Ok, so I know the title is as cliche as they come, but I just couldn’t help myself. I mean, how many opportunities am I really going to get to write a blog about the rare beauty of Hawaiian waterfalls?

Last week while sightseeing with Jordan and Zach (our daughter and son-in-law) our itinerary included not one but two spectacular waterfalls. What’s even better is not only are they only 14 miles apart from each other, but they are also easily accessible.

Rainbow Falls

In the heart of Hilo, nestled between age old banyan trees and a quiet side street, the melodic sounds of rushing water can be heard. A quick 50 ft walk from the parking area lands us right in the middle of a postcard perfect setting with Rainbow Falls cascading in the backdrop. The waters of the Wailuku River steadily gush 80 feet below, gracefully flowing in front of an old lava cave. The Falls namesake is due to the rainbows it creates as the early morning sunlight fragments while passing through the suspended water droplets.

‘Akaka Falls

The short drive to ‘Akaka Falls is a visual delight in itself. The road carves its way through steep, green-carpeted mountainsides with seaside cliffs abruptly dropping into the Pacific blue below. Mountain streams and waterfalls dot the coastline creating a picturesque scene flowing with life. Turning onto a two-lane road, we drive through the sleepy town of Honomu, that was once bustling with life from the sugarcane industry. Across a one-lane bridge and past a goat farm with a sign that reads “Free Goat Therapy” we reach our destination as the road comes to a dead end.

A cement path that in places grows thick with moss, guides us along the 0.4 mile loop as we descend into the valley of ‘Akaka Falls. Surrounded by lush rainforests and tropical plants, it feels as though we have stepped back into the Jurassic period and I half expect to catch a velociraptor eyeing me from behind the thick undergrowth.

Now I must admit, I have never been much of a plant admirer. I have two black thumbs when it comes to gardening and have even managed to kill succulents. Rest in peace Sucky (yes… I named my plant, hoping it would find the will to survive–it didn’t). Nonetheless, Hawaii has certainly given me cause to admire and appreciate the ever bountiful and always blooming flowers, vines, and fruit blossoms. The most peculiar plant we came upon was a purple shoot, no thicker than a straw, that coils at the end. Upon researching, I discovered it is called Uluhe and is a type of fern. As the fern grows and matures, the coil unwraps and little fronds sprout.

As we ascend through the curtain of exotic foliage ‘Akaka Falls, in all her majesty, comes into view. Plummeting 422 ft, an eternal shower of clear crisp waters, dashes into the black abyss below. Like water washing over the edge of the fall, so does a feeling of peace and tranquility wash over us as we stand there, mesmerized.

What is it about waterfalls that makes us seek them out? Is it the novelty of finding such a gem hidden away above the valley floors? Is it because of the sheer power as thousands of gallons turn into shards of shimmering spray? For me, they are a reflection of our creator’s imagination. How great is a God who can speak life into being, who can separate the earth from the sky, and has dominion over all, that even the waters obey him?

By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth. He gathers the waters of the sea into jars; he puts the deep into storehouses. Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the people of the world revere him. For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm.

Psalm 33:6-9