Looking
for rainbows? Akaka Falls on of the scenic wonders of
the Hamakua Coast between Hilo and Hamakua, drops 442
feet, casting off light in every direction. It cuts through
a layer of ash and leaves a deep gorge downstream.
The falls gets its name from the god Akaka, who was fleeing
across the canyon from his wife, who made a surprise visit
home to find he was being unfaithful. As the tale goes,
he slipped and fell into the falls.
You can get to this scenic waterfall on a quick one-mile
paved loop through a rain forest and glimpses of bamboo
and ginger.
You'll also see orchids, banana plants, azaleas, and
birds of paradise plants before emerging onto an observation
point to get a perfect view Akaka Falls and nearby Kohna
Falls.
