by Lena Hellsten

Like many of the islands of Hawaii, the Big Island hosts a number of marvelous waterfalls. Most of the waterfalls are located on the south east side of the island, in the area around Hilo and further south towards the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Only a 10 minutes drive away from Hilo, plus about 10 minutes of hiking through the wild nature you find Akaka Falls. This stunning waterfall cascades down into a pool from a height of more then 400 feet and is one of the most visited waterfalls at Big Island.

At the trail to Akaka Falls is another beautiful waterfall, named Kahuna. The hike to these two waterfalls is a good way to get to know the lush nature in this area of the Big Island, as well as it is a treat to get to view the water rushing down into crystal blue pools. If you don’t have much time at the island, this hike is probably your best pick.

Waipi’o Valley is situated on the north side of the island and this beautiful valley offers a lot of waterfalls rushing down the hillsides along with a lush and flourishing nature.

You can get to the valley by car, and then you preferably take a few hours or more and explore the area on foot. One of the most beautiful waterfalls here is called Hi’ilawe, but you will find hundreds of them, rushing down the hills of the this wonderful valley.

Another gorgeous waterfall, located inland of Hilo is the Rainbow Falls. It’s easy to get to, since you’re able to drive all the way upfront to it, and it gives you a spectacular view of the water falling down about 80 feet into a large turquoise pool, almost 100 feet wide. In the area are also hiking trails for those that wants to get a closer contact with the nature and to get a different view of the falls. Best time to go here is in the morning, when the sun is rising and shining onto the lush rain forest.

At the World Botanical Garden of Hawaii, located north of Hilo you find the picturesque Uma Uma Falls. This is a tree-level fall that pours down into three small, tranquil pools all surrounded up by beautiful lava stones and trees and plants. The garden is a quite new establishment and has not yet been landscaped fully, so it still gives you a feeling of being in the wild.

If you’re visiting this remarkable island, you definitely don’t want to miss out on viewing some of its amazing waterfalls. The ones here are some of the best picks and can contribute in making your Hawaii vacation a very special time.