Hiji Waterfall
Hiji Waterfall
4.2
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.2
183 reviews
Excellent
69
Very good
86
Average
26
Poor
0
Terrible
2
Markita F
Okinawa Prefecture, Japan34 contributions
Dec 2019
Hiji Falls is a hidden gem located in the forests of Yanbaru in the northern part of mainland Okinawa. Standing at 26- meters high, Hiji Falls is the largest waterfall in the prefecture.
The population density is low, therefore more of the natural forests is better preserved. If you are a guest of Okuma resort, please add Hiji Falls to your itinerary.
For those seeking an outdoor activity and desiring to explore the Okinawan jungle, then hiking Hiji Falls is a must. It is a convenient and popular hiking location. The trail round trip is about 1.8 kilometers.
Best time to hike is winter months or spring. I would avoid hiking it in the summer time. The hike is about strenuous due to the uphill incline and excessive steps. Well maintained trails. Please take plenty of water for hydration, good snacks and stop for breaks as needed. Lastly, wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
The waterfall is not huge but pleasing to the eye. It is roped off so I don’t think swimming in permitted. Good air quality and a great place to appreciate nature.
The population density is low, therefore more of the natural forests is better preserved. If you are a guest of Okuma resort, please add Hiji Falls to your itinerary.
For those seeking an outdoor activity and desiring to explore the Okinawan jungle, then hiking Hiji Falls is a must. It is a convenient and popular hiking location. The trail round trip is about 1.8 kilometers.
Best time to hike is winter months or spring. I would avoid hiking it in the summer time. The hike is about strenuous due to the uphill incline and excessive steps. Well maintained trails. Please take plenty of water for hydration, good snacks and stop for breaks as needed. Lastly, wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
The waterfall is not huge but pleasing to the eye. It is roped off so I don’t think swimming in permitted. Good air quality and a great place to appreciate nature.
Written 5 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Zimminaroundtheworld
Okinawa Prefecture, Japan1,983 contributions
Aug 2021
I've been wanting to hike to Hiji Falls for a while now and finally did this weekend. There is an entrance fee of 500¥ and the trail is about 1.5 km. The trail wasn't that hard but there were quite a few stairs to the waterfall. I liked that there were several options to hike, you can take the trail or go through the river. The waterfall at the end was definitely rewarding as it was a beautiful area and impressive waterfall. I saw so many fun animals along the trail to include lizards, snakes, and spiders! It was a great day!
Written 1 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
🇺🇸 Uof〽️
Topsail Beach, NC2,718 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
Amazing waterfall and nice hike to it too. My family has fun it was a really hot day so we decided to jump in the water 💧. It was really cold but refreshing too.
Written 12 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DJ
Troy, NC23 contributions
Oct 2020
Hiji Falls is a nice hike but not with small children. The boardwalks are extremely slippery and hazardous. Some of the boardwalks bridge steep cliffs and lack sufficient railing. The combination of slick walkways and insufficient railing make Hiji Falls very dangerous for children under 8 years old. Smaller children could easily slip under the existing railing and down a cliff.
This is not a bad review, merely an observation from a risk adverse parent. If you decide to take small children, watch them carefully. Some areas along the hike is a disaster waiting to happen. On the positive side, the place is beautiful and the river is very nice after the hike.
This is not a bad review, merely an observation from a risk adverse parent. If you decide to take small children, watch them carefully. Some areas along the hike is a disaster waiting to happen. On the positive side, the place is beautiful and the river is very nice after the hike.
Written 11 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
🇺🇸 Uof〽️
Topsail Beach, NC2,718 contributions
Sept 2019 • Family
Amazing waterfall and nice hike to it too. My family has fun it was a really hot day so we decided to jump in the water 💧. It was really cold but refreshing too.
Written 2 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brian J
Denver, CO4 contributions
Nov 2018 • Family
The hike and waterfall are pleasant and the surrounding area is gorgeous, but it is very easy to get lost in route. The hike has steep stairs and could be challenging for young children, seniors or others who aren't in reasonably good shape.
THIS IS THE REASON I WROTE THIS REVIEW-- We searched for "Hiji Falls" in Google Maps and used the GPS system in our rental car and both led us horribly wrong. The car's system is based on an official Okinawan tour book given to us by the car rental agency and has location codes including Hiji Falls. This route took us up narrow roads that became washed out narrow roads that became very thin washed out roads with overhanging trees that scratched our car. This route did NOT lead to the hiking trail. We saw another American traveler who took the same route, also damaged their car and was also lost. After a stressful wasted 45 minutes, we were able to find the falls. When going to Hiji Falls, put "Hiji Falls National Park" into google maps and you should do just fine...enjoy it!
THIS IS THE REASON I WROTE THIS REVIEW-- We searched for "Hiji Falls" in Google Maps and used the GPS system in our rental car and both led us horribly wrong. The car's system is based on an official Okinawan tour book given to us by the car rental agency and has location codes including Hiji Falls. This route took us up narrow roads that became washed out narrow roads that became very thin washed out roads with overhanging trees that scratched our car. This route did NOT lead to the hiking trail. We saw another American traveler who took the same route, also damaged their car and was also lost. After a stressful wasted 45 minutes, we were able to find the falls. When going to Hiji Falls, put "Hiji Falls National Park" into google maps and you should do just fine...enjoy it!
Written 30 November 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FelineMeowz
Singapore, Singapore27 contributions
May 2018 • Friends
It's a 20 minutes walk from the bus stop to the trail head. Hardly see anybody, other than cars passing by occasionally which can be a bit scary to go solo (maybe it's just me, since the area is supposedly rather safe). Upon reaching the trailhead, there's a few benches and tables to enjoy a picnic.
Getting to the waterfall is a hike indeed, so bring along towels to wipe off your perspiration and water to hydrate yourself. Comfortable shoes and attire recommended as there're quite a few steps, and some can be a little steep.
For me, the waterfall ain't that impressive (no offence), but I enjoyed the hike. Feels good after the workout. Worth a trip for the experience.
Getting to the waterfall is a hike indeed, so bring along towels to wipe off your perspiration and water to hydrate yourself. Comfortable shoes and attire recommended as there're quite a few steps, and some can be a little steep.
For me, the waterfall ain't that impressive (no offence), but I enjoyed the hike. Feels good after the workout. Worth a trip for the experience.
Written 7 May 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DS price
Huntsville, AL19 contributions
Jan 2019
I love Hiji Falls. I've completed this hike a half dozen times, both solo and with different groups of people, including kids. I have always been impressed by the natural beauty of the river, the falls and the surrounding jungle. This hike is pure fun, but the view of the falls requires enough effort to make you feel like you earned it. Swimming is no longer allowed at the falls, but there are places in the river where you can still wade and refresh from the heat in the cool, clear water. The trails are well maintained, with built out stairs and railings to navigate the jungled path and rock walls of the steep canyon. Other hikers are always friendly, in my experience, and the staff at the gate is helpful.
Hiji Falls and Hiji National Park are far enough North that any trip here would be well paired with a drive to the northern cape, Hedo-misaki, for an impressive cliff-side view of the Pacific Ocean where the East China Sea and Philippine Sea meet.
The park has good facilities, is great for kids, and it is easy to find across from the Kunigami Visitor's Center in Okuma.
Hiji Falls and Hiji National Park are far enough North that any trip here would be well paired with a drive to the northern cape, Hedo-misaki, for an impressive cliff-side view of the Pacific Ocean where the East China Sea and Philippine Sea meet.
The park has good facilities, is great for kids, and it is easy to find across from the Kunigami Visitor's Center in Okuma.
Written 13 January 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Grace L
Singapore, Singapore83 contributions
Mar 2018 • Friends
I heard great things about this waterfall so we drove specially here to see it. Used google maps and it brought us to a totally different location just one street away into an unpaved, forested path, i wish i took a picture but it was just terrifying as it was so secluded and narrow. Finally turned back and followed the street sign instead.
That's my advice to y'all, don't use google map! just follow the sign that says Hiji waterfalls.
Despite that wrong turn, this was really worth the time to go.we went all the way to the end of the trail to see the waterfall. However, if you are not physically healthy or active, the trail will be really challenging. I don't recommend young children, pregnant ladies or elderly as there is hundreds of steps that are really steep and may be slippery.
it took us close to an hour one way to the waterfall, but it's really worth the view! there's also a trail you can follow along the riverbank but your shoes will be wet for sure, it was really cooling though.
Wear proper shoes, clothes and bring water. it was a workout but I definitely recommend it if you're in Okinawa for the first time.
take note of the closing time too! we made it about 2+pm
That's my advice to y'all, don't use google map! just follow the sign that says Hiji waterfalls.
Despite that wrong turn, this was really worth the time to go.we went all the way to the end of the trail to see the waterfall. However, if you are not physically healthy or active, the trail will be really challenging. I don't recommend young children, pregnant ladies or elderly as there is hundreds of steps that are really steep and may be slippery.
it took us close to an hour one way to the waterfall, but it's really worth the view! there's also a trail you can follow along the riverbank but your shoes will be wet for sure, it was really cooling though.
Wear proper shoes, clothes and bring water. it was a workout but I definitely recommend it if you're in Okinawa for the first time.
take note of the closing time too! we made it about 2+pm
Written 25 April 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AliciaEtravel
20 contributions
May 2017 • Couples
Hike is beautifully kept, and many stairs to walk. Many butterflies, and creepy crawlers along the way. Bring lots of water and bug spray for the Okinawa humidity. One suspension bridge to walk across that may be a little scary for smaller children. Small fee to enter the hike. Located not far from Okuma beach resort so you can visit there and make a day adventure out of it. Level of difficulty may be a 3.5- 4/10?
Written 4 March 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I have a 3 and 6yrs old. we are fairly active at home. Will this hike be too challenging for kids?
Written 18 September 2016
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