo, banana trees, and a lush, tropical forest.

The falls cascades across a deep gorge from where you will be. There is no way to get to the top of the waterfall or to the pool at the bottom of the waterfall, so you can just look at it, and take pictures. It drops over 400 feet.

Kahuna Falls is on the same path as Akaka Falls. It is a little smaller and you can't see the bottom of it, so it is not quite as spectacular. If you want to skip it, just take a left at the bottom of the stairs and you'll go straight to Akaka Falls - then go back the way you came.

There is a park restroom available in the parking lot. There also may be local artists in the parking lot weaving palm frond hats or bowls for sale.

Akaka means clear, luminous, distinct in Hawaiian. Kahuna means priest, expert in a profession.