Hamakua is the lush, coastal region of the Big Island, featuring the tallest waterfall in the state and breathtaking valleys and seascapes. It is also the home of the sugar industry with cane fields you traverse when driving north from
Hilo on Highway 19 to the plantation towns of Pauka'a and Papaikou.
Take the scenic route from 19 to the former sugar port Onomea Bay and Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden. The road meanders along the coast, crossing one-lane bridges and returns to the main highway where you can soon take a left on Highway 220 to Akaka Falls State Park--its namesake is the tallest straight drop of water in all the islands. Prepare for a pleasant, but sometimes wet, walk on a paved loop trail to view 400 foot Kapuna Falls, 420 foot Akaka Falls and Kolekole Stream. There are restrooms, picnic facilities and parking.
