A Guide to Umauma Falls: The Big Island's Triple Waterfall Park
Discover Umauma Falls, a stunning triple-tiered waterfall on the Hāmākua Coast. This private adventure park offers everything from thrilling ziplines to serene garden walks.
The lush Hāmākua Coast is famous for its dramatic sea cliffs and deep, waterfall-carved valleys. While many of the Big Island's waterfalls require a challenging hike or a helicopter tour to see, Umauma Falls offers a different path. Located on private property, this stunning three-tiered waterfall is the centerpiece of a beautifully maintained adventure park, making it one of the most accessible and activity-packed waterfall experiences in Hawaiʻi.
Unlike state parks, the Umauma Experience is a commercial operation with curated activities. For visitors looking for a one-stop destination with options for the whole family, from serene garden walks to high-flying ziplines, it's an excellent choice. This guide will walk you through what to expect, how to plan your day, and whether it’s the right fit for your Big Island itinerary.
What is The Umauma Experience?
First, it's important to understand that you can't just pull over and see Umauma Falls. The waterfall is located within a private park called "The Umauma Experience." To enter, you must purchase a ticket, whether it's for a self-guided tour of the grounds or for one of their guided adventure activities.
This is a different model from nearby state parks like ʻAkaka Falls State Park, which has a small state-managed entry fee for a simple viewing loop. At Umauma, your admission gets you access to a wider range of amenities and activities centered around the falls and the Umauma River.
The park's main features include:
- The Triple-Tiered Waterfall: The star of the show, visible from multiple viewpoints.
- Botanical Gardens: A paved walking path through lush tropical gardens.
- A 9-Line Zipline Course: One of the most popular activities, with lines crisscrossing the river gorge.
- River Activities: Guided kayaking, swimming, and stand-up paddleboarding tours.
- A Visitor Center: With a gift shop, café, and restrooms.
Seeing the Falls: Garden Walk vs. Adventure Tours
You have two primary ways to experience Umauma Falls: the leisurely self-guided tour or as part of a larger adventure package.
The Self-Guided Tour
If you're short on time or not interested in adventure sports, the self-guided tour is a fantastic option. For a general admission fee, you can explore the property's botanical gardens at your own pace. The paved paths are easy to navigate and suitable for all fitness levels.
The walk takes you through a beautiful collection of tropical plants and flowers, across a suspension bridge over the river, and past a water-filled lava tube. Most importantly, it leads to several prime viewpoints of the magnificent three-tiered waterfall. This option is perfect for photographers, families with young children, or anyone who simply wants to soak in the scenery without a huge time or adrenaline commitment.
Adventure Tours
For thrill-seekers, the falls serve as a spectacular backdrop for a variety of guided adventures. Booking one of these tours typically includes the cost of general admission to the gardens.
- Ziplining: The most popular choice. You'll see the falls from an entirely new perspective as you fly over the gorge.
- Waterfall Rappel & River Tour: A more intense adventure that involves rappelling down a smaller waterfall and exploring the river's pools and features.
- Kayak or SUP Tour: A calmer way to get on the water, paddling along a gentle section of the Umauma River.
The Zipline Adventure
Umauma's zipline course is consistently ranked among the best in Hawaiʻi. The 9-line course is famous for its stunning views and long, fast rides. A highlight is Line 4, which offers a breathtaking, unobstructed view of Umauma Falls as you soar directly over the river. The course includes 14 waterfalls in total and several suspension bridges, making the entire experience scenic and exhilarating.
Tours are led by trained guides who handle all the safety equipment and provide entertaining commentary along the way. They are known for being professional and encouraging, making it a great experience even for first-time zipliners. Be sure to book this tour well in advance, as it frequently sells out.
Other Adventures: Swimming, Kayaking, and Rappelling
Beyond ziplining, Umauma offers several other ways to get up close and personal with the river. A key thing to note is that swimming at the base of the main waterfall is not permitted for safety reasons. However, the guided "Waterfall Rappel & River Tour" allows you to swim in other pools along the river.
This unique tour combines rappelling, river floats, and small cliff jumps into an action-packed afternoon. It's a physically demanding activity geared toward confident swimmers and adventurous spirits.
For a more relaxed water experience, the guided kayak and stand-up paddleboard tours take you on a peaceful journey along a calm stretch of the Umauma River. It's a great way to see the lush rainforest from a different vantage point without the high adrenaline of the other tours.
The Botanical Gardens and Lava Tube
Don't overlook the gardens, even if you're there for the zipline. The self-guided walk is included with all adventure tours and is well worth your time. The paved path meanders through an impressive collection of orchids, anthuriums, heliconias, and fruit trees like papaya and banana.
You'll cross a scenic suspension bridge that offers lovely views of the river gorge. A unique feature along the path is an easily accessible, water-filled lava tube, offering a small glimpse into the island's volcanic geology. The walk is peaceful, educational, and provides countless photo opportunities.
Planning Your Visit to Umauma Falls
- Location: The Umauma Experience is located at 31-313 Old Māmalahoa Highway in Hākālau, on the Hāmākua Coast. It's about 16 miles north of Hilo (a 30-minute drive) and about 80 miles from Kailua-Kona (a 2-hour drive).
- Booking: It is highly recommended to book all tours in advance, especially during peak season. You can book directly through their official website. For the self-guided tour, you can often purchase tickets upon arrival, but it's always wise to check their website for current hours and availability.
- What to Bring:
- Camera: The views are spectacular.
- Closed-Toe Shoes: Required for all adventure tours, including ziplining.
- Swimwear: If you're doing a water tour.
- Towel and Change of Clothes: For after your water adventure.
- Reef-Safe Sunscreen & Bug Spray: Standard essentials for any outdoor activity in Hawaiʻi.
- Cost: As a private park, prices are higher than at state parks. Check the official Umauma Experience website for the most current pricing on self-guided tours and adventure packages. While not a budget activity, many visitors find the well-maintained facilities and unique experiences to be a great value.
Is Umauma Falls Worth It?
For most visitors, the answer is a resounding yes. If you're looking for an easy, safe, and beautiful way to see a major waterfall without a strenuous hike, the self-guided tour is perfect. For families and adventure lovers, the combination of world-class ziplining with stunning scenery is hard to beat.
Travelers on a strict budget or those who prefer wild, undeveloped nature might prefer hiking to free waterfalls like those along the Wailuku River in Hilo (such as Rainbow Falls and Peʻepeʻe Falls). However, Umauma offers a level of service, safety, and a variety of activities that public lands simply can't match. It's a polished, fun-filled, and memorable way to experience the natural beauty of the Hāmākua Coast, and a fantastic addition to any comprehensive Big Island trip plan from a company like High End Hawaii.