ʻAkaka Falls vs Rainbow Falls: Which Big Island Waterfall Should You Visit?
A side-by-side comparison of Hawaiʻi Island's two most famous waterfalls near Hilo, and how to see both in one day.
ʻAkaka Falls is the taller, more dramatic waterfall, a 442-foot drop inside a rainforest state park with a paved 0.4-mile loop trail. Rainbow Falls is an 80-foot waterfall in Hilo with easy roadside access and morning rainbows. If you have time, visit both; if you can only choose one, choose ʻAkaka Falls for scenery and Rainbow Falls for convenience.
Both waterfalls are minutes from downtown Hilo, but they offer very different experiences. ʻAkaka Falls feels like a jungle adventure. Rainbow Falls feels like a quick, beautiful stop that pairs well with a morning coffee in Hilo.
ʻAkaka Falls vs Rainbow Falls comparison
| Feature | ʻAkaka Falls | Rainbow Falls |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 442 feet (135 m) | 80 feet (24 m) |
| Location | 11 miles north of Hilo | In Hilo, just above downtown |
| Hike | 0.4-mile paved loop, easy | No hike required; viewpoint from parking lot |
| Best time | Morning, before clouds roll in | Early morning for rainbows |
| Best for | Photographers, hikers, rainforest lovers | Quick stops, families, cruise passengers |
| Entrance fee | USD 5 per car or walk-in fee | Free |
Can you visit both waterfalls in one day?
Yes, and it's one of the best uses of a Hilo port day. Our ʻAkaka Falls Tour includes both waterfalls plus Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park in a single 7 to 8 hour loop. The drive between Rainbow Falls and ʻAkaka Falls takes about 25 minutes along the scenic Hamakua Coast.
Which waterfall is better for cruise passengers?
Rainbow Falls is faster and easier if your port time is short. ʻAkaka Falls is more memorable and photogenic. On a typical Hilo shore excursion, we start with Rainbow Falls in town, then head north to ʻAkaka Falls before continuing to Volcanoes National Park.
Practical tips for both waterfalls
- Bring a rain jacket. Hilo is one of the wettest cities in the United States.
- Mosquito repellent helps at ʻAkaka Falls.
- Stay on marked trails and behind railings.
- Do not swim at the base of either falls; currents and rocks are dangerous.
- Morning light is best for photos at both locations.
Book a waterfall & volcano day
See both waterfalls, the national park, and historic Hilo in one small-group tour with a local guide.
Book ʻAkaka Falls from $179Tags: ʻAkaka Falls, Rainbow Falls, Hilo, waterfalls, Big Island