Day 3 of our trip, we decided to visit Akaka Falls which is north of Hilo, approx. a 25-30 min drive. We started driving and the light rain quickly turned into a deluge. We almost had to pull over to the side of the road due to visibility concerns. We finally made it to the Falls. There is a $5 fee to park. The path to view the falls is approx. .4 miles. It is a relatively easy walk down to view the falls, however, there is a short uphill climb back to the parking lot.
There was only two other couples the morning we visited the falls, so we felt as if we had the place all to ourselves. The walk through the tropical lush forest is relaxing and beautiful to view. Due to all the rain, the 442 foot Akaka Falls plummeted down the cliffs in all its glory. After taking numerous photos, we decided to visit Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden.
My husband questioned my sanity when he heard the entry fee to the garden is $20 per person. Any qualms about the fee was quickly assuaged as we entered the garden. Yes, it was still raining. The wooden pathway down into the garden can be quite slick, especially if it’s raining. There are numerous signs recommending that visitors employ the use of the hand rail. I was thankful for my Olukai sandals that gripped the surface on the way down.
Even my normally blasé husband was impressed with the array of tropical plants. To see blooming orchids springing from tree trunks, instead of bursting from planters, is a rare treat.
Just when we thought we discovered all the surprises the garden had to offer, we found a colorful friend and a view of the ocean. This “Garden of the Valley on the Ocean” certainly lives up to its name. Akaka Falls and Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden were definitely two of the highlights on the big island of Hawaii. I definitely recommend visiting both of these locations.
The last waterfall we visited was Rainbow Falls, about 10 min outside of Hilo. This waterfall is not as impressive as Akaka Falls, still if you love waterfalls, which I do, you might want to visit this one. There is no parking fee. The parking lot is a few steps from the parking lot. You can gain a different perspective of the falls by making a short climb up a nearby trail. You might want to visit this waterfall before viewing Akaka Falls.
The Brite Site of Life 