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Top Waterfalls on Hawaii's Big Island
Big Island of Hawaii Waterfalls
Simply put, waterfalls on the Big Island of Hawaii are some of the world's finest. The lush green northeastern coast- the Hilo and Hamakua Coast regions- is home to lovely tropical gardens nourished by the abundant rainfall the area receives. And this rainfall provides lots of opportunities to appreciate the island's falls. The best part? What takes a waterfall from "beautiful" to "spectacular" is height- and Hawaii's falls undoubtedly have it! Big Island is home to some of the tallest falls in the state.
Below we've included links to several of the best waterfalls on the Big Island, most of which you can see without a helicopter (all falls visible from the air only are noted). And while you can certainly get to some of these places on your own, a great way to see the highlights is by booking a Big Island Tour with The Volcano Van.
On the list of Big Island of Hawaii waterfalls below, we've included the height of the falls, a ranking, have noted if it's a seasonal waterfall, and have added any additional information as necessary. If you think you've located a Big Island waterfall we've omitted, please contact us, and we'll make sure it's added. Also, be sure to check out all the waterfalls in Hawaii on our Hawaii Waterfalls page.
Big Island of Hawaii Popular Waterfalls
Featured Big Island Waterfall Tours
If you're looking for the best Big Island waterfall adventures, then look no further. Our featured listings highlight those tours that combine exceptional waterfall experiences, professional guides, and more fun than you can imagine. Whether you want to soar over the falls or dive right in and swim them, we have the tour for you. Book any of these great Big Island waterfall tours today!
Founder & certified Hawai'i travel expert with 20+ years in Hawai'i tourism, University of South Carolina climate-research training, and NOAA weather-station experience.
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Mostly dry and breezy across Oʻahu today through Monday, with northeast winds holding steady and only light showers popping up on windward slopes. Leeward and resort areas stay dry.
Late Tuesday the pattern shifts. Winds drop and turn southerly, and tropical moisture moves in Wednesday through Friday—heavy rain will hit the islands, with potential flash flood conditions. Timing and intensity are still uncertain, but plan on wet weather. Ocean conditions will be choppy and elevated through Monday, then gradually ease midweek.
Hit the leeward beaches and snorkel sites Monday and Tuesday. Save indoor plans for Wednesday through Friday.
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Steady northeast winds and mostly dry skies today through Monday. Light showers may pop up on windward slopes and in the mountains, but leeward and resort areas stay mostly dry.
Late Tuesday the pattern shifts. Winds drop and turn southerly, then deep tropical moisture moves in Wednesday through Friday. Heavy rain is likely statewide from late Wednesday onward, with potential flash flood conditions—timing and intensity are still uncertain. Ocean conditions are rough and choppy through Monday on windward shores due to strong winds, then gradually ease mid-week. A slightly larger northwest swell peaks Wednesday, and a west swell from a distant typhoon may bring moderate surf to west-facing Big Island shores by Thursday.
Leeward beaches and snorkeling work well Monday and Tuesday. Save indoor plans for Wednesday through Friday.
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Steady northeast winds and mostly dry skies today through Monday, with only light showers scattered across windward slopes and the mountains. Leeward and resort areas stay dry. Ocean conditions are rough and choppy—a Small Craft Advisory is in effect through Monday evening.
Late Tuesday brings a shift. Winds drop and turn southerly, and tropical moisture moves in Wednesday through Friday. Plan for heavy rain and potential flash flooding from late Wednesday onward. Timing and intensity are still uncertain. Surf will ease mid-week, though a northwest swell peaks Wednesday and a distant typhoon may send moderate west swell to west-facing shores by Thursday.
Leeward beaches are your play Monday and Tuesday. Plan indoor activities starting Wednesday when the rain arrives.
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Steady northeast winds are pushing cool, dry air across Kauaʻi right now. Light showers will pop up mainly on windward slopes and mountains through Monday, but leeward and resort areas stay mostly dry.
A pattern shift arrives late Tuesday. Winds will drop and turn southerly, and deep tropical moisture will move in Wednesday through Friday. Heavy rain is likely statewide from late Wednesday onward, with potential flash flood conditions—timing and intensity details are still uncertain. Surf will be choppy and elevated through Monday due to strong winds, then gradually ease mid-week before a slightly larger northwest swell peaks Wednesday.
Leeward beaches and snorkeling are best Monday and Tuesday. Plan indoor activities for Wednesday through Friday.
Created with AI from the official NWS forecast discussion · verify with NWS before heading out
