Onomea Falls

Hamakua Coast, Hawaii, USA

About Onomea Falls

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Waterfall Safety and Common Sense

Onomea Falls is a cascading waterfall with multiple small tiers making for a nice little photo op.

As of our last visit in 2007, it was nestled in the Hawai’i Tropical Botanical Garden on the 4-mile scenic drive through Onomea Bay. Although we found this waterfall to be both attractive and a reason for us to come, I thought the main draw of the garden was its impressive collection of tropical flora from around on the world as well as some exotic birds. Indeed, it looked like this garden was almost a world onto itself given its size and the various flora on display throughout.

I later read that Hawai’i Tropical Botanical Garden opened in 1984. But prior to that, it was a dense jungle when Dan Lutkenhouse purchased the land about 7 years earlier. During work to turn the jungle into a garden while providing bridges and footpaths, Lutkenhouse and company discovered the falls.

I recalled the walk to the waterfall was a few minutes going downhill then towards the left once we were deep into the garden. I’d imagine with the price of paid admission, that waterfall wouldn’t be the only thing you’d be seeing on a visit here so detailing walking directions for it won’t be necessary.

Deeper into the park on Alakahi Stream was a 10ft waterfall called Boulder Creek Falls. And true to its name, the diminutive falls tumbled into a boulder-filled stream.

    Tagged with: onomea, hawaii tropical, botanical gardens, big island, hawaii, hilo, waterfall, boulder creek falls, rainforest, scenic drive, alakahi, hamakua



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