This State Park Has To Be One Of The Most Mesmerizing Places To Hike In Hawaii

The big island of Hawaii is a magical place. You can visit volcanoes and marvel at the powerful natural phenomena that created the island state. Or you can take tours of coffee plantations that give the world some tasty energy. There are white, green, and black sand beaches to explore and lounge on, lava tubes to walk through, and plenty of gorgeous hikes to take in different climates and elevations. Then there are the waterfalls — glorious cascades that are jewels of the island. If you're looking for a wonderful place to take a hike and see some of them, look no further than 'Akaka Falls State Park. 

This 65-acre gem is about 15 miles north of the town of Hilo. The park may be small, but it's one of the spots you cannot afford to miss while you're visiting the northwestern coast of Hawaii Island. There is a perfect and fairly short hike that takes you to see not one, but two waterfalls with some great vistas — and lovely scenery featuring rainbow eucalyptus trees, orchids, and ferns. You'll get some perfect shots for social media, but more importantly, you'll have a chance to marvel at the utter beauty of this island. Here's what you need to know before you visit 'Akaka Falls State Park. 

The 'Akaka Falls hike is a popular one, and you should try to go in the morning for smaller crowds, ideally before 11 a.m. Do note that while the path is paved, there are stairs, and you'll have to work your muscles a bit. It's free for Hawaii residents, and non-residents can enter for as little as $5 per person and $10 for parking. Payment is credit card only, but you can pay online before you go or at the machines in the lot. 

The well-marked trailhead begins at the parking lot, and you can do it one of two ways. At the sign for your route, you'll see that you can go left to get a quick view of Kahuna Falls only, or you can go to the right, which loops you around 0.4 miles to see both Kahuna and 'Akaka Falls. Kahuna Falls can be seen from the overlook in the distance, cascading 100 feet through the forest. It's easier to see after the rain. 

Next, you'll head over to 'Akaka Falls, with its cascade of 442 feet, which is more than two-and-a-half times higher than the more famous waterfall of Niagara Falls. There is a nice, wide area to view 'Akaka Falls with guardrails and some shade, as well as signs telling you about the falls. Make sure you bring a rain jacket, mosquito repellant, and reef-safe sunscreen, which is required in the state.