Akaka Falls State Park
A meandering 10-minute loop trail takes you to the best spots to see the two cascades, 'Akaka and Kahuna. The 400-foot Kahuna Falls is on the lower end of the trail. The majestic upper 'Akaka Falls drops more than 442 feet, tumbling far below into a pool drained by Kolekole Stream amid a profusion of fragrant white, yellow, and red torch ginger. Open daily 7-7.
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Big Island. Guidebooks usually say it's a toss-up between Hapuna and Kauna'oa for "best beach" on the island, but most locals give the prize to Hapuna. The beach itself is a long ( 1/2-mi), white, perfect crescent, one of the Big Island's largest. more ›
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Big Island. This expansive beach of golden sand mixed with black lava grains fronts the Waikoloa Beach Marriott and is perfect for swimming, windsurfing, snorkeling, and diving. It's a well-protected bay, so even when surf is rough on the rest of the island, it's fairly calm here. Snorkel gear, kayaks, and boogie boards are available for rent at the north end. more ›
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Big Island. The waters around the Hawaiian Islands are one of the North Pacific humpback whales' most significant habitats: the only place in the United States coastal waters where humpbacks are known to reproduce and give birth to their young. more ›
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Big Island. This is one of the Big Island's most popular swimming and snorkeling sites, thanks to the fringing reef that helps keep the waters calm. But outside the reef there are very strong rip currents, so caution is advised. more ›
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Big Island. A self-guided, 1-mi walking tour leads through the ruins of the once-prosperous fishing village Koai'e, which dates as far back as the 15th century. Displays illustrate early Hawaiian fishing and farming techniques, salt gathering, games, and legends. A park guide is often on-site to answer questions. Open daily 8-4. more ›
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Big Island. When to go? Any time of the year offers unique Big Island experiences, but if you're into whale watching, festivals or the Ironman you may want to get here at certain dates. more ›
Island: Big Island
Address: 4 mi inland off Hwy. 19, near Honomu, HI
Phone: 808/974-6200
Price (USD): Free
Source: Fodor's