Heads up! If you’re traveling to Hawaii Island in the next couple of weeks, one of the island’s most popular attractions may be unavailable while you’re here, as extensive Akaka Falls closures begin today for important rock fall mitigation work.
Hawaii Island’s Akaka Falls is one of the most popular sites on the island, and for good reason. At 442 feet tall and a mostly year round persistence, it is the tallest waterfall that’s reasonably reliable and easy to access. There are larger waterfalls, sure, but you’re going to need to be an expert hiker or hire a helicopter (or boat) to see them, and not many people are going to be able to or want to do either. So the next best option is to visit one that easily access. Unfortunately, the best of these won’t be an option for a bit as extensive Akaka Falls closures begin today. Mostly.
Extensive Akaka Falls Closures Begin Today
The State of Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources announced that extensive Akaka Falls closures begin today to conduct rock fall mitigation work. This work, thankfully, won’t affect any of the scenic parts of Akaka Falls State Park. Rather, the rock slope scaling, installation of anchored wire mesh and the application of shotcrete – this all sounds quite ugly, doesn’t it? – will take place on the hillside between the parking lot and the walkway below.
They don’t state specifically where in the area the work will take place, though with such a steep hill in the area, I’d image much of this area will get uglier. But, again, thankfully it’s just in the beginning part of the loop trail next to the developed parking lot anyway.
At any rate, officials state that the work should be completed by the end of the month, though I’d imagine the awful weather we’ve been having might delay things a bit. During the work period, the entire park will be closed Monday to Friday. While that’s unfortunate for visitors, if you time your visit right, you’ll still be able to see the falls, as the park will open on non-work dates – primarily Saturday, Sundays, and state holidays.
Park Fees
As a friendly reminder, non-residents do have to pay both parking and entrances fees when visiting Akaka Falls State Park. As of this writing, the entry fee is $5 per person, though children three and under get in for free. Parking will also set you back $10. All fee payments are accepted by credit/debit card only.
Hawaii residents can avoid the fees by showing a Hawaii-issued Driver’s License or State ID. Each person in your party will need to show an ID.
Extensive Akaka Falls Closures Begin Today, Final Thoughts
Again, this turn of events is unfortunate for those that have a short trip to the area. But if you’ll be spending a week or more on Hawaii Island, take the time now to adjust your schedule so that you can plan around the fact that extensive Akaka Falls closures begin today. However, if you absolutely can’t (or even if you can) I highly recommend checking out the Akaka Falls Zipline, which doesn’t go over Akaka Falls, but another nearby waterfall. It was an awesome experience, with breathtaking views! And that’s coming from someone that’s afraid of heights!
At any rate, if you visit Akaka Falls or the zipline, be sure to stop by Mr. Ed’s Bakery. You’re going to be in the area, anyway, and they have the best ‘ōhelo berry jam around! At least, in my opinion. Plus, they have a lot of interesting and unique preserves, all of which you can try before you buy!