Steep Volcanoes and Steady Rain: The Makings of Epic Waterfalls
Volcanoes command the well-deserved attention of visitors to the Big Island, but our waterfalls are an equally magnificent part of the Hawaiian landscape. Volcanoes and waterfalls are intimately tied together. The areas around our big island bed and breakfast receives an astonishing 130 inches of rain annually; that rainwater then rushes down the steep volcanic slopes towards the ocean, forming massive waterfalls along the way. There are very few places in the world where you can start your day peering out over the caldera of an active volcano and stand at the edge of a towering waterfall just an hour later!
How Our Cottages Got Their Names
Always inspired by the incredible nature around us, you’ll find that our cottages get their names from the five waterfalls that are within an hour’s drive from Volcano. They also share similarities with their namesakes, like the Akaka Falls cottage. It is our largest cottage, sleeping up to 5 people, and Akaka Falls is the tallest of the waterfalls, at 442 feet high. Umauma Falls cottage and Onomea Falls cottage are smaller and more private, taking after the waterfalls that inspired their names. Rainbow Falls cottage and Nanue Falls cottage are equally enchanting, each of them as peaceful as the flowing waters nearby.
Hopping From One Waterfall to Another
You can do a waterfall tour during your stay, starting with Rainbow Falls, which is just 40 minutes away on Highway 11 in Hilo. And because it’s within the town center, it’s also one of the most easily accessible waterfalls of the bunch. At over 100 feet across and 80 feet tall, the sun’s light reflects off the cascading water, forming gorgeous rainbows. Heading north from Hilo, you are only 15 miles from Akaka Falls, where a half-mile paved path leads you through lush jungle up to the enormous 400-plus foot waterfall. After that, Umauma Falls and Onomea Falls are nearby, making it easy to hop between beautiful waterfalls. For an extra adventurous outing, you can even zipline across Umauma Falls, adding some adrenaline to the world-class views. Nanue Falls is also in the same area, but it is much more secluded and requires a rugged hike through dense vegetation to access.
Book your stay in one of our cottages and visit the waterfall that inspired its name!
