Enjoy a tropical vacation with the family in beautiful Hawaii. As you visit the many beaches, be sure to visit the waterfalls. Venture to Akaka Falls State Park on the Big Island to experience a nature lover’s dream, Akaka Falls. This scenic outdoor spot is a breathtaking adventure.

Take an easy half-mile hike to visit this famous waterfall.

Westend61 / Getty Images Akaka Falls is 442 feet tall! Head over to the northeastern Hilo Coast to embark on this paved trail.

As you follow the path, admire the lush greens and native flowers.

ES3N / iStock Collection via Getty Images These red and white Hawaiian orchids often symbolize joy. Soak in their energy.

Look up and do a little bird watching.

jtstewartphoto / iStock Collection via Getty Images Plus You may see a few yellow-billed cardinals hanging around.

Delight in the immensity of Akaka Falls.

Ignacio Palacios / Stone Collection via Getty Images Legend has it, Akaka Falls was named after a Hawaiian god. After leaving his mistresses’ houses, Akaka heard his wife called his name and fled. Unfortunately, he wasn’t looking where he was going and fell off the cliff, thereby becoming the waterfall.

His dog waited for him atop the waterfall and waited so long he turned into stone, still seen at the top of the fall.

Kevin Thrash / Moment Collection via Getty Images Stories are mixed about his wife and mistresses. Some say Akaka’s wife followed him and in her despair became Kahuna Falls, others say his mistresses wept over his death and they became nearby falls. Either way, legend or not, Akaka Falls is still an amazing sight to see.

Be sure to bring your camera.

Glowimages / Getty Images Though the sights are always better in person, it’s an experience you won’t want to forget.

Start your journey early, as this site is popular among tourists and may get crowded. When you arrive to Akaka Falls State Park be prepared to pay a $5 fee per car or $1 per person for pedestrians. The park is free to Hawaii residents.

Westend61 / Getty Images

Akaka Falls is 442 feet tall! Head over to the northeastern Hilo Coast to embark on this paved trail.

ES3N / iStock Collection via Getty Images

These red and white Hawaiian orchids often symbolize joy. Soak in their energy.

jtstewartphoto / iStock Collection via Getty Images Plus

You may see a few yellow-billed cardinals hanging around.

Ignacio Palacios / Stone Collection via Getty Images

Legend has it, Akaka Falls was named after a Hawaiian god. After leaving his mistresses’ houses, Akaka heard his wife called his name and fled. Unfortunately, he wasn’t looking where he was going and fell off the cliff, thereby becoming the waterfall.

Kevin Thrash / Moment Collection via Getty Images

Stories are mixed about his wife and mistresses. Some say Akaka’s wife followed him and in her despair became Kahuna Falls, others say his mistresses wept over his death and they became nearby falls. Either way, legend or not, Akaka Falls is still an amazing sight to see.

Glowimages / Getty Images

Though the sights are always better in person, it’s an experience you won’t want to forget.

What is your favorite scenic spot in Hawaii? You can tell us on our nomination page.

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Address: ‘Akaka Falls, Hawaii 96720, USA