Hiilawe Falls


Hi'ilawe Falls is the most famous waterfall in Waipio Valley. The falls is between 1,200 and 1,600 feet tall (depending on who you ask), making it the tallest waterfall in the state of Hawaii. It was a lava flow from Mauna Kea that formed the cliffs on the side of the falls.

Hi'ilawe Falls share the same cliff wall with the often dry Hakalaoa Falls. Lalakea Stream above the brink of Hi'ilawe Falls had been partially dammed to provide water for developments in the area. Apparently the dam is now no longer required, but still exists, and many local groups are trying to get it removed so the falls can revert back to their original state.
Hi'ilawe Falls is located inside Waipio Valley and is only visible from the valley or from the air. If you hike down into the valley, the waterfall is visible via a 5-10 minute walk along the road to the left. DO NOT hike beyond the falls, as this is private property.

Do not attempt to drive ANY car into the valley. The road descends 900ft in a mile and is one of the world's steepest roads. Hike it only, just be prepared for the long hard climb back out.
Location: Hiilawe Falls is located in the North Hamakua Coast Region
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Response by: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)  on  05/03/2009  at  08:13 AM
i never ever seen a water fall so long in my life it
is so amazing. ill tell ya you wont find those in
ohio. we just got them alone the street or at parks but small though never tht big. omg
Response by: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)  on  06/28/2009  at  09:55 AM
I love waterfalls and i sooo want to go to hawaii.When i get older i am going to visit hawaii.Also i will go to Hiilawe Falls.
Response by: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)  on  09/05/2009  at  08:28 AM
I have been to Waipio Valley twice and am going again this year. Each time we have taken the horseback tours offered by different companies. They drive you down the steep road into the Valley where the horses are stabled and then in a group on horseback take you thru different parts of the valley depending on the company you use. In some cases thru the river that leads from the waterfall to the ocean. This is THE most beautiful area of Big Island and you get an incredible view of these waterfalls. Unfortunately they don't take you to the base of the falls and you don't get to the beach at where the valley meets the sea. And, you DON'T want to walk up this steep road. It's quite a hike and an extremely narrow road. Getting down/up in the 4whl drive van was excitement in of itself.
Response by: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)  on  03/08/2010  at  02:52 PM
Hi'ilawe and Hakalaoa are an amazing pair of falls. I've been to their base and it is a very challenging hike; not for the faint of heart. You're chin-deep in fast water on several occasions and it would be very easy for something to go very wrong in there.
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Author: N.A.Whitling

 
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