If you want to get a very up-close view of a big waterfall, do some swimming, and enjoy some isolation surrounded by great beauty, this is pretty easy to access if you know where you are going. Driving and hiking directions are detailed in this video.
I could not find this in two of my mapping app. There are directions in the video, but here are typed directions. From Hilo, go north on HI-19, about 7 miles. On Kulaimano Road, turn right, and go just under a half mile. On Old Mamalahoa Highway, turn right, and go just under a mile, where you will come to a bridge that goes over Kawainui Stream. Before crossing the bridge, park on the left. The trail access will be on the same side of the road, right by the bridge.
