The trail through the surrounding Akaka Falls State Park is coated with thick rainforest. Orchids, impatiens, red ginger blossoms, and other wildflowers pop through the dense fern underbrush along the steep descent into the valley. Flanked on all sides by bamboo forest, a small stream that swells during winter rains runs through the valley. Higher up, birds such as cardinals and finches make their homes in the canopy of trees. In the middle of the trail, close to Akaka Falls, the thunder of the water overtakes the whispers of the forest.
Bougainvillea hang over the steps leading to the cataract.
Further along, torch ginger sweeps along the trail on a steep incline toward the end of the path. Akaka Falls and its surrounding 65 acres were deemed a Territorial Park in 1923. After Hawaii's statehood, the area became a state park under the jurisdiction of the Department of Land and Natural Resources. There are no stores here, nothing. The stone that rests in the pool was the body of Akaka's cousin Kiha, god of fish.