Akaka Falls is the tallest waterfall on the eastern side of the Big Island. At abit over 400 feet, the water that comes cascading over the side is thunderous, even from about a football field away. Unfortunatly, the second set of waterfalls that occur just downstream from the major falls were closed when we visited (they were re-pouring the walkway), however the hike out to the falls was still gorgeous, even if abit shorter then the route we'd intended to take.

On the way there, you cross over a small stream that feeds into the river below the falls. Bamboo grows plentifully there, keeping the stream hidden until right before you come upon it. Quite a sight and we ended up having to stand behind a pack of Japanese tourists who were taking turns documenting their own trip. Their guide was quite helpful, and Karissa and I picked up some info following behind them, even if my Japanese is rusty at best...

The falls themselves are breathtaking. The cave behind the waterfall is much larger then it looks in the picture, with mist constantly swirling behind it... to me atleast, this was what I was expecting when going to find a true tropical fall. Ofcourse, nobody is allowed to go swimming under there, not just due to it being part of a county owned forest preserve, but also due to the relatively frequent rocks that you can watch tumble from the heights. Getting hit with one of those would certainly be a vacation ender.