Hiking to the waterfall is possible, but because much of the land within the valley is private property it is best to view the waterfall from a distance to avoid any conflict with the valley residents. It is located inside Waipi'o Valley and can best be seen from the air. You can hike, but the best way to … Big Island in a Day: Volcanoes, Waterfalls, Sightseeing, History ( 1,014 ) Exploring Hawaii’s Big Island can be a big undertaking, but it doesn’t have to be. If you want to experience the ethereal beauty of Hi’ilawe Falls for yourself, it is recommended that you hire a tour guide, because the valley is quite remote, and in addition to private property rights, it is also easy to become lost or stranded here. To me, Hi’ilawe is the king of waterfalls in these Islands. Hi'ilawe Falls is the Big Island's tallest waterfall – a 1,450-foot (442 m) cascade with a free fall of 1,200 feet (366 m). We considered swimming in … Elegantly draped over the cliff, Hi’ilawe Falls plunges into an inviting basin.