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Brent Lineberry

Web and app developer. Coffee, beer, and running, in any order.

Hawaiʻi Day Seven: Driving from Hilo to Kona via Waterfalls and Waipiʻo Valley Overlook

On our last day in Hawaiʻi, we drove back to Kona from Hilo. We stopped at Rainbow Falls, ʻAkaka Falls, and Umaoma falls and got a look at Waipiʻo Valley from the overlook.

A final morning photo from our hotel in Hilo. The sky is bright blue with fluffy clouds after a morning rain.
The morning view on our seventh and final day

On our last day in Hawaiʻi, we drove back to Kona from Hilo. We started the day with breakfast at Ken’s House of Pancakes again and then hit the road.

We stopped at Rainbow Falls, ʻAkaka Falls, and Umaoma falls. Rainbow falls was quick with the parking right next to the overlook. ʻAkaka Falls had about a half mile loop that also included Kahuna Falls, but Kahuna was not a good view. Umaoma required an entrance fee from The Umauma Experience to see the three-tier section of the river. Thankfully they gave us a group rate.

A photo of Rainbow Falls falling over a cave into a pool of water. A photo of the top of Rainbow Falls where the river is crowded with boulders. A photo of ‘Akaka Falls. It free-falls 442 feet. A photo of Umauma Falls. It is a series of three cascades surrounded by lush vegetation.
Rainbow Falls, the top of Rainbow Falls, ‘Akaka Falls, and Umauma Falls

After those waterfalls, we made it towards Waipiʻo Valley. The valley itself is inaccessible to us as the road down into it is closed to everyone but residents of the valley. Four wheel drive is required and the grade is as steep as 25%. At the top of that road, however, is an overlook allowing a glimpse of the secluded valley. There were a lot of people at the overlook. It seemed like there was some kind of gathering happening.

A photo of a valley meeting the ocean. The valley is lush and lined by steep cliffs. The beach is black sand.
Waipiʻo Valley from the overlook
A photo of what appears to be an abrupt end of a street. Signs say “Local traffic only,” “Road closed,” “Warning! 1.Steep grade. Engage 4-wheel drive. 2. Narrow winding road. 3. Slippery when wet. 4. Falling rock.,” and a sign indicating a 25% grade.
The start of the restricted-access road to Waipiʻo Valley

From there we drove the rest of the way to Kona, and flew out on an overnight flight.

A photo from the stairs boarding the plane at Kona airport looking back at the island.
A hui hou, Hawaiʻi!