About
Hi'ilawe Falls is a waterfall in Waipio Valley, on the Big Island of Hawaii, near the village of Kukuihaele. It is one of the tallest free-falling waterfalls in the state, dropping approximately 1,450 feet over the valley's green cliffs. The falls are also written as Hiilawe Falls.
What to expect
The waterfall is best seen from the Waipio Valley Overlook, where visitors can take in the full height of the drop and the wide valley floor below. From the lookout, the falls appear as a thin white thread against the dark rock, and the scale of the valley becomes clear. Those who visit should plan for the terrain and conditions of a remote, rugged area.
- Type of visit: a scenic viewpoint and an outdoor landscape stop
- Best viewed from: the Waipio Valley Overlook
- Location: Waipio Valley, Kukuihaele, Hawaii
Cultural significance
Hi'ilawe holds deep meaning in Hawaiian mythology, and the valley itself is a place of long cultural importance. Visitors who come here are encouraged to approach the landscape with respect for the stories and traditions connected to it.
Around the valley
Waipio Valley sits on the island's northeastern coast, and the falls make a natural focus for a day spent exploring this part of the Big Island. Kukuihaele, the nearby village, is the closest settlement and a useful place to plan the trip from.